Nomy Lamm

Nomy Lamm the self described "badass fatass jew dyke amputee, performance artist, writer and activist" is going to be in town tonight performing atEstrojam.

Assembly talks

Assembly is a project that "invites interesting people to discuss stuff they know a lot about." Today's assembly features talks by sound artist, performer, accordion hack, radio programmer, producer, curator and pirate Anna Friz, and Howard Alan, who specializes in organic architecture, passive and active solar power, and alternative energy conservation. Thursday July 31st, 8pm, Open End Gallery, 2000 W. Fulton, $5.

An Evening with Judith Owen

Singer-songwriter Judith Owen brings her peculiar folk-ish stylings (she describes it on her website as "Somewhere between Eddie Izzard and Joni Mitchell… an unusual blend of uptempo bounce, emotional devastation, and off kilter free association stage banter!") to Schuba's, with special guest Harry Shearer, who's best known for his work with Spinal Tap and The Folksmen. Doors open at 8pm, $8 at the door.

Tall Ships Parade

Tall Ships Chicago brings more than 20 wind-powered sailing vessels to Navy Pier, DuSable Harbor and the Chicago River today. The boats will be boardable Friday through Sunday (Boarding passes are $8.), but Thursday's the day they show off, and it's free. Parade is from 10am to 12:30pm.

Amistad at Navy Pier

A replica of the schooner Amistad, the slave ship taken over by its captives and made famous by the movie of the same name, will be docked at Navy Pier this until August 13. Explore the ship and learn about the history of the slave trade and the rebellion on the Amistad's decks. A free mock trial and legal symposium take place Wednesday, July 30, from 5 to 9 at the Chicago Children's Museum on the Pier. Sponsored by the DuSable Museum of African-American History.

Ship's open hours are: Monday through Friday from 2:00-4:15pm, weekends from 10:00am to 5:15pm. $8 for adults, $5 for children; call 773-947-0600, ext. 232, for more information.

Chicago Outdoor Film Festival

The Chicago Outdoor Film Festival is a great excuse for a picnic. On Tuesdays from July 15 till August 26, Grant Park's Butler Field becomes a huge movie theater, free for you and me. This week's movie is the Gene Kelly classic "On the Town." Showtime is 8:40(ish) pm. Check the site for future listings.

Pink Bloque "Rock Lotto"

Pink Bloque will be hosting a fundraising performance at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., to fund their upcoming tour.

From Pink Bloque:"On Sunday July 27, 2003 the bands [chosen on July 13 ] will play their new hit to an adoring crowd at the Empty Bottle. A Pink Bloque member will introduce each band and all the new Chicago rock favorites will play! All bands will get a chance to go nuts and play whatever kind of music they want with a whole new group of people! Also, don’t miss your chance to see the one night performance of the Pink Bloque Rock Lotto Band, with never before seen outfits and dance moves. Plus, dance music for those boring in-between band times provided by DJ White Flight. Of course, all will be able to indulge on sweets at the Bake Sale!"

The evening begins at 9:30 PM; $8 in advance, $10 at door.

Newberry Library's Bughouse Square Debates

The Newberry Library is having their annual book fair from Thursday through Sunday. They're also hosting the Bughouse Square Debates in Washington Square Park. There will be prizes for the best speakers and hecklers on Saturday.

Graves/Wodnick Art Sale

Lacey Graves and Beth Wodnick's Art Sale and Open House!
1468 W. Berwyn Ave. in Andersonville, 1:00-5:00pm. Free.
Watercolors and ink drawings by Lacey Graves, photography by Beth Wodnick.
Various sizes, prices ranging from $10-$200.

More info at lay-c.com/art/

Prince & NPG Club Night

Do you like Prince? A lot? Then show up at Berlin, 954 W. Belmont, Sunday night for Chicago NPG Music Club's monthly shindig and party like it's 1999. More info on the club here.

New Year's in July

A benefit for Hell in a Handbag Productions to take their show, Poseidon! An Upside-Down Musical, to the New York International Fringe Festival. Reception and silent auction, 4pm, High Risk Gallery, 1113 W. Belmont. Performance, 7pm, Bailiwick Arts Center, 1229 W. Belmont. Tickets $30. Call 312-409-4357 or visit Hell in a Handbag.

Undershorts Film Festival

Looking for a film festival that's not just a film festival? Looking for "a cabaret type atmosphere filled with musical acts, performance art, dance, puppetry, clowns...where gypsy palm readers can mingle with video mixers, film noir actors can meet cinematographers, capoeira dancers with naked tuba players"? (Who isn't?) The sixth annual Undershorts Film Festival hits the Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee, on Friday, July 26 at 7pm. As their site says, "the festival is a Dionysian synthesis of art and expression."

Newberry Library's Bughouse Square Debates

The Newberry Library is having their annual book fair from Thursday through Sunday. They're also hosting the Bughouse Square Debates in Washington Square Park. There will be prizes for the best speakers and hecklers on Saturday.

Newberry Library's Bughouse Square Debates

The Newberry Library is having their annual book fair from Thursday through Sunday. They're also hosting the Bughouse Square Debates in Washington Square Park. There will be prizes for the best speakers and hecklers on Saturday.

Dave Attell in Vernon Hills

Fans of comedian Dave Attell's "Insomniac" show on Comedy Central will be pleased to hear he's performing at Zanies in Vernon Hills July 24-26. He's on at 8pm Thursday, 8 and 9:45 on Friday and 7:30 and 9:45 on Saturday. $25 and a two drink minimum. More info here.
(Wonder what late-night nuttiness he'll find out in Vernon Hills...)

The Mars Volta at Metro

The Mars Volta with Saul Williams and the Rye Coalition at Metro, doors open at 7:30pm. The Mars Volta was formed by founding members of At the Drive In; the concert coincides with the release of their first album, De-Loused In the Comatorium. Tickets go on sale Saturday, 6/21; more info and pre-sale ticket ordering at www.themarsvolta.com.

Newberry Library's Bughouse Square Debates

The Newberry Library is having their annual book fair from Thursday through Sunday. They're also hosting the Bughouse Square Debates in Washington Square Park. There will be prizes for the best speakers and hecklers on Saturday.

World's Largest Ice Cream Social

Come out to the new Cold Stone Creamery at 1533 N Wells Street for the 2nd Annual World's Largest Ice Cream Social. Thursday, July 24th, 5:00 - 8:00pm: Come in and receive a FREE Creation™ to benefit the Make-A-Wish® Foundation. Cake Batter Ice Cream with Oreo’s®, M&M’s® and Fudge, inspired by 7 year old Wish child Alexei.

Downtown WMD Rally

This event is in downtown Chicago Wednesday, July 23 at 4 pm; the "Memorial for War Casualties and Call for Truth" will erect a Memorial Wall containing the names of the victims of the Iraq War, both U.S. soldiers and Iraqi civilians. A delegation will be sent to the offices of Senators Peter Fitzgerald and Richard Durbin calling for an independent bipartisan Commission of Inquiry to investigate the justifications for war with Iraq. More info: http://www.peacechicago.org or Michael McConnell at the AFSC, 312.427.2533. WHERE: Chicago Federal Building, Dearborn and Adams Streets

It Came From the Neo-Futurarium: Back Street

The Neo-Futurists bring you another staged version of an overlooked movie. This week, David Kodeski directs Back Street, a Susan Heyward film about adultery set in the fast-paced world of New York fashion! The show is $9 and begins at 8:00 p.m. The Neo-Futurarium is located at 5153 North Ashland Avenue at Foster.

Justin and Christina, After Hours

OK, so you couldn't get tickets to Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera's big show at the United Center. That's OK, 'cuz we got your tip for where they'll be later that night.
To see just how dirrty Christina is in person, head to the Dragon Room, 809 w. Evergreen, for her afterr-parrty. It runs from 10pm to 4am, with complementary Hypnotiq cocktails served for the first hour. Come early, and bring lots of money.
For you Justin fans, House of Blues at about 10 or 11 is the place to be. The show is sold out, but if you get there early you might get a glimpse of the boy as he makes his way into the club. Or you can throw yourself on the mercy of the scalpers.

Irvine Welsh FREE Reading

Irvine Welsh, author of Trainspotting, reads from Porno at an all-ages "Hurry Back Going Away Party" presented by the Columbia College Fiction Writing Department, Metro and Barbara's Book Store. At Metro, 3730 N. Clark St. There will also be DJ'ed music, dancing and book signing. Doors open at 6 pm, show starts at 7pm -- and most importantly, the tickets are free!

Young Feminist Book Club

The young feminist book club at Women & Children First will be meeting at 7:30 pm to read Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson. Selections are available at a 10% discount for members of the book club

A Day on the Force fundraiser

Are you missing the Chicago Force already? Well the three women who filmed A Day On the Force are having a fundraiser at the Bottom Lounge on Sunday at 7 pm. For $10 you'll get to meet Jane Danger (great name!), #34 and Gerra Bosco, #42 of the team, see Jen Slusser MC for the Chicago Kings, watch Three Dollar Bill perform, and see other performers, too.

Burlesque & Bondage!

Black Market Chicago Fetish Emporium is hosting "Once Upon a Hot Summer's Night: Burlesque & Bondage" at Vision Nightclub (formerly Dome Room), featuring two performances by the legendary Dita von Teese, erstwhile dame of Marilyn Manson. 10pm-4am, 21 and over, and fetishwear is encouraged (leave your jeans and ballcaps at home.) $15 in advance, $20 at the door. More info here or call 312/421.9690.

Chinatown Summer Festival

The 24th Annual Chinatown Summer Festival takes place this Sunday from 10:00 - 8:00 p.m. The fest features a Lion Dance procession at 1:00 p.m., great food, crafts, live music and entertainment. Free. For more information, call 312.225.6198.

Gurlesque Burlesque

Sissy Butch Brothers Productions welcome you to another fabulous Gurlesque Burlesque performance on July 19th at the Abbey Pub. This show features marquee performers the World Famous Bob and Lady Ace. Proceeds support a documentary on burlesque.

Chicago Short Comedy Video & Film Festival

At the Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln. $10 per show. Shows at 8:00 and 10:00 pm; full lineups here. Call 312-409-4789 for advance reservations.

Gapers' Block Party!

Hey! Come to the first (annual?) Gapers' Block Party! It's from 7-10pm upstairs at Ann Sather's, 929 W. Belmont in Lakeview. More info here, in case you missed the huge promo on the front page.

Jazzin' At the Shedd

On Thursdays through the end of August, the Shedd Aquarium hosts its weekly "Jazzin' At the Shedd." Cocktails and jazz outside on Shedd's beautiful North Terrace from 5:00 until 10:00 P.M. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children (ages 3 to 11) and seniors, free for members. Wild Reef admission will be an additional $5 per person (adults, children and seniors). Jazzin' is included with paid admission to the Aquarium. The band this week is the Bill Porter/Rich Fudoli Quintet. 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. -- see the schedule for more band info.

Weblogger Meet-up

Weblogger Meet-up, 7-ish at 3rd Coast Cafe, 1260 N. Dearborn (in the Gold Coast neighborhood, not far from the Clark & Division Red Line stop). There'll be a sign of some sort to help newcomers locate the group. More info here.

Chicago Outdoor Film Festival: It Happened One Night

The Chicago Outdoor Film Festival is a great excuse for a picnic. On Tuesdays from July 15 till August 26, Grant Park's Butler Field becomes a huge movie theater, free for you and me. The first film is "It Happened One Night," a 1934 comedy starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. Showtime is 8:55 pm. Check the site for future listings.

World's Largest Drum Circle

Rhythm, a smoke-free percussion bar, is hosting an attempt to set the record for world's largest drum circle today at noon. 1108 W. Randolph, call 312.492.6100 for more information.

Chimera Self-Defense Demo

The fine folks at Chimera, who have been teaching self-defense for women since 1976, will lead a workshop at Women & Children First on July 14. Monday's demonstration -- designed for both women and men -- will present basic techniques of self-defense and assault prevention. At Women & Children First Bookstore, 5233 N. Clark St., 7:30 pm. Free!

Bastille Day

It's Bastille Day, the French equivalent of the Fourth of July! Go eat/drink something French.

Pink Bloque "Rock Lotto"

Pink Bloque will be hosting a fundraising performance at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., to fund their upcoming tour.

From Pink Bloque: "Pink Bloque will hold phase one of their benefit, Rock Lotto. We are looking for all types of musicians: djs, crooners, laptop jockeys, hacks, non-musicians even! (Just sign up by 10:00 PM!) The Pink Bloque will assemble ten bands of five members. The band line-ups will be announced at 12:30 AM sharp! All participants must be present to enter and must be present to meet their new band. All bands must turn in an official band name by the end of the night! The bands will have exactly two weeks to devise 5-10 minutes of material, practice their hearts out, fight, find outfits, and get ready to perform. Plus, experience video screenings/discussion with political art collectives: AER, STREETREC and the Pink Bloque, then dance at the Pink Bloque dance party with music provided by DJs Melissa Grubbs, Gwen Gubanich and Nathan McKee and eat all the goodies at the famous Bake Sale!

"On Sunday July 27, the chosen bands will play their new hit to an adoring crowd at the Empty Bottle. A Pink Bloque member will introduce each band and all the new Chicago rock favorites will play! All bands will get a chance to go nuts and play whatever kind of music they want with a whole new group of people! Also, don’t miss your chance to see the one night performance of the Pink Bloque Rock Lotto Band, with never before seen outfits and dance moves. Plus, dance music for those boring in-between band times provided by DJ White Flight. Of course, all will be able to indulge on sweets at the Bake Sale!"

The evening begins at 9:30 PM; $5 donation gets you in the door.

Elastic Revolution 5th Anniversary Party

Elastic Revolution Productions celebrates its 5th anniversary with a BBQ and fundraiser. The proceeds will go toward improving the lighting in the organization's performance space, 3030. Food, drink and a raffle are on the agenda. 3pm-dusk, 3030 W. Cortland. 773/862-3616. More info on the ERP site.

Fischerspooner at the Heat festival

Electroclash ambassadors Fischerspooner are performing at the Heat festival, a fundraiser for Gateway Green. Event at Finkl & Sons, Southport & Kingsbury, $20.

Jim & Jennie

Bluegrass at the Hideout. Jim & Jennie take the stage at 6:00 PM. Head over after work for a few drinks, and some of that high n' lonesome sound.

Cinema Under the Stars: Spirited Away

Evanston Art Center will be showing the beautiful animated film Spirited Away -- as well as other video shorts by EAC video art students and faculty -- on an outdoor screen starting shortly after dusk. Bring a blanket and a snack (and perhaps a few bucks for a donation -- it is a non-profit, after all) and enjoy some great film under the stars! They'll be showing an additional film in August. Evanston Art Center 2603 Sheridan Rd. Evanston, IL 60201 847/475-5300 evanstonartcenter.org Schedule: July 11: Spirited Away August 8: Bringing Up Baby All shows start after dusk, preceded by short videos by students and faculty in EAC's digital video classes. $3 suggested donation for non-EAC members.

Parliament at Heat festival

All 36 members of Parliament/Funkadelic are performing at the Heat festival, a fundraiser for Gateway Green. Event at Finkl & Sons, Southport & Kingsbury, $25.

"Supernatural" Grass Photograph

"Supernatural" is a grass photograph (as in, it takes advantage of the photosynthetic properties of grass to create a photograph -- not a photo of grass, a photo made of grass) by British artists Heather Ackroyd and Dan Harvey, on display July 10 till September 28 in the Yates Gallery at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington (at Michigan). It's pretty darn cool. Ackroyd and Harvey will also create a grass photograph in an empty storefront at 151 N. State St., where we'll be able to watch the process from start to finished image.

The Partly Dave Show.

The Partly Dave Show, a monthly cabaret/performance/gathering put together by Chicago author and performer Dave Awl, happens tonight at 8PM at No Exit Cafe, 6970 N. Glenwood. This month's theme: Patriotically Incorrect. "An evening of dissent, in celebration of the freedom of thought and expression our country is supposed to stand for."

It Came from the Neo-Futurarium, Week 2!

Tonight the Neo-Futurists present a staged reading of the 1960 movie Tormented. The show's got "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something DEAD EX-GIRLFRIEND!" It's $9, starts at 8 p.m., and is located at 5153 North Ashland.

African/Caribbean Festival of Life

This huge festival showcases African, Caribbean and Afrro-American cultures wtih music, arts, crafts, entertainment, fashions, food. Features 70 musical acts including rhythm & blues, gospel, calypso and world beat.

Washington Park, 55th St. & S. Cottage Grove Ave. Thursday to Sunday, July 3-6, from 10am to 10pm each day except for Thursday, July 3rd, 2pm to 10pm. Call 312/427-0266 or visit the Festival of Life website for more info.

Rock Around the Block

The wierd little area just north of Belmont on Lincoln -- what's it called? Roscoe Village? West Lakeview? -- holds its annual hullabaloo Saturday and Sunday, 7/5-7/6. Festivities start at noon. More info (including a band list) here. Lincoln Avenue from Belmont to School.

African/Caribbean Festival of Life

This huge festival showcases African, Caribbean and Afrro-American cultures wtih music, arts, crafts, entertainment, fashions, food. Features 70 musical acts including rhythm & blues, gospel, calypso and world beat.

Washington Park, 55th St. & S. Cottage Grove Ave. Thursday to Sunday, July 3-6, from 10am to 10pm each day except for Thursday, July 3rd, 2pm to 10pm. Call 312/427-0266 or visit the Festival of Life website for more info.

Rock Around the Block

The wierd little area just north of Belmont on Lincoln -- what's it called? Roscoe Village? West Lakeview? -- holds its annual hullabaloo Saturday and Sunday, 7/5-7/6. Festivities start at noon. More info (including a band list) here. Lincoln Avenue from Belmont to School.

African/Caribbean Festival of Life

This huge festival showcases African, Caribbean and Afrro-American cultures wtih music, arts, crafts, entertainment, fashions, food. Features 70 musical acts including rhythm & blues, gospel, calypso and world beat.

Washington Park, 55th St. & S. Cottage Grove Ave. Thursday to Sunday, July 3-6, from 10am to 10pm each day except for Thursday, July 3rd, 2pm to 10pm. Call 312/427-0266 or visit the Festival of Life website for more info.

African/Caribbean International Festival of Life

This huge festival showcases African, Caribbean and Afrro-American cultures wtih music, arts, crafts, entertainment, fashions, food. Features 70 musical acts including rhythm & blues, gospel, calypso and world beat.

Washington Park, 55th St. & S. Cottage Grove Ave. Thursday to Sunday, July 3-6, from 10am to 10pm each day except for Thursday, July 3rd, 2pm to 10pm. Call 312/427-0266 or visit the Festival of Life website for more info.

"Independence Eve" Fireworks

The official Chicago fireworks display, bigger than all the rest. Make your way to Grant Park, Navy Pier or some points along the Lake/ Michigan Ave. and claim your spot. If you're in Grant Park, your viewing will be accompanied by the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra's rendition of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. Concert starts at 7:30pm, the first shot is at 9:30. Free.

Markus Nikolai and Miles Maeda at Smartbar

Markus Nikolai, one of the original Perlon dons, is playing his brand of dubby German techno at Smartbar tonight with Miles Maeda and Heather. This is a benefit for the World Evolution foundation. Smartbar, 3730 N. Clark, $20, 21+.

It Came From The Neo-Futurarium!

The Neo-futurists, that wildly creative bunch of Chicago actors/writers/performers, is starting a summer season of dramatic readings/interpretations of supremely awful film scripts. The series is titled "It Came From The Neo-Futurarium," and it begins tonight with a reading of the script for "The Care Bears Movie." A different movie every Wednesday night from tonight through August 6! See the Neo-Futurist website, or call the theatre for reservations: (773) 275-5255. The Neo-Futurarium 5153 N. Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL 60640-2831

Made on a Mac: Cheap Trick

Rockford rockers Cheap Trick will demonstrate how they use Macs to do whatever it is they do these days. At the Apple Store, 679 N. Michigan Ave., at 7pm. Free.