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TODAY

Thursday, March 28

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September 2003

« August 2003 | Front Page | October 2003 »

Lawn Bowling

Any Saturday or Sunday afternoon at 12:30 p.m., Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. or Thursdays at 11 a.m. is an opportune time to learn the art of lawn bowling. Games and lessons of the Lakeside Lawn Bowling Club take place in Jackson Park near the corner of Lake Shore Drive and 58th St. To join, call 684-9799 or simply show up ready to play.

Backdoor Basics

Early to Bed, Chicago's first woman-owned sex shop, presents "Backdoor Basics: An Introduction to Anal Sex." The workshop will cover techniques, safety tips and sex toy use. They'll also "dispel some of the most common myths about anal sex and show how it can be a fun part of your sex life!" You must be 18 or older to participate; the workshop is open to all genders and sexual persuasions. $10 fee per person, register in advance by calling 773-271-1219 or emailing workshops(at)early2bed.com. 7:30 pm, 5232 N Sheridan Rd.

Bears vs. Packers

Find a TV -- in a bar, at home, in the airport, wherever -- sit down and watch. If the Bears are going to break it open, this will be the game to do it. Besides, this is your first opportunity to see the new stadium filled to the gills with fans. Kickoff is at 8pm. More details here.

Cubs' number 10 retired.

Before the Cubs game today at Wrigley Field, Ron Santo's number 10 will be retired from the Cubs' lineup. So if you like that sort of thing, you'll probably want to attend.

Venus Release Party

Venus is throwing a little shin-dig at the Open-End Gallery (2000 W. Fulton #310) tonight beginning at 9:30 pm. There will be dee-jays, demonstrations from Early To Bed, some vegand desserts. An $8 donation inlcudes free beer.

PISTIL magazine release party

PISTIL magazine is having a masquerade ball release party for their "Public/Private" issue tonight at The Darkroom (2210 W. Chicago). The ball starts at 9 pm.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band @ Fermilab

Few people realize that in addition to being a serious scientific institution, Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory out in Batavia is an active supporter of the arts. Kicking off this year's Fermilab Arts Series is the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, an old-fashioned New Orleans jazz ensemble. The show begins at 8 p.m. in Ramsey Auditorium, in Wilson Hall (directions) on the Fermilab campus. There will be a pre-concert talk by Deborah Gillespie of the Chicago Jazz Archives, University of Chicago at 7 p.m. in Room One West, and a post-concert reception. Tickets are $26, half-price for children under 18. Ticket information here. For more information call (630)-840-ARTS

Northcenter Oktoberfest

The Northcenter neighborhood gets into the Oktoberfest act this Friday and Saturday, in Northcenter Town Square at 4100 N Damen (at Belle Plaine Avenue across from Osco). There will, of course, be beer, but also both traditional German music and "popular bands" (read: Afrodesiacs and Waco Brothers) playing and both German food and barbecue from Laschet's Inn and Smokin' Woody's. In an unusual twist, this is an evening-only event -- 5-11pm Friday and 4-11pm Saturday. $5 admission. More info here, and Metromix has a band schedule.

Northcenter Oktoberfest

The Northcenter neighborhood gets into the Oktoberfest act this Friday and Saturday, in Northcenter Town Square at 4100 N Damen (at Belle Plaine Avenue across from Osco). There will, of course, be beer, but also both traditional German music and "popular bands" (read: Afrodesiacs and Waco Brothers) playing and both German food and barbecue from Laschet's Inn and Smokin' Woody's. In an unusual twist, this is an evening-only event -- 5-11pm Friday and 4-11pm Saturday. $5 admission. More info here, and Metromix has a band schedule.

Madeleine Albright @ Borders

Former secretary of state Madeleine Albright will be at the Borders at 150 N. State St. around 12:30 signing copies of the book, Madam Secretary, which is, of course, about her. Call 312/606-0750 for more info.

Anne Garrels Lecture.

NPR correspondent Anne Garrels will be presenting a lecture tonight at 7PM at the United Methodist Church (77 E. Washington). She'll be discussing her experiences covering the recent war in Baghdad, as recounted in her newly published book Naked in Baghdad. The event is free and open to the public. More information at the Chicago Public Radio Website.

Third Coast Festival ShortDocs.

The Third Coast Festival, that celebration of radio documentaries started by public radio station WBEZ, will be playing four commissioned short documentaries tonight at the Three Arts Club (1300 N Dearborn). The theme of these documentaries is "Thirst," so you'll probably want to have a tasty beverage on hand. The listening happens from 7 to 9PM. Tickets: 312-948-4682.

Aesop Rock

Definitive Jux artist Aesop Rock performs live at the Bottom Lounge. The Goats mett Allen Ginsburg. 3206 North Wilton. Call 'em at 773-975-0505. Show starts at 6. $15 dollars. All ages.

Bettie Page Uncensored

Michael Flores wrote a play titled "Bettie Page Uncensored" that ran at the Playground Theater for 43 weeks. Flores got the idea to turn it into a screenplay and then into a movie. While you can purchase it in VHS or DVD format for $28 from the Psychotronic Film Society's website, you can also see it tonight at the Liar's Club for free.

Bart Simpson @Harper College

Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson on The Simpsons, will give a "behind-the-scenes look" at the show at Harper College's gym, 1200 W. Algonquin Rd. in Palatine, at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10 ahead of time, $12 at the door. More information here; map & directions here.

Ballet Hispanico

Ballet Hispanico’s “Nightclub” uses sultry tangos, classic Latin dance rhythms, and contemporary beats to move the story of Hispanic culture through three period nightclubs - from Argentina in the 1920s to the Spanish Harlem of the 1950s to today’s fusion of tradition and trend. The event takes place September 25th at the Chicago Theatre at 8 pm. Ballet Hispanico has been recognized around the world as the foremost dance interpreter of Hispanic culture in the United States. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.

Deadtech show

Deadtech's electronic music show with Evolution Control Committee on Thursday the 25th, 8pm, 3321 W. Fullerton, $5 donation.

Rock for Kids "Music Mixer"

To celebrate three years of bringing music education to homeless children, Rock For Kids asked Chicago music scene big-shots to make mix CDs. Local musicians, DJs, record label & venue owners, journalists and celebrities all contributed CDs they compiled specifically for this charity event, each with custom cover art. Guest mixers include Liz Phair, Wilco, Jim Derogatis, Greg Kot, Jon Langford, Andrew Bird and Joe Shanahan. Come to Smartbar to bid on the mix CDs in a silent auction. The contents of each CD is secret -- only the winning bidder will learn what songs are contained on their album. All proceeds benefit Rock For Kids' music program, Youth Jam.

Smartbar is below The Metro at 3730 N. Clark. Event is 21 or older, $5 suggested donation, 7pm to 10pm. For more information, check out rockforkids.org.

Against Love: A Polemic

Think monogamy is overrated? So does Laura Kipnis so she wrote Against Love: A Polemic, a book that shows adulterers as "closet social theorists posing serious political questions about the social contract itself: namely how much gratification we're allowed versus the degree of renunciation demanded of us." Laura is a professor of media studies at Northwestern University. She'll be reading from and signing her book at Women & Children First tonight at 7:30. Several staff members have read the book and highly recommend it. Boston's NPR station has an interview with her that you can listen to online.

Mix Tape

This film follows a group of guys obsessed with making mix tapes -- from romantic to psychotic -- for their girlfriends. A bittersweet comedy about love, and music, and no love, and music, Mix Tape wears its analog heart on its sleeve -- a valentine to a vanishing art form. Shot entirely on location in the neighborhoods of Chicago. Additional showing added for Sep. 22 @ 6:15 p.m. at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State

20th Annual Illinois Storytelling Festival

The 20th Annual Illinois Storytelling Festival is taking place this weekend in Spring Grove, IL. Storytellers from around the country will be gathering to perform under five big top tents including the Family Tent, Adult's Tent, Children's Tent and Traditions Tent. Ghost stories will be told Saturday night, and a Liar's Contest and open mic will be taking place on the Swapping Grounds. See the schedule for full details. Admission is $12 for adults, $5 for kids under 15.

World Music Festival

The World Music Festival is on right now through September 21. Enjoy music from Greece, Argentina, Ghana, and just about everywhere else at a variety of venues around town. Most events are $15 or less and many are free.

A Pussycat Benefit

Burlesque team Ravenous Gorge and Tom Erge owe huge vet bills for emergency life-saving surgery on their cat. Help them out at A Pussycat Benefit, El Gato Negro, 1461 W. Irving Park Rd. $8-15 (not turned away for lack of funds) 21+. For your enjoyment and to express gratitude for your support, the benefit will feature Gurlesque Burlesque performers Betsy Chainsaw, Ravenous Gorge, and the queer confusion core art punk outfit Apartment, as well as, the infamous faggot punk rockers The Rotten Fruits; drag shows including Lusty Lez and Triage Sparkle. Plus a kissing booth, raffles, auctions...play Twister with Jesus...and more. This will be the first of more benefits to help animals who need medical care.

International Coastal Cleanup

Come to the beach and help keep Lake Michigan's shoreline clean! Join hundreds of other volunteers and head out to Chicago's beaches from 9 a.m. - noon on Saturday September 20th, to gather as much litter as you can. Shedd provides beach captains and helping hands for this annual event, organized locally by the Lake Michigan Federation and internationally by Ocean Conservancy.

Renegade Craft Fair

The Renegade Craft Fair will be taking place today from 11-5 in Wicker Park. There are more than 70 exhibitors and some of the best creative crafters from Chicago and around the country will be showing up to sell their wares. So, if you like supporting the actual artists and not the artist's pimps, this is the place to come spend your money.

20th Annual Illinois Storytelling Festival

The 20th Annual Illinois Storytelling Festival is taking place this weekend in Spring Grove, IL. Storytellers from around the country will be gathering to perform under five big top tents including the Family Tent, Adult's Tent, Children's Tent and Traditions Tent. Ghost stories will be told Saturday night, and a Liar's Contest and open mic will be taking place on the Swapping Grounds. See the schedule for full details. Admission is $12 for adults, $5 for kids under 15.

World Music Festival

The World Music Festival is on right now through September 21. Enjoy music from Greece, Argentina, Ghana, and just about everywhere else at a variety of venues around town. Most events are $15 or less and many are free.

First Flight Recreation

The Wright Brothers' first flight will be recreated on the lawn of the Museum of Science & Industry as part of its Adventures in Flight exhibition. The "Spirit of Glen Ellyn," a replica of the famous 1903 craft, will fly several times 9-11am (or until it breaks, whichever comes first).

Early to Bed 2nd Anniversary

Early to Bed, Chicago's first woman-owned sex shop, is celebrating its 2nd anniversary with a party! Pop by between 7pm and 11pm for punch, cake & one night only sale items! Custom corset makers Sexier than Skin will be on hand to show some of their wares and take orders. 5232 N. Sheridan Rd. 773/271-1219.

Burlesque Tartare

Tonight is the return of Burlesque Tartare: The Second Serving. Their performance last year was a huge hit so they decided to come back. DeCorps Costume Collective is putting on a performance inspired by vaudeville and burlesque with a postmodern twist. This 21+ show will begin at 9pm. Tickets are $12. For more information, call 773-395-0644. Oh, and The Hothouse is still accepting donations to cover the $80,000 they lost when they were shut down last May.

Bachelor/Bachelorette Casting Call

So, you think you're hot enough of a catch to be on ABC's The Bachelor or The Bachelorette reality shows? Well, here's your opportunity to prove it: Jamie Blyth and Tina "Fabulous," recent contestants on the shows, will be at Marshall Field's State Street store (111 N. State) interviewing potentials from 12-2pm. Stop by and fill out an application -- we're not sure what they'll be asking, but one prerequisite is clear: you must be single.

There's no charge to audition, and there's no guarantee you'll be interviewed, but what the hell, right? You only live once, might as well spend part of the time on TV. Call 888/300-1732 for more information.

World Music Festival

The World Music Festival is on right now through September 21. Enjoy music from Greece, Argentina, Ghana, and just about everywhere else at a variety of venues around town. Most events are $15 or less and many are free.

Crispy Tits: We Dunt Burnt the Trailer Down

Burlesque performers Kazoo and Madame Mojo recently lost all their stuff in a house fire. Help them out this Friday at 840 W. Washington (loop, by a transmission shop). 18+ at door, 21+ to drink, $5 donation at door, $5 donation for a plastic cup, $1 tickets for prizes/games. The evening includes a 9000-square-foot space, live DJ, movie/vidoes, kissing booth, date auction, performances, wheelbarrow races, hot dog eating competitions, and a whole bunch more (let your imagination run wild). More info here (scroll down to Sept. 19).

Twang Off Country Battle of the Bands

Lyon's Den hosts the Twang Off, a battle of the country bands. $7 gets you in for a rumble between The Siderunners, Hillbilly Winos and the Big Sky Stringband. 21 and over, starts at 9pm. 1934 W. Irving Park Rd.

Chicago NOW: Women Who Dared

Chicago's National Organization for Women is holding their 6th annual Women Who Dared fundraiser. They will be giving a Woman of Honor award to Beth Richie who is the head of the African American Studies department at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The Excellence in Media award will be giving to Terri Hemmert of WXRT.There will be food, drinks, and many silent auction items, including a purse made by Cinnamon Cooper. Tickets are $65.

World Music Festival

The World Music Festival is on right now through September 21. Enjoy music from Greece, Argentina, Ghana, and just about everywhere else at a variety of venues around town. Most events are $15 or less and many are free.

Chicago Turkish Festival

The first ever Chicago Turkish Festival runs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday at Daley Plaza, from 9am to about 1:30pm. Take a walk at lunchtime and enjoy the music, fashions and food of Turkey. Free. More information here.

Poetry Center Benefit w/ Billy Corgan

Billy Corgan, frontman of Smashing Pumpkins and Zwan, will be the main attraction of a benefit show for the Poetry Center of Chicago, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The event is being held in the Rubloff Auditorium at the Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., at 6:30 pm (doors open at 6). Tickets are $35.00, available through TicketWeb.

Record Release A-Go-Go

The Empty Bottle plays host to a double record release show Bands: Bible of the Devil debut a full-length album, while The Dutchmen and Velcro Lewis and His 100 Proof Band are putting out a split-7" single. Filthy Jim also plays.

Our contact provided us with the following description of the line-up: Bible Of The Devil: Dirty, brutal, liquor-soaked rock n' roll inspired by the roots metal and trash-house garage of a bygone era when rock was exciting, fun, sinister, and dangerous. Velcro Lewis and His 100 Proof Band: The rock your dad tried to make you listen to when you came home with your first "god awful noise" punk record. Drenched in whiskey, sweat and bar-b-que they summon the sounds of a Pensacola biker bar being torn to the ground from the inside. Filthy Jim: Deriving their moniker from slang for a used condom, Filthy Jim is "sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll to fill your hole... a violent train wreck of raw guitars and heavy rhythms that supply a motherf*cking truckload of drunken rock fury." Formed in Lawrence, KS in 1997. The Dutchmen: A real rock show that will flatten you with energy and power. A collision of garage, punk and metal; the bastard sons of rock n roll. Four rockers inspired by musical step fathers ranging from blues to punk to arena rock.

Show starts at 9pm, $7 admission. Contact the Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western Ave. 773/276-3600 ) for more info.

HankFest 2003

The Second Annual HankFest twangs and thunders into Schubas Tavern, 3159 N. Southport Ave., at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16.

What's HankFest? It's as simple as a bucket with a hole in it: To celebrate Hank Williams' birthday, a bunch of great musicians and singers get together and play "All Hank - All Night." Even if you don't listen much to country music, you'll be amazed at how many of Hank's songs you already know - and he wrote them all before he was 30 (he died in the back seat of a car at age 29). Plus, HankFest serves up some of the best homemade jambalaya you've ever tasted. Information: HankFest.

Chicago Turkish Festival

The first ever Chicago Turkish Festival runs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday at Daley Plaza, from 9am to about 1:30pm. Take a walk at lunchtime and enjoy the music, fashions and food of Turkey. Free. More information here.

Young Feminist Book Club

Women and Children First's Young Feminist Book Club will be discussing Queer Theory: An Introduction by Annamarie Jagose beginning at 7:30.

Chicago Turkish Festival

The first ever Chicago Turkish Festival runs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday at Daley Plaza, from 9am to about 1:30pm. Take a walk at lunchtime and enjoy the music, fashions and food of Turkey. Free. More information here.

Frank Ferko Mass

World Premiere of composer Frank Ferko's Mass for Dedication. 5pm. Christ Church (Episcopal), 470 Maple St. Winnetka, IL. For more information call (847) 446-2850.

Osaka Garden Festival

Celebration of Japanese culture and the sister city relationship between Chicago and Osaka, Japan. Includes food booths, arts and crafts, live music, dance and martial arts. Osaka Garden: 5800 S. Lake Shore Drive; at the Wooded Island, just south of the Museum of Science and Industry. SEPTEMBER 13+14 2003, Free to Public 10AM to 5PM each day

Taste of Romania

Little Bucharest hosts the 13th annual Taste of Romania Sept. 13 and 14 at 3100 N. Ashland, from 10 am to 10 pm both days. Free fresh-squeezed grape juice, live music, and a variety of Romanian delicacies await you! Call 773/929-8640 for more info.

Osaka Garden Festival

Celebration of Japanese culture and the sister city relationship between Chicago and Osaka, Japan. Includes food booths, arts and crafts, live music, dance and martial arts. Osaka Garden: 5800 S. Lake Shore Drive; at the Wooded Island, just south of the Museum of Science and Industry. SEPTEMBER 13+14 2003, Free to Public 10AM to 5PM each day

Wells Street Wine Festival

In conjunction with the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization - Illinois Affiliate, The Old Town Merchants and Residents Association, will extend their well-known hospitality as they create the inaugural The Crush in Old Town. Wells Street will become a European-style open market featuring wine pavilions representing more than 50-different wines. The Crush will also feature special wine tastings and demonstrations. Sept. 13, 11 am-10 pm. $5 donation, additional $10 for wine tasting. On Wells between North and Schiller. (773) 868-3010.

Knit-Along for Peace

The American Friends Service Committee is meeting today at the Chicago Temple (77 W. Washington at Clark St.) to knit baby blankets which will be included in Infant Care Kits being sent to Iraq as part of a larger humanitarian effort. The knitters will be meeting from 1-4 pm. They will also be accetping donations of cash to defer shipping , soap, hairbrushes, and washcloths for babies to complete the care kits.The AFSC office is collecting all these donations through October at their office located at 637 S. Dearborn Ave.

Taste of Romania

Little Bucharest hosts the 13th annual Taste of Romania Sept. 13 and 14 at 3100 N. Ashland, from 10 am to 10 pm both days. Free fresh-squeezed grape juice, live music, and a variety of Romanian delicacies await you! Call 773/929-8640 for more info.

Elvis Under The Stars

Frankly, I can't think of a more unholy combination than an Elvis impersonator and really heavy, traditional German food. But that wouldn't stop me from going to see Elvis Under The Stars at the Black Forest Restaurant. Well-known Elvis impersonator Rick Saucedo, aka The King Of Blue Suede Soul, will be performing and you can munch on some Thuringer or Brats while enjoying Elvis tunes. Sept 13 - dinner at 6:30, show's at 8.

War Resistance Documentary

On March 20th 750 protesters were arrested during an anti-war protest. Jon Groot, Seth Skundrick, and Linda and Blake Beckstrom created a documentary which encompasses thirty different personal stories in Where We Stood: Chicago's Resistance to the U.S. War on Iraq. It will be showing today at the Vittum Theater (1012 N. Noble, between Milwaukee and Augusta) at 2 pm. Reserved tickets are $8 (and are highly recommended) admission will cost you $10 without a reservation. You can call 312-494-5840 for more info and to place a reservation. All proceeds will benefit the Chicago Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild and Peace Pledge-Chicago.

The Dirty Things/Dolorous Canter @ The Big Horse

The Dirty Things and Dolorous Canter will be taking Friday night by storm at The Big Horse, 1558 N.Milwaukee, 21+. A note: The Big Horse is located strangely, you will have to walk through a small burrito/Mexican joint to get to it. 10pm showtime, doors 9:30pm.

Cursive at The Metro

The most intelligent rock band in indie/emo circles today has to be Cursive. They bring their brand of conceptual and well-written tunes to the Metro tonight. With the Blood Brothers, Eastern Youth and Murder by Death. Yikes, sounds like a BLOODY fun time.

Newt Gingrich Book Signing

Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House, will be signing his book "Gettysburg, a Novel of the Civil War" at the Borders at 150 N. State St. starting at 12:30 pm -- just in time for some lunchtime entertainment.

Rainer Maria/Denali @ Metro

Rainer Maria and Denali both bring their brand of female-membered rock to The Metro. Both bands have sophisticated soothing yet visceral sounds. A solid night of great music. Be there. With The M's and local boys Lying in States. $10 advance, $12 at door. 18 & over, 8pm.

Zine Guide

Zine Guide is hosting a reading tonight at Quimby's Bookstore titled: "What Have We Learned In the Past Two Years?" It will begin at 7:30pm at 1854 North Avenue. For more information about Zine Guide, the Washington Post actually wrote a decent article about them. If you would like a free copy, just send your necessary mailing info to zineguide@comcast.net.
The nights events will include incisive political commentary and hilarity from Chicago-area independent publishing luminaries:
Al Burian (Burn Collector)
Grant Schreiber (Judas Goat Quarterly)
Alicia Dorr (Random Life In Progress, Zine Guide)
Greg Smith & Brandon Wetherbee (foulinc.com)
Brett Van Emst (Midnight Mind Magazine)
and will be expertly hosted by:
Brent Ritzel (Zine Guide & Tail Spins)
Aaron Cynic (Diatribe zine)

The Partly Dave Show

This month's edition of The Partly Dave Show, a mixture of musicians and spoken word performers hosted by Chicago actor and author Dave Awl, happens tonight at The No Exit Cafe, 6970 N. Glenwood, at 8:00PM. This evening's theme: "Gathering of the Gods II". "In April we invited the gods to make us their vessels ... the resulting evening was so divine we're already planning the sequel. In September we'll once again be impersonating our favorite mythological figures ... with Diana Slickman, John Pierson, Stephanie Shaw, Rachel Claff, Edward Thomas-Herrera and Christopher Piatt ... plus music for the gods by Even in Blackouts."

War Resistance Documentary

On March 20th 750 protesters were arrested during an anti-war protest. Jon Groot, Seth Skundrick, and Linda and Blake Beckstrom created a documentary which encompasses thirty different personal stories in Where We Stood: Chicago's Resistance to the U.S. War on Iraq. It will be showing tonight at the Vittum Theater (1012 N. Noble, between Milwaukee and Augusta) at 7 pm (with a reception to follow). Reserved tickets are $8 (and are highly recommended) admission will cost you $10 without a reservation. You can call 312-494-5840 for more info and to place a reservation. All proceeds will benefit the Chicago Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild and Peace Pledge-Chicago.

The Mayor's Mouth

Based on a 1989 cookbook featuring favorite recipes of Chicago mayors, the I-80 Drama Co. presents "The Mayor's Mouth," a live cooking show, at the Chopin Theater, 1543 W. Division Ave., as part of the Around the Coyote Festival. Sunday's show starts at 9pm and features Eugene Sawyer's "Evil" Sweet Potato Pie and Richard M. Daley's 5-Hour (5 Term) Beef Stew.

Breakbone DanceCo

Breakbone DanceCo is a "dance exile" troupe, fighting gravity "as if it didn't exist." They're performing Logotype vs2.1 at 8pm at Ideotech, 2000 W. Fulton. Tickets are $12 at the door. More info here.

Brazilian Independence Day

Celebrating Brazilian Independence Day, Chicago Samba will perform a variety of styles of the most popular Brazilian popular song styles, old and new, including Samba, Bossa Nova, Olodum, Forro, Choro, Pagode and Batucada. The Independence Day celebration at Hothouse is the only Brazilian Festival in the Midwest. In its fifth year, the festival is dedicated to education, presentation and promotion of Brazilian culture to Brazilians who reside in the Midwest and also to those with an interest in Brazilian and international cultures. The program will also include a demonstration of Capoeira, a marriage of dance and martial art rooted in Brazilian colonial times, Portuguese poetry and Brazilian food.

First Annual Young Designer's Market

There will be a huge sale taking place in the backyard of 1010 N. Damen from 10 am to 5 pm today. Instead of your average crap sale, there will be works from many local artists, designers, and stylemakers. And, there will be plenty of art supplies, costumes, CDs, DVDs, and vintage clothing to make you inspired enough to go out and create your own art.
Co-sponsored by

The Mayor's Mouth

Based on a 1989 cookbook featuring favorite recipes of Chicago mayors, the I-80 Drama Co. presents "The Mayor's Mouth," a live cooking show, at the Chopin Theater, 1543 W. Division Ave., as part of the Around the Coyote Festival. Saturday's show is at 7pm and features Harold Washington's Favorite Desert (sic) Bars and David Orr's Chicken with Mushrooms.

Wicker Park March and Rally

Mayor Daley and Alderman Flores along with CAPS members (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategies) and Wicker Park/Bucktown residents will be meeting at 10:30 am at the Wicker Park Field House (just south of North Ave. on Damen) to help raise community awareness about the sexual assaults that have taken place over the past few months.

Brazilian Independence Day

Celebrating Brazilian Independence Day, Chicago Samba will perform a variety of styles of the most popular Brazilian popular song styles, old and new, including Samba, Bossa Nova, Olodum, Forro, Choro, Pagode and Batucada. The Independence Day celebration at Hothouse is the only Brazilian Festival in the Midwest. In its fifth year, the festival is dedicated to education, presentation and promotion of Brazilian culture to Brazilians who reside in the Midwest and also to those with an interest in Brazilian and international cultures. The program will also include a demonstration of Capoeira, a marriage of dance and martial art rooted in Brazilian colonial times, Portuguese poetry and Brazilian food.

Hideout Block Party

Summer may be unofficially over, but there's still some outdoor fun to be had! The Hideout Block Party features a heapin' helpin' of great local (Andrew Bird, Waco Brothers, Kelly Hogan, various Poi Dogs) and imported (Erase Errata, Demolition Doll Rods, the Dirtbombs) musical entertainments. There's even a kids' stage with Twang Bang! Proceeds benefit Tuesday's Child, PLAY, and Alejandro Fund. Festivities occurring in and around the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, Chicago, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 am.

The Mayor's Mouth

Based on a 1989 cookbook featuring favorite recipes of Chicago mayors, the I-80 Drama Co. presents "The Mayor's Mouth," a live cooking show, at the Chopin Theater, 1543 W. Division Ave., as part of the Around the Coyote Festival. Friday's show starts at 1am -- so really it's on Saturday -- and features Michael Bilandic's Fried Chicken and Jane Byrne's Mysterious Snow Birds.

Hideout Block Party

Summer may be unofficially over, but there's still some outdoor fun to be had! The Hideout Block Party features a heapin' helpin' of great local (Andrew Bird, Waco Brothers, Kelly Hogan, various Poi Dogs) and imported (Erase Errata, Demolition Doll Rods, the Dirtbombs) musical entertainments. There's even a kids' stage with Twang Bang! Proceeds benefit Tuesday's Child, PLAY, and Alejandro Fund. Festivities occurring in and around the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, Chicago, from 5-10 pm.

Media Monopoly Protest

Chicago Media Action, Independent Press Association, and Chicago's National Organization for Women will be gathering protesters at Tribune Plaza (435 N. Michigan Ave) today from 5-6 pm. The FCC's new Media Ownership Rules go into effect today. For more information about the new rules, or to find out how you can help convince Congress to repeal the legislation, go to www.reclaimthefcc.org.

Unemployment Jam 2003

Been laid off? Otherwise unemployed? Pabst Blue Ribbon wants to party with you! PBR presents UNEMPLOYMENT JAM 2003 in SmartBar, 3730 N. Clark Street (below Metro). "New wave, no wave, disco, post-punk and all out dancefloor mayhem with djs Common Factor, Justin Long, Josh Werner, Brad Owen and DJ Misa." Free if you bring a pink slip or unemployment check, $5 for all you folks with jobs. 21 and over, doors open at 10pm. More info here.

Chicago Underground Film Festival

The 10th Annual Chicago Underground Film Festival runs August 27 through September 2 at the Landmark Century Center Cinema, 2828 N. Clark. This year's highlights include "Scrabylon" (about -- no shit -- the "cutthroat world of tournament Scrabble"); documentaries on Rockets Redglare, Tribe 8, and feminist porn; "Value-Added Cinema," a 45-minute montage of product placement shots from 70 films; NewCity film critic Ray Pride's piece on the antiwar protest that shut down Lake Shore Drive; plus all the odd, experimental, and non-commercial stuff you just won't see anywhere else.

Tickets are $9.25 for evening screenings, or buy a five-show pass through ticketweb for $30. Metromix has the full schedule.

Chicago Underground Film Festival

The 10th Annual Chicago Underground Film Festival runs August 27 through September 2 at the Landmark Century Center Cinema, 2828 N. Clark. This year's highlights include "Scrabylon" (about -- no shit -- the "cutthroat world of tournament Scrabble"); documentaries on Rockets Redglare, Tribe 8, and feminist porn; "Value-Added Cinema," a 45-minute montage of product placement shots from 70 films; NewCity film critic Ray Pride's piece on the antiwar protest that shut down Lake Shore Drive; plus all the odd, experimental, and non-commercial stuff you just won't see anywhere else.

Tickets are $9.25 for evening screenings, or buy a five-show pass through ticketweb for $30. Metromix has the full schedule.

International Toy and Game Fair

The Chicago International Toy and Game Fair gives everyone a chance to check out, try and buy the next generation of, well, toys and games. Pick up that hot new toy for Christmas before anyone even knows what it is! In the Navy Pier Festival Hall and other locations throughout the Pier, August 30 through September 1. Admission is $5 per person or $10 per family; double those prices for a weekend pass. Copious additional information at the official site.

Upcoming