SAIC Undergrad Exhibition Opening Reception

The School of the Art Institute's 2005 Undergraduate Exhibition Opening Reception takes place tonight from 5pm to 8pm at the school's G2 gallery at 847 W. Jackson. It's free, and you better get there early, because it's hard to make it through three warehouse floors of amazing work by more than 280 young artists in that little time.

Eagles of Death Metal @ Bottom Lounge

Eagles of Death Metal, a side project by Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme, hit the stage at the Bottom Lounge tonight. Opening acts are Suffrajett and The Sleepers. Doortime is 10:00 PM, tickets are $10 (available for purchase at the Bottom Lounge site), and the show is 18+. Bottom Lounge: 3206 N. Wilton (near Belmont). (773) 975-0505.

Riviera CD release party @ Schubas

Glorious Noise presents a CD release party for the latest release on Glorious Noise Records: "At the End of the American Century" by Riviera. Opening for Riviera will be Quasar Wut-Wut (also on Glorious Noise Records) and Paper Airplane Pilots. The show starts tonight at 10:00 at Schubas; tickets can be purchased in advance at the Schubas site. If you want to hear the Riviera CD before the show, it's streaming live at the Glorious Noise site. Rock! Schubas: 3159 N. Southport. (773) 525-2508.

Chicago Force Season Opener

The Chicago Force is ready to make their 3rd season a winner, just like their previous two. If you wanna see a winning sports team in Chicago, head down to St. Rita's High School (79th and Western) today at 3pm. After the game you can head over to Hedgehogs (6915 Pershing Road, Stickney, Il) for a beer or glass of white wine with the team. If you can't make it to the game, you'll be able to get a webcast of the game at 7:30.

Cinnamon Cooper, GB staff member, will attend.

Chicago Horror Film Festival

Boo! The Chicago Horror Film Festival creeps into the 3 Penny Cinema. More horror films than you can shake a stick at (a SCARY stick!), plus a special appearance by Ari Lehman (you know, the original Jason from the Friday the 13th films). Tonight from 10pm to 2am, the line-up is An Evening With Ivan Gorsky, The Suffering: Static, Gay by Dawn, Fear of Clowns and Night Fangs. The festival runs through April 3rd; see the website for a full schedule and to purchase tickets.

Chicago Artists' Space and Housing Expo

More than 80 exhibitors, as well as workshops and seminars addressing the living and work space needs of artists and arts organizations, will be presented at the second annual Chicago Artists Space and Housing Expo. Co-sponsored by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and the Department of Housing, the expo will offer comprehensive information on topics such as home ownership, affordable housing, studio safety, investment property, health insurance, rehearsal and shared space, city codes and services and much more. This year’s expanded expo will offer information on buying tax delinquent properties, green design and more information on health insurance and City space initiatives for artists. Exhibitors and presenters will be drawn from art service organizations; government housing agencies; local community housing and housing counseling organizations; major banks and lending institutions; Chicago Association of Realtors and individual brokers who specialize in artists space; developers, construction firms and other companies that specialize in housing-related goods and services. A special category of exhibitors, Neighborhoods Seeking Artists, will showcase opportunities around the city. The expo takes place on Saturday, April 2; 10am - 4pm at various Locations at the Chicago Cultural Center at 78 E. Washington St., Chicago. Admission is free.