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Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
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November 2005

« October 2005 | Front Page | December 2005 »

New Orleans benefit @ Neo-Futurarium

The Neo-Futurists present a benefit for the citizens of New Orleans tonight at 8:00 at the Neo-Futurarium (5153 N. Ashland, at Foster). The evening will feature works by ensemble members (including selected plays from the longest running show in Chicago theater history, Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind) and performances by local musicians and spoken-word artists. Admission is $10, and all proceeds will benefit the New-Orleans-based charity Community Labor United.

Leonard Kniffel @ the Chicago Authors Room

As a part of the November Author Series at the Harold Washington Library Center, Leonard Kniffel, editor of American Libraries magazine, will discuss and sign his new book, A Polish Son in the Motherland: An American's Journey Home. In this colorful and lovingly written memoir, Kniffel travels back to Poland searching for a connection to the life his grandmother left behind when she came to America. What results is a fascinating look at life in contemporary Poland and a poignant glimpse into a family's past. At 5:30pm in the Chicago Authors Room at Harold Washington Library Center, 400 South State St. Call 312-747-4050 for more information.

Country Music @ The Hideout

If you want to hear some of that good ole country music, head on down to The Hideout tonight for three great acts. Starting at 8:30pm, and for only $7, see Gin Palace Jesters, Hardscrabble, and Deanna Varagona. Best deal on music on a Wednesday night. Oh, man.

Separation of Church and State Panel @ Goethe-Institut

Panelists discuss the different ways conservative religious groups approach the division between church and state in Germany and the United States. 6 PM, 150 N Michigan, Suite 200. Free, but email meierotto [at] chicago [dot] goethe [dot] org or call 312-263-0472 to make a reservation. For more information, visit the website.

WIRED 'Taste of Design' Event

WIRED magazine presents 'Taste of Design', some sort of random event where you'll get free alcohol and complimentary hors d'oeuvres, and all you have to do is look at cool stuff. Take in the most sophisticated, well-designed technology of the year, while listening to a live DJ and imbibing complimentary Bombay Saphire cocktails (That's the stuff you pass over for the 7.99 Gordon's, brah). The skinny: 6:30 - 8:30 PM at Enclave, 213 W. Institute Place. To attend, please reply to bombay_rsvp@wiredmag.com or call 212.286.4996. Complimentary valet parking is availible, and you gotta be 21, dude.

International Night (Columbian) @ The Map Room

The Map Room's weekly catered dinner brings you a taste of Columbia, courtesy of Lincoln Avenue's Pollo Volador (expect mesquite-roasted chicken and plantains). A two-drink minimum buys you a trip to the buffet, a good deal made even more reasonable by this month's special of $3 pints of Two Brothers' Heavy Handed IPA. 7 PM. Call 773-252-7636 for more information.

DJs Damon & Derby @ Cultural Center

Now, this is something I'd never expect to see -- the Chicago Cultural Center is hosting DJs Damon and Derby for a live performance with video by Psymbolic Visual Communications. DJs...Cultural Center...it's blowing my mind just the teensiest bit. The free set goes on at 7:30pm in the Claudia Cassidy Theater at 77 E. Randolph and is part of the Department of Cultural Affairs' "ohm" performance series. Call 312-744-6630 for more information.

Legal Issues Involved in Google Book Search

Evan Brown of InternetCases.com joins faculty members of the John Marshall Law School to discuss the legal issues surrounding Google's latest (and possibly most controversial) offering, Book Search. The talk will take place at noon; the campus is located downtown at 315 S. Plymouth Court.

The WestTown Gallery Hop

On Saturday, November 19, the galleries of the WestTown Gallery Network open their doors for a day long gallery walk, or as they call it, a "hop." Man, artists sure are weird. Anyway, viewers who visit all six galleries will be eligible to participate in a raffle to win a drawing by Chicago artist Eric Lebofsky. Start with Fraction Workspace at 12pm for mimosas and treats, then visit Booster and Seven, Corbett vs. Dempsey, and 40000, and end up at Lisa Boyle Gallery and Western Exhibitions for the raffle at 5:30pm. More info is availible here.

Café Society @ MCA

The Public Square of the Illinois Humanities Council is sponsoring an evening at the Museum of Contemporary Art, including a tour of the Tropicalia exhibit, a lecture on cultural hybridity, and a Café Society discussion. This free event starts at 5:30 PM. 220 E. Chicago Ave. For more information, and to make a reservation, email events [at] thepublicsquare [dot] org or call 312-422-5580.

Chick Lit Panel Discussion

Gapers Block's Anne Holub moderates a panel discussion of "Chick Lit" tonight from 7:30pm to 9pm at Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St.
From "Bridget Jones' Diary" to "The Devil Wears Prada," we've all seen so-called Chick Lit end up on the New York Times Bestseller List time after time -- but what exactly constitutes a Chick Lit book? Should readers consider Chick Lit "serious" literature, or something to be found next to Fabio-clad covers in the airport bookstore? Are Chick Lit books the publishing industry's most popular guilty pleasure? Panelists include:
- Cris Mazza, UIC professor and coiner of the term
- Nina Barrett, Women & Children First
- Jessa Crispin, editor of Bookslut.com
- Erin Shea, author of Tales from the Scale

It's free; more info here.

Gordon Thomas doc @ Film Center

The latest Outsider Music documentary at the Siskel Film Center screens this evening. Everything's Coming My Way details the musical career of Gordon Thomas, a former big-band trombonist who's written 200 songs that are simple yet catchy, and described by the Film Center's blurb as "kind of musical folk-art". Everything's Coming My Way has its Chicago premiere this evening at 5:15 PM at the Film Center, and directors D. Stacey DeWolfe and Malcolm Fraser will be in attendance. If you can't make this evening's screening, the film will also be shown on Thursday, December 1 at 8:00 PM. Tickets: $9, $7 for students, $5 for Film Center members, and $4 for SAIC students. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Fetish Fair and Marketplace

Do you have a fetish? Sure we all do. Now you have your own place to buy the tools of the trade at The 4th Annual Leather SINS Midwest Holiday Fetish Fair & Marketplace. The event is Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the "Purple Hotel" in Lincolnwood (corner of Touhy and Lincoln). Last Years Event drew close to 600 kinky folks from all over the Midwest. Goody Bags with free samples of WET will be given to the first 500 attendees.

The Machine: "Post-Thanksgiving Bloated Fun"

The Machine presents "Post-Thanksgiving Bloated Fun," featuring music
from Sally, Fetor and Daniel Knox and readings from Emerson Dameron,
Eric Lab Rat, Matt LaPorte and Brandon Wetherbee. At the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., tonight at 9:30pm. Tickets are $7 at the door, and it's 21 and over.
Check themachinemedia.com for more info.

Sexy Holiday Burlesque

Join the lovely Girlie-Q Variety Show performers for this month's sexy show: the Ho Ho Holiday Follies. These super-seductive acts will jingle your bells and jelly your cranberries, if you know what we mean. Head on down to the HotHouse at 31 E. Balbo on Sunday, November 27. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8pm. Tickets are ONLY $10.

Chicago Human Rhythm Project

The Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park is hosting the Chicago Human Rhythm Project. With more than just individual artists, the project is showcasing a number of international tap repertory companies while celebrating fifteen years of traditional and new rhythm dance. This performance features Brazil's Vata Tap and Japan's The STRiPES. Call 312-334-7777 for ticket prices and reservations. Saturday and Sunday at 8pm.

Triptophane: A Post-Turkey Hip Hop Showcase and Reading

MAKE: A Chicago Literary Magazine presents "Triptophane: A Post-Turkey Hip Hop Showcase and Reading" tonight at Gunther Murphy's, 1638 W. Belmont Ave. The evening features performances by Terreign1 and Urbanized Music, readings by poet Marvin Tate and novelist Aaron Michael Morales, a book raffle and more. Doors open at 9pm, show starts at 10pm; 21 and over. $7 suggested donation.

Andrew Bird @ Logan Square

Recover from the holidays and/or the relatives with the violin-driven goodness that is Andrew Bird. He plays two shows tonight at the Logan Square Auditorium: the first with Sam Prekop, the second (now sold out) with Head of Femur.

Rogue Wave In-Store at Reckless

Winding down their year of touring with the likes of The Shins, TV on the Radio, and Helio Sequence, current Sub Pop wunderkinds Rogue Wave will be filling Reckless Records' Milwauke Avenue location with their special brand of melancholic pop. Show starts at 6pm; Reckless Records, 1532 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

Barbarella @ Music Box

Ah yes, Barbarella. Your chance to see Jane Fonda in a series of revealing (but not TOTALLY revealing) costumes while she travels the galaxy, meeting all sorts of exciting people (most of whom she has, uh, relations with). Barbarella plays at the Music Box at midnight tonight and tomorrow. Music Box: 3733 N. Southport. (773) 871-6604.

Chicago Human Rhythm Project

The Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park is hosting the Chicago Human Rhythm Project. With more than just individual artists, the project is showcasing a number of international tap repertory companies while celebrating fifteen years of traditional and new rhythm dance. This performance features Brazil's Vata Tap and Japan's The STRiPES. Call 312-334-7777 for ticket prices and reservations. Saturday and Sunday at 8pm.

Adult. Afterparty @ Lava

After Adult.'s show with Genders at the Logan Square Auditorium, head over to see the punctuated electroclash duo dj their own afterparty at Lava, located at 859 N. Damen Avenue. 21+, no cover, and hosted bar from 9-11. Adam Dorfman also scheduled to dj. Asymmetrical haircuts optional, but highly encouraged.

Holiday tree lighting @ Daley Plaza

Yep, it's the day after Thanksgiving, so obviously it's time to start preparing for Christmas! Stop by Daley Plaza this evening at 4:00 PM to enjoy a program of holiday music. At approximately 5:00, the Chicago Holiday Tree will be lit. Happy holidays!

Indo Jew Bowl VI

The village of Skokie hosts the sixth annual gridiron meeting of "the two most dominating Super-Powers," the Indo Jew Bowl. Sikh and Semite alike don fantastic jerseys and go head-to-head to establish who the pillars of the community really are. It all goes down at noon at Niles North High School, with a canned-food drive and t-shirt sales to benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina.

72nd Annual State St. Thanksgiving Parade

Sure, you could watch it in the comfort of your home on channel 7, but you could also head out to State St., from Congress to Randolph, and see the parade for yourself. From 8:30-11am, the parade will run through downtown and will feature bands, floats, local theater performances and more. It's free and you can't beat that. Call 312-781-5681 for more information.

Ripley’s Game @ the Istituto Italiano di Cultura

As part of a series of films set in Italian villas designed by Andrea Palladio, Liliana Cavani’s 2002 Ripley’s Game is showing tonight at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura at 6 PM. The series is sponsored by the Chicago Humanities Festival in conjunction with Witold Rybczynski’s 6 November lecture on “The Perfect Houses of Andrea Palladio.” 500 N Michigan Ave., Ste. 1450. Film screenings are free, but call 312-822-9545, x200 for reservations. For more information, click here (pdf).

Christkindlmarket @ Daley Plaza

The 10th annual Christkindlmarket returns to Daley Plaza today and continues through December 22. This open-air market offers plenty of holiday shopping, live traditional Bavarian glassblowing, entertainment through the day and, of course, a visit to Santa for the kids. The market is open from 11:00 to 4:00 today; see the City of Chicago's Website for a complete schedule and full details on this event.

Wedding Crashers @ Brew & View

Celebrate family togetherness and give thanks by spending the evening at The Vic watching movies and drinking beer. That's right, Brew & View at the Vic will show Wedding Crashers (helloooo, Mr. Vaughn) and Into the Blue (helloooo, Ms. Alba) at 8pm and 10pm respectively tonight.

Third Coast International Audio Festival

This year's winners of the Third Coast Festival competition in audio documentaries will be broadcast today on Chicago Public Radio between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Among the subjects of this year's winning documentaries: a woman in her 40s who decides to adopt after waiting years for the right partner; Nelson Mandela's struggle against Apartheid in South Africa; and the struggle of a Maine coastland town to deal with a 60-ton dead whale. If you miss the broadcast today, the program will be aired on Sunday, November 27th, between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

DJ Funk and Paul Johnson @ Logan Square Auditorium

Things get ravey at the Logan Square Auditorium with a huge lineup featuring house, techno, jungle, and more. The full roster includes DJ Funk, Paul Johnson, Danny The Wildchild W/ MC Kid Entropy, Delta 9, Paul Anthony, Submerge101, Monologic, Johnny Love, Steve Christian, and more. 2539 N. Kedzie, 9pm, $15, 18+.

Derrick Carter @ Zentra

Derrick Carter plays some classic and new school house for the "Put the Needle on the Record" House Arrest party at Zentra. Frank Solano and Chris Santiago open, and Hiroki and Sativa host the Hip-Hop room. Hosted cocktail reception from 9-10pm. 923 Weed St, $5 10pm - 12am with RSVP, $10 12 - 1am with RSVP, 21+.

Superjane Night Before Thanksgiving Soiree @ Smartbar

It's time again for the annual Superjane Night Before Thanksgiving Soiree at Smartbar, with DJ Heather, Colette, Lady D, and Dayhota. These ladies keep the place groovin' till closing time at 4am. 3730 N. Clark, $10 before 11pm, $15 after 11pm, 21+.

The Lovehammers @ Metro

If you kept up with Rock Star: INXS over the summer, you already know how talented Marty Casey is. This is your chance to see him with his band, The Lovehammers, at the Metro before he sets off on tour opening for the newly reformed INXS. Tickets are $16 and the doors open at 6pm for the 6:30pm show. Redshirt, Blackmaker and Blackout perform as well. Buy your tickets online or visit the Metro store, at 3728 N. Clark, to get them in person and bypass that Ticketmaster fee. The Metro is located at 3730 N. Clark. Call 773-549-0203 for more information.

Opening: Mike Royko Papers @ Newberry Library

The Newberry Library is displaying a collection of recently acquired Mike Royko papers and artifacts. Donated by Royko's widow Judy, the Library hopes the collection will help generate interest in Royko's work and Chicago journalists and journalism. On display through January 14. The Newberry Library is located at 60 W. Walton. Call 312-255-3700 for more information.

Traveling in the Third Reich @ Goethe-Institut

As part of a presentation (in English) on the new anthology Reisen ins Reich, actress Pamela Pascoe reads from memoirs by Christopher Isherwood, Virginia Woolf, and others who described their experiences traveling in Germany between 1933 and 1945. This free event starts at 6 PM, 150 N Michigan, Suite 200. Call 312-263-0472 or click here for more information; email crane [at] chicago [dot] Goethe [dot] org to make a reservation.

Latke/Hamantash Debate @ U of C

University of Chicago professors put their intellects on the line as they argue the relative merits of the potato pancake v. the triangular pastry. Free, but for $5 you can sample both at the reception afterwards. 7:30 PM, Mandel Hall, 5706 S. University Ave. For more information, click here.

Laurie Anderson @ AIC

Glen Ellyn native and performance artist Laurie Anderson presents The End of the Moon, a piece created out of her experience as NASA’s first artist-in-residence, in Fullerton Hall tonight at 7PM. 111 S Michigan. Tickets, which cost $50 (AIC members and students) and $65, are available by calling 312-575-8000 or clicking here .

Frank McCourt @ Lookingglass Theater

Memoirist Frank McCourt (Angela’s Ashes) talks with Victoria Lautman about his new book Teacher Man at 11:45 this morning as part of the Writers on the Record series broadcast on WFMT (98.7 FM). 821 N. Michigan. Call 312-832-6788 to reserve seats for this free event.

Chicago Human Rhythm Project

The Museum of Contemporary Art, at 220 E. Chicago Ave., is hosting the Chicago Human Rhythm Project. With more than just individual artists, the project is showcasing a number of international tap repertory companies while celebrating fifteen years of traditional and new rhythm dance. This performance features Brazil's Vata Tap and Los Angeles's Jason Samuels Smith of ACGI. Tickets are $25 general admission, $22 for students and MCA members, and can be bought by calling 312-397-4010. The performances will go on Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 8:30pm and Sunday at 3pm.

Laurie Anderson @ AIC

Glen Ellyn native and performance artist Laurie Anderson presents The End of the Moon, a piece created out of her experience as NASA’s first artist-in-residence, in Fullerton Hall tonight at 7PM. 111 S Michigan. Tickets, which cost $50 (AIC members and students) and $65, are available by calling 312-575-8000 or clicking here .

Cloud Cult @ Abbey Pub

Minnesota Band, Cloud Cult will perform in Chicago on Sunday, November 20th at Abbey Pub, located at 3420 W Grace St. (phone: 773-478-4408). The show begins at 9pm and is 21+ and $7 in advance or $9 at the door. Also on the bill will be Kid Dakota and The Lesser Scene. Since it's release in June of this year, Cloud Cult's Advice From the Happy Hippopotamus has been nominated for Pop Album of the Year by the Minnesota Music Awards, lauded by reviewers from Pitchforkmedia, Time Out New York, PopMatters.com and many others, and received national radio play, debuting on the college radio charts as the #3 most added record, just under Coldplay and the White Stripes.

Go Veggie's TurkeyLess Thanksgiving Banquet

Go Veggie is hosting a turkey-less Thanksgiving dinner at Garden Manor Banquets, 4720 W. Armitage Ave. The evening will feature two menu options -- a vegan Thanksgiving-style dinner and a raw foods meal -- as well as a book signing by Dr. Joel Fuhrman, author of Eat to Live and a raffle. Tickets to the 4:30pm dinner are $40 for Go Veggie members, $45 for non-members. Call 773-871-7000 for more information.

Grand Re-Opening: Checkerboard Lounge.

The first club opening of its kind in more than 25 years, the legendary Checkerboard Lounge officially re-opens in Hyde Park’s bustling Harper Court at 5201 S. Harper Court on Friday, November 18, 2005 as the New Checkerboard Lounge for Blues ‘N’ Jazz. An impressive cast of Chicago blues and jazz performers will perform at the new club during a weekend-long grand re-opening celebration starting Friday, November 18 through Sunday, November 20, 2005. Open to the public, an alternating line - up of blues and jazz musicians are scheduled to perform from 9:30 p.m. through 2:00 a.m. starting on Friday, November 18 through Sunday, November 20, 2005.

Chicago Human Rhythm Project

The Museum of Contemporary Art, at 220 E. Chicago Ave., is hosting the Chicago Human Rhythm Project. With more than just individual artists, the project is showcasing a number of international tap repertory companies while celebrating fifteen years of traditional and new rhythm dance. This performance features Brazil's Vata Tap and Los Angeles's Jason Samuels Smith of ACGI. Tickets are $25 general admission, $22 for students and MCA members, and can be bought by calling 312-397-4010. The performances will go on Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 8:30pm and Sunday at 3pm.

Edith Frost CD release party @ HotHouse

Chicago singer-songwriter (and close personal friend of GB) Edith Frost plays a show tonight at the HotHouse in celebration of her brand new CD on Drag City, "It's a Game". Show starts at 9:00 PM, it's a 21+ show, tickets are $12, and can be purchased at the HotHouse site. HotHouse: 31 E. Balbo. (312) 362-9707.

Banana King #3 Release Party @ The Book Cellar

The Banana King is celebrating the release of its third issue with wine and readings at The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Avenue. The reading begins at 7pm and features A.B. Drea, Robert Biedrzycki, Anne Elizabeth Moore (Punk Planet), Larry O. Dean, and Elizabeth Crane (When the Messenger Is Hot). Call The Book Cellar at 773-293-2665 for more details.

Lampo presents German experimental artist Stephan Mathieu

Lampo presents Berlin-based experiemntal artist Stephan Mathieu for his Chicago debut. His performance, "Radioland," is a suite of computer-processed live AM radio, accompanied by a fast, random video flicker of 256 colors.
The event is $12 and kicks off at 9pm on Saturday November 19th, at 6ODUM (2116 West Chicago Avenue). Read more about Mathieu at Lampo.org

Five and Dime Comedy Hour

The 5 & Dime Comedy Hour is not your average sketch show. The 5 & Dime Comedy Hour = Megan Bell, Molly Hale, and John Pattavina. These three consider themselves old souls and their comedy comes from a love of "old-timey" pop-culture and painful loneliness. The show is directed by WNEP's infamous Don Hall. This is not the same sketch show you've seen where the lights come up, and punch line occurs and the lights go down. 5 & Dime has orchestrated a night of absurdist theatre that will thrill those new to and veterans of sketch comedy.
Saturday nights @ 11pm, November 5th - December 17th @ The Trapdoor Theatre , 1655 W. Cortland St. (In Bucktown behind Jane's restaurant) 10$ and BYOB! $5 for improvisers

IWPA Book Fair

The Illinois Women's Press Association is holding a book fair from 10am-3pm at the Chicago Cultural Center. More than just a way to sell books, the fair will also have authors and publishers speaking about their new books and will feature special guest speaker June Skinner Sawyers who, among other contributions, lectures on the humanities at the Newberry Library. 78 E. Washington St. in the Randolph Cafe and Garland Meeting Room. Call 312-744-6630 for more information.

826CHI Film Screening: As Smart as They Are

As Smart as They Are is a documentary about "the collaboration between McSweeney's Brooklyn house band One Ring Zero and an ensemble cast of award-winning authors who contributed original lyrics." The film explores relationship between music and literature and features One Ring Zero, Dave Eggers, Myla Goldberg, Amy Fusselman and more. Tonight's 826CHI screening will be at 7:30pm at Thorne Auditorium, 750 N. Lakeshore Drive, and requires a $9 admission. Proceeds from this event benefit 826CHI. Buy your tickets here or call 773-772-8108 for more information.

Meet The Weasley Twins/Charity Potter Screening

Ok, this is perhaps my favorite of the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire hooplah. The Chicago Bulls are sponsoring a private screening of the newest Potter film today at noon. The proceeds from the ticket sales and silent auction (starting at 11am) will go to their charitable foundation CharitaBulls. Plus, as an added bonus, you can meet-and-greet the actors who play the Weasley Twins (James and Oliver Phelps). Plus, unlimited soft drinks and a "special Hogwarts menu" to snack on. Tickets are $25 for individuals or $75 for a family pack and can be purchased online (dowload a PDF here) or by phone (312) 455-4000. This event is at 1001 W. 75th Street, Woodridge, IL.

Grand Re-Opening: Checkerboard Lounge.

The first club opening of its kind in more than 25 years, the legendary Checkerboard Lounge officially re-opens in Hyde Park’s bustling Harper Court at 5201 S. Harper Court on Friday, November 18, 2005 as the New Checkerboard Lounge for Blues ‘N’ Jazz. An impressive cast of Chicago blues and jazz performers will perform at the new club during a weekend-long grand re-opening celebration starting Friday, November 18 through Sunday, November 20, 2005. Open to the public, an alternating line - up of blues and jazz musicians are scheduled to perform from 9:30 p.m. through 2:00 a.m. starting on Friday, November 18 through Sunday, November 20, 2005.

Chicago Human Rhythm Project

The Museum of Contemporary Art, at 220 E. Chicago Ave., is hosting the Chicago Human Rhythm Project. With more than just individual artists, the project is showcasing a number of international tap repertory companies while celebrating fifteen years of traditional and new rhythm dance. This performance features Brazil's Vata Tap and Los Angeles's Jason Samuels Smith of ACGI. Tickets are $25 general admission, $22 for students and MCA members, and can be bought by calling 312-397-4010. The performances will go on Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 8:30pm and Sunday at 3pm.

York Radio Club

The Elmhurst-based York Radio Club will hold its monthly meeting tonight at 8pm at the Elmhurst Fire Department Training Facility, 910 N. Addison Ave., two blocks south of Grand Avenue and one block west of York Road. This month's meeting will feature a presentation on SATERN (Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network) and its involvement in emergency communications following Hurricane Katrina. The event is free; check www.yorkradioclub.com for more information.

King's X @ Martyr's

Illinois native Doug Pinnick brings his criminally ignored band, King's X, to Martyr's on November 18th. King's X, for the uninitiated, are a thinking man's rock band without the prog-rock grandiosity. Oh, and VH-1 voted them one of the Top 100 Hard Rock Bands of All Time. Having been to most of their Illinois shows, rest assured, I'll be camping out to be front and center.

Classical Indian Music @ UofC

Tonight at 7:30pm, The University of Chicago Divinity School hosts the "Spirit of Banaras Tour," a performance of classical Indian music featuring Rabindra Goswami & Ramchandra Pandit on sitar & tabla. The concert is at Swift Hall, 1025 E. 58th St. Free for U of C students, $10 suggested donation for everyone else. Sponsored by the Divinity School and South Asia at Chicago; for more info, email south-asia-outreach@uchicago.edu or call 773-702-8635.

Christmas Around The World @ MSI

The Museum of Science and Industry presents its 64th annual Christmas Around The World festival, which features more than 50 Christmas trees decorated to reflect ethnic traditions from around the world, as well as daily programs of dancers and musicians from various cultures that will celebrate the winter holidays. The program starts today and runs through January 8 of next year. The program is free with admission to the museum; see the museum's site for full details. Museum of Science and Industry: 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive. (773) 684-1414.

Grand Re-Opening: Checkerboard Lounge.

The first club opening of its kind in more than 25 years, the legendary Checkerboard Lounge officially re-opens in Hyde Park’s bustling Harper Court at 5201 S. Harper Court on Friday, November 18, 2005 as the New Checkerboard Lounge for Blues ‘N’ Jazz. An impressive cast of Chicago blues and jazz performers will perform at the new club during a weekend-long grand re-opening celebration starting Friday, November 18 through Sunday, November 20, 2005. Open to the public, an alternating line - up of blues and jazz musicians are scheduled to perform from 9:30 p.m. through 2:00 a.m. starting on Friday, November 18 through Sunday, November 20, 2005.

Studs Terkel @ Women & Children First

And They All Sang: Adventures of an Eclectic Disc Jokey is a collection of a half century of Studs Terkel's interviews. Included in the collection are his conversations with Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Louis Armstrong and Leonard Bernstein. At 7:30pm tonight, you can hear Terkel discuss the book, and the time he spent as a DJ, at the incomparable Women & Children First. 5233 N. Clark St. Call 773-769-9299 for more information on the free reading.

Minutemen doc @ Film Center

We Jam Econo: The Story of The Minutemen returns to the Siskel Film Center this week, and if you missed the documentary when it played earlier this year, now's your chance to see the story of The Minutemen, one of the most amazing punk bands of the early 1980s. Lots of performance footage during the band's short career, and interviews with the surviving members. Great stuff. The film screens this evening at 8:00 PM. Tickets: $9, $7 for students, $5 for Film Center members, and $4 for SAIC students. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Tony Fitzpatrick @ Book Cellar

Not only will local artist Tony Fitzpatrick sign his book tonight, one his original etchings will also be auctioned off to benefit the Red Cross. In The Wonder: Portraits of a Remembered City Volume 1, Fitzpatrick uses drawing-collages to detail parts of his personal history as well as that of Chicago. The Book Cellar is hosting the signing and auction at 7pm, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-293-2665 for more information.

Powell's North Reading Series

The Powell's North Reading Series continues today at 7pm with readings from Shannon Mullally, Philip Jenks and Elizabeth Treadwell. The free series, which aims to pair an established writer with one or two emerging local writers, takes place each month at 2850 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-248-1444 for more information.

Don Giovanni @ the Istituto Italiano di Cultura

As part of a series of films set in Italian villas designed by Andrea Palladio, Joseph Losey’s Don Giovanni is showing tonight at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura at 6 PM. The series is sponsored by the Chicago Humanities Festival in conjunction with Witold Rybczynski’s 6 November lecture on “The Perfect Houses of Andrea Palladio.” 500 N Michigan Ave., Ste. 1450. Film screenings are free, but call 312-822-9545, x200 for reservations. For more information, click here (pdf).

Local Authors Night @ Book Cellar

The Book Cellar, wonderful home to the GB Book Club, is holding their own Local Authors Night. The night will feature readings with and signings by Aldo Alvarez, Beatriz Badikian-Gartler, Dan McGuire, Mary Anne Mohanraj and Ted Villaire. Free, 7pm, at 4736 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-293-2665 for more information.

Writers on Growing Up in the Midwest

Growing Up Mid: Writers on Growing Up in the Midwest is a free event taking place at Project Space of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Growing Up Mid features local writers reflecting on the experience of growing up in the Midwest. The event is scheduled to include writing and performances by Scott Barsotti, Nicolette Bond, Gwendolyn Whiteside, Emile Ferris, Aaron Plasek, Manda Aufochs Gillespie, Rebecca Leib, and Allison Gruber. Project Space is located at 847 West Jackson Blvd., and this free event begins at 7pm. Call 312-563-5162 for mroe information.

Ozu's Tokyo Story @ Film Center

The Siskel Film Center presents the 1953 film Tokyo Story, as part of their retrospective of Japanese director Yasujiro Ozu. Considered one of the greatest films of all time, Tokyo Story shows the visit of an elderly couple to the city in which their children live. How they are treated during this visit, and how the family deals with a tragedy after the visit, makes the movie a thoughtful meditation on generational differences between family members. The film screens this evening at 6:00 PM. Tickets: $9, $7 for students, $5 for Film Center members, and $4 for SAIC students. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Jerry Lewis @ the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium

As a part of the November Author Series at the Harold Washington Library Center, Entertainment legend Jerry Lewis will discuss and sign his new memoir, Dean and Me: (A Love Story). This candid memoir examines the tumultuous yet productive relationship that developed between Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin during their 10-year partnership as they became a national sensation. Please Note: Mr. Lewis will only be signing copies of his book. He will not be signing any other items such as memorabilia. Harold Washington Library Center 400 South State Street, 312-747-4050

Site Unseen @ Cultural Center

Tonight only! A site-specific art installation and performance evening at the Chicago Cultural Center. Local artists will use materials, sound, media installation and live performance for just one night of works that "contract, contort, amplify and shift the viewers' experience of the Chicago Cultural Center's existing architectural space." Artists include Dolores Wilber, Chremos/Rosenthal Dance Theater, Aimee Lee, Joan Dickinson, M.W. Burns, and many others (see the website for a full list). Site Unseen takes place tonight (only!) from 6-9pm at 78 E. Washington Street, Chicago and is free.

Rec Room: Now See This

Reconstruction Room's usual series of acting, reading and music performances takes an interesting turn as their latest show, Now See This," features the poems, wordplay and short pieces on the history deaf and hard of hearing writers, performed in American Sign Language. Held at the YWCA at 360 N. Michigan Ave., 8th Floor, the 7-9pm show suggests a $3 donation. Email recroomers[at]gmail[dot]com for more information.

Derek Walcott @ AIC

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Poetry Day, the Poetry Foundation presents Nobel Prize winner Derek Walcott, reading from new work tonight in AIC’s Fullerton Hall at 6 PM. Tickets are $10 ($5 for students and seniors) and can be purchased from the Poetry Foundation by calling 312-787-7070.

Selfhood & Neighborhood in Chicago Literature

Dr. Bill Savage of Northwestern University is giving a lecture titled, "Viaducts and Railroad Tracks: Selfhood and Neighborhood in Chicago Literature from Dreiser to Dybek." Part of the East-West Perspectives lecture series, Savage (yes...Dan's brother) will give the talk in the Fourth Floor Auditorium at East-West University, 816 S. Michigan Ave. The reception starts at 6:30pm and the free lecture begins at 7pm. Call 312-939-0111 for more information.

Nate Berkus @ Borders

I'll admit it -- the first thing that comes to my mind when speaking of Nate Berkus is rrrrowr! But the second thing is that I'm always impressed by Nate's accomplishments and I would love to have him decorate my home. Regular contributor to the Oprah Show and O, The Oprah Magazine, the interior designer and decorator discusses his book Home Rules at Borders Michigan Ave. tonight. The free in-store event starts at 7pm. Call 312-573-0564 for more information.

The Most Powerful Voice in America

The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform is holding a media conference to discuss the ways broadcasters cover local candidates and elections. Entitled "The Most Powerful Voice in America: How Candidates & Votes Speak to Each Other Through the Media," the conference is open to the public with a $20 registration fee. Speakers include Newton Minow, Carol Marin, Gloria Tristani and more, with an adress by Senator Dick Durbin. The panel discussion starts at 8:30am at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St. Call 312-335-1767 for more information.

The2ndHand @ MCA

Part of the Literary Gangs of Chicago, The2ndHand stops at the Museum of Contemporary Art for a special reading. Featured writers include Anne Elizabeth Moore, Mickey Hess and The2ndHand's editor and publisher Todd Dills. 6:30pm at 220 E. Chicago Ave. Call 312-280-2660 for more information.

Bike Winterization Workshop

West Town Bikes, a community bicycle workshop space, is holding a workshop for bike winterization from 7 to 10 PM. Basic supplies and hardware are included, but bring your own fenders, lights, and other accessories (discounts are available from Boulevard Bikes). $15 donation requested. 2418 W. North Ave. (Enter through the back from the alley just off Artesian.) Class size is limited. Email westtownbikes [at] yahoo [dot] com by 9 November to register.

Poetry Center: Ana Castillo/Carlos Cumpian

The Poetry Center of Chicago's 33rd Annual Reading Series continues with Ana Castillo and Carlos Cumpian tonight at 6:30 pm in the loop. Head over to the School of the Art Institute Ballroom, 112 S Michigan. Admission is $10, $8 with a student ID and free for Poetry Center members and SAIC students, faculty and staff. Ana Castillo recently published a play and a novel in verse. Carlos Cumpian is the editor of March Abrazo Press. Castillo and Cumpian will read from their work, answer questions from the audience and sign books. Limited edition Poetry Center letterpress broadsides featuring a poem by Ana and Carlos with artwork by Marcos Raya will be available at the event. Tickets will be available at the door.

GB Book Club with Wendy McClure

This month's meeting of the Gapers Block Book Club takes place tonight at The Book Cellar at 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., where we will be discussing I'm Not the New Me by Wendy McClure. But, this month we are having a very special conversation with the author, as Wendy McClure joins us to discuss her book. So don't miss it! The meeting begins at 7:30pm, and new members are always welcome. Plus, join the book club email list for news, updates and alerts about future meetings.

Salman Rushdie @ DePaul Merle Reskin Theater

Salman Rushdie is giving the closing lecture at the Chicago Humanities Festival today at 5 PM. If you didn’t get a ticket yet, you still have a chance to buy one by going to the theater box office at 3:30. 60 E. Balbo Drive. For more information, visit the website.

American Indian Center 52nd Annual Powwow

The American Indian Center of Chicago is holding their 52nd Annual Powwow at the UIC Pavilion, 1150 W. Harrison St. There will be 500 dancers from across the country as well as a dance competition, traditional Native American music and over 60 Native American art vendors offering their wares. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children, with a weekend pass costing $18. Tickets are available at the UIC Pavilion Box Office and at the door. Advance and group sales can be bought by calling 773-763-5140. Call 773-275-5871 for more information.

Flower 15 Venus/Chord Party

Venus, a great independent music magazine, is hosting a party at Rodan featuring DJ Franki Chan, Parag, Celestronica and Shoogyboom. The event is free and lasts from 9pm-2am. Rodan is located at 1530 N. Milwaukee Ave and you can call 773-276-7036 for more information.

EarthSave Chicago Potluck

Holiday eatin' can be great, but you have to admit, it's kind of geared towards the meat eaters. EarthSave Chicago is an organization that promotes a shift toward diets that are healthier for both people and animals and they're giving lessons on how to make a vegan Thanksgiving. Chicago Diner Chef Jo Kaucher will demonstrate with a menu of roasted veggie turkey, stuffing and gravy, cranberry relish and raw soup. The potluck goes on at 6:30pm at Resurrection Lutheran School, RAP Classroom, 1050 W. School St. All you have to do is bring a favorite vegan dish to share, along with a serving utensil and a place setting. Call 708-531-8910 for more information.

Minutemen doc @ Film Center

We Jam Econo: The Story of The Minutemen returns to the Siskel Film Center this week, and if you missed the documentary when it played earlier this year, now's your chance to see the story of The Minutemen, one of the most amazing punk bands of the early 1980s. Lots of performance footage during the band's short career, and interviews with the surviving members. Great stuff. The film screens this evening at 5:00 PM, and again on Thursday the 17th at 8:00 PM. Tickets: $9, $7 for students, $5 for Film Center members, and $4 for SAIC students. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Phalanx Network Intro Party

The Phalanx Artist Network, a new organization hoping to energize Chicago's arts and entertainment scene, is throwing an introductory party at Smartbar, 3730 N. Clark St., tonight from 8pm to 10pm. Drink specials at the bar, free apps around the place, assumably music -- tickets are $12 in advance. 21 and over.

Robot Contest @ MSI

ChiBots will be holding its fall Autonomous Robots Competition from noon to 3pm today at the Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive. Events include Advanced Line Following, Mini Sumo, and Robot Talent Show. Get more information at the ChiBots website, or watch this video.

Windy City Rollers Tourney

Catch some hot roller derby action this Sunday, November 13 at the Congress Theatre. Playing for the Rollers' league championship are The Fury and Double Crossers. And playing for the hell of it? Hell's Belles and Manic Attackers. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. The show starts at 6 p.m. with doors at 5 p.m. Buy your tickets online now!

Just Good Art

The Hyde Park Art Center is holding their annual benefit auction, entitled "Just Good Art." Combined with a live auction, the benefit includes work by over 100 artists and the proceeds go toward the Center's exhibition and education programs. Everything starts at 7:30pm with tickets set at $25 for members and $30 for non-members. The Hyde Park art Center is located at 5307 S. Hyde Park Blvd. Call 773-324-5520 for tickets and information.

Billion Dollar Babes Sample Sale @ Skylight Studios

Register with Billion Dollar Babes by 11 November to confirm your attendance at this mega-sample sale, which offers high-end designer merchandise at 50 to 80 percent off retail. 1956 W Grand. The shopping starts at 8 AM and continues till you drop, or 6 PM, whichever comes first.

The Santa Abductions @ Neo-Futurarium

The Neo-Futurists present their first holiday show, The Santa Abductions, written and directed by Neo-Futurist Sean Daniels. The director promises evil puppet elves, musical numbers, and a tale of the extremes that people will go to for a happy holiday. The show opens tonight and runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM through December 23rd. Tickets are $15 ($10 for students and seniors), or pay-what-you-can on Thursday nights. See the Neo-Futurist Website for more information on the play and to purchase tickets. Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). (773) 275-5255.

American Indian Center 52nd Annual Powwow

The American Indian Center of Chicago is holding their 52nd Annual Powwow at the UIC Pavilion, 1150 W. Harrison St. There will be 500 dancers from across the country as well as a dance competition, traditional Native American music and over 60 Native American art vendors offering their wares. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children, with a weekend pass costing $18. Tickets are available at the UIC Pavilion Box Office and at the door. Advance and group sales can be bought by calling 773-763-5140. Call 773-275-5871 for more information.

Opening: Phoenix @ Johnsonese Gallery

The Johnsonese Gallery is holding an opening reception for "Phoenix," a show the celebrates the gallery's transition to a bigger and better place. Featured local artists include Joey Wozniak, Elizabeth Tyson, Joseph Innocenti, Doug Goessman, John Gibbs and Wade Chandler. Join them from 6-9pm tonight as they rejoice in their new location. 2149 W. Armitage Ave., 773-252-8750. "Phoenix" runs through December 24.

Jeffrey Sfire, Eliot Lipp and South Side Hitmen @ Tini Martini

Tonight brings a very special installment of Your Formula Life: Meiotic's biweekly Saturday night at Tini Martini. GB staffer Atomly battles Johnny Love as the South Side Hitmen. Hefty artist and former Chicagoan Eliot Lipp brings his unique lo-fi "hip-hop sampladelia," while Jeffrey Sfire plays as Menergy, dropping obscure Italo, electro, and Hi-NRG hits that get everyone's ass moving. 2169 N. Milwaukee, 21+, free before 11, $5 afterwards.

Ozu's Tokyo Story @ Film Center

The Siskel Film Center presents the 1953 film Tokyo Story, as part of their retrospective of Japanese director Yasujiro Ozu. Considered one of the greatest films of all time, Tokyo Story shows the visit of an elderly couple to the city in which their children live. How they are treated during this visit, and how the family deals with a tragedy after the visit, makes the movie a thoughtful meditation on generational differences between family members. The film screens this afternoon at 3:00 PM, and again on Wednesday the 16th at 6:00 PM. Tickets: $9, $7 for students, $5 for Film Center members, and $4 for SAIC students. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Alterations Clinic @ Dame Couture

At $70 the class will cost you a little, but you'll likely make up for it in all the saved tailoring costs. From 9am-12pm, Dame Couture is holding an Alterations Clinic and will teach all the tailoring basics, from taking up a hem to pulling in a waist to making an ill-fitting shirt just right. You should have some sewing know-how and be comfortable using a sewing machine. Sign up online or call 773-463-2162 to save your spot. Dame Couture is located at 4316 N. Elston Ave.

Bluebirds Used to Croon @ Quimby's

Celebrating the release of Bluebirds Used to Croon in the Choir, Quimby's is hosting a slew of the anthology's authors tonight at 8pm. On site to read from the book will be Joe Meno, Megan Stielstra, Johnathan Messinger, Anne E. Moore and Susannah Felts, with music by Stephanie Morris. The free reading takes place at 1854 W. North Ave. Call 773-342-0910 for more information.

Pottersville launch party

A launch party and booksigning for Pottersville, a new book by local author Alfonso Mangione, at Gourmand Coffeehouse, 728 S. Dearborn, from 7pm to 10pm. The book will be available for $15, slightly cheaper than direct from Lulu.

Fast Forward Film Fest Screening

Come check out the latest crop of Fast Forward Film Festival shorts tonight at 8pm at Open End Gallery, 2000 W. Fulton St., This round's theme is "about growing up." It's $5, BYOB, and seating is limited to 100 people -- so get there early! More info here.

Noisy Outlaws: A Lemony Snicket Event

In six cities -- San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Ann Arbor and Chicago -- adults and children will gather with their 826 chapters to celebrate Noisy Outlaws. The book is a collection of stories for young adults, written by the likes of Nick Hornby, Neil Gaiman, Kelly Link, Lemony Snicket and more. On the inside of the book's dust jacket is an unfinished Snicket story for which children everywhere have the opportunity to provide an ending. Here, local authors Joe Meno and Anne Elizabeth Moore will be on hand to help the children in this endeavor. Snicket himself will also appear by satellite in all six cities to give advice to his ghost-writers. Free and open to all at 2pm, 1331 N. Milwaukee. Call 773-772-8108 for more information.

World on a String @ Chicago Cultural Center

From 10 AM to 4 PM today, the Bead Society of Greater Chicago presents beadwork demonstrations and a film. Demonstrations of beadwork, embroidery, and bead crochet begin at 10 AM. World on a String, which begins screening at 12 N, is a wide-ranging documentary about the impact of beads on human social development and history. A discussion with filmmaker Diana Friedberg will follow the first installment at 1:30. The documentary’s second episode will screen at 2 PM. 78 E Washington Street. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.

Marshall Field's store windows unveiled

This morning at 8:30, the Marshall Field's store at 11 North State Street unveils its holiday window displays. This will be the last holiday season that Marshall Field's will be in existence (the stores will be converted to Macy's next year), so there's probably going to be a big crowd there to experience the thrill of the final Field's window displays. A unique Chicago event that you won't want to miss.

Documentary Filmmaking Class

How cool is this? The University of Chicago’s Human Rights Center, along with its Truth in Motion retrospective of Chicago’s Kartemquin Films, is offering a free class in making documentaries this morning at 10 AM. Cobb Hall, 5811 S Ellis, 3rd floor. Click here to register for the class (required).

American Indian Center 52nd Annual Powwow

The American Indian Center of Chicago is holding their 52nd Annual Powwow at the UIC Pavilion, 1150 W. Harrison St. There will be 500 dancers from across the country as well as a dance competition, traditional Native American music and over 60 Native American art vendors offering their wares. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children, with a weekend pass costing $18. Tickets are available at the UIC Pavilion Box Office and at the door. Advance and group sales can be bought by calling 773-763-5140. Call 773-275-5871 for more information.

Opening: Suspicious Clowns 8

Tonight's opening of Suspicious Clowns' eighth original production takes place tonight at the Live Bait Theater, 3914 N. Clark St. The sketch comedy troupe goes on at 10:45pm. Tickets are $10 online and $12 at the door. Call 773-871-1212 for more information.

4Art Xclusive Group Show

It's month three of 4Art's six-month "Xclusive Group Show" and the gallery is holding their opening reception tonight from 6-10pm. The show gives a "first hand look into the creation and evolution of artwork, rotated each month, by over a dozen Chicago Artists." It's kind of like art in action. Or in evolution, as the case may be. Special guests include artist Josh Moulton, musician Phil Circle on the guitar and Agnieszka Kulon with a live artist performance. 4Art is located at 1932 S. Halsted #100. Call 312-850-1816 for more information.

Media Uprising

Beyondmedia is celebrating their 5th year of positively influencing the city while training women and youth during media arts workshops. This catered event will feature a multimedia installation demonstrating the wonderful things they have accomplished. It will be hosted by local burlesque emcee Teena Angst and they will also launch the website Women and Prison: A Site for Resistance as well as a silent auction and raffle with many items by Chicago's top restaraunts, hotels, and shops. Tickets are $60 ($35 tickets are available to low-income attendees) each or $500 for a table. Visit their website or call 773-973-2280 to reserve a ticket. The event takes place tonight froom 6:30-9:30 at Roosevelt University Congress Lounge, 430 S. Michigan.

Derek Plaslaiko and John Acquaviva @ Smartbar

Tonight marks the return of Derek Plaslaiko, the ex-Detroit (now NYC) DJ that obliterated the Your Formula Life crowd at Tini Martini in August. He shared the bill with John Acquaviva, whose monthly residency at Smartbar gets the crowd moving every time. Expect everything from classic house to new acid tracks to bleepy techno, to electro and everything in between. 3730 N. Clark, 21+, $10 before 12 am, $15 after 12am.

Opening: Marwen Alumni Group Show

Marwen, an art gallery dedicated to providing creative opportunities to "Chicago's under-served youth," is holding their opening night reception for The Alumni Show. Participating artists include Nicole Briggs, Wendy Melgar, Matthew Reedy, and many more. The free reception is from 5-8pm and the show will run through December 7. Marwen is located at 833 N. Orleans St. Call 312-944-2418 for more information and be sure to check out the website to learn more about their cause.

Golub: The Late Works Are the Catastrophes @ Film Center

The University of Chicago’s Human Rights Center is presenting Truth in Motion, a series of screenings of documentaries produced by Chicago’s Kartemquin Films in the past 35-plus years. Tonight’s free screening of a documentary about artist Leon Golub, which starts at 8 PM, is cosponsored by the Public Square of the Illinois Humanities Council. The film will be introduced by critic Stuart Klawans of The Nation and followed by a panel discussion with the film makers. At the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N State Street. For more information, visit the website. To make reservations (recommended) call 312-422-5580 or email events [at] thepublicsquare [dot] org .

Truth in Motion: Labor and Deindustrialization

The University of Chicago’s Human Rights Center is presenting Truth in Motion, a series of screenings of documentaries produced by Chicago’s Kartemquin Films in the past 35-plus years. Tonight’s free screening, which starts at 7 PM, features two short documentaries about unions and one about the last days of the Pullman factory. At the University of Chicago Film Studies Center, Cobb Hall. 5811 S Ellis Avenue. For more information, visit the website.

Lucky Plush @ Chicago Cultural Center

As part of the Chicago Cultural Center’s About Dance series, Lucky Plush will perform an excerpt from its full-length work Lulu Sleeps. This free event takes place at 6 PM. 78 E Washington Street. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.

Casanova ’70 @ the Istituto Italiano di Cultura

As part of a series of films set in Italian villas designed by Andrea Palladio, Mario Monicelli’s Casanova ‘70 is showing tonight at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura at 6 PM. The series is sponsored by the Chicago Humanities Festival in conjunction with Witold Rybczynski’s 6 November lecture on “The Perfect Houses of Andrea Palladio.” 500 N Michigan Ave., Ste. 1450. Film screenings are free, but call 312-822-9545, x200 for reservations. For more information, click here (pdf).

Short Movie Moments Benefit @ T’s

Join Chicago Scriptworks in celebrating its achievement of tax-exempt status at this benefit featuring readings of several short screenplays. Admission is free; a portion of the proceeds from purchased food and drink will support Chicago Scriptworks’ next season. 7 PM at 5025 N. Clark. For more information, visit the website.

President Jimmy Carter @ Borders

President Jimmy Carter stops by Borders Michigan Ave. to discuss his book, Our Endangered Values. The book focuses on Carter's concerns with conservatism and the religious right and he writes on the way his own faith shaped his moral vision. The free in-store event is at 12:30pm, 830 N. Michigan Ave. Call 312-573-0564 for more information.

The2ndHand #18 Release Party

This 2ndHand issue release party also introduces a new series in which "windy city fiction writers will spin stories of life under the banner of neverending war." Featured writers include Anne Elizabeth Moore, Mike Nowacki, Daniel Buckman, Brian Costello and The2ndHand's own Todd Dills. Come to the Hungry Brain, 2319 W. Belmont, at 8:30pm to see it all happen. Call 773-935-2118 for more information.

The Earrings of Madame De... @ DOC Films

Screening at 7pm tonight in the "Crumbling Old Aristocracies" series is Max Ophuls' masterpiece The Earrings of Madame De.... The 1953 film charts no fewer than four purchases of the titular earrings, which circulate through a small group of Vienna society folk and come to symbolize the empty romance and cheap emotions found therein. The film also features noted director Vittorio de Sica in a starring role. The film screens at the Max Palevsky Theatre, 1212 E. 59th St; for more information, see the DOC Films website.

Panel Discussion on Women in Architecture @ the Chicago Architecture Foundation

At 6 PM this evening, three of the architects featured in the current CAF exhibit 5 Architects discuss women’s evolving role in the profession. John Buck Company Lecture Hall Gallery at the ArchiCenter, 224 South Michigan. This event is $15, or $5 for members of the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Call 312-922-3432, x266 for reservations or click here.

Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar @ Chicago Cultural Center

F. Wasifuddin Dagar performs the ancient Indian classical music called Dhrupad, intended to foster peaceful contemplation, at 7 PM this evening in Preston Bradley Hall. Free. 78 E Washington Street. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.

Radio Plays @ the Chicago Cultural Center

The AFTRA/SAG Senior Radio Players are dedicated to “keeping alive the uniqueness of radio as the theater of the imagination." At tonight’s performances of Life with Luigi (a sitcom about an Italian immigrant to Chicago) and Gunsmoke (a western), you’ll have a chance to see sound effects people, as well as usually invisible actors, at work. At the Claudia Cassidy Theater in the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington Street, 7 PM. For more information, call 312-573-8081 or see the website.

David Ebenbach book reading @ The Book Cellar

Drue Heinz prize winner, David Ebenbach will be reading at the Book Cellar in Lincoln Square on November 9 at 7:00 PM. He'll be reading from a collection of short fiction for which he won this esteemed prize.

Garry Wills @ Harold Washington Library

Historian Garry Wills will discuss his new book, Henry Adams and the Making of America in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium this evening at 6 PM. 400 S. State Street. For more information, call 312-747-4050 or visit the website.

Jonathan Kozol @ Rockefeller Memorial Chapel

The author of Shame of the Nation will discuss the de facto apartheid of American public schools this evening at 7 PM. Free. 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave. For more information, call 773-752-4381 or visit the website.

Experience War: A Vietnam Veteran's Story

Vietnam Veteran and Evanstonian Rick Davis will give a talk tonight at the Evanston Historical Society. Discussing such things as life in a combat zone, the reality of war versus politcal rhetoric and his personal experiences during his two tours in Vietnam, the talk promises to offer some heavy insight into the period of time much romanticized by younger generations. The talk is from 7-9pm and is $5 for general admission, free to EHS members. Reservations are not required, but they are recommended -- call 847-475-3410 to save your spot. The Evanston Historical Society is located at 225 Greenwood St.

A Feast for Crows Release Party @ Book Cellar

The Book Cellar is holding a release party for George R.R. Martin's lastest book, A Feast for Crows. In honor of the fourth in his Song of Ice and Fire series, the celebration will include appetizers, Raven beer and 20% off the cover price of the new book. It happens tonight at 6pm, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-293-2665 for more information.

Dulce Pontes @ Chicago Cultural Center

Portuguese singing star Dulce Pontes gives a free concert in Preston Bradley Hall this evening at 7 PM. 78 E Washington Street. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.

Scott Turow @ NU Thorne Auditorium

As part of the Chicago Humanities Festival, Scott Turow makes an appearance tonight at Northwestern's Thorne Auditorium to discuss his new novel Ordinary Heroes. The fiction story was inspired by Turow's own father's experiences in World War II. Tickets are $5 to the 7-8pm event. You can buy them online or call 312-661-1028 for more information. The Thorne Auditorium is located at 375 E. Chicago Ave.

Witold Rybczynski on Perfect Houses

Witold Rybczynski, Professor of Urbanism at the University of Pennsylvania School of Design, speaks on “The Perfect Houses of Andrea Palladio” today at 3 PM. This event is sponsored by the Chicago Humanities Festival and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura; tickets are $5 in advance at $6 at the door. 111 South Michigan Avenue. For more information, call 312-494-9509 or visit the website.

The Sampler @ Hideout

Seredipity Theater comes to the Hideout with The Sampler: "One DJ. Two bands. Three stories. A whole lotta lovin'." Featuring the works of Elizabeth Crane, Lauren Pesca and Megan Stielstra and the music of DJ White Russian, Cleary & the Mainstream and the Low Down Brass Band. Adam Belcuore and Matt Miller host. Admission is $10 at the door, 21+. Call 773-227-4433 for more information.

Hat Tea @ Fairmont Hotel

As part of Falling Head First, Chapeau is hosting a tea honoring Raymond Hudd, Chicago’s reigning hat maker for more than 50 years. A special presentation begins at 2 PM. Call 312-565-8000, x6151 or x6358 to make reservations and mention “Chapeau Afternoon Tea.” For more information, visit the website.

Palestinian Dance Troupe @ Harris Theater

The Ibdaa dance troupe, a group of Palestinian dancers from the Dheisheh Refugee Camp in the West Bank, perform modern theatrical dance with traditional Palestinian storytelling methods. The troupe will be performing at the Harris Theater in Millennium Park this evening at 7:00 PM. Proceeds from this performance benefit the Ibdaa Cultural Center in Dheisheh. For more information, visit the Harris Theater site or call the box office at (312) 334-7777.

Turntablist workshop @ Old Town School

The Old Town School of Folk Music presents the latest in a series of workshops designed to give students a brief introduction to a musical style or dance method. This afternoon, it's the return of the highly popular Turntablist workshop, taught by Danny the Wild Child, a battle DJ who has performed with DJ Qbert. There will be a lecture portion, after which you'll get to work on basic techniques on the wheels of steel. Bring a notebook and a tape recorder. The workshop runs from 1:00 PM to 4:50 PM, costs $30, and will probably fill up quickly, so sign up now! Old Town School of Folk Music: 4544 N. Lincoln. (773) 728-6000.

Women Below the Belt

Tonight is Early to Bed's first class designed especially for the guys (and only guys -- no women allowed). The workshop will tackle the fascinating topic of female pleasure. Starting with sexual anatomy, it'll cover tips & techniques for better oral, manual and penetrative sex, as well as using sex toys and honing your communication skills. Early to Bed is at 5232 N. Sheridan Rd. The workshop is $10, and is 18 and over. Pre-registration is requested: call 773-271-1219 or email workshops@early2bed.com. More info here.

826CHI Adult Seminar: Travel Writing

826CHI is offering their first adult seminar on travel writing. Joining the group will be Don George, the Globe Travel Editor for Lonely Planet Publications, John Vlahides, a contributor to several Lonely Planet volumes, Carolina Miranda, a reporter for Time and China Williams, a Lonely Planet author. The 4-6pm event is free but requires your reservations; make them by emailing rsvp[at]826chi[dot]org or call 773-772-8108 for more information. 826CHI is located at 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Image Union short films @ Music Box

Image Union, the long-running film showcase on Chicago PBS station WTTW, presents a program of short films from its 28-year history. The films screen at the Music Box Theatre tonight at midnight. See the Image Union site for more details. Music Box: 3733 N. Southport. (773) 871-6604.

Introduction to Cheese Workshop

Mon Ami Gabi presents an Introduction to Cheese workshop, educating "novice cheese lovers" about the world of French cheeses. The learning comes straight from the experts and is led by Sofia Solomon, president of a respected Chicago cheese importer and distributor. The workshop lasts from 12-2pm and covers everything from the history and principles of cheese making to proper tasting techniques to French wine pairings. It's $30 to participate and reservations are required. Call 773-348-8886 for more information and to save your spot. Mon Ami Gabi is located at 2300 N. Lincoln Park West.

Hat Soiree @ Chicago Athletic Association

As part of Falling Head First, Chapeau is hosting a soiree featuring the designs of Milliner’s Guild members and their guests beginning at 6 PM. Try on more than 200 hats and meet the hatmakers. Crystal Room, 12 S. Michigan. This event is free, but requires an RSVP. Call 773-271-6351 or email info[at]chapeau[dot]us. For more information, call 773-271-6351 or visit the website.

Ozu film fest @ Film Center

The Siskel Film Center presents the return of their program of films by legendary Japanese director Yasujiro Ozu. The retrospective begins this afternoon with the screenings of the films Late Spring and The Lady and the Beard, and continues through the end of the month. Plenty of great films will be shown in the weeks to come, including the 1953 classic Tokyo Story, probably Ozu's most known film. Definitely worth checking out. See the Film Center Website for a complete schedule. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

DIY Trunk Show III

The third annual DIY Trunk Show, a craft fair that features handmade goods of all kinds, happens today at the Pulaski Park fieldhouse (1419 W. Blackhawk) from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Expect to see handmade cards, purses, jewelry, soap, stuffed toys, scarves, clothing, records and CDs... if it can be made, you'll probably find it here. See the trunk show's Website for full details, and a list of vendors that will be there. Also stop by the Gapers Block table to say hello to us, and keep an eye out for plenty of GB staffers and friends that will be selling stuff, working at the various events planned during the day, or helping out behind the scenes.

Poetry Reading and Artist-Poet Dialogue @ ARC Gallery

A reading of poems about art on exhibit at the ARC Gallery will be followed by a conversation between the poets and the artists as part of Poetic Dialogue Project 2005. The reading starts at 4 PM. 734 N. Milwaukee. Call 312-733-2787 for more information or visit the website.

Image Union short films @ Music Box

Image Union, the long-running film showcase on Chicago PBS station WTTW, presents a program of short films from its 28-year history. The films screen at the Music Box Theatre tonight and tomorrow night at midnight. See the Image Union site for more details. Music Box: 3733 N. Southport. (773) 871-6604.

Opening: Poetic Dialogue @ ARC Gallery

What do you call it when poets and visual artists collaborate? Cool! Ten women poets and artists from ARC Gallery together created Poetic Dialogue Project 2005. See the art at ARC Gallery through 26 November; check out the opening tonight at 6 PM. 734 N. Milwaukee. Call 312-733-2787 for more information or visit the website.

Opening: Grace Cole @ Fine Arts Building Gallery

Here’s a terrific excuse to wander around Chicago’s inspiring Fine Arts Building. The Fine Arts Building Gallery is hosting an opening reception for a new exhibit of carbon pencil drawings by member artist Grace Cole from 5 PM to 8 PM tonight. Take what might be the last manned elevator in the city to the 4th floor, or—better yet—take it up higher and soak up the artistic, musical, and choreographic vibes as you explore your way back down. 410 S. Michigan, Suite 433. For more information, call 312-913-0537, or visit the website.

Milliner’s Guild Lecture @ Chicago Cultural Center

As part of Falling Head First, Chapeau presents a short documentary on Chicago milliner Bes-Ben, produced by Ravenswood Media. After the documentary, fashion scholar Elizabeth Jachimowicz will deliver a slide lecture on the history and current state of Chicago millinery. Free. 6 PM, at 77 E Randolph. For more information, call 773-271-6351 or visit the website.

Art Opening @ International Museum of Surgical Science

Yes, you read that correctly. Alice Leora Briggs and Leigh Anne Lester display their interpretations of medical history with their respective shows "Graft" and "Family Portraits." Depicting historical medical procedures and genetic inheritances, the shows are the latest additions to the International Museum of Surgical Science's "Anatomy in the Gallery" series, showcasing "contemporary art with medical themes." The opening reception is from 5-7pm, $6 for regular museum admission and $3 for students and seniors. Admission to the reception is at no additional charge. 1524 N. Lake Shore Dr. Call 312-642-6502 for more information.

Dolph Smith: Book as Object

The Columbia Center for Book and Paper Arts presents Book as Object: A Lecture by Dolph Smith. While Smith is mainly an "image maker," tonight's lecture will explore the idea of the physicality of a book as the driving force of its content. Using windows, tubing, Plexiglass and wooden boards, he will "attempt to create movement without compromising the book's anatomy." The 6:30pm lecture is free and open to the public at 1104 S. Wabash Ave., 2nd Floor. Call 312-344-6630 for more information.

Chip Kidd @ Quimby's

Chip Kidd, book designer extraordinaire, will be signing his new book, Chip Kidd: Book One, at Quimby's, 1854 W. North Ave., tonight at 7pm. Free, other than the price of the book. More info here.

Dollar Store @ Hideout

It's not your usual brand of dollar-inspired literary debauchery. Tonight's Dollar Store is a Very Special Anniversary Show "in which the hosts stop torturing the audiences and just let the goodness happen without them." Featuring your usual hosts, Jonathan Messinger and Sean Gardner, the lineup also include Jeb-Gleason Allured, Christopher Piatt, Lisa Buscani and more. Also featuring the sounds of The Grackles and Pearly Sweets. It all happens at 9:30pm at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia. $7 cover for this special show. Call 773-227-4433 for more information.

826CHI Teacher's Happy Hour

The great people over at 826CHI invite Chicago area teachers and educators to their space for a Happy Hour and the opportunity to learn more about 826's programs. Over wine and appetizers you'll get to learn about the organization's field trips, in-schools support and after-school drop-in tutoring. 826 would also like to learn how they can support you during the school year. The free event goes from 3:30-5pm. RSVP at rsvp[at]826chi[dot]org or call 773-772-8108 for more information. 826CHI is located at 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Cheap 'n' Good Wines

While you're getting tipsy at this Chopping Block wine tasting, the Wine Goddess will tell you all about those affordable -- but still totally drinkable -- wines readily available. The seminar will be held at the Chopping Block's Lincoln Squre location on Lincoln south of Lawrence. Cost is $35.

Senso @ the Istituto Italiano di Cultura

As part of a series of films set in Italian villas designed by Andrea Palladio, Luciano Visconti’s Senso is showing tonight at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura at 6 PM. The series is sponsored by the Chicago Humanities Festival in conjunction with Witold Rybczynski’s 6 November lecture on “The Perfect Houses of Andrea Palladio.” 500 N Michigan Ave., Ste. 1450. Film screenings are free, but call 312-822-9545, x200 for reservations. For more information, click here (pdf).

German Architects on Sustainable Design

At 6 PM this evening, the Chicago Architecture Foundation is hosting a panel discussion on “Green Architecture in Germany.” Panelists include three German architects, the General Secretary of the Federal Chamber of German Architects, and a member of the Chicago Chapter of the US Green Building Council. John Buck Company Lecture Hall Gallery at the ArchiCenter, 224 South Michigan. This event is $15, or $5 for students and members of the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Call 312-922-3432, x266 for reservations or click here.

Chicago House music doc @ Film Center

If you missed the screening of Unusual Suspects, the documentary on Chicago House music, you've got a second chance tonight as the film screens at the Siskel Film Center tonight at 8:15 PM. Tickets: $9, $7 for students, $5 for Film Center members, and $4 for SAIC students. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Truth in Motion: Health

The University of Chicago’s Human Rights Center is presenting Truth in Motion, a series of screenings of documentaries produced by Chicago’s Kartemquin Films in the past 35-plus years. Tonight’s free screening, which starts at 7 PM, features two short documentaries and two excerpts related to the health care system. At the University of Chicago Film Studies Center, Cobb Hall. 5811 S Ellis Avenue. For more information, visit the website.

Secret Handshake @ Darkroom

Secret Handshake -- a t-shirt company offering designs like no other -- is holding yet another event at Darkroom, featuring new shirts by artists Thom Lessner and eThos. Past designs will be available for purchas as well. The event will also celebrate the release of Gil Mantera's newest CD, "Bloodsongs." The 9pm show is 21+ and requires $8 to get in. Darkroom is located at 2210 W. Chicago Ave. Call 773-276-1411 for more information.

Lesbian & Gay Film Festival Opening Screening & Reception

Reeling: the 24th Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival kicks off tonight with a screening of Summer Storm. The film is a coming-of-age story about best friends, hidden feelings and an openly gay rowing team. After the screening, head to Strega Nona for the opening night reception, featuring complimentary drinks and hors d'oeurves. The screening starts at 7:30 at the Music Box, 3733 N. Southport Ave., followed by the reception at Strega Nona, 3747 N. Southport Ave. Tickets for the screening and reception are $40 for Reeling members, $45 for non-members. Tickets to the screening only are $10 for members, $12 for non-members. Call 773-293-1447 for more information. (You can find a complete list of the festival's films and theater locations here.)

Happy Together @ DOC Films

DOC finishes up its series on director Wong Kar-wai with Happy Together, the 1997 film that won him the Best Director award at Cannes. The film features Tony Leung and Leslie Cheung as expatriates in Buenos Aires who are having an off-again, on-again affair. The film screens at 9:30pm at Max Palevsky Theatre, 1212 E. 59th Steet; for more information, call 773-702-8575 or visit the DOC Films website.

Crafty Culture Explained

Cinnamon Cooper (Gapers Block writer, DIY Trunk Show organizer, and Poise.cc owner), Alejandra Valera (poet, artist, and Gapers Block writer), Annie Tomlin (Time Out Chicago "Check Out" editor and craft expert) will discuss feminism, activism and how they affect the DIY craft movement. Annette Ferrara, cultural content provider and managing editor of Flavorpill.net, will moderate this panel tonight at the Film Row Cinema theater (1108 S. Wabash, 8th floor) from 6-8 pm. This discussion is being organized by Jane M. Saks and Audrey M. Mast of the Institute for the Study of Women and Gender in the Arts and Media at Columbia College.

Reading Under the Influence: Banned Books

The sixth round of RUI: Reading Under the Influence happens at Sheffield's tonight, 3258 N. Sheffield, 7-10pm. Tonight's theme is banned books for which the readers will select from books that were banned for one reason or another. Readers include Julia Borcherts, Rob Duffer, Amanda E. Snyder, Joe Tower and guest Beth Dugan. There is a $3 cover charge plus the chance the chance to win some books and drinks. Email thehotreadings[at]hotmail[dot]com for more information.

Lecture on Entheogenic Plants @ the Chicago Cultural Center

As part of the Intersections series at the Chicago Cultural Center, the Cultural Studies Program of Columbia College Chicago presents a lecture on “From Visionary Experience to Spiritual Life: Entheogenic Plants and Chemicals” tonight at 6 PM. To find out more about this free event, at which you get to learn what entheogenic means, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.

Wilco concert @ Auditorium Theatre

Wilco is doing its part for hurricane relief by headlining a benefit concert tonight at the Auditorium Theatre (50 E. Congress Parkway, between Michigan and Wabash). The proceeds benefit the New Orleans Musicians Relief Fund and the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans. See the band's Website for full details.

Erotic Power Play 101 @ Early to Bed

For those of you a little past Flirting 102, Erotic Power Play 101 at Early to Bed, 5232 N. Sheridan, will teach you the basics about BDSM and how it can enrich your sex life. It's open to men, women, and couples, and the instructor, Eve Minax, is a well-regarded Domina and sex educator. The workshop starts at 7:30 and is $10; you can make reservations at 773-271-1219.

Dorkbot

Dorkbot is a monthly-ish "meeting for people interested in doing strange things with electricity." Tonight the local chapter meets for an intro course on the Drupal content management system, and a preview of the upcoming Chibots autonomous robot competitions. It's free, and it's dorktastic! 8pm to 10pm at Deadtech, 3321 W. Fullerton Ave.

Underground Electronic Night

Check out undiscovered electronic music talent at Wake Up!, a new event held on the first Tuesday of the month at Sonoteque. Flavorpill says that Wake Up! features accomplished artists who are often lauded niche performers but slip under Chicago's cultural radar. Tonight's set features unmixed DJ sets by Brad Loving, Kumar Mc Millon and residents Kate Simko and Karl Meier.

Sonoteque is located at 1444 W. Chicago. The needle drops at 9 p.m. and the cost is just $3.

Mary Roach @ 57th Street Books

For a little bit of science with your Dia De Los Muertos, head to 57th Street Books at 1301 E. 57th Street at 7pm tonight to see Mary Roach (Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers) talk about her new book, Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife. In Spook, Roach's investigations into the afterlife take her from speaking with a reincarnation expert in India to attending a medium school in England to seeing what is allegedly a rare specimen of ectoplasm. See the Seminary Co-op website for more details.


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