Venice Gas House Trolly Brings Beat

An all-acoustic Beat Jazz trio is coming to town, so get out your berets and black turtlenecks. Venice Gas House Trolly will be at Phyliss' Musical Inn tonight for a 9 p.m. set. Come see one of Madison's hottest musical items. Phyliss' Musical Inn is at 1800 W. Division St.

Lily Allen @ Metro

Lily Allen, known to most fans through her MySpace page (or perhaps through last year's Transmission feature on her music), makes a return to Chicago. She'll be at the Metro tonight as part of a very short US tour. Metro: 3730 N. Clark. (773) 549-0203.

Ctrl-Alt-Rock 2.0 @ Double Door

A certain non-Gaper's Block Chicago-centric website has its second music event at the Double Door. Featuring The Passerines, The Reptoids, The Ladies & Gentlemen, Farewell Captain, and DJ Tankboy. Thursday, February 8th, 9PM, $7, Double Door (1547 N. Milwaukee). More information, including how to score cheaper tickets here. Gaper's Block apparel available here.

Norman Mailer @ Borders

He's taken on subjects like Marilyn Monroe, Henry Miller and Jesus Christ, and now Norman Mailer is exploring Adolf Hitler. Boasting his new book about the tyrant, The Castle in the Forest, Mailer will be signing at the Borders, 830 N. Michigan Ave. at 7 p.m.

Panel: Do Video Games Help Kids Learn? @ Newberry Library

The MacArthur Foundation invites you to a panel discussion entitled "Do Video Games Help Kids Learn?" which will feature experts in digital media and education (Sasha Barab, Nichole Pinkard, David Williamson Shaffer, and Jonathan Fanton). The discussion will take place on Feb. 8 at 5:30pm at the Newberry Library (60 W. Walton).

You must RSVP by Feb 5 to rsvp@macfound.org or call (312) 516-1610.

World Dance Fusion @ Cultural Center

As part of Abondanza, a 3-day showcase of international dance, multiple dance companies perform works inspired by their diverse ethnic roots. In the Claudia Cassidy Theater at 7:30 PM. Free, 77 E Randolph. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.

Around the Coyote Opening Party @ the AtC Gallery

It's that time of year again. The Around the Coyote Winter Arts Festival kicks off tonight with a party at the weekend-long event's home base near the Milwaukee-North-Damen six corners. Curator selected work will be on display for a silent action and Las Palmas (which did an excellent job in the spring) will be catering as well as providing libations. DJs will spin, organizers will raffle off prizes and you can get a sneak peek at the artist's work on display for the weekend. $20; 8pm-12am @ the AtC Gallery; 1935 ½ W North Ave.

Knitflix: Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt @ Chicago Tourism Center

Bring your needles and yarn and knit while you watch the classic documentary about the AIDS Memorial Quilt. 6 PM. Free. 72 E Randolph. For more information, call 312-744-2400 or visit the website.