An Evening with Judith Owen

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

Tall Ships Parade

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

Amistad at Navy Pier

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

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