The Lucky Yates Talk Show.

The Lucky Yates Talk Show, a live talk show (minus the network) done by the Atlanta theater company Dad's Garage, comes into Chicago for a two-night stay at the Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland. Tonight's show features an interview with Cynthia Plaster Caster, performers from the Chicago Kings, and Neil Diamond cover band Noise Conspiracy. Show starts at 8PM, tickets are $6-10. Reservations: (773) 275-5255.

Kickin' It Old School

An evening of ten new ten-minute plays, each somehow related to education and school. Featuring GB contributor Kris Vire. Presented by the Brown Couch Theatre Company at the Piven Theatre, 927 Noyes St. in Evanston. 8pm. Call 312-409-2010 for ticket information. This opening performance will be followed by a reception at Prairie Moon, 1502 Sherman Ave. in Evanston.

Cinema Under the Stars: Bringing Up Baby

Evanston Art Center will be showing the Katherine Hepburn/Cary Grant classic Brining Up Baby -- as well as other video shorts by EAC video art students and faculty -- on an outdoor screen starting shortly after dusk. Bring a blanket and a snack and enjoy some great cinema under the stars! Evanston Art Center 2603 Sheridan Rd. Evanston, IL 60201 847/475-5300 evanstonartcenter.org $3 suggested donation for non-EAC members.

14th National Poetry Slam

The 14th National Poetry Slam team semi-finals are today. The individual finals are tonight at Metro. Three-day passes will be sold by the Chopin Theater, and cover can be paid at any of the individual venues the throughout the event.
Marc Smith, a construction worker in Chicago, started an audience-participated open mike poetry slam at the Green Mill in 1986. The format spread throughout the world. Now, all the top winners are going to be descending on Chicago beginning the first full week in Chicago to see who can give the best...um...oral slam down.