International Women's Day Conference

The impact of US militarism on women in the US and around the world is the subject at this year's International Women's Day conference, featuring speakers, testimonials, discussion groups and breakfast -- a grand ol' time for a $5 donation. At UNITE, 333 S. Ashland, 9:30-4 pm. Sponsored by the Chicago Battered Woman's Network, Boricua Human Rights Network, 8th Day Center for Justice, the National Organization for Women, Peace Pledge-Chicago, Prairie Fire Organizing Committee, Puerto Rican Cultural Center, and UNITE.

File Not Found

Have you ever thought about combining improv with digital video, graphics and audio? The fine folks at The Breadline Lab Space (1801 W. Byron, 312/543-7920) near Lincoln and Byron have beat you to it. Check out their all ages show called File Not Found tonight beginning at 8 pm. Admission is $10 at the door.

Movieside @ Heaven Gallery

Back by popular demand are two of the main programs from the sold out Movieside Anniversary show! Jim Jarmusch's Favorite Shorts and Melvin Goes to Dinner (directed by Bob Odenkirk from Mr. Show) will both be screening at Heaven Gallery this Friday March 5 and Saturday March 6 at 8pm. If you missed either program, or just want to see it all again, it's well worth checking out. It's only $7, one admission for both! Visit the Movieside website for more details.

Tron @ Music Box

Jeff Bridges plays Kevin Flynn, a programmer who is sucked into a virtual world in which he must find the program TRON and help defeat Master Control. This cult Disney film from 1982 is being shown this weekend, along with perennial cult favorite The Rocky Horro Picture Show, at the Music Box Theatre as part of their Midnight Movies series. The Music Box is located at 3733 N. Southport Avenue. For ticket information call 773-871-6604.

Iron Chef Competition

Three audience members will be randomly chosen to participate in an Iron Chef Competition taday at the new Culinary Studio on the 7th Floor of the State Street Marshall Field's. Executive Chef Tim Scott will lead a panel of judges. The competition for this free event begins at 11am, and the winner receives free enrollment in cooking classes at the Studio plus a one-on-one session with one of the chefs at Field's.

New Black Record Release Show

Chicago's own New Black celebrate the release of their debut for Thick Records on Saturday, March 6 at the Fireside Bowl, 2648 W. Fullerton. They will be joined by Coachwhips (feat. a member of Pink and Brown), Call Me Lightning and Russian. Doors open at 8pm, all ages.

Real Ale Fest Real Food Tasting

Third and final day of the Fest's three-day event tops off with a blow-out at Goose Island in Wrigleyville.

DEPART-ment

The second, of hopefully many, DEPART-ment shows will take place this weekend at 2010 W. Fulton #310 (near Damen and a little south of Grand Ave.) Come see the wares of creatively independent crafters and artisans and support an effort to support individuals instead of questionable mass marketers of cheaply made goods. "Store" hours are from 11am to 5 pm.

Will Leitch Reading @ Beaumont

Will Leitch, managing editor of The Black Table (and former Illinoisian), is doing a reading/party/shindig to promote his new book, "Life as a Loser," at The Beaumont, 2020 N. Halsted, 8:30-11:30pm. $35 gets you the reading, kick-ass alternative dance DJ Arab Nite, and an open bar -- get your ticket in advance online. More information here.

Instruments of Movement: "Lifted"

Instruments of Movement presents "Lifted" at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn. 8pm. $20, $15 for students. Call 312/337-6543 for more information.

Museum of Broadcast Communications Garage Sale

Have you always wanted a framed production still of a "Cagney and Lacey" episode? How 'bout a large wall graphic of Fibber McGee and Molly? Now's your chance, friend! The Museum of Broadcast Communications is having a garage sale to raise money for its new building, scheduled to open in 2005. The sale will be held at the MBC's previous home, The Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, from noon to 8 pm.

File Not Found

A "multimedia improv review" by the Studio Z company. Breadline Lab Space, 1801 W. Byron. 8pm; $10 suggested donation. Call 312-543-7920 for more info.