James McManus @ Border's

In 2000, Harper's magazine paid local author and Art Institute instructor James McManus a $4,000 advance to cover the World Poker Series in Las Vegas. Instead of merely covering the series, McManus decided to use his advance to enter the tournament. Tonight McManus reads from his highly-acclaimed book, Positively Fourth Street, that chronicles his adventures as he pitted himself against some of the world's best poker players. The reading takes place at the Borders at 830 N. Michigan Avenue at 7pm.

Partly Dave Show

Dave Awl's exciting cabaret experience, The Partly Dave Show, returns for your monthly dose of performance and spoken word. Tonight: The Way of the Worrier, an entertaining evening of anxiety and insecurity, featuring the furrowed brows of Andy Bayiates, Dan Kaufman, Gregg Shapiro, Venus Zarris and Christopher Piatt. Live music by Analog Radio. No Exit Café, 6970 N. Glenwood, 8 pm, $7 or whatever you can afford.

Crowning Glory

Are you fascinated with hats and other headgear? Then wear your favorite hat to the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.) tonight at 6pm for free admission to a one-of-a-kind fashion event to celebrate headcoverings across time and cultures. As well as traditional hats representing cultures as varied as a Korean wedding headpiece, a horned crown from Ghana, and Arabic veils you'll also get to see modern creations from artists like Nick Cave, Veronica Chin, Nina Joy Lichtenstein, Jo Jo Baby, and Ann Repp.