Eugene Chadbourne @ Empty Bottle

Dr. Eugene Chadbourne, the legendary indie guitarist who's recorded music with everyone from They Might Be Giants to John Zorn, plays a free show tonight at 9:30 at the Empty Bottle. Opening acts: Goldblood and Mark Shippy of US Maple. Nobody plays guitar (or rake, or toaster) like Dr. Chadbourne. Highly recommended for appreciators of unusual music. Empty Bottle: 1035 N. Western. (773) 276-3600.

Barn dance @ Chicago Cultural Center

In conjunction with an ongoing exhibit, the Chicago Cultural Center presents The Rise & Fall of the National Barn Dance, a discussion of the "Barn Dance" radio program first hear on station WLS 80 years ago today. Vintage Barn Dance footage will be screened, and there will also be a performance by the Pine Valley Cosmonauts. The event starts at 7:30, and is is free and open to the public. Chicago Cultural Center: 77 E. Randolph.

John Tipton @ 57th Street Books

Come celebrate the publication of Surfaces, John Tipton's first full-length collection of poems with a reading and booksigning by the author tonight at 7pm at 57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th St. Call 773/684-1300 for more info.

Luciano Erba and Mark Strand Poetry Reading

As a part of the celebration for National Poetry Month (it's April, folks) Istituto Italiano Di Cultura and The Poetry Center present Italian Poet Luciano Erba and Mark Strand at 500 N. Michigan Ave, Suite 1450, on Monday, April 19, at 6 p.m. Hey, it's free poetry! Luciano Erba will present his latest collection of poems, The Hippopotamus, translated by Ann Snodgrass. Mark Strand will read from Erba's work and a reception will follow.

Braid is back

Emo-popsters Braid were mighty popular with the kids a few years back, playing shows everywhere. They were most beloved here in Illinois. While other members went on to start other projects successfully, fans and rumors abound wished for a Braid reunion. It is here. They've rebanded, started to compile and list dates starting with two shows in Champaign (their hometown!) and one in Chicago then going east. If you've been waiting for this, best get your tickets now — they're not doing this again. Keep up to date with the members on their long running weblog, Are You Wearing a Wire? or their new tour specific one.