Andrew WK @ Bottom Lounge

Andrew WK is ready to make you party hard when he brings his brand of good time rock to Chicago. He plays with The Locust, No Motiv and Fireball Ministry. At The Bottom Lounge, Fri. May. 14 - 7PM

Movieside Film Fest

See George Romero, Jack Hill, Rusty Nails' Acne @ the Movieside Film Festival May 14 - May 16 at the Biograph Theater (2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL)

Chicago Peace Jubilee

An Annual Celebration To Benefit American Friends Service Committee.

An enchanting evening of dinner, dancing, and festivity at the first annual Chicago Peace Jubilee, May 14th 2004 from 6:30 - 10:30 pm.

The event will bring together a diverse pool of supporters from across Chicagoland. Our guests will enjoy a catered dinner, jazz music, and the opportunity to participate in a silent auction featuring fun items donated by caring artists, businesses, and individuals.

The Jubilee will take place at Catalyst Ranch, 656 W. Randolph, Suite 3, Chicago. www.peacechicago.org/jubilee/index.php

The Saddest Music in the World @ Music Box

Canadian film-maker Guy Maddin has been celebrated for his disturbing and hilarious films that revive the silent-film era techniques of storytelling: stylized sets, grainy film stocks, tinted films and title cards. His latest film, The Saddest Music in the World, tells the story of a Winnipeg beer baroness (played by Isabella Rossellini) attempting to find the country that can provide the saddest music in the world. The film also stars Mark McKinney and Maria de Medeiros, and opens at the Music Box Theatre tonight. If you've never seen a Guy Maddin film before, here's your chance. Music Box Theatre: 3733 N. Southport. (773) 871-6604.

Le Vorris & Vox Circus

Le Vorris & Vox Circus presents "THE WORLD'S FAIR REGAINED" Come one and all to three FREE shows on May 14th and 15th on the Midway Plaisance, near 59th Street and Dorchester Avenue!

*See acrobats, jugglers, unicyclists, clowns, knife dancers and more! **Listen to a live and orginal score by P1xel and the Chronic Network! ***Enjoy a Midway-full of vendors and curiosities!

Friday May 14th, the fair opens 4pm, showtime 7pm.

Dogs on Damen

One of Chicagoland's biggest pet adoption events, Dogs on Damen (and Cats), happens this weekend at the Lincoln Park Savings Bank parking lot (4035 N. Damen). A number of local animal shelters will show up with their finest dogs and cats, ready to entice you into adopting them. They will also be taking donations of new and used towels to be used in the shelters (donations are tax deductible). Hours: 3-7pm today, 10am-2pm Saturday, 12-4pm Sunday. More information: 800/780-5886.

Chicago Botanic Garden spring plant sale

The Chicago Botanic Garden's 39th annual plant sale, A Bloomin' Sale, opens today (but only for members of the garden; see below). One of the most anticipated items for sale this year: the Orange Meadowbrite, an orange coneflower created by the garden that's been getting quite a bit of press lately. Gardeners, this is the place you want to be! Chicago Botanic Garden: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. Hours: 1:00PM to 7:00PM today (members only); 8:00AM to 10:00AM tomorrow (members only); 10:00AM to 3:00 PM, tomorrow and Sunday (general public). See the botanic garden's site for more information on the sale.

Theorizing Media in a New Millennium

Scholars at a University of Chicago conference titled Constru(ct)ing the Current: Theorizing Media in a New Millennium will explore why the media consider certain events historically significant, worthy of sustained coverage and commentary, while others generate little or no attention. What makes something qualify as a newsworthy event? Seymour Hersh delivers the keynote address at 4:15 p.m Friday. All events are free and at International House, 1414 E. 59th St.

Schadenfreude

The sketch comedy troupe Schadenfreude -- you may have heard their show on WBEZ Sunday nights at 8:30 -- performs at the Lakeshort Theater, 3175 N. Broadway, tonight and every Friday 'til June 25 at 11pm. The one-hour show showcases the group's unique brand of social and political satire. Tickets are $12, available at the door. Call 773/472-3492 for more info.

Can Ky Ree @ The Hideout

The Hideout presents Can Ky Ree tonight from 6–9 p.m. Can Ky Ree's songs are somewhere between an Appalachian ballad and a honkey tonk brawl, with a bit o' the new stuff mixed in. This Chicago group played background-style at the California Clipper before jumping into the studio recently to record some tunes. Tonight's lineup includes Tom Musick on guitar and vocals, Ryan Hembrey on piano, Steve Dorocke on mandolin and mandola, and Andy Rader on upright bass. The Hideout is located at 1354 W. Wabansia.