Siva Vaidhyanathan @ Borders

Author, teacher and blogger Siva Vaidhyanathan signs his new book, The Anarchist in the Library, at the Barnes & Noble in the Old Orchard shopping mall in Skokie tonight at 7:30 PM. The book takes a look at the effect the Internet is having on social, political and cultural futures. From peer-to-peer sharing to "The Phantom Edit," the author shows a number of ways that fast-moving technology is causing friction between the desire for anarchy and the desire for control. Check it out.

Live music @ Field Museum

The Field Museum presents "Play the Field," an evening of live music, as well as a look at its current exhibit "Splendors of China's Forbidden City." Performing tonight will be DJs Jay Prasad and Johnny Chaos and local funk bands Pala and Liquid Soul. The evening's events run from 6:00 to 11:00, and the exhibit will be open at 8:00. Tickets: $10 in advance, $15 at the door. This is a 21+ show. Field Museum: 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. (866) 343-5303.

Derek Plaslaiko @ Smartbar

Detroit's techno rockstar Derek Plaslaiko brings his own blend of cerebral techno, gritty electro, and body-jackin house to Smartbar. Joined by Jay Haze from Amsterdam, Matt Nee, and Johnny Love. 730 N. Clark, $5 before midnight, $8 after, 21+, 10pm.