Magnetic Fields @ Old Town School

The Magnetic Fields, that grand group of musicians headed by songwriting machine Stephin Merritt, plays for three nights at the Old Town School of Folk Music. If you are somehow able to rustle up a ticket for this performance, do not pass up the chance to see the show. Merritt and company always deliver a powerful show, and the performance space at the Old Town School is first-rate: small and intimate, each seat having an unobstructed view of the stage. Opening act: Andrew Bird. Show starts at 8:00. A highly recommended evening. Old Town School of Folk Music: 4544 N. Lincoln Avenue. (773) 728-6000. Also see the school's Website for further info.

The Partly Dave Show: The P Word

The Partly Dave Show, that clever melange of music, prose and performance hosted by Chicago author and actor Dave Awl, has a special additional performance this month at Dave's old haunt, the Neo-Futurarium. Tonight's theme: "The P Word" (as in "Pride"). Performances by current Neo-Futurists Sharon Greene and Jay Torrence, as well as a number of Partly Dave regulars and special guests, including musician Ellen Rosner. Admission is $7. All admissions benefit the ACLU's Gay and Lesbian Project. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland. (773) 275-5255.

Dyke March Chicago 2004

This year's Dyke March, an alternative to the well-established Pride Parade, is indeed happening today! The initial meet-up point is the Trumbull Elementary School playground at the corner of Foster & Ashland at 1:30. The march will start at 2:00, and participants will march across Foster, up Clark to Bryn Mawr, and east on Bryn Mawr to the lake, where there should be a rally portion of the event. Details are still sketchy at this point; keep an eye on the Website for more details.

Make your own Popsicle Stick Creation!

As part of the current exhibit of outsider art at Intuit, the gallery is offering a "Make your own Popsicle Stick Creation" workshop today at 1:30 PM. There will be one other workshop in the coming weeks: "Make your own Bottlecap Centerpiece" on July 31. Each workshop is $20 per person and includes materials. Call for reservations. Intuit: 756 N. Milwaukee. (312) 243-9088.

Pride Fest

The second annual Pride Fest celebrating Chicago's GLBT community takes place today at Halsted and Waveland. Live music, food and drink will be on hand from Noon to 9 p.m. Your $5 "donation" to join the fun benefits the Northalsted Area Merchants Association.

22nd Annual Strawberry Festival

Come on out to historic Long Grove, IL this weekend at Old McHenry and Robert Parker Coffin Roads for their 22nd Annual Strawberry Festival. Long Grove restaurants and outdoor booths will be offering a wide variety of strawberry treats, and the festival also includes live music and a classic car show. Admission is free so join the fun on June 25: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., June 26: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and June 27: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.