Iron & Wine @ the Abbey

Quiet, heartbreaking music from Samuel Beam (backed by a full band). "An ode to an older South; a part of America that is defined by 'traditional values,' pastoral imagery and arcane manners," according to Jonathan Poneman. Ugly Casanova opens. July 2: 8:00 p.m. (doors at 7)

Three Stooges @ Film Center

Low-brow cinema in the high-brow Siskel Film Center! The Three Stooges 70th Annivoisary Blowout begins tonight, and includes a number of highlights from their career. Only one Shemp film ("Brideless Groom," with Shemp trying to get married), and one Oscar-nominated short ("Men in Black;" no, there aren't any aliens in it). Don't wear your best clothes; the screening might end with a pie fight! The show runs at the Film Center through July 8. Times: Saturday through Monday at 3:00 and 5:00; all other days, 6:00 and 8:15. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2400.

Godzilla @ Music Box

Godzilla? You mean guy-in-a-rubber-suit Godzilla? Yes, that one. Believe it or not, an uncut version of the film has never been seen before on US screens (the film included some additional footage shot with Raymond Burr in the US release). Now you get your chance to see the complete film at the Music Box, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the film. Highly recommended! Music Box: 3733 N. Southport. (773) 871-6604.

Suicide Girls Book Release @ Quimby's

The new SuicideGirls coffee table book -- featuring 200 photos of the women of suicidegirls.com -- is out now, and Missy Suicide, founder of the site, and eight of the SuicideGirls will be at Quimby's Bookstore, 1854 W. North Ave., tonight at 7pm to sign copies of the book and possibly perform a short set of their punk rock-inspired burlesque act. Free, so get there early.

African-Caribbean International Festival of Life

This 12th annual event celebrating African-Caribbean culture features more than 70 performers on two stages, plus food, arts and crafts, games, kids' activities, and much more. The festival runs from 10am to 10pm every day, July 2-5 in Washington Park at 5100 S. Cottage Grove. Admission ranges from $5-$10.

Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival

Twenty hot air ballons will be launched every day during this festival at the Lisle Community Park located at Ill. Hwy. 53 and Short Street in Lisle, Illinois. The festival will also include nightly fireworks displays beginning around 10:15 p.m. July 1-4. Some major music acts will also be performing including the Spin Doctors (Thursday at 9pm) and Big Bad VooDoo Daddy (Sunday at 9pm). Admission is $8; $2 for kids ages 5-12. Visit the official website for more information.

Museum of Contemporary Photography Exhibits End

In case you were looking for something to do this Friday night, you might want to check out two exhibits on their last day at the Museum of Contemporary Photography. Shimon Attie's The History of Another: Projections in Rome and Utopia's Backyard which features photographs by Peter Dombrowe, Jeanne Faust, Beate Gutschow, Peter Piller and Jörn Zehe both end their spring runs on July 2. The next exhibit at the MOCP doesn't make its debut until July 23. The Museum of Contemporary Photography is located at Columbia College Chicago at 600 S. Michigan Avenue. All exhibits are free and open to the public.

American Music Festival @ Fitzgerald's

Fitzgerald's, 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd. in Berwyn, continues its American Music Festival, highlighting excellent folk, blues, country and rock. Playing on two stages tonight are:
• The All-Star Blues Jam featuring Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, Bob Margolin, Mookie Brill, & Willie "Big Eyes" Smith
• Paul Burch
• Santiago Jimenez
• Jimmy LaFave
• Last Train Home
• Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca
• Steepwater Band
• Nicholas Tremulis
• Jeff & Vida

Doors open at 4:30pm. Tickets are $20 per day, but you can get $5 off if you show up before 6pm -- which is worth doing, so you can get some of Fitzgerald's great cajun BBQ before the best parts are gone. For more info and a full schedule, check here or call 708/788-2118 ext20.