Protect Yo'self

Do you get a little nervous when you're walking at night alone? Want to do something to boost your confidence when you hear footsteps behind you? Then join Chicago NOW for it's Women's Self-Defense Seminar this afternoon from 2-4 pm at the Wicker Park Fieldhouse (1425 N. Damen Ave). This all-woman self-defense seminar will take two hours and will "boost your confidence and empower you with practical information and self-defense techniques—no matter what your size or level of physical fitness." Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for teenagers. To reserve your spot, RSVP by Monday, July 5, at 312-578-9351 or email Kristina Reis at tinatalk1122@yahoo.com. Space is limited to 30 people, so please RSVP as soon as possible. Payment can be made at the event via check or cash.

Orwell Rolls in his Grave

The liberal news site Buzzflash presents a screening of the documentary Orwell Rolls in his Grave, a look at the modern mainstream media. (As you can probably tell from the title, they don't think too highly of it.) The screening will be at the Siskel Film Center tonight at 8:00; see the Buzzflash site to purchase tickets in advance. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

St. Andrew's 43rd Annual Greek Festival

This annual festival of Greek culture includes traditional food, folk music and dancing, stuff for the kids, a raffle, and a silent auction. On Friday night, get $1 beers from 5-7 p.m. and hear live performances from Jon Allmett and Scott Besaw and The Business. The fun all happens at St. Andrew's Greek Orthodox Church at 5649 N. Sheridan Road July 9: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m., July 10: 4 p.m. - 11 p.m., and July 11: noon - 11 p.m. Admission is $2.

Magnificent Mile Art Festival

This free art festival will feature more than 200 local and national artists exhibiting their stuff at the Chicago Tribune Pioneer Court located at 435 N. Michigan Avenue. Hours are July 9: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., July 10: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and July 11: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Did I mention that it's free?

Under the Tightrope

The chamber music collective Till by Turning debuts tonight with "Under the Tightrope: The Chamber Music of Sofia Gubaidulina." The performance is at 2pm at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division. Tickets are $10. For more information, call the theater at 773/278-1501.

Myopic Poetry Series

The Myopic Poetry Series presents Gene Tanta and Ramona Mirela Ciupag for a reading tonight at 7pm at buddY, 1542 N. Milwaukee, 2nd floor. Free, as always. Check here for more info.

Chicago Folk & Roots Festival

The Old Town School of Folk Music presents its 7th annual Chicago Folk & Roots Festival today at Welles Park. Lots of music (folk, blues, Cajun, country, Afrobeat, children's music, etc.), and a dance & workshop area featuring plenty of chances to try out different dance steps (samba, salsa, hula, etc.). If the music and dance interests you, then consider taking a class at the school (have a look at their class schedule; the next adult class session begins August 30). Admission to the festival is a suggested donation of $5, or $1 for seniors and kids. Welles Park is at the corner of Lincoln and Montrose. The festival runs noon to 9:30. See the Old Town School Website for a complete schedule.

Eyes on the Books to Women in Prison Project

A group of women who met at the Young Feminist Bookclub at Women and Children First started a non-profit called Books to Women in Prison Project. They try to enhance education projects available to women in prison. The eta Creative Arts Foundation is donating a percentage of today's Eyes performance to this group. Eyes is a tribute to Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God. Tickets are $15 and if you're interested in attending, send an email to Lilia Rissman at lrissman@uchicago.edu.