Kill Your Idols @ Quimby's

Sun-Times music critic Jim DeRogatis will be appearing at Quimby's tonight, plugging his new book "Kill Your Idols: A New Generation of Rock Writers Reconsiders the Classics." Appearing along with DeRogatis will be his co-editor on the project, Carmél Carrillo, as well as several contributing essayists. The event starts at 8:00 PM and is free and open to the public. Quimby's: 1854 W. North. (773) 342-0910.

James Kochalka & Craig Thompson @ Chicago Comics

Comic artists James Kochalka (who is also a rockstar of note) and Craig Thompson show up at Chicago Comics tonight on the Chicago stop of the Chunky Monkey 2004 Tour. Whatever that means. You should go; they're good artists and funny-ass people. Ask James Kochalka when his new album is coming out; it's 3 years overdue! The appearance/signing runs from 8:00 to 10:00 tonight. Chicago Comics: 3244 N. Clark. (773) 528-1983.

Lip @ Neo-Futurarium

Performance poet Lisa Buscani, a former Neo-Futurist, returns to her old stomping grounds this month and presents Lip, a weekly spoken-word extravaganza. Every Friday and Saturday night in July will feature a different lineup of writers and performers, each one delivering 15 minutes of scintillating verbiage. This week's Lip lineup: Kate Anderson, Dave Awl, Joel Chmara, Mary Fons, Cin Salach and Marc Smith. Fans of the spoken word will definitely want to listen to Lip. Show starts at 8:00, doors open at 7:30. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). More information and reservations: (773) 275-5255.

Build Your Own Radio

The York Radio Club will demonstrate electronic kit-building techniques at the Elmhurst Fire Station #1, 404 North York St. in Elmhurst. The event starts at 8pm. York Radio Club members will build a simple electronic kit and informally discuss component identification and soldering techniques. Club members will also bring in other "home-brew" projects. The club will also offer Amateur Radio exams at 7pm. Free. Call 630/833-7371 or email w9pcs@arrl.net for more info.

Catheters, Dutchmen @ Fireside Bowl

Seattle's Catheters have opened for Mudhoney and The Burning Brides, and now they're playing with The Dutchmen at the Fireside Bowl, 2646 W. Fullerton, in an all-ages show tonight at 10pm. Tickets are $8. More info at MPshows.com.

Gurlesque Burlesque

Enjoy semi-naked ladies? Who doesn't! Join the Sissy Butch Brothers' Gurlesque Burlesque at the Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace, tonight or tomorrow for a gyrating good time. Not only will you get to hoot at dozens of Chicago performers, you will also get to gaze upon Miss Dirty Martini and Julie Atlas Muz from New York and Miss Indigo Blue from Seattle. Get you tickets at the Abbey or online at ticketweb.com. Just $15!

Derrick Carter at Millennium Park

This Friday kicks off the opening (finally) of Millennium Park with performances by the Redmoon Theater, Grant Park Orchestra, and way too many acts to list. Also, morning tai chi and yoga. Be sure to check out the Promenade Stage Friday night at 10:30, when Derrick Carter takes the stage with Steve "Silk" Hurley to drop house jams for the city that birthed the genre.