Blaxploitation trailers @ Film Center

The Siskel Film Center presents a 90-minute program of movie trailers for 1970s blaxploitation films. The Film Center calls the blaxploitation trailer " a shot of visual adrenaline -- raunchy, crude, violent, and often hilarious." The fun starts tonight at 8:30 PM; if you miss the program tonight, you can catch it on Wednesday the 11th at 8:15 PM. In fact, you might want to wait until the second screening, as Wednesday night's show will be introduced by Floyd Webb, founder of the Blacklight Film Festival. Can you dig it? Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Twin Peaks movie @ Film Center

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, the 1992 movie that told the story of the final days of Laura Palmer (you remember.... Laura Palmer? Agent Cooper? BOB? The Log Lady?), plays at the Siskel Film Center tonight at 8:15 PM, and again on Monday the 9th at 6:00 PM. The screening is part of the Film Center's current program "Beautiful Losers," a look at interesting films that for whatever reason were considered failures when they first opened. Tonight's screening is scheduled to include an introduction by film critic and program co-creator Peter Sobczynski. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Lisa Buscani solo show @ Neo-Futurarium

Award-winning writer and performer Lisa Buscani premieres her solo show "Solid Citizen" tonight at 8:00 PM. The subject of the show: "people who serve their community and the conundrums this service can create." The show runs Fridays and Saturdays through August 28 at the Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland. Tickets are $12, or $8 for seniors and students. Reservations: (773) 275-5255.

Fun While It Lasted: A Farewell Tour

Live Bait Theater presents Edward Thomas-Herrera's latest solo show, "Fun While It Lasted: A Farewell Tour". The play talks about Edward's relationship with his late mother, and the material that was previewed in a recent appearance at The Partly Dave Show was witty and humorous. Tonight's show starts at 7:30 PM. The show is also playing August 7 at 7:30 PM, and August 13 and 14 at 9:00 PM. Tickets are $10. Live Bait Theater: 3914 N. Clark. (773) 871-1212.

Gold Coast Art Fair

Hey, art lovers. Don't forget that the 47th Annual Gold Coast Art Fair is taking place this weekend. More than 350 artists from across the country have gathered between Superior, Huron and Erie Streets at LaSalle in the River North neighborhood. Admission to the fair is free, and the River North galleries will be open for the duration of the event. The Gold Coast Art Fair takes place today from Noon-6pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

Mud Queens of Chicago

"Mud Queens of Chicago: Reawakening the lost art of mud wrestling. Sleeperholds, tough titties, and rock n roll!" Yes, exactly what you think it is (or maybe not) -- ladies mud wrestling. Tonight at 10pm at 1278 N. Milwaukee, #4W. $5 at the door. Email Meg at speedylobotomycomcastnet for more information, or if you're a woman interested in mud wrestling.

Silent Summer 2004 Film Festival

Does the usual slew of big budget summer films leave you cold? Then this is the event for you as The Silent Film Society of Chicago presents the Silent Summer 2004 Film Festival at the Gateway Theatre. You can buy your tickets at the theatre on the day of the performance for $11. Tickets for the August 6th film, which will be accompanied by a full orchestra, are $17.

This year's schedule includes:


August 6: The Iron Horse (1924)

August 13: It (1927)

August 20: Lilac Time (1928)

August 27: Blood and Sand (1922)


Check out the festival website for more information. The Gateway Theatre is located at 5216 W. Lawrence Avenue in Chicago.

Protest of Donald Rumsfeld visit

The local group Peace Pledge Chicago is planning to protest today's visit to Chicago by Donald Rumsfeld. The protest will happen at 11:30 at the Four Seasons Hotel (120 E. Delaware). More information is at the Peace Pledge Chicago site.

Indiefest Chicago

Indiefest Chicago continues its 10-day run of more than 50 independent films tonight at the Biograph, 2433 N. Lincoln, and Le Meridien hotel, 521 N. Michigan Ave. First shows are at noon, tickets are $10 per screening, and the schedule is right here.