Black Harvest film festival opening weekend

Tonight at 8:00, the Siskel Film Center presents the first program in this year's Black Harvest International Festival of Film and Video. The films presented tonight: Kounandi (2003), a selection for this year's Sundance Film Festival; and Long Story Short (2004), a short humorous film about a young woman's preparation for a big date. The director of Long Story Short, Simbi Hall, will attend the screening. If you miss the program tonight, it will be repeated on Thursday, August 12 at 6:15 PM. See the Film Center's Website for a complete listing of the films in the Black Harvest film festival, which runs through August 19. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

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 13 and 14 at 9:00 PM. Tickets are $10. Live Bait Theater: 3914 N. Clark. (773) 871-1212.

Stop Smiling Exhibition @ Old Town School of Folk Music

Local publication Stop Smiling hosts a showcase of the art and music of its contributors tonight at the Old Town School of Folk Music starting at 5:30 PM with an exhibition of artwork from the magazine. A concert immediately follows the exhibition at 7:30, with live sets by The Lonesome Organist, The Zincs, Plush, and DJs John Hughes and John Dugan. Old Town School of Folk Music: 4544 N. Lincoln. (773) 728-6000. See the Old Town School site for ticket information.

Elvis is Alive 5K run

Are you an Elvis fan? Do you like running 5K runs? If so, then have we got the event for you! The Elvis Is Alive 5K, which goes through Lincoln Park, starts today at 6:00 PM, with an after-race party happening at the finish line. Awards for the best-dessed running Elvis! You GOTTA go see that! Check out the Website for the full details.

Do the Hustle!

As part of the 8th annual Chicago Summer Dance, you can learn how to do the Hustle tonight! Show up at the Spirit of Music Garden at Grant Park (601 S. Michigan) by 6:00 tonight, and you'll get a half hour of instruction on the Hustle and "Funky Swing". Then, from 6:30 to 9:30, use your newly-learned dance steps to boogie to the Motown sounds of Gentlemen of Leisure. The Chicago Summer Dance program runs Wednesdays through Sundays at Grant Park through August 29. Check the City of Chicago Website for a complete schedule for the rest of the month.

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.

Comics exhibit @ Cultural Center

Raw, Boiled and Cooked: Comics on the Verge is a new exhibit at the Chicago Cultural Center that contains artwork inspired by Raw, the highly influential magazine of the 1980s. Many artists are represented in the show; local favorites include Lynda Barry, Ivan Brunetti, Chris Ware, and Daniel Clowes. The free exhibit is on display through October 3; check the Cultural Center Website for visiting hours. Chicago Cultural Center: 78 E. Washington. (312) 744-8032.

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.

Northalsted Market Days

Northalsted Market Days, the Midwest's largest gay and lesbian festival, happens today and tomorrow on Halsted Street between Belmont and Addison. Live music, food and alcohol vendors, arts and crafts, and people. Lots of people. Hours: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Mehndi Painting @ WCCA

Like a little summer body art without the pain and expense of a tattoo? Today at 1 p.m. you can attend a class at the WCCA (the Women’s Center for Creative Arts) all about Mehndi - an ancient technique of painting in henna on the body. Jennifer Horton and Ruth Clark, creative women with amazingly steady hands, lead. There’s a $10 suggested donation which covers the cost of materials. The WCCA is located at 5514 W. Lawrence (just west of the Blue line Jefferson Park stop). Call (773) 412-9257 for more info. Check the website too for other events.