Hasil Adkins @ Subterranean

Hasil Adkins, one of the true wild men of rock'n'roll left. Singer of such songs as "I Need Your Head", "Chicken Walk", "Boo Boo the Kitty" and "The Hunch". Manic depressive befriended by The A-Bones, who sung his praises in the RE/Search book "Incredibly Strange Music, Vol. 1". The guy who took a bunch of kids fishing, and scared the crap out of them by hauling out the head of a mannequin from the lake. The guy who scared one of his many girlfriends by pulling out a live rattlesnake while they were driving in Hasil's car. Yeah, THAT Hasil Adkins. He's playing at Subterranean tonight. He's mellowed out a bit in his old age, but you still might want to lock up your daughters. The Lonesome Organist and Tijuana Hecules are the opening acts. Show starts at 10PM. Subterranean: 2011 W. North. (773) 278-6600. Tickets are $10 in advance, and $12 at the door. You can buy tix at the Subterranean Website.

Verbatim Verboten @ Royal George

Verbatim Verboten, the stage show that stages live readings of celebrity bloopers, out-takes, secret recordings, phone conversations and even porno films, begins a six-week run at the Royal George Theater this weekend. The opening shows promise dramatic recreations of the words of Lee Elia, Judy Garland, Jeri Ryan, Prince Charles and Enron traders, among many others. Each show will also feature an ever-changing roster of special guest performers from Chicago's arts & entertainment community. Your host for this weekend's shows is Michael Martin, the show's creator, although Martin will be eventually handing of hosting duties to Chicago author and performer Dave Awl. Verbatim Verboten runs Fridays and Saturdays at 9:30 PM through October 2. Plus, there's a special George-W-Bush-themed show this Sunday at 7:00 PM. Royal George Theater Center: 1641 N. Halsted. (312) 988-9000. Tickets are $20.

Glorious Noise Records celebration party

Glorious Noise Records, the label started by the Website Glorious Noise, is celebrating its upcoming debut release: Taro Sound by local band Quasar Wut-Wut. The party is tonight at Beat Kitchen, and three bands will be performing: Quasar Wut-Wut, Riviera, and Two Cow Garage. Free CD singles will be given out, so show up early! Beat Kitchen: 2100 W. Belmont. (773) 281-4444. If you miss the party, then check out the CD, which shows up in stores October 12.

Rock for Reading @ New City YMCA

The New City YMCA's the site for the Rock for Reading festival today, which will raise awareness and funds for Chicago's reading programs: the Chicago Schools: Children First Fund, The New City YMCA, the Chicago Public Library, and Tutor/Mentor Connection. Sponsored by the Sun-Times, and WXRT this show features some fine local and national music talent like Kelly Hogan, Kurt Elling, Nora O'Conner, Robbie Fulks, and event "spearheader" Alice Peacock. The day closes with a performance by Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick! Tickets can be purchased for $10 online. The New City YMCA is located at 1515 N. Halstead. And remember, it's all about the children!

Slamdance films @ Film Center

The Siskel Film Center presents an evening of films that got attention at the Slamdance Film Festival. There are two movies being shown tonight: Homework (2004) and Nightingale in a Music Box (2002). The directors of these films will each be speaking at their respective screenings. The first movie shows at 5:15 PM; the second shows at 7:45 PM. There will be a reception in between screenings, and a party after the second show. Admission will be $9 per screening, or $5 for Film Center and IFP/Chicago members. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Painting Party & Concert

Safetypin invites you to an indie art event: Come to 1772 W. Greenleaf (around back) at 9pm tonight and help paint a six-foot canvas, while The Grackles, Black Bear Combo, Swampass, the Sheathens and Phalinx perform. It's all free.

Step Out to Stop Abuse @ Soldier Field

On Saturday, August 28, 2004, at 10 a.m., seven domestic violence agencies will join forces to hold the 13th annual Step Out to Stop Abuse 5K Run/Walk. This event takes place along Chicago's beautiful lakefront near Soldier Field (at Waldron and S. Lake Shore Drive). Participants build community awareness about the issue of domestic violence and raise critically needed funds for local domestic violence agencies. Look here for a brochure (PDF) if you'd like more information, or to register. Sponsored by Chicago Special Events Management.

From the Middle East to the Midwest

The tents of Block 37 downtown will be transformed into a Middle Eastern bazaar this Saturday and Sunday, showcasing the arts, culture and food of the Middle East and North Africa. Local vendors will sell Middle Eastern wares and local Middle Eastern and North African restaurants will offer a sampling of the regions' cuisines. And best of all -- camel rides! Presented by Genesis at the Crossroads.

Free. Block 37 State and Randolph Streets (enter on State).
Saturday, 12-8:30pm
Sunday, 12-6pm

Chicago Poetry Fest

Today and tomorrow bring the Chicago Poetry Fest, touted as "Chicago's Largest Poetry Reading," with 80 poets reading over the weekend in Lincoln Square and at Weeds on Sunday. Today's programming takes place on the 4700 block of N. Lincoln Avenue, near the fountain where poets will read from 3–8 pm. Poets will also be reading and signing their books at The Book Cellar, across from the park, at 4736 N. Lincoln Avenue. For a complete line-up of readers, and more details, check out the Chicago Poetry website.

Glamourcon Chicago

Bunnies and boobies and pinups - oh my! Unless you're an aging Playboy bunny, an amateur photographer who can't get models the conventional way, or a vendor of vintage erotica... you won't be among the majority of people here. But: if you seek the autograph of an aging Playboy bunny or porn star (Dede Lind, Janet Lupo, Marilyn Chambers, to name a few), really are an amateur photographer who wants a chance to photograph beautiful women, or are (like me) a consumer of vintage erotica, Glamourcon 34 is the place to be. August 28 and 29 at the Holiday Inn O'Hare. 11-6 on Saturday, 12-5 Sunday. Admission $20/day at the door, 18 and over only. Still cameras okay, video is a no-no.

Dance for Life AIDS Benefit

Now in its 13th year, and the largest performance-based AIDS fundraising event in the Midwest, Dance for Life Chicago 2004 brings together six of Chicago's premiere dance companies, including Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet, Melissa Thodos & Dancers, Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, and River North Chicago Dance Company. Proceeds from the performance will go toward raising HIV/AIDS awareness. Performance begins at 7 pm, gala reception at 5 pm. Tickets for the performance only are $75; tickets for reception plus performance are $150, $250 or $500. Call (312) 922-5812 for more information.

Video Machete Attic Sale and Open House

Today, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Video Machete will open its doors for a sale and open house. Video Machete is a community organization that relies on public support to serve over 400 youth annually, local and nation-wide educators, artists, media makers, minorities and underserved Chicago communities. Drop by Saturday to tour their workshop facilities and meet the staff. Learn about their numerous programs and projects and get involved in your community. They’ll be accepting innovative ideas, artist and educator resumes, and volunteer applications. If you’re an artist, an administrator, an advocate or a community member, they hope to see you there.

On sale will be: tons of computer hardware, 4-foot poster printer, video editing and design loaded iMACs, furniture, etc. all incredibly priced. They are also accepting donations and providing tax donation receipts for larger item sales. It all goes to support their media arts programming and Video Machete’s 10-year anniversary celebration this fall!

Video Machete is located at 1180 N. Milwaukee Avenue, # 2F, Chicago, IL. (Division stop off the Blue Line)

Late Season Container Gardens

Park District Floriculturist Thomas Costanza leads this hands-on container gardening class at Garfield Park Conservatory. Learn how to decorate your space with a lovely container garden filled with late season color. The workshop will be held between 1:30 and 3:30. The fee is $20 for participation (materials provided) and a $10 take-home fee ($5 for members).