Big Wig Closing Party

After seven years, Wicker Park's Big Wig is closing its doors. To celebrate (that somehow doesn't seem like the right word), the nightclub is throwing a five-day bash, tonight through Sunday. Each night will feature an all-star DJ line-up -- tonight it's Uncle Milty, Andre Harris, Mark Grant -- and a raffle of the club's decorations -- including the hairdryer lamps and even the neon sign. Doors will open at 8pm each night, with a $5 cover kicking in at 10pm -- except Sunday, when it's free all night before the doors close for good. 21 and over.

Legendary Stardust Cowboy doc @ Film Center

Cotton Pickin' Smash! The Story of the Legendary Stardust Cowboy (2004), a documentary about the wild Texas singer/songwriter/rebel yeller whose 1968 single "Paralyzed" is one of the most cacophonous rock'n'roll records ever recorded, shows tonight at 8:15 PM at the Siskel Film Center. Fans of Outsider Music are urged to attend. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Chicago Jazz Festival

This year's Jazz Fest marks the centennial births of legendary jazz musicians Count Basie, Coleman Hawkins and Fats Waller, September 3–5 respectively. The full festival runs September 2-5 (yes, that's Labor Day weekend) so mark your calendars and head out for some great music. Here's the full schedule. Also, for a pretty great breakdown of the performances with artist bios, check out the WBEZ festival site here.