Transfigured Transformers @ Rotofugi

"The next show in the Rotofugi Gallery is by Chicago artist Jefrey Lacson. Titled Transfigured Transformers, the show will exhibit several of Lacson’s large format prints and constructions based upon Transformer toys. We’ve seen about half of the work that is going into the show and are super excited to have this in our gallery. Very cool stuff. Think Transformers turned into religious icons and mandalas. The show will up for viewing beginning August 31, and the opening reception (where you can meet and hang out with Jefrey) will be September 3 beginning at 7pm. Free drinks. Oh yeah." —kk (Rotofugi).

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 Boogieman, Lego and Paul Johnson -- 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.

First Fridays @ MCA

At First Fridays at the Museum of Contemporary Art, visitors can unwind after work and enjoy an intriguing mix of culture, ranging from live music and performance art to experimental films and hands-on art stations. Not to mention see and be seen by all kinds of young, hip, arty singles looking for love.

First Fridays tickets, which include Museum admission, live entertainment, and complimentary Wolfgang Puck hors d’oeuvres, are $14. Doors are open 6–10 pm. A cash bar is available until 9:30 pm. Guests must be 21 or older to enter.

4 Poets in Search of a Venue

Four of Chicago's best poets read in a gallery atmosphere. Not for the sedate or the sedated. Gregorio Gomez, J. J. Jameson, C.J. Laity, and Shelly Nation. Hosted by Charlie Newman.

September 3rd from 8-9:30 pm at DvA Gallery (2568 N. Lincoln)

No cover, no tickets, no minimum, no $ in any way, shape or form.

Buster Keaton films @ Film Center

The Siskel Film Center presents a program of Buster Keaton films at 6:15 PM, as part of their American Film Comedy series. The films are Cops (1922) and College (1927). The program will also be shown on Tuesday the 7th at 6:00 PM, with live piano accompaniment (tonight's program will be accompanied by recorded music). Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

The Brown Bunny @ Landmark's Century Centre

Lord help us, Vincent Gallo's The Brown Bunny opens today at Landmark's Century Centre. If you've been waiting for this controversial film ever since the uproar at the most recent Cannes film festival about how bad it is, now's your chance to decide for yourself. Landmark's Century Centre: 2828 N. Clark. (773) 444-3456.

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.

Metalheadz

Tonight at the Metro Bass By The Pound presents the Metalheadz World Tour featuring Goldie, Photek, Total Science, MC Armani and DJ Acucrack. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the show. The doors open at 11pm.

African Festival of the Arts

The Mighty Dells, and many others, perform at the African Festival of the Arts today, in Washington Park (at 51st and Cottage Grove). The festival runs all Labor Day weekend, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. Tickets are $10 and weekend and family passes are available. For more information, and a full schedule, check out the Africa International House Organization or call (773)955-ARTS (2787).