Big Wig's Last Night

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, culminating in this final night. DJs Brock, Chris May, Tobias and Trancid spin, and a raffle of the club's decorations, including the hairdryer lamps and even the neon sign, will be held. Doors open at 8pm and it's free all night before the doors close for good. 21 and over.

1st Annual Chicago DJ Softball Tournament

With our city's love affair with house music, it's seems only fitting the Chicago House Music Association lauches on a grand scale. Join fellow DJ's and fans for the 1st Annual Chicago DJ Softball Tournament. DJ's will battle it out on the diamonds, not behind the decks, on Sunday, September 5th, 2004, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the New City YMCA's Cubs Care Park (1515 N. Halsted Avenue) and is open to the public for free. Follow the link for more details, including who's spinning the national anthem before the game, and who will be playing sets during the game. Fun for all ages!!

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.

ABBA Brunch @ Ann Sather

Ann Sather once again holds its ABBA Brunch at the Milwaukee location today from 8am to 3pm. Listen to the Swedish supergroup's hits while you eat Swedish pancakes, omelets and those amazing cinnamon rolls. Also, register to win tickets to see Mamma Mia! when it returns to Chicago in November. At 1448 N. Milwaukee. Call 773/394-1812 for more info or to get on the waiting list ahead of time.

Spontaneous guitar class @ Old Town School

If you're a guitar player, and want the ability to play along to any song, then you're in luck! Charles Kim, long-time instructor at The Old Town School of Folk Music, is teaching a two-hour seminar today on spontaneous guitar. Sounds pretty snazzy to me! The class is $20, and you need to have some significant guitar skills to attend. Check the class sign-up page for further details. Old Town School of Folk Music: 4544 N. Lincoln. (773) 728-6000.

Last Skokie Swift Catenary Ride

You know the wire system above the Skokie Swift trains? That's called a "catenary system," and the Skokie Swift is the last CTA line to use it. Well, the catenary system has fallen into disrepair, and instead of fixing it, the CTA is replacing it with the more conventional third-rail system. In honor of this passing, the Central Electric Railfans' Association is hosting three last trips on the line, on CTA Historic Trains, Sunday, September 5. Three two-hour trips will depart from the Yellow Line Dempster stop at 9 am, 12 pm and 3 pm. Tickets are $20. Info on reserving seats can be found on CERA's site.

Fox Valley Folk Festival

The 27th Annual Fox Valley Folk Festival runs through Monday in Island Park in downtown Geneva, Illinois. Admission is $15 per day Adults, $10 Teens & Elders, and children under 12 are free. (Free Parking At Kane Co. Government Ctr, 719 S. Batavia Avenue (IL Rt. 31), between IL Rt. 38 & Fabyan Parkway). For a complete schedule, check the website. There'll be music, workshops, storytelling, and other folky fun to be had. If you don't drive, you can always take Metra there (The Chicago & Northwestern METRA Railway station is located three blocks west of the festival's entrance).

African Festival of the Arts

Dianne Reeves, 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).