Ping Pong New Release Party @ Schubas

Reckless Records and Schubas bring back the Ping Pong Release Party tonight. There will be ping pong to play, beer to drink, things to win, and some mighty fine music to be heard. The new release Ping Pong party artists are: Bjork, Paul Westerberg, Black Keys, John Cale, Medesky Martin & Wood, Clinic, Melvins, Mike Watt, Tara Jane O'Neal, Joan of Arc, Nora O'Connor, The Libertines, Guided By Voices, and Mouse on Mars. 21-and over, but no charge for admission. It gets going at 9:30 p.m., at Schubas, located at 3159 N. Southport.

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).

Issac Hayes @ African Festival of the Arts

Issac Hayes (!!) performs 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).