Estrojam 2004 opening night party

Estrojam Festival 2004, the annual music and art festival that focuses on female artists, kicks off tonight with an opening night party at the W Hotel (172 W. Adams). Among the artists appearing at the party: Callie Lipkin, Flynn, Celesta Danger and Jennifer Catlin. See the Estrojam Website for more details.

Rhino Theater Fest: The Big Promise

As part of the Rhinoceros Theater Festival, "Bryn Magnus reads from his new novel, The Big Promise, the story of a morally disadvantaged father trying to redeem himself in the eyes of his teenage son. Specifically it's about a fringe playwright prone to tears and antisocial behavior whose son convinces him he might find redemption investigating the home invasion and robbery of a friend. Elmore Leonard meets Dave Eggers." 7pm, Curious Theatre Branch, 7001 N Glenwood. $12 or pay what you can. Call 773-274-6660 for reservations.

World Music Festival

Chicago's 6th annual World Music festival runs September 17–23. The 2004 World Music festival line-up features 70 events at 28 venues around the city, including more than 40 free events. Venues include the Chicago Cultural Center, the MCA, the Vic, the Old Town School of Folk Music, and the Borders on Michigan Avenue. Most events are free, but some do require tickets. For more information, see the festival website or call 312-742-1938.