Rock for Kids Mix CD Auction

Rock for Kids, a non-profit that provides support, assistance and inspiration to children that are homeless or in need. Tonight is the organization's second annual Music Mixer, a silent auction of mix CDs created by musicians (e.g., Jimmy Chamberlin, Kelly Hogan, venue owners (Tim Tuten, Joe Shanahan), Deejays (James Van Osdol, Johnny Mars), rock critics (Jim DiRogatis, Greg Kot) and others -- including Gapers Block! -- check here for the full list. Proceeds will benefit Youth Jam, Rock For Kids music education program. At Smartbar, 3730 N. Clark, 6pm to 10pm. Suggested donation of $5. Call 312/255-9454 for more info.

Adventures in Modern Music 2004

The Wire and the Empty Bottle present Adventures in Modern Music 2004, a five-day celebration of modern composition. Featured performers over the five days: Boom Bip, Borbetomagus, Double Leopards, Lasse Marhaug, Leafcutter John, Oxbow, Ssion, Thomas Brinkmann, Xiu Xiu, and so many more. Each night's show starts at 9:00. Tickets are $15, or $60 for an event pass. All shows at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western. See the Empty Bottle's Website for a complete schedule and more info.

Writing Day at UIC Campus

Today is Writing Day! Writing Day is an event for writers (and those interested in writing) to celebrate and explore the art. It's a celebration and a chance for everyone to become excited about language, words, and community. It is a day-long event, and at night, the cafes on Taylor Street open their doors to showcase talented Chicago writers. Writing Day activities will begin on the UIC campus at 11 a.m. in 100 Douglas Hall with a welcome and introduction to the day, as well as a visit from Professor Tom Hall, the keynote speaker. From noon to 3 p.m. there will be outdoor activities in the Grant-Douglas-Lincoln Quad including "Giant Scrabble" and the "Poetry Machine". From 6–7 p.m., there will be an open mic at Che Cafe on Taylor Street about 1 block away from UIC and, from 7:00 to closing, there will be featured readers including Sirra Dollah-Said, Sammer Ghouleh, Kathy Goodkin, CJ Laity, and Charlie Newman at Jamoch's Cafe‚ 1066 W. Taylor. All are invited and welcomed to celebrate and participate in the day's events.

Ben Doyle, Catherine Wagner, and Rebecca Wolff @ Danny's

Tonight at 7:30 p.m., Fence and Danny's Reading Series presents Ben Doyle, Catherine Wagner, and Rebecca Wolff at Danny's Tavern , located at 1951 W. Dickens Chicago, IL. Call 773-489-6457 for more information.

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.

May Contain Nuts

The Hideout hosts a book party tonight celebrating the release of "May Contain Nuts: A Loose Canon of American Humor," which is the third of the Mirth of a Nation anthologies. That show will be hosted by editor Michael J Rosen and will feature Kevin Guilefoile, Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Stephanie Brooks and Sara Hope Anderson. The cover is $12, which includes a copy of the book -- quite a deal, considering you'll pay $15.95 in a bookstore. Or the show is free, compared to what you'd spend on Amazon. Anyway, the laughs start at 9pm. 1354 W Wabansia.

Wicker Park Garden Club Lecture

On Wednesday, September 22, from 7-8:30 p.m. the Wicker Park Garden Club hosts a lecture at the Wicker Park Fieldhouse, 1425 N. Damen entitled: "Pink Flamingos, Tidy Topiaries, or Orange Echinecea: Cultural Influences on YOUR Garden Design" by Anne-Marie St. Germaine, Chicago Botanic Garden Master Gardener and Food Preserver. For more information and lecture registration, email wpgarden@aol.com, call (773) 278-9075 Doug Wood or check out the website. There's a $5 fee for the lecture.