Poetry Reading @ U of C

The University of Chicago's Emerging Writers Series presents Ben Doyle and Adam Weg, Thursday, Oct. 28 at 7 pm in Classics 10 (1010 E. 59th Street), with a reception to follow.

Ben Doyle’s first collection of poetry, Radio, Radio, (Louisiana State University Press, 2001) was selected by Susan Howe for the 2000 Walt Whitman Award. He received his MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where he was awarded a Teaching-Writing Fellowship. His poems have appeared in Colorado Review and Fence. He currently teaches at Oberlin College.

Adam Weg is a U of C student who will be presenting his original poems.

Train to be a Pollwatcher

The League of Women Voters of Chicago and the snappy website i am the government will be offering free training for people interested in being a pollwatcher on November 2nd. Training takes place tonight (the final night) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Center for Neighborhood Technology at 2125 W. North Avenue, Chicago. For more information, or to read True Pollwatcher Stories check here.

Windy City Rollers Derby Doll Debut

The Windy City Rollers, Chicago's new all-female roller derby league, is throwing a benefit party at the Liar's Club, 1655 W. Fullerton, tonight at 8pm. Arm wrestle, bid on dates with derby girls and other items in a silent auction, and more. $5 admission, 21 and over. Part of the proceeds benefit Planned Parenthood and the Chicago Abused Women Coalition.

Shock and Awe Hell Naw!!

NWJ presents SHOCK AND AWE HELL NAW!! Produced in association with the Second City Training Center.

The show features a series of sketches poking fun at politics, race and everything in between. No one is safe, not even Jesus!

Final performance October 28th at 10:30pm at Donny's Skybox (1608 N Wells St) Tickets are $8 ($5 for students). Call 312-337-3992 for tix.

Wrigley Field: The Unauthorized Biography

Tonight Author Stuart Shea will discuss his latest book, Wrigley Field: The Unauthorized Biography. Shea reads at the Chicago Public Library Northtown Branch at 6435 N. California Ave. from 7–8 p.m. For more information, call (312) 744-2292. This event is Free.

Haunting History in Evanston

This Halloween, Evanston’s Charles Gates Dawes House will once again take on a spectacularly spooky atmosphere as magician and Halloween expert David Parr returns to lead visitors on eerie interactive tours of the historic mansion. From Oct. 22 through 31, at 7 and 8 p.m. nightly, Parr will lead small groups on dramatic tours of the mansion during which each room offers an encounter with the uncanny and supernatural. Objects move on their own accord, cryptic messages are written by invisible hands, and shadowy forms lurk in hallways. Equal parts history and mystery, Parr’s spooky tours offer visitors a side of the historic home that few ever encounter. The Dawes House, built in 1896, is an essential part of the show. The three-story historic mansion, once the home of U.S. Vice President Charles Gates Dawes, is distinguished by its dark oak woodwork and majestic stained glass. Chosen because of its massive, foreboding appearance to be the home of mob boss John Rooney (portrayed by Paul Newman) in the feature film Road to Perdition, the house’s vast spaces, dim lighting, and shadowy corridors make it the perfect setting for Parr’s type of eerie Halloween event. The Charles Gates Dawes House is located at 225 Greenwood St., Evanston. Performances are at 7 and 8 p.m. nightly, with additional performances at 9 p.m. Oct. 28–31 and at 10 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31. Spectators attending performances at 8 p.m. or later should park only on Greenwood Street. Tickets are $20 per person. For reservations or more information, call 847-475-3410, email evanstonhs@northwestern.edu or visit Parr's website.

Chicagoland Bicycle Federation's Annual Membership Meeting

The public is invited to attend the Annual Membership Meeting on Thursday, Oct. 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., 5th Floor. Join this open forum for an unveiling of the Top 10 list of initiatives and accomplishments desired for all bicyclists in the coming year. Last’s year list included upholding the rights of bicyclists in the legal system, increasing the organization's role outside Chicago and improving conditions on regional trails. The meeting is free and open to the public.

Halloween Party @ The Field

Check out Halloween “Play the Field” inside Stanley Field Hall @ The Field Museum on Thursday, October 28, from 6 p.m.-11p.m.

Get into the spirit of Halloween at the Field Museum, home to the scary movie “Relic” and countless ghost stories of spooks haunting the Field’s halls. This is a great way to enjoy the Field Museum and Chicago’s downtown culture. Join the monthly event “Play The Field!”  for a chance to mix culture with cocktails.  Experience some of the nation’s top live bands inside the magnificent Stanley Field Hall and explore the Field’s amazing exhibits.

Ticket price includes a complimentary beverage.  Advance Tickets $15 available through www.fieldmuseum.org or call 866-FIELD-03. $20 at the door.  21 & over only.  All proceeds benefit The Field Museum

Code Blue: Darfur Fundraiser

October 28, 2004, 6:30-9:30pm: Charity Auction and Reception to benefit Doctors Without Borders in Darfur, featuring items donated by local businesses, at Lake Street Church (courtyard entrance) of Evanston, 1458 Chicago Ave.