William Gibson @ Chicago Humanities Festival

The father of cyberpunk, William Gibson, is appearing at the St. James Episcopal Church today at noon as part of the Chicago Humanities Festival. He will be discussing "themes of Time and chronology in his groundbreaking speculative fiction." More details on Mr. Gibson's appearance can be found here.

The Legendary Stardust Cowboy @ Intuit

The Legendary Stardust Cowboy, the indescribable singer whose insane 1968 single "Paralyzed" gave him a permanent place in rock'n'roll history by both getting him a spot on "Laugh-In" and inspiring David Bowie to take the name Ziggy Stardust, puts in a rare live appearance tonight and tomorrow at Intuit: the Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art. Bassist Klaus Fluoride of the Dead Kennedys will be sitting in with the Ledge, and the opening act is Gentleman John Battles. Tonight's concert starts at 9:00 PM, and tomorrow night's starts at 7:00 PM. $14, or $12 for Intuit members. Call for reservations. Intuit: 756 N. Milwaukee. (312) 243-9088.

Nosferatu @ Film Center

Nosferatu, the classic 1922 movie based on Bram Stoker's "Dracula", screens tonight at the Siskel Film Center. A classic horror film, and you've never seen it on the big screen. Now's your chance. The film screens tonight at 7:30, and also screens on Wednesday the 17th at 6:00. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Rhino Theater Fest: Full Moon Vaudeville

Part of the Rhinoceros Theater Festival. "An all-music vaudeville this year, as the Curiousers and Rhinosities pull another one out of their asses. Featuring Vernon Tonges, Jeff Dorchen, Sherry Antonini, Teresa Weed’s Jabberwocky, The Pedestrians." 9pm, Curious Theatre Fest, 7001 N Glenwood. $12 or pay what you can. Call 773-274-6660 for reservations.

Rhino Theater Fest: Cope!

Part of the Rhinoceros Theater Festival. "Join Julie Caffey and Barrie Cole for an evening of new performance works. Special musical guest: The Oxford Group, featuring Leslie Swieck, Katie Brick, and Valerie Gonder, will also perform new original material." 7pm, Curious Theatre Branch, 7001 N Glenwood. $12 or pay what you can. Call 773-274-6660 for reservations.

Bolshoi Ballet and Orchestra

Beginning this week, the famed Bolshoi Ballet and Orchestra sets up shop at the Auditorium Theatre, rotating between performances of two Marius Petipa classics, Don Quixote and Raymonda. If you like dance, or can at least appreciate a beautiful, technically-precise spectacle, this will be worth checking out. And, as the Reader suggests, it seems fortunate that the company isn't staging their modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, so I'll gladly take what we can get. Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster.

Bus Tour: Chicago's Free Speech Tradition

Today from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Newberry Library welcomes William Adelman from the Illinois Labor History Society and Chicago actress Alma Washington as the hosts for Bus Tour: Chicago's Free Speech Tradition. Experience Chicago's vibrant radical history during a four-hour bus tour of some of the city's most significant sites in the battle for free speech. Highlights of the guided tour include: Bughouse Square, the new Haymarket Square memorial, the former site of the Dill Pickle Club, and Forest Cemetery. "Bus Tour: Chicago's Free Speech Tradition" departs from the Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St., Chicago, following a tour of the related exhibit Outspoken: Chicago's Free Speech Tradition. Tickets for the tour are $35, or $25 for members of the Newberry Library or the Chicago Historical Society. Call the Chicago Historical Society at (312) 642-4600 to register.

Too Much Light Kids!

The Neo-Futurists present "Too Much Light Kids!", a child-friendly version (for ages 8-12) of their long-running classic stage show "Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind". This show runs every Saturday afternoon at 2:00 PM through December 18. Admission is $1-6 for kids, and $6-11 for adults (depends on the roll of a six-sided die). No reservations accepted, but group rates are available. Call (773) 878-4557 for details. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland. More information: (773) 275-5255.

Mitch Hedberg @ Congress Theatre

Check out stand-up comic Mitch Hedberg performing with Stephen Lynch Saturday, November 13 at the Congress Theatre.

Pixies @ The Aragon

If you can somehow find tickets, don't miss the legendary Pixies at the Aragon Ballroom tonight at 7pm.

Chicago Improv Anarchy @ The Strawdog

Chicago Improv Anarchy (The CIA) presents their new improv show: "If...Then..." on Saturdays thru December 18, 2004 at the Strawdog Theater, located at 3829 N. Broadway. The show starts at 11 p.m. and tickets cost only $9. Call 773.419.4606 to reserve tickets. "If...Then... is an unscripted journey exploring the consequences of the decisions we make every day. Each week, based on an audience suggestion, a subject is faced with a decision. We then get to witness the direction this person's life takes following both paths, through the use of a doppelganger. Only fate and the talented CIA improvisers can determine what will happen next."

The DIY Trunk Show 2004

Like to buy stuff, but don't want to give your money to The Man? Check out the second annual DIY Trunk Show, put together by GB's very own Amy Carlton and Cinnamon Cooper. Last year's show featured dozens of crafters selling their wares, and this year's show is going to be even larger! You'll be able to buy independently-produced clothing, buttons, fridge magnets, books, CDs, hats, knick-knacks, jewelry, artwork... if a Chicago artist makes it, you'll probably find it there! The show will be at the Pulaski Park Auditorium (1419 W. Blackhawk, very close to the Blue Line Division stop) from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Parking is VERY limited in the area, so you might want to take public transportation. Check the Website for more details.

Slush Fun: Hot Tips for Cold Cycling

In this free 2-hour class, Mr Bike and the Bike Winterites give you all the tricks & tips you need to: dress warm & cheap; handle your bike in snow & ice; and keep the ride runnin’ after onslaughts of salt ‘n’ sleet. Meet buddies to bike with, and ogle hot bodies modeling fetching yet practical underwear. Winter-accessory prizes! Sponsored by the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and Patagonia. You can find the official flyer here.