Beyond the Machine @ Smart Bar

On Thursday, March 24, a diverse group of Chicago promoters and electronic musicians come together to present an evening of abstract techno and forward-thinking house. Featuring live performances from globe-trotting artists such as Canadian producer Echoplex, Background Records owner Andy Vaz (direct from Dusseldorf, Germany), and the Windy City's very own Warmdesk, this will be a refreshingly varied dance music showcase. Local favorites Josh Werner and Dave Siska open. Beyond the Machine takes place at Smart Bar, 3730 N. Clark St., underneath Metro. Tickets are $7, available online or from the Metro box office. Doors open promptly at 10 PM.

GB staff member KM will be in attendance.

Columbia College Story Week: author John Schultz

As part of Columbia College's week-long festival Story Week, author John Schultz will give a reading this afternoon at 3:00 PM at the Ferguson Theater (600 S. Michigan). The event is free and open to the public. See the Story Week site for a full schedule and further details on the events.

In previews: Take Me Out, About Face Theatre

About Face Theatre presents the midwest premiere of 2003's Tony-winning best play, Take Me Out. Richard Greenberg's love letter to baseball explores what happens when the biggest superstar player on New York's pinstriped "Empires" comes out of the closet. Previews start tonight at Steppenwolf's Upstairs Theatre, through May 1. Tickets are $20-35, available Steppenwolf's website or by calling 312-335-1650.

Andrew Morgan record release @ Schubas

Andrew Morgan plays a show at Schubas to mark the U.S. release of his debut album, Misadventures in Radiology (Sonic Boom). Released abroad last year, Misadventures was named one of the "Best of 2004" by Uncut. Smallwire and Gray open. 9pm, $8.