Harry Potter Release Party

So, I like Harry and all, but seriously? Not this much. However, for those of you who can't wait to get your hands on the series' latest installment, or are just jazzed about the Harry Potter thing in general, 57th St. Books is holding a release party for Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince. Held in the University of Chicago's Reynolds Club, at 57th and University Ave., there will be contests, raffles, HP-themed eats, and O.W.L. exams administered by Dumbledore himself. The party begins at 10pm, when purchases of the book can be made, through midnight, when the book is officially released and distributed. This event is free and open to the public; call 773-684-1300 for more information.

Chicago SummerDance

The ninth annual Chicago SummerDance festival of public dancing continues tonight in the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park (601 S. Michigan, between Harrison and Balbo). This evening's entertainment: Andy Cruz, teaching mambo dance; and Sammy DeLeon y su Orquesta, playing high-powered timba salsa. SummerDance features one hour of dance lessons, followed by two hours of live music and dancing. Tonight's show runs from 6:00 to 9:30, and SummerDance runs at the park Wednesday-Sunday nights (weather permitting) through August 28. See the SummerDance site for a complete schedule.

Perpetual Motion Roadshow

Zinester Mike Faloon (Go Metric!, Zisk, Zine Yearbook 8) and comic rrtist Lev (cartoonist and filmmaker on Comedy Central) embark on the latest Perpetual Motion Roadshow, an international indie-press tour now back in the Midwest. They'll join local writers Pete Coco (Babies Are Fireproof) Emerson Dameron (Whirligig) and Jonathan Messinger (THISisGRAND). Free, pay what you can.

Friday, July 15
7:30pm
Free, pay what you can
Mojoe's Cafe Lounge
2256 W. Roscoe St.
773-388-1236

Richard Buckner @ Schubas

Alt-Country sexpot Richard Buckner (ok, "sexpot" is my own opinion) will perform tonight at Schubas Tavern, located at the corner of Belmont and Southport in Chicago. Anders Parker opens. Buckner's out pimping his 2004 album Dents and Shells which is a fine thing to hear any night of the week. Music starts at 7pm, tickets are $12.

GB staffer ASH will be there, front row if possible