Newberry Library Book Fair and Bughouse Square Debate

This weekend marks the Newberry Library's 21st Annual Book Fair, featuring more than 100,000 donated books sorted into 50 categories. Many of the books are priced under $2, so come with a backpack, suitcase or extra pair of arms if you're the bona fide bibliophile I think you are. Also, come early because, trust me, it's slim pickin's by the end of the day. This book fair is free and open to the public at 60 W. Walton, 12-8pm. Additionally, there will be a Bughouse Square Debate in Washington Square Park, 6-8pm, on the subject of "Ghosts of Bughouse Past." There will be music and historical reenactments and you'll get a chance to get on your soapbox about the debate. Cheap books and open mic. Can't go wrong. Call 312-255-3510 for more information.

The Dean Evans Show @ Neo-Futurarium

The Neo-Futurists present The Dean Evans Show! Ensemble member Dean Evans presides over a live talk show which features Neo-Futurist Bilal Dardai as Dean's sidekick, intern Chip Dickerson, and a cavalcade of special guests, video clips, and other surprises. The Dean Evans Show runs Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 PM at the Neo-Futurarium (5153 N. Ashland) through July 30. See the Neo-Futurist Website for full information and to purchase tickets, or call the Neo-Futurist hotline at (773) 275-5255.

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: MayIHaveThisDance.com and The Business, teaching the Hustle and Funky Swing. 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.

Chin Up Chin Up @ Empty Bottle

Local boys Chin Up Chin Up (also check out their profile on MySpace) are going to pop rock the Empty Bottle tonight, all for a measly $8 ($10 door). Music starts at 10pm, with Euphone and Parish School opening. The Empty Bottle is located at 1035 N. Western Ave., Chicago.

GB staff member Anne will be there.

Nina takes a Loop-d-Loop for a Trunk Show ride

Nina, a well-knit shop, invites Teva Durham, author of Loop-d-Loop to the store tonight from 7-10 pm at 1655 West Division Street. Come enjoy a 15% discount as well as wine and nibbles. Her book and her designs will be on display at the store until August 7th.

Flashback Weekend Convention

Well, it's July, which means it's time for Chicago to become a horror show, literally, as the annual Flashback Weekend horror/sci-fi/fantasy convention rolls into town July 29-31 at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare in Rosemont. Dignitaries appearing this year include the guest of honor, Bruce Campbell, who will be promoting his new book, Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way, and his new film, The Man with the Screaming Brain. Actor Ted Raimi will also be at the show, along with the lovely Adrienne Barbeau (as part of a cast reunion for The Fog), Bill Moseley and Sid Haig from the new film The Devil's Rejects, and Camille Keaton, the star of the controversial film I Spit on Your Grave (which Mr. Ebert and Mr. Siskel effectively got tossed out of theatres in 1978, making it an immediate cult hit). Gapers Block staff member Steve Prokopy is one of the co-hosts of the event, along with Daily Herald film critic Dann Gire and WGN Radio's Nick Digilio. For complete information about the convention, visit the Flashback Weekend website.