Vulgar Boatmen @ FitzGerald's

Some of us here on the staff like boatmen. Vulgar ones, too. Or maybe we just like the idea of a band called the Vulgar Boatmen, who will play tonight in Berwyn at FitzGerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Rd. Formed by a University of Florida professor, the band is "inspired by the folk-rock revival of nearby Georgia," and their style has been described as heralding "straigtht from Buddy Holly and the Everly Brothers." Blues/country swing band Silverman will open. $8, 9:30pm, and you can purchase your tickets at the club or through Ticketmaster.

Andersonville Bike Pub Tour

The Andersonville Draught Beer Preservation Society -- a cause whose time has definitely come -- is offering a bicycle tour of four neighborhood pubs. Starting at 8pm, the tour will meet at Carola's Hansa Clipper, 4659 N. Lincoln, and go through The Edgewater Lounge, Leadway Bar and Gallery, and Fireside Restaurant and Lounge. For more information, email avillebikebrew[at]yahoo[dot]com.

NARAL Discusses Supreme Court Appointment

If Sandra Day O'Connor's retirement gives you pause and you're more concerned than ever with the fate of Roe v. Wade, it may be worth your while to stop by the Lincoln Restaurant tonight and participate in NARAL Pro-Choice America's discussion of the subject. The talk is hosted by the College of Complexes and takes place from 8-10pm. Email bulisano[at]yahoo[dot]com for more information. Participation costs $3, plus a $5 minimum purchase fee for the restaurant. The Lincoln is located at 4008 N. Lincoln Ave.

Everfine Music Festival

Coming down from recent two-day music festivals like Intonation and Lollapalooza can be hard, so if you're still in need for a cheap music fest buzz, head out to Northerly Island today for the Feeling Better than Everfine Music Festival. Featuring "up and coming under the radar bands" from around the country, the Everfine festival is a pretty good deal at just under $30 for a day of music. The lineup includes: O.A.R. (Rockville, MD), Pepper (Kailua Kona, HI), Citizen Cope (Memphis, TN), Michael Tolcher (Atlanta, GA), The Southland (Los Angeles, CA), State Radio (Cambridge, MA), Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers (Northampton, MA), Ludo (St. Louis, MO), As Fast As (Portland, ME), Small Town Workers (Charlottesville, VA) and Alternate Routes (Bridgeport, CT). Tickets are $29.50 in advance and day of show, all ages, general admission. Doors open at 1 pm, music starts at 1:30 pm.

Chicago Air & Water Show

Cue "Rock Me Like a Hurricane", cause this weekend brings back the Air and Water Show to Chicago's lakefront. Be warned: More than two million spectators will converge on the lakefront to enjoy the show from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach serving as the heart of event festivities. The oldest and largest FREE show of its kind in the United States will present performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights as this year’s headliners. The water show begins at 9am and air show runs from 11am until 4pm both days. For more information, check out the City of Chicago site.

Uptown Community Portrait 2005

Live in Uptown? Then you should head down to the Uptown Theatre, 4816 N. Broadway, today at 11:30am to participate in the "Uptown Community Portrait." Organizers are looking for as many residents as possible to appear in the photo, which commemorates the 80th anniversary of the opening of the theater. The event is free; more info here.

City of Destiny Reading @ Quimby's

City of Destiny:  Chicago Writers' Night gets kicked off tonight at Quimby's Bookstore with readings and performances by Joshua Bermont (Actor & comedian, The Gentleman Callers / Open mic host), Kate Cullan (Spoken word performer / Open mic host), Emerson Dameron (Writer of zines, etc., including "Wherewithal"), Thax Douglas (Rock poet / Author, "Tragic Faggot Syndrome"), Wendy McClure (Author, "I'm Not the New Me: A Memoir" / poundy.com), Jonathan Messinger (thisisgrand.org / Host of the Dollar Store readings) and Jason Pettus (Blogger at jasonpettus.com / Travel writer).

The evening will be hosted by Katherine Hodges (Writer whose projects include "Noncompliant" and "City of Destiny"). Free mini cocktails (with Shag of "Shag's Little Thing") and desserts! Readings start at 7:30 pm and Quimby's Bookstore is located at 1854 W. North Ave. (773/342-0910). This event is Free.