Yacht Rock Christmas @ Empty Bottle

Fans of "Yacht Rock" will want to check this show out at the Empty Bottle: live performances by Bobby Conn & Monica Bou Bou and Fashion Dictator, a DJ set from the "Soft as Fuck" Beta team, and a screening of the complete "Yacht Rock" series. Plus some additional surprises, in celebration of the impending holiday. Show starts at 10:00 PM tonight. Tickets are $8 in advance, and $10 at the door, but you'll probably want to buy your tickets in advance, because this is sure to be a popular event. You can get tickets from Ticketweb. Empty Bottle: 1035 N. Western. (773) 276-3600.

Galapagos4 Christmas Show 2006 @ The Abbey

Local hip-hop affiliation Galapagos4 hosts a showcase at The Abbey tonight; featuring beats and rhymes from emcees Qwel, Qwazaar, Robust, Hellsent, and deejay Maker. The bad Royce also makes a surprising appearance on the bill, which should add something intersting to the mix. Doors at 8pm, show at 9pm. Tickets $12 in advance and at the door. 3420 W. Grace (at Elston). See the Transmission page for further details.

1st Annual Hideout Pyrate Panto

The Hideout Players present The First Annual Hideout Christmas Pyrate Panto in which are revealed the adventures of Catfish Girl amongst pyrates and mermaids featuring Jon Langford, Kelly Hogan, Janet Bean, Tim Tuten and a glittering host of Hideout Regulars written and directed by Sally Timms
Pirate dress encouraged. In keeping with British Christmas tradition, the Hideout will present its first pantomime telling the story of Catfish Girl, her adventures on the High Seas with villanous pirates and her search for the lost mermaid treasure of Pirate Island. Expect plenty of cross dressing, bad pirate jokes, ribald humor, sea shanties and salty tails. Details: In the role he was born to play,Jon Langford stars as Mrs. Hammerhead, pantomime dame and proprietress of the Mariner's Leg Tavern and Grill, Kelly Hogan stars as Cap'n Skate King of the Pirates, Janet Bean as the Mermaid Queen and Tim Tuten appears as Tuttons, the chatty fishmonger. Newcomer Callie Roach will play the role of Catfish Girl. Introducing for the first (and probably last) time a glittering galaxy of Hideout regulars masquerading as pirates, mermaids and pantomime whales.Seating is strictly limited to 60 people per show. Floor seating so bring your own cushions. Advance ticket purchase highly recommended.

Two shows nightly (7pm show all ages and family friendly, 10pm show over 21 only and less friendly) doors open 30 minutes before each show. Admission $12 adults, $5 under 16s.

Kitchen Chicago Holiday Shop

Kitchen Chicago is open to the public today for a "holiday shop" featuring purchasable items from its clients. You'll be able to get some pies, brownies, cookies, scones, chocolates, and many other great food items. You may pre-order items for pickup during the holiday shop; please see the Kitchen Chicago site for details. Kitchen Chicago will be open today and tomorrow from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Kitchen Chicago: 4464 N. Manor. (773) 463-0863.