Cremaster 1 & 2 @ Film Center

The Gene Siskel Film Center kicks off a screening of the infamous Cremaster Cycle tonight with a screening of the first two films in the series, Cremaster 1 and Cremaster 2. What you can expect to see: grapes; Goodyear blimps; Gary Gilmore; bees; Harry Houdini; and much more. Tonight's screening is at 7:45 PM, and the program will be reshown over the next few days; see the Film Center Website for a complete schedule of the screenings. Tickets: $9, $7 for students, $5 for Film Center members, and $4 for SAIC students. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Sacred Art First Anniversary Events

Sacred Art, the Roscoe Village boutique that showcases affordable art made by Chicago artists, is celebrating its first year in business with a remodeled space and a slew of nifty events. Stop by the shop tonight from 7-9 pm for the Grand Reopening Party, a raffle, and free mini-massages. Update: This evening's festivities will also include the Frances Jewelry Design Demo and Trunk Show, moved from Sunday because of that football thing.

Matthew Barney doc @ Film Center

The Gene Siskel Film Center, as part of a month-long retrospective of the film work of artist Matthew Barney, presents a screening of the 2006 documentary Matthew Barney: No Restraint, which was filmed while Barney was working on his recent film Drawing Restraint 9. The film screens through February 8; see the Film Center Website for screening times. Tickets: $9, $7 for students, $5 for Film Center members, and $4 for SAIC students. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Pinebender @ Empty Bottle

Chicago's finest purveyors of fuzz-rock, Pinebender, continue their recently frenetic pace tonight at The Empty Bottle. Joining them will be Retribution Gospel Choir, featuring Alan Sparhawk of Low on vocals, along with Omaha newbies Artsy Golfer. The show starts at 10 PM. Call 773-276-3600 for more details.

Dead Reckoners @ Fitzgerald's

The Dead Reckoners bring their brand of literate, americana-flavored music to the Chicago area this weekend. Tonight's show is at Fitzgeralds in Berwyn. Visit Fitzgerald's calendar section or call 708-788-2118 for more info.

Chi.MyOpenBar.Com Launch Party @ Schuba's

What more fitting way to celebrate the launch---nay, just the existance---of the Chicago chapter of Myopenbar.com, that Slowdown for the frugal imbiber? Free booze provided by Newcastle Ale and Kronenbourg 1664 (9 PM to 10 PM), and p.i.n.k. vodka (12 AM to 1 AM). Bands Tight Phantomz, Mannequin Men, and Reds and Blues perform. At Schuba's, 3951 N. Southport. More info here.

381 Days @ DuSable Museum

Simon, Sykes, and Sims perform at the grand opening of the DuSable's new exhibit, 381 Days: The Montgomery Bus Boycott Story. The concert features Chicagoan Robert Sims, who trained under legendary chicago arranger/teacher Lena McLin. The group sings African American folk songs and spirituals. The performance is at the Rockefeller Chapel. 5850 S. Woodlawn. 773-262-9655. DuSable Museum: 773-947-0600.

University of Chicago Folk Festival

The University of Chicago presents the U of C Folk Festival, a three-day event featuring folk music workshops and performances during the day, and concerts in the evening. Among the list of performers scheduled for the evening concerts: the Pine Leaf Boys; Veretski Pass; Vesta Johnson; and the Elkins String Ticklers. The daytime workshops will be at Ida Noyes Hall (1212 E. 59th Street), and the concerts will be at Mandel Hall (1135 E. 57th Street). See the Folk Festival Website for a complete listing of all events.

Count Basie Orchestra @ CSO

The tradition of swingin' continues, as part of the AT&T Jazz at Symphony Center series. The Count Basie Orchestra, a veritable jazz institution, headlines with the Joey DeFrancesco Trio. Show begins at 8pm. Call (312) 294-3000 or visit the CSO event page for tickets.

Tense Forms: Winter Showcase @ Subterranean

Tense Forms, the collaborative multi-disciplinary, project-based workgroup led by Joshua Dumas, is holding their 2nd annual Winter Showcase at Subterranean tonight from 8pm onwards. The showcase features an insane amount of buttons (1000+), a wall of televisions screening all kinds of visual art as well as live music.