Bookslut reading @ Stop Smiling HQ

Bookslut presents the latest in its monthly series of literary readings. This month's event will be at the headquarters of Stop Smiling magazine (1371 N. Milwaukee), and will feature readings by authors Joanna Scott (Everybody Loves Somebody), Binnie Kirshenbaum (An Almost Perfect Moment) and Amy Güth (Three Fallen Women). The reading starts at 7:30 PM; see Bookslut's readings page for more information and to RSVP.

Reverend Horton Heat @ Metro

Psychobilly superstars Reverend Horton Heat bring their search for girls with bad reputations to the Metro for two nights. Liquor in the front, poker in the back. Metro, 3730 N. Clark, 6PM, $22. All Ages. Tickets available through Ticketmaster (boo, hiss). With The Tossers and and Murder By Death.

"Orange Orngy" Festival @ Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba

This week-long festival kicks off tonight with special dishes and drinks prepared with oranges, trivia, games, and a drawing for a home-cooked dinner made by the restaurant's executive chef, Tim Cottini. Saturday and Sunday, March 10th and 11th, the restaurant will serve an "Orange Orangy" brunch with a build-you-own screwdriver bar. Visit Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba's website for more information.

Chicago Bird Agenda Seminar @ Chicago Center for Green Technology

As we move into spring migration, this timely two-hour seminar--part of the Chicago Center for Green Technology's Green Tech U--discusses ways we can help birds avoid collisions with buildings. Free, but advance registration is required. 6 PM, 445 N. Sacramento. For more information, and to pre-register, call 312-746-9642 or email greentech [at] cityofchicago [dot] org.

Public Enemy @ House of Blues

No matter what you think of Flav, Chuck D, and crew still bring it, a hype, kinetic show that will likely have many encores. Tickets on sale February 10th.

Office plays Benefit for Catawumpus Films @ Darkroom

One of Chicago's most buzzed about bands, Office, will be playing two sets (one acoustic and one electric) tonight at 9pm at Darkroom (2210 W. Chicago). The show is a benefit for Catawumpus Films and if that's not enough to get you off your couch on a Thursday night, there's complimentary Bushmills Premium Whiskey from 9-11pm. Must be 21 and tickets are $15.

RSVP to rsvp@enpriseentertainment.com

Jorge Drexler @ Hothouse

Uruguayan musician Jorge Drexler has won an Academy Award, been nominated for numerous music awards (Latin Grammys, US Grammys, and Spain's Premios de la Música), and enjoyed an array of success in South America and Spain. His music is a fine mixture of traditional Uruguayan sounds, electronica, bossa nova, and pop. In addition to his work on many Latin American movie soundtracks, he writes the music for the popular telenovela Corazón Partido. Tonight he performs one of nine US shows in support of his latest album 12 Segundos de Oscuridad. For more information, visit the Hothouse.

Pretexts, Paranoia, and Public Space @ Newberry Library

Speaker Don Mitchell discusses how cities have been (over-?) regulating public space since 9/11. Free, 6 PM. 60 W Walton. For more information, call 312-255-3700 or visit the website.

Spires That In The Sunset Rise @ Empty Bottle

A showcase of adventurous local indie acts takes place at the Bottle tonight. The all-femme, multi-instrumental goth-folk quarter Spires That In The Sunset Rise perform their uncanny, gosammer-strewn music in a headlining set. Birdshow -- aka Kranky Records artist Ben Vida, formerly of Town & Country -- will also be playing. Plastic Crimewave Sound opens. Show starts at 10 PM, cost is $8. 1035 N. Western.