Andrew Bird Music Video Debut

The video for Andrew Bird's song "Imitosis" makes its debut tonight at 8pm at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, as part of a benefit for the Short Film Brigade. Abraham Levitan play piano and a DJ dance party (afro-pop with Josh Abrams & Nathaniel Braddock) follows. Tickets are $10 at the door or in advance. More info here

Yearly Kos Convention @ McCormick Place

Political junkies of many stripes converge on Chicago for this conference of bloggers and grassroots/Internet activists. Politicians such as Howard Dean and Dick Durbin are expected to speak, as well as Gen. Wesley Clark. For more information, visit the website.

HER MARK 2008 Release Party @ Woman Made

Woman Made Gallery (685 N. Milwaukee Ave.) is hosting this reading by select poets whose work has been included in the gallery's Her Mark 2008 datebook publication by Mars Gamba-Adisa Caulton, Ellen Kort and Simone Muench. Free. 2-4pm. For more information call 312-738-0400.

Jazz Fest @ South Shore Cultural Center

This weekend, the spectacular South Shore Cultural Center celebrates jazz from 11 AM to 7 PM. Free, 7059 S Shore Drive. For more information, call 773-256-0149.

Lollapalooza

Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park on August 3 - 5. For ticket (and other) information, visit the website.

The lineup for Sunday, August 5th features: Pearl Jam, Modest Mouse, TV on the Radio, Cafe Tacuba, My Morning Jacket, Yo La Tengo, !!!, Peter Bjorn and John, Flosstradamus, Iggy and the Stooges, Kings of Leon, Paolo Nutini, Amy Winehouse, Lupe Fiasco, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and many many more.

"Pastry Basics" Cooking Class

Wouldn't it be great to say that you could make lemon curd? Pastry cream? Profiterole dough? If this sounds like the answer to your problems, sign up for Cooking Fools' "Pastry Basics" class, which will be held today at their 1916 West North Avenue store from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. An overview of mixing techniques, followed by instruction on doughs, curds and creams, will be taught.

Halflings, Cathode Terror Secretion, Abudction, Jason Soliday @ Flower Shop

An audio ass-whupping awaits you tonight at Pilsen's new favorite experimental music hangout, The Flower Shop (2159 W. 21st Place). The odious isolation of New England has honed two new power electronics bands, Halflings and Cathode Terror Secretion, into unstoppable masses of death-ray feedback and razor-wire-sharp vocal attacks; they play for your destruction along with locals Abduction (featuring Neil Jendon, ex-Zelienople) and Jason Soliday. Bring friends, and especially, bring any enemies you'd like vaporized. 9 p.m., $6 for the touring bands.

Logan Square Farmers Market

The Logan Square Farmers Market takes place every Sunday until October 28. The market is held at the corner of Logan, Milwaukee and Kedzie from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.