Chicago Jazz Fest

The Chicago Jazz Fest is at Grant Park today, and it's totally free. Today's featured music act is Medeski, Scofield, Martin and Wood.

Trapped Ashes @ Film Center

The Gene Siskel Film Center presents the Chicago premiere of Trapped Ashes, the latest film in the horror anthology genre. The film features stories directed by Ken Russell, Sean S. Cunningham, Monte Hellman, and John Gaeta, with a wraparound story directed by Joe Dante. Trapped Ashes plays at the Film Center through Thursday, September 6; see the Film Center Website for a complete schedule of showtimes. Tickets: $9, $7 for students, $5 for Film Center members, and $4 for SAIC students. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Movies in the Park

The Chicago Park District presents Movies in the Park, a summer-long screening of classic and contemporary films in Chicago parks. Tonight's screenings: Gridiron Gang (PG-13) at Taylor-Lauridsen Playground Park (647 W. Root St.); Daddy's Little Girls (PG-13) at Woodhull Playground Park (7340 S. East End Ave.); and Dreamgirls (PG-13) at Sherwood Park (5701 S. Shields Ave.). The screenings start tonight at dusk, and are free and open to the public. For a complete schedule of movies check out the Chicago Park District Website.

African Festival of the Arts

Chicago's African Festival of the Arts runs throughout Labor Day weekend in Washington Park (51st & Cottage Grove). For more details check out the website.

Friday August 31st Entertainment highlights:

Main Stage
5:30 PM SPIRIT
6:30 PM Jimi Heath Big Band
8:30 PM Goapele with Yonnek

World Stage
3:30 PM Ron Carter
5:00 PM Rafo International
7:00 PM 911 / Latin Street Dance

Hip-Hop Stage
6:00 PM Sam the Basket Case
6:30 PM Carl "KING" Lewis
7:00 PM Lisa Lust
7:30 PM Sam I Am
7:45 PM Dutch Devillian
8:15 PM No.Try.Do Sincere
8:35 PM SB
9:00 PM Naughty By Nature

Mt St Helens CD Release Show @ The Beat Kitchen

Ten years into its career, post-punk locals Mt St Helens return with its third album, Of Others, which is being released next month on the Chicago label Two Thumbs Down after the band's former imprint, Divot, shut its doors. Because of a three year recording hiatus, Of Others showcases a band that's been recharged, delivering a record that bows to the abrasive energy of Unwound but is tempered by the psychedelic flourishes that have become part of Mt St Helens sonic thumbprint. Driftless Pony Club and Oceans open. $10. 10pm. 18+.

Permanent Records One Year Anniversary

Permanent Records is throwing a party to celebrate its one-year anniversary. Teaming up with the folks at Lumpen, the jam-packed evening will be hosted at the Co-Prosperity Sphere and will feature performances by Tirra Lirra, Waterbabies, Golden Birthday, Jim III, These Are Powers, and Missouri's Warhammer 48K! The show starts at 7:00pm with a $7 suggested Donation. Co-Prosperity Sphere - 3219 S. Morgan.

Juke-It-Palooza @ Smart Bar

Shake it, Pop It! The Smart Bar and SES Records brings a showcase of booming bass and booty-rocking beats with Juke-It-Palooza tonight. Spotlighting the warp-speed house sound that's been pumping from the Southside of Chicago for many years now (but has only lately filtered into the rest of the club scene hearabouts), the evening will feature headlining DJ sets from two of the city's biggest names on the Juke scene -- DJs Gant-Man and Power 92's DJ Nehpets! There'll also be a special guest set from Detroit's DJ Godfather, as well as some face-off spinning from SES's DJ Zebo and Marco Morales, who'll get it rolling with a "B'more House and Booty" set. Keep your eye on our Transmission page for more info. 3730 N. Clark. Doors open @ 10pm. Admission: $10, free before 11pm.

GB Get-Together @ Green Eye

Join the staff of Gapers Block at Green Eye Lounge, below the Blue Line Western stop, for our monthly GB Get-Together. We'll be there from 9pm to around midnight, chilling out and talking over drinks.