CHIRP Record Fair

The WLUW Record Fair is now the Chicago Independent Radio Project (CHIRP) Record Fair, and it's going on this weekend. Search through stacks of records, look for your favorite release from local labels, pick up some silkscreened posters and more. Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-5pm at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, 1419 W. Blackhawk. Admission is $7/$5 with postcard/any ad, or pay $25 and get in early on Saturday (8am-10am) plus free re-admission all weekend.

Chicago Homebrew Contest @ Binny's in the South Loop

Between 12-4p today, bring a 12-pack of your best homebrew to Binny's in the South Loop (1132 S. Jefferson Street) for judging. Binny's will ship your home concoction to Boston for entrance into the 2008 Samuel Adams Longshot contest; the winner of today's contest will be sent to Denver to attend the 2008 Great American Beer Festival.

Appetite Theatre reads a new play by Mia McCullough @ The Book Cellar

Appetite Theatre presents a public reading of Mia McCullough's new script Household Spirits.

Sat April 12th
The Book Cellar, 4736 N.Lincoln (in Lincoln Square), Chicago, IL
6:00 pm
FREE!
Appetite Theatre presents a new reading
series at a favorite independent book store, The
Book Cellar. (The company's favorite for its ecclectic selection and
its offerings of tasty snacks and wine!)
Household Spirits by Mia McCullough

A newly blended family
spends a nearly disastrous holiday together as they
grapple with sexual harassment, the onset of
schizophrenia, and the early easy of recovery from
alcoholism. A very dark comedy about mental illness,
doll molestation and household spirits...be they
alcoholic, ethereal, or detergent.

FREE! Wine and snacks will be available for purchase.

Indie in the Windy City Handcrafted Market

The inaugrual Indie in the Windy City Handcrafted Market takes place today. Vendors Spinalfusion, Bugs and Bones, Little Pearl, Sew Rad and several more of their crafty friends will be plying their wares. Head to 920 W. Wilson (three blocks east of the Wilson Red Line stop in the Friendly Towers building) between 10 am and 4 pm on the 12th to check out the stained glass, clothing, jewelry, and recycled goods up for sale. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the CCO Women's Shelter.

The Seldoms @ Ruth Page Center for the Arts

The Seldoms present Monument, a dance piece about individual acts of consumption that lead to the "accidental social sculpture" of the landfill. Each performance will be followed by a discussion led by representatives of groups that address human consumption and waste. For more info, see the GB interview. Th, Fri, Sat, @ 8:00, Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn. $19 ($13 student/senior). Click here for tickets.

Creative Chicago Expo: Space/Housing/Business/Community

This free day-long fair features free workshops and info on resources, services and spaces for Chicago's art community -- including dance, music, theater, fashion, design, visual art, writing/spoken word, film and new media. "Artists are small businesses, and the expo is a place you can find out what you need for your business to thrive." 10am to 4pm today at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. Call 312-744-6630 or click here for more info.

White Sox vs. Tigers @ U.S. Cellular Field

The White Sox swept the Detroit Tigers earlier this month in Motown, so revenge will definitely be on the Tigers mind. Saturday's game is slated for 12:05 p.m., while Sunday game is set for 1:05 p.m.

American Music Club @ Schuba's

Perpetual sad bastards Amercan Music Club bring their boozy brand of musical heartache to Schuba's tonight in support of their new album, The Golden Age. Starts at 10:30pm, 21+, Admission $15.

Chicago Sinfonietta's Annual Ball @ Fairmont Chicago

This year's event theme is "Sounds of Music" and features the Chicago Sinfonietta orchestra, under the baton of Founder and Music Director, Maestro Paul Freeman, with a very special guest. Cocktails and silent auction to begin at 6:30 p.m.; dinner at 7:30 p.m. $400 (person) to $25,000 (table). 200 North Columbus Dr. Tickets available by calling 312-284-1559 or by visiting the Website.

Spring Gala @ Hyde Park Art Center

Honoring Charles Benton. 5020 S. Cornell Ave. For more information or for tickets, please contact Christina Jensen at cjensen [at] hydeparkart [dot] org or (773) 324-5520 ×1021.

Hyde Park & Kenwood @ Chicago Cultural Center

Learn about the architectural styles of these two neighboring lakefront communities. Highlights include a visit to the Oriental Institute Museum, a short walk through the University of Chicago's Quadrangle, a visit to St. Thomas the Apostle Church, and a drive past historic mansions and homes in Kenwood. To make reservations, call 312-742-1190 or visit the Website. Tours depart by motorcoach from the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph Street at Michigan Ave., at 10 a.m. (check-in at 9:30 a.m.) and return either at 2 p.m. or 2:30 p.m., except for Summertime Sampler Tours that return at 1 p.m. and are offered on Tuesday and Thursday beginning May 27.

World Kitchen Learning Series: A World of Fishes

Celebrate the beloved fish from 11am-2pm today through the World Kitchen learning series sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Class to be held at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Class fee is $30. Click here for more information and to register.

Circle in the Square @ Cheney Mansion

Artists presenting work include Christopher Ellis and Dawn Marie Galtieri of Voice of the City, Winifred Haun, artistic director of Winifred Haun & Dancers, and independent aerialist Jill Heyser. Independent choreographer Sarita Smith Childs, Paul Abrahamson, artistic director of Chicago Ballet and artists from The Space Movement Project also present work. Through April 13. $25/general admission, $20/students and seniors. Ticket prices include refreshments. Group rates available. 7:30 p.m. 220 N. Euclid, Oak Park. For reservations call 773-782=9471. More information about Circle in the Square here.