Gapers Block Get-Together

On the last Friday of every month, Gapers Block staff and readers get together for drinks and conversation somewhere in the city. This month we're at the Clark Street Ale House, 742 N. Clark St., from 8pm to 11pm. Look for the tables with Gapers Block stickers all over'em -- that'll be us. Come say hi.

Guy Maddin's Careful @ Siskel Film Center

The Gene Siskel Film Center presents Guy Maddin's 1992 film Careful, the story of a village that lives in constant fear of avalanches, and the disturbing things that happen in the community. Maddin's work is heavily influenced by early silent film work, and Careful is an amazing-looking piece of work. Also screening: Maddin's 5-minute masterpiece The Heart of the World from 2000, nearly worth the price of admission on its own. Careful screens tonight at 8:00 PM, and also screens on Sunday the 31st at 5:00 PM. Tickets are $9, $7 for students, $5 for Film Center members and $4 for SAIC students. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Homegrown Talent benefit concert @ Old Town School

The Old Town School of Folk Music presents Hoegrown Talent, a benefit concert for the school featuring performances by some of the music-playing OTS board members and donors. The doors open at 7:00 PM, refreshments will be served before the concert, and music will start at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased through the OTS Website or by calling the box office at (773) 728-6000.

North American Cycle Courier & Bike Polo Championships Begin

Starting Friday and all weekend long, the bike action rages with the North American Cycle Courier Championships and North American Bike Polo Championships. Featured events include races, a messenger prom, and lots of parties. Please check each event's website for more information and schedules.

Afrika Bambaataa @ Smart Bar

Afrika Bambaataa -- the "Godfather of Hip-Hop,"the Renegade of Funk, and the planet-rockin' founder of the Zulu Nation -- returns to Chicago to spin a headlining set at Smart Bar this evening. Joining him on the opening slot of the evening's billing will be DJs Tone B Nimble and DJ Intel. Tickets are $15 and everything starts kickin' when the doors open at 10 PM. 3730 N. Clark. Watch our Transmission page for further details.

African Festival for the Arts

The African Festival for the Arts kicks off today at 5100 S. Cottage Grove with loads of music, art, food and culture. Tickets are $10 per day, with weekend passes available for $30. The festival runs Friday through Monday; today's musical lineup is below.

World Music Stage
3pm: DJ Music
3:30pm: SPIRIT
4:45: siji/DJ Music
6:30: Fertile Ground

Dee Parmer Stage
2:30pm: DJ Music
3:30pm DJ Music
4:30pm: SPIRIT
6:15pm: Antoine
7:45pm: Al Hudson & One Way

30th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival @ Millennium Park

The first full day of events for this year's CJF features performances by Isotope 217, a tribute to the AACM led by Roscoe Mitchell and Wadada Leo Smith, vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater and pianist Mulgrew Miller's tribute to Betty Carter, and a headlining performance at the Petrillo Bandshell by Eddie Palmieri and his Latin Jazz Band. There's plenty more on the docket, so check the Chicago Institute of Chicago's website for the schedule and locations. Free to the public.

Breakbone DanceCo @ Viaduct Theater

The "De-evolution of MUDWOMAN (an evening of dance exile, fashion, and humor)" from Breakbone DanceCo begins with a "superficial poptart diva"--representing today's female role models--who de-evolves into the primordial female, complete with head-to-toe mud. In this process, Breakbone will mock themselves, mock a lot of the heavy-handed social commentary out there, and encourage the audience to laugh, all while "de-mystifying" the "objectification of women." The show is filled with entertainment, including a couture fashion show and videography, and is punctuated by commentary from three "expositors" who critique the goings-on throughout the evening. The choreography will use Breakbone's unique, athletic style.

August 28, 29, 30, and September 4, 5, 6--all shows at 9:00. $18 ($15 students and seniors). Viaduct Theater, 3111 N. Western Ave., Chicago. Click here for tickets or visit Breakbone's website for more information. (Also see the GB A/C page for more info.)

Summer FUNdraiser @ Country Club Chicago

Fourteen local artists have created silkscreen prints inspired by the joy of summer for the Summer FUNdraiser tonight from 6pm to 10pm at Country Club Chicago, 1100 N. Damen Ave. Artists include Billy Baumann, Ann Benjamin, Briana Bolger, Sam Conant, Rachel Cortner, Silas Dilworth, Luke Franz, Ryan Halvorsen, Matt Kubis, Myra Mazzei, Mark McGinnis, Ryan Sievert and John Soliminet. Proceeds to benefit Friends of Pritzker. Call 773-960-1811 for more info.