Myopic Poetry Series @ Myopic Books

The Myopic Poetry Series takes place this evening at Myopic Books. This month's installment will feature Joel Craig and Michael Robins reading. Free. 7pm. 1564 N. Milwaukee. Call 773-862-4882 for more information.

Chicago SketchFest Kick-Off Party & Fundraiser

7:00PM
Theatre Building Chicago
1225 W. Belmont
$20 in advance, $25 at the door

The official Kick-Off Party and Fundraiser for the 2009 Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival features food and drinks, a live auction, a viewing of the 2008 SketchFest documentary, and sketch comedy performances from a variety of local groups, including Kerpatty, Think Tank, Money in the Pants, The Cupid Players, Salsation and more. Patrons, enthusiasts, sponsors, supporters, past performers and potential future performers will all gather to eat, drink, network, laugh, inspire and begin creating excitement for the big event, which takes place January 8th - 18th, 2009.

Lakeview East Festival of the Arts

The 4th annual version of this art fair features over 140 juried artists, as well as musical entertainment. It takes place along Broadway between Belmont and Roscoe on Saturday 9/13 from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday 9/14 from 10 am to 5 pm.

Read Against Recession @ Metro

If you find yourself with fewer bills in your wallet and less change in your pocket, that doesn't mean your culture intake has to come to a grinding halt. Today the Metro will host Read Against Recession, a special edition of their free Rock Against Recession series with readings from Irvine Welsh (Trainspotting and the new Crime) and first-time novelist Stephanie Kuehnert (I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone). The show starts at 6pm and drink specials will be offered to even further reduce the strain on your wallet. The Metro is located at 3730 N. Clark St. Call 773-549-0203 for more information.

Adventures in Modern Music Festival @ Empty Bottle

Five days of exciting music just down Western Avenue, and all I have to pay is $15 for 4 bands each night? Or $60 for a 5-day pass? You don't say!

Head on down to the Empty Bottle tonight to catch the always awesome Adventures in Modern Music Festival. Tonight's lineup includes: Icy Demons, Daedelus, Arnold Dreyblatt and his Orchestra of Excited Strings, and Dead Machines. And yeah, it's only $15. Catch our preview in Transmission.

Renegade Craft Fair

This year's Renegade Craft Fair will feature hundreds of the hippest crafty vendors from across the land, all laid out once again on Division Street in Wicker Park between Damen and Hermitage. Come out and browse, shop and also groove to music by Northern State and Califone. FREE! The fair runs 9/13-9/14, noon-10pm.