Chip Kidd & Saul Ferris @ Chicago Comics

Chip Kidd and Saul Ferris, co-authors of the new book Bat-Manga! The Secret History of Batman in Japan appear tonight at Chicago Comics (3244 N. Clark) for a signing and presentation from 6 to 8pm. The event is free and open to the public.

eighth blackbird with Glen Kotche @ Harris Theater

Hear what happens when "indie classical meets indie rock" tonight when Glen Kotche, drummer from Chicago rock band Wilco, teams up with the classical sextet eighth blackbird. Learn more about this event and Kotche's solo work in Transmission. 7:30pm at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph Dr. For more information call 312-334-7777. Tickets are $30.

Orange Alert Reading Series @ The Whistler

This is the first of a new monthly reading series sponsored by Orange Alert Press, held at The Whistler (2421 N. Milwaukee Ave.).

The event starts at 7pm and features Spencer Dew, Robert Duffer, Ben Tanzer, and Stephanie Kuehnert.

H2Oil: Mixing Oil and Water @ History Museum

The Illinois Humanities Council kicks off its new discussion series, All-Consuming: Conversations on Oil and Water, with this exchange between Chicago Public Radio's Steve Edwards and Richard Heinberg of the Post Carbon Institute. 6:30pm, 1601 N Clark.This event is free, but let them know you're coming by calling 312-422-5580, emailing events [at] prairie [dot] org, or visiting the website to make a reservation.

The Pitchfork 500 Release Party @ Sonotheque

Think you know your music? Well, the folks at Pitchfork Media know a thing or two about it as well. These music geeks have been critiquing and praising thousands of tunes since 1995 and now they're ready to reveal their favorite songs from 1977 to 2006. Paperback copies of The Pitchfork 500: Our Guide to the Greatest Songs from Punk to the Present will be available for purchase, and songs from the prestigious list will be bumping all night. Cover is free and the event starts at 9pm. 1444 W. Chicago Ave. Call 312.226.7600 for more info.

The Herbalizer @ Darkroom

KEXP Equalizer imports South London's The Herbalizer to The Dark Room, 2210 W. Chicago Ave. Rocking their first US tour in 10 years, The Herbalizer's full band set opens tonight with support from Chicago's Shala of Qualo and DJs Intel + Striz. The 21+ show starts at 8pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door.