Nervous Fingers @ The Hideout

Nervous Fingers perform "fence-of-sound" riff-rock at The Hideout tonight along with fellow Chicago indie rockers The Gnomes and headliner Big Buildings. 1354 W. Wabansia. Tickets are $7. Show starts promptly at 9pm. 21+

Rise Against @ The Congress Theater

Chicago's hardcore heroes Rise Against play the first of two all-ages show at The Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave., tonight with Alkaline Trio, Thrice and Gaslight Anthem. Doors at 6pm. Tickets ($27.50) are scarce.

World Kitchen: Girlfriends Get Together @ Gallery 37

Tonight's class (6pm) will help you cook dishes for a Girls' Night that doesn't involve eating raw cookie dough and Doritos. "Thanksgiving Memories" is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and will be held at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Admission is $30 and preregistration is required. Please wear non-skid shoes and bring your apron!

Murder By Death @ Metro

When Murder By Death played the Metro in the past, they were backed by horror movies from the silent film era. An appropriate choice, given the cellist played like a woman possessed. Then again, the lead singer sounds like he's done time on the chain gang sometime around the turn of the last century. This time, they're playing with William Elliott Whitmore and rumors abound that they may join up for part of the set or at least cover of each other's songs. Doors open at 8pm. 3730 N Clark St. Tickets $14.

Intonation Music Workshop Launch Party Fundraiser

Help put instruments in the hands of Chicago kids by attending Intonation Music Workshop's Launch Party Fundraiser tonight at The Butterfly Social Club. There will be a silent auction and complimentary beer from The Half-Acre Brewing Company from 5-6pm. More in Transmission. Admission is just $10.
5-8pm
728 W. Grand Ave.
312-666-1695

www.intonationmusicworkshop.org/

Aziz Ansari @ Lakeshore Theater

3175 N. Broadway
10:30pm
$20.00/ $25.00 VIP

You know Aziz Ansari. He is one of the creators of the hit MTV sketch comedy show,Human Giant, and the racist fruit vendor from HBO's Flight of the Conchords (don't worry, it's only acting). You may also know him as one of the illustrious Comedians of Comedy. In 2009, he will appear in the new spinoff of The Office on NBC with Amy Poehler, so come and see him before he gets too famous to tour the country any more!

Neal Pollack @ Silver Tongue Reading Series

Columbia College's Silver Tongue Reading Series welcomes special guest Neal Pollack, author of Alternadad and The Neal Pollack Anthology of American Literature. Pollack will read alongside students Holly Fisher, Colt Foutz, Mason Johnson, Grant Mahoney, Nick Narbutas, Abigail Sheaffer, Harlan Vaughn and Toni White from 6-9pm at 731 S. Plymouth Court. Email jillcwe[at]gmail[dot]com for more information.

Neo-Futurist Christmas Carol preview @ Neo-Futurarium

The Neo-Futurists present the latest show in their 2008-09 season: A Very Neo-Futurist Christmas Carol, a new take on the Charles Dickens classic tale. Please note: the show contains adult language and themes, so it's not family-friendly. The show is in previews tonight and tomorrow night, and officially opens on Saturday evening. Showtimes for all nights are 8pm. Tickets are $15, $10 for students, and Thursday nights are pay-what-you-can. More information and tickets are available at the Neo-Futurist Website. Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). (773) 275-5255.

Design Exposed: Ross Barney Architects

Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, Eric Martin, AIA and Michael Ross, AIA will present current work, emphasizing the firm's design methodology: the recently completed Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation Synagogue, First Division Museum at Cantigny competition submission, and the new Civil Engineering Building at University of Duluth, Minnesota. Staff members will lead tours around the office, formerly the location of Harry Weese Associates. Limited to 40 participants. An AIA Chicago Event, sponsored by Design KC. 10 W. Hubbard St, 6-7pm. Tickets free for members, $15 for non-members.

Beaujolais Nouveau Party at Fox & Obel

Join Wine Director Mark Wrobel and Jaqueline Pitrack of Heritage Wine Cellars at Fox & Obel, 401 E. Illinois Street tonight from 6:30-7:30pm to celebrate the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau. The party will include French cheeses, French music, a short talk on the history of Beaujolais Nouveau, and cake. All attendees will receive a bottle of Louis Tete Beaujolais Nouveau to take home and 10% off any other purchases that evening. Cost is $20 per person. Space is limited, RSVP at 312.379.0139 or online.

Holes from Page to Stage @ Book Cellar

Join the cast of Adventure Stage Chicago as they perform scenes from their upcoming staging of Louis Sachar's Holes at the Book Cellar. There will be a Q&A session with the director and cast and you can enter to win free tickets to the full production. Free at 7pm at 4736-38 N. N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-293-2665 for more information.

Chicago Outfit Recruitment Q&A @ Milio's

The Chicago Outfit Roller Derby team will hold a recruitment Q&A session tonight, 9:30 p.m., at Milio's Hair Salon, 959 W. Belmont, second floor.

Green Christmas @ Women & Children First

Anne Basye, co-author of Green Christmas: How to Have a Joyous, Eco-Friendly Holiday Season, comes to Women & Children First to discuss low-cost, low-impact alternatives to the the mass-market waste and consumption of the holiday season. Come learn how to enjoy the holidays without increasing your carbon footprint. Free at 7:30pm at 5233 N. Clark St. Call 773-769-9299 for more information.