Cabaret Oobleck @ The Chopin

Even in Blackouts presents their dynamic and highly stylized form of acoustic pop to close out the run of Cabaret Oobleck, a showcase of the theater company's regulars, irregulars and friends. Hosted by BoyGirlBoyGirl's David Kodeski, the show starts at 7:30pm in the downstairs lounge of The Chopin Theater, 1543 W. Division. Tickets are $12 (more if you've got it, free if you're broke) and can be reserved at 773-347-1041 or here.

Kevin Flynn & The Avondale Ramblers @ Abbey Pub

Kevin Flynn & The Avondale Ramblers play at Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace St., tonight from 8pm to 11pm, as part of the Magners Irish Sessions series. Free, but 21+.

Imagining the Future of the City @ Murphy Auditorium

The Chicago Architecture Foundation presents Imagining the Future of the City, a conversation about the future of cities worldwide with Paul Goldberger from the New Yorker, Christopher Hawthorne of the Los Angeles Times, Blair Kamin of the Chicago Tribune, and Sarah Williams Goldhagen of The New Republic. The discussion will be moderated by Edward Lifson. The event happens at Mutphy Auditorium (50 East Erie Street), and begins at 5:30pm with a reception; the talk starts at 6:15. Tickets are available online or call Whitney Moeller at (312) 922-3432 x271.

Jean Fischer Lecture: "Tricksters, Troubadours, and Bartleby"

In this lecture, titled "Tricksters, Troubadours, and Bartleby - On Art from a State of Emergency," Jean Fisher discusses artists whose work emerges from a history of colonial violence and cultural dispossession. Framed within the idea of the hermeneutic play of the "trickster" and the "troubadour" (encountering, trespassing, vectoring, and opportunism), she asks, can art be a means of reclaiming agency? How might one characterize these practices, and do they differ from social activism? Can these practices resonate in the political, collective sphere? 6pm. Free. Art Institute of Chicago, Price Auditorium: 111 S. Michigan. Check out the listing on CAR's website for more information, or email events@saic.edu.

"Optimism & Everyday Life" Lecture @ threewalls

Claire Pentecost, a local artist and writer, gives a lecture today about optimism-- what happened to it and how can it be generated? 7pm. threewalls is located at 119 N. Peoria, #2D. Call them at (312) 432-3972 for more information.

Drink & Donate for Rock for Kids @ LaSalle Power Co.

Rock for Kids is a Chicago-based non-profit organization that provides free year-round music education for children in need, and the Junior Board was recently formed to support that cause by increasing awareness of Rock for Kids and its mission, and getting new people involved. The event tonight gets going at LaSalle Power Company from 6-8pm on Thursday, November 5th where you can find out more about Rock for Kids and how you can get involved, along with a raffle and a $25 open bar featuring Bud, Miller and Coors products, and vodka drinks. Raffle tickets will be sold throughout the event at 2 for $5 or 5 for $10, and the prizes will include: a Metro gift certificate for 4 tickets with VIP seating (approx value $100), and more TBA! And of course, all proceeds from the bar and raffle go directly to support Rock for Kids. More details here.

Reeling Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival Opening Night

The Opening Night of the second oldest gay and lesbian film festival in the world will launch at Music Box Theatre at 7:30pm with the dramatic comedy ("dramedy,") The Big Gay Musical with co-director Casper Andreas and lead actor Daniel Robinson in attendance.

Reeling describes the film: "Through rousing musical numbers that feature scantily clad tap-dancing angels, a clever retelling of Genesis, creepy televangelists, and a camp that attempts to turn gay kids straight, everyone realizes that life gets better once they accept who they really are." What more could you ask for to start this film festival?

The night will be followed by a performance by The Joans (a band based on Joan Crawford) at the Opening Night Gala at Architectural Artifacts, 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave. Hors d'oeuvres will be served along with the open bar.

Admission for the film only is $12 ($10 members) and admission for the film and gala is $35 ($32 members). 21+ required for the gala. For more anticipated event information at Reeling check out our preview.

Burnham Plan Presentation & Book Signing @ Ferguson Theater

Columbia College Chicago Friends of the Library Signature Showcase: "An Ongoing Legacy: The Burnham Plan from the City Beautiful Movement to Daley's Post-Modernist Chicago." Presented by Dominic Pacyga, faculty, Humanities, History and Social Science Department, Columbia College. A book signing featuring his latest book, Chicago: A Biography will be held immediately after his presentation. Ferguson Theater, 600 S. Michigan, First Floor. 6-8pm. Free. Call (312) 369-7153 for more info.

In the K/Now: Chicago's Deadly Streets

This month, the Chicago History Museum's panel discussion series "In the K/Now" looks at the recent spate of urban violence that inspired the CNN story "Chicago's Deadly Streets." Journalist and panel moderator Laura Washington leads a discussion with Father Michael Pfleger, Tio Hardiman, Phillip Hampton, and Floyd Brown, as they look into the origins of the recent violent outbursts and discuss what can be done. The event starts at 6:30pm and meets in the museum's lecture hall (1601 N. Clark St.) is free, but reservations are required. Reserve your place online. For more information call (312) 642-4600.

Battle of the Bhut @ Jake Melnick's

If you like charity and eating hot wings in a contest-type environment, head to Jake Melnick's (41 East Ontario) tonight at 6pm to fulfill your needs. "Battle of the Bhut" will feature XXX Wings (XXX-tra spiced-up with Bhut Jolokia pepper) and cheap beer specials for the evening. Chicago Firefighters will also attend to grab donations for their "Fill the Boot" program, which benefits the CFD's Widows and Orphans Fund. The winner will get free tickets to a future Bulls/Blackhawks game, a future private party at Melnick's, and a year's supply of wings. Journalist and cattle rancher Bill Kurtis will emcee.