Viento de Los Andes and Folklore ballet Pachacamac @ The Old Town School of Folk Music

As part of World Music Wednesdays, the Old Town School of Folk Music presents Viento de Los Andes and Folklore ballet Pachacamac. Viento de Los Andes is a musical group making their debut at the Old Town School. Pachacamac is a traditional dance troupe that returns to the stage with a new show called Shungo that encompasses dance from the coastal, Amazonian and mountainous regions of Ecuador. World Music Wednesdays are free, ticketed events, with a suggested $5 donation. The artists will also be at the Old Town School for a workshop on Thursday evening, 8:30pm. For information and tickets call (773) 728-6000 or visit the Old Town School of Folk Music.

White Rabbits @ Schubas- SOLD OUT

From Columbia, MO via Brooklyn, White Rabbits play a brand of indie rock that at times seems like a hybrid of the Walkmen and Spoon. (It doesn't hurt that Spoon's Britt Daniel produced their latest record, It's Frightening). Returning to Chicago after a sold out Empty Bottle show earlier this year, the sextet opens for the Walkmen at Schubas tonight. The show is part of Schubas' 20th anniversary series. The bill also plays the 12th at Lincoln Hall.

The Lincoln Hall show is $18 for 21+ and begins at 9PM. Lincoln Hall is at 2424 N Lincoln.

Stephen Bayley @ SAIC

Stephen Bayley is one of the world's best known and outspoken commentators on modern culture. Former Chief Executive of the Design Museum in London, Bayley's wit, humor, and keen observations on art and culture have brought him great success as a journalist, author, speaker, and design consultant for such companies as Absolut Vodka, Volkswagen, Audi, and the Victoria & Albert Museum. On this provocative evening of cultural history, Bayley explores why objects--from historic cars to the female body--convey meaning. Following the talk, Bayley signs copies of his two most recent books. The lecture begins at 6pm, at SAIC's Columbus Auditorium: 280 S. Columbus Dr. Email events@saic.edu for more information.

Preview of The People Speak @ Leverone Auditorium

An excerpt preview of the new documentary, The People Speak, a spinoff of sorts from The People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn, will show at 8pm at Northwestern University's Leverone Auditorium: 2100 Sheridan Road, Evanston. Rapper Lupe Fiasco and actor Michael Ealy (Barbershop 1 & 2) will perform live readings.

Jay Ryan @ Quimby's

Jay Ryan, the graphic artist sometimes better known by his screen printed poster shop name, The Bird Machine, kicks off a nationwide book tour at Quimby's Bookstore (1854 W North Ave) this evening, signing copies of his new book, Animals and Objects In and Out of Water, which features 120 of Ryan's favorite pieces of art from the last three years. The event starts at 7pm. Visit the Quimby's event calendar or call (773) 342-0910 for more information.

Jaume Plensa @ AIC

Jaume Plensa, creator of Millennium Park's Crown Fountain (you know, the one with the faces) and William and Stephanie Sick, distinguished professors at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, presents a lecture entitled "In the Public Space." Plensa will discuss the creation of Crown Fountain and his collaboration with SAIC faculty and students on that project, as well as other projects he's installed internationally.

This event takes place in the Rubloff Auditorium of the Art Institute (280 S. Columbus Drive) at 6pm. For more information, please call (312) 899-5143 or visit SAIC Events on Facebook.

Funny Ha-Ha @ Hideout

Funny Ha-Ha returns to the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, tonight from 6:30pm to 8pm. Tonight's show features Tribune TV critic Maureen Ryan, members of the AV Club, author Kevin Guilfoile, Bruised Orange Theater Company's "I Saw You", and films by Steve Delahoyde. Hosted as always by author Claire Zulkey. Admission is $5, benefitting the Neighborhood Writing Alliance.