Poultrygeist @ Music Box

Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead (known as "cinema's first chicken-zombie horror-comedy...with musical numbers") plays tonight and tomorrow at the Music Box (Southport and Grace) at midnight. Director Lloyd Kaufman will attend both screenings. Tickets $10.

1985 @ The Factory Theater

The Factory Theater spoofs George Orwell's classic 1984 with a distinctly mid-decade Chicago Bears twist. Eric Roach directs. Located at 3504 N. Elston, between Albany and Kedzie. Showtimes: Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm and Sundays at 7 through December 19th. Tickets are $20. For information and tickets call: 312-409-3247 or visit The Factory Theater.

The Gregory Battcock Archive Opens @ Rowley Kennerk Gallery

Chicago artist and SAIC professor Joseph Grigely presents a collection of murdered Warhol-era artist and critic, Gregory Battcock's ephemera. The show opens tonight at Rowley Kennerk Gallery (119 N. Peoria #3C) from 6-8pm, and will remain up through January 30. Contact the gallery at 773-983-0077 or info@rowleykennerk.com for more information.

The Madame Barker Holiday Variety Show (with Rick Bayless)

Rick Bayless is hitting the stage with local ensemble 500 Clown for The Madam Barker Holiday Variety Show at Prop Thtr. Along with the holiday-themed music, dancing, magic and comedy, Bayless will be on stage creating edible concoctions.

Tickets are $10, available at the door only, so expect the same sorts of lines you find at other Bayless businesses around town--though the 11pm start time might cull the crowd a bit.

Prop Thtr is at 3502 N Elston.

After Dark @ The Art Institute

Party in the AIC's Modern Wing tonight and go on tours of the newly expanded architecture and design galleries. DJ sets by Dark Wave Disco and Midnight Conspiracy, a live performance by Gemini Club, and immersive performances from Collaboraction. Hosted by Moneypenny with a GlitterGuts photo booth. Cash bar & free appetizers. Admission is $25, $20 if you're an AIC member or a student. For advance tickets, visit museumtix.com or call 877-307-4AIC. The party is from 6-10pm.

The Book as its Own Addendum

At Marwen's Alumni Gallery from 5pm-7pm, 833 N. Orleans, is the opening night of The Book as its Own Addendum, featuring original works of art from local, national, and international artists alongside the books and literature that inspired them. Some contributing artists will be Mitsuko Brooks, Jen Cooney, Alfredo Garcia, Zach Huelsing, Regin Igloria, Edith Kollath, Matt Kuhlman, Zoe McCloskey, Shawn Sheehy, and Jeremy Tinder. While you're there, check out the student art as well.

AREA Chicago's Wants and Needs Auction 2009 @ UE Hall

AREA Chicago's third annual auction is tonight, with ALL proceeds benefiting the Spring 2010 issue of AREA. Items being auctioned range from customized tours of the city to hand-drawn portraits of the winners to catered retreats in the countryside. 7-12pm. Auction at 9:30pm. DJs before & after. UE Hall: 37 S. Ashland. $10 donation at the door, $20 donation for admission and a tote bag. To RVSP or prepay email areachicagointern@gmail.com.

The Nature of Diamonds

Sparkling, dazzling and glamorous only begin to describe this gem that has fascinated thousands. Come explore the many facets of diamond through history, science and jewelry. The exhibition is through March 28, 2010 at the Feild Museum 1201 S. Lake Shore Drive. Price is $16; For tickets or more information visit the website here.

Video Art 101 @ Chicago Art Department

With Video Art 101, the Chicago Art Department uses the frame of an art exhibition to teach basic video art concepts. What is unique about the medium of video? How is it different from other media? What are some of the possibilities offered by video? What are some of the basic techniques? What are some of the tools and how are they used? These are some of the questions that this exhibit will try to help answer. It's an intro video art class masquerading as an art exhibition. 6-10pm at Chicago Art Department:1837 S. Halsted.

El Vez, Los Straightjackets @ Double Door

Viva Christmas! On his annual Xmas tour, the incomparable El Vez once again descends on the Windy City, this time with Los Straightjackets in tow. Tickets $15, doors open at 8pm, the Double Door is located at 1572 N Milwaukee, Chicago. 773-489-3160. 21+

Scott Stulen: Kool-Aid Drunk @ ebersmoore

Scott Stulen's paintings and sculptures investigate how shared cultural memory can slip into fiction or fabrication, creating a partial truth recalled as authentic memory or experience. They're often pretty damn funny, too. His solo show opens tonight at ebersmoore gallery: 213 N. Morgan. 6-9pm. The show will be up through January 2.

Picturing the Studio @ SAIC

This exhibition explores the richly complex politically and psychologically charged notion of the artist's studio today. With works by over 30 artists spanning the past two decades, this exhibition also includes several specially designed installations undertaken by artists on site. Among the artists included are Susanne Doremus, Julia Fish, Rodney Graham, Karl Haendel, Adelheid Mers, Bruce Nauman, Amanda Ross-Ho, and James Welling.

The opening is from 4:30-7:30pm, Sullivan Galleries, SAIC: 33 S. State, 7th Floor.

Forever Vegetal @ Roots & Culture

Forever Vegetal is a collection of new work by Chicago artists Brian McNearney and Edra Soto. The opening is from 6-9pm tonight and the show will be up through January 16. Roots & Culture Contemporary Art Center is located at 1034 N. Milwaukee. Call them at (773) 235-8874 for more information.

Nice Cream & Glazed Donuts Winter Flavors Launch Party @ Green Grocer

Start the weekend on a sweet note. Stop by Green Grocer tonight from 5-7pm to sample the newest winter flavors by Chicago-based Nice Cream and Glazed Donuts. Indulge in: Vanilla Bean and Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Dark Chocolate Chips, Spicy Chocolate, Gingersnap with Cookie Pieces and Cinnamon Ice Cream with Spicy Candied Pecans. Then enjoy Chocolate Candy Cane and Bourbon Pecan Pie donuts. Green Grocer is located at 1402 W. Grand Ave., (312) 624-9508.