A Moral Compass for the New Global Economy

Jim Wallis, widely-published writer and founder of Sojourners, visits the Chicago Council on Global Affairs to speak with Eboo Patel on what the financial crisis reveals about the moral underpinnings of our economic system. The talk is at the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, 610 S. Michigan Ave. Registration and pre-talk reception begins at 5:30pm; the talk is at 6pm. Tickets range from $10 to $30; details here

The General Washingtons @ The Greenhouse Theater

The General Washingtons, "Chicago's first and only all white, all male comedy group," will be performing Thursdays @ 10:30pm through January 28 at the Greenhouse Theater (2257 N Lincoln Avenue). Tonight they'll be joined by local improv groups "Fred + Sharon" and The Surrogates. $6 at the door. $5 with one of their postcards. (Hint: They bear the image of one of our Founding Fathers. I'll let you guess which one.)

E.M.P.A.C.T. Party @ The Music Lounge

E.M.P.A.C.T.- Everyone's Music Politics Art and Community Throwdown, is a monthly series that showcases live band's and DJ's while fundraising for deserving not-for-profits and community organizations. The goal of E.M.P.A.C.T. is to spread culture, diversity, and knowledge of community issues while providing a common ground for activists, educators, artists, and community organizers to celebrate the commonality of our struggles. Tonight's live music includes EveryPeople Jazz Workshop, Rebel Rhythm Collective, and DJ David Marques. The show starts at 9pm and ends at 2am at The Music Lounge: 3017 W. Armitage. $5 donation, benefiting the Rumble Arts Center.

What Is a Masterpiece?

The Alliance Française (54 W. Chicago) presents world-renown art expert Isabelle Leroy-Jay Lemaistre in this art lecture on how the definition of "masterpiece" has changed over time in painting, drawing, sculpture, and decorative arts. The talk gets underway at 6:30pm and costs $5 for members of the Alliance, $10 for non-members. Register online or call (312) 337-1070 for more information.

Misterioso Fashion Show @ the Lyric Opera of Chicago

Chicago favorite Akira will host the Misterioso fashion show at the Lyric Opera of Chicago (20 N. Wacker Drive; 312-332-2244) to benefit the Young Professional Chapter Lyric Opera of Chicago tonight Thursday January 21st. The event includes a cocktail reception and historical costume viewing (beginning at 6 pm) and a fashion show (following at 7pm). Tickets are available at all Akira locations and are $25 for general admission and $50 for VIP seats. Visit Akira's website for more details.

Pre-Stacked Rack Sale @ Beta Boutique

The girls at Beta Boutique need your help lightening their load! They're hosting a Pre-Stacked Rack Sale to precede their huge Stacked Rack Sale in order to thin out some of the designer merchandise before it is moved to its final location. Visit their location (2016 W. Concord Place) now through January 24th for deeply discounted goodies. To sweeten the deals, you'll receive an additional 20% off $100 or 30% off of $300. Visit their website for more details and a complete list of designers.

Vaudezilla's 'Out with the Clothes, in with the Nudes' @ the Blue Bayou

Though (Baby) its cold outside, the broads of Vaudezilla are heating up the Blue Bayou (3734 N Southport Avenue) with their 'Out with the Clothes, in with the Nudes' Bar top Burlesque Revue. Dig yourself out of a snow drift this Thursday January 21st and visit the bevy of beauties including Red Hot Annie, Wham Bam Pam, Jeez Loueez, Donna Touch, and more! The show is free and starts at 10:00 pm sharp. Visit Vaudezilla's website for more details and a complete list of performers

Glitter in the Gutter @ Annoyance Theater

Get your wig caps and stilettos on to visit Pepper LaRoo and Velveeta Fitzgerald, inseparable drag queen roommates that dream of hitting it big. Inspired by John Waters', Designing Women and Dionne Warwick's, Glitter In The Gutter offers a fresh look at drag culture while paying R-E-S-P-E-C-T to it's roots.

Glitter In The Gutter is directed by Kellen Alexander and stars Wes Perry and Seth Dodson.

Tonight and Thursdays, runs through March 11 | 8pm | $10

World Kitchen Learning Series: Counting Beans

Learn to love legumes and their brethren at the Counting Beans class, part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 6-8:30pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 55 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30.