New Paintings by Jay Ryan @ Rotofugi

Veteran Chicagoland screenprint artist Jay Ryan of The Bird Machine debuts a new body of work, entitled I've Been to Europe: New Factual Paintings. DJ Carrie Weston will provide the music. The opening reception takes place from 7-10 pm in the Rotofugi gallery.

B-Fest 2010 @ Northwestern University

Northwestern University's A&O Productions presents B-Fest 2010, a 24-hour screening of B films and other horrors disguised as entertainment. Expect films, short films, audience participation, costumes, raffle prizes, and more film geek fun than you can shake a robot monster at. B-Fest kicks off tonight at 6pm and ends tomorrow night at 6pm at the Norris University Center on NU's Evanston campus. Tickets may still be available; see the B-Fest Website for full details.

Touch with Your Eyes: Recent Works by Angel Otero Opens @ Cultural Center

Chicago painter Angel Otero's largest solo show to date opens at the Cultural Center (78 E. Washington) today. The opening reception is from 6-8pm tonight and the show will be up through March 28.

Mid Winter Night's Dream @ Cal's

Tonight at Cal's Rabid Rabbit plays with Dave Rempis and special guest on third bass, Inge Flaten and Nate Mcbride duel out on electric bass, and Loto Ball Show headlines.
Show starts at 10pm. $5 admission. Cal's is located at 400 S. Wells.

Dialogue: Presented by IRUS art @ Co-Prosperity Sphere

Two teams of artists, one in Tehran and another in Denver have assembled under one name: IRUS (Iran - United States). Starting with their mutual respect for art, they have established collaborative projects between their groups. During a one-year period, each group initiated a creative piece and mailed incomplete works back and forth through completion between our two cities: either directly or through friends, relatives or acquaintances who were traveling between the U.S. and Iran. This show demonstrates the fruit of that one-year period: a vibrant collection of intercultural pieces designed to celebrate cultural differences and find harmony through art. The show opens today at Co-Prosperity Sphere (3219-21 S. Morgan, Bridgeport), the reception is from 7-10pm, and it will stay up through Feb. 4. A discussion panel with five of the IRUS artists will be held on January 30, 5-7pm. For more information, visit IRUS art's website.

Art Auction Fundraiser @ Johalla Projects

Our economic mess has not spared art. A lot of exhibition spaces drowned and several, including Johalla Projects, are hanging on by a thread. So, they have organized their first Art Auction Fundraiser, taking place tonight. Proceeds from the auction will go towards improving their exhibition space and continuing to support artists in Chicago. This is an event fit for the collector on a budget. Whether you are a seasoned art investor fixing your eyes on a steal or a budding enthusiast looking for that first piece of art to kick start your collection, this auction has something for everyone. Over 50 artists have donated original work. Participating artists are Nathan Baker, Bridgette Buckley, Elijah Burgher, Philip Dembinski, Anni Holm, Aron Gent, Jon Gitelson, Chad Kouri, Daniel Shea, Montgomery Perry Smith, Myles Smutney-Hyde, and many, many others. The auction viewing is from 7-11pm, bidding closes at 10pm. Tickets to bid are $5 for one or $20 for five. There is no limit on how many times one may bid during the evening. Johalla Projects is located at 1561 N. Milwaukee Ave., 2nd floor. Email them at johallaprojects@gmail.com for a full list of participating artists or additional auction details.

Hail The Black Dragons @ Reggie's Rock Club

Local band Hail The Black Dragons plays tonight at Reggie's Rock Club. The band is a sweet blend of progressive, punk and indie with an amazing vibe. Be prepared for the songs to stick in your head for a few hours after the show ends.

Reggie's is located at 2109 S. State St. The show is $8 and is 18+ and starts at 8. (312) 949-0121.

Critical Mass Polka Ride @ Lincoln Square Lanes

Critical Mass is joining forces with The Polkaholics tonight for the Critical Mass Bowlin' Polka Ride Party. Join this great group of cyclists as they pedal from the Daley Center to Lincoln Square or just come to Lincoln Square Lanes (4874 N. Lincoln Ave) for the polka and bowling afterparty. The event runs from 8pm-1am and is free and open to the public.

Nouvelle Vague @ Lincoln Hall

French cover artists Nouvelle Vague perform mostly country music and bluegrass versions this time around as they tour for their new album. Openers Clare & the Reasons start the show tonight at Lincoln Hall (2424 N. Lincoln Ave). Tickets are $27. The show starts at 10pm. 21+