In the Park with Civic @ Harrison Park

Tonight, the Percussion Ensemble of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago performs a family-friendly show in Harrison Park (1824 S. Wood St.) beginning at 6:30pm. Free and open to the public.

Voxtrot @ Lincoln Hall

Voxtrot brings their "Goodbye, Cruel World" farewell tour to Lincoln Hall tonight. The band is unfortunately calling it quits after giving us an LP and several EPs, the most popular of which was probably their break-out Raised By Wolves. But don't worry, a lot of the members already have other projects in the works. Tickets are $14. 2424 N. Lincoln Ave. 10pm. 18+

Marcus Samuelsson @ Macy's

The extremely cute chef (and current Top Chef Masters competitor) Marcus Samuelsson gives a free cooking demo of burgers at Macy's on State Street at noon today (111 North State, lower level). Marcus will also sign copies of his cookbook "New American Table."

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings @ the Vic

Sharon Jones is one of the hardest-working women in music. The New York-based soul singer has released a series of lauded albums and her energetic live performances have earned praise from even the most curmudgeonly critics. Backing her are the Dap-Kings, whose web of associations branches into nearly every group at the forefront of modern Latin, funk, R&B and soul music. Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings will awe at the Vic. Admission is $22 and the show is for ages 18 and over. The Vic is located at Belmont & Sheffield. 8pm.

Joe Shanahan @ Transistor

Famed Metro owner Joe Shanahan and Metro box office manager and DJ Pete Rullo spin at Transistor, 5045 N. Clark, tonight at 8pm. Expect a one-of-a-kind set, perhaps a little Johnny Cash or Passion Pit, essentially the promise of an epic fun night. The DJs are said to be inspired by the eclectic, vibrant atmosphere of the little gallery/bookstore/electronics shop Transistor, truly a passion pit in its own right. Be sure to show up by 8pm, capacity tops at 65 revelers with a suggested donation of $5.

Helen Money @ The Hideout

Local cello-rock goddess Helen Money headlines the "Triple Sister Happiness" show, featuring Money and fellow solo musicians violinist Susan Voelz of Poi Dog Pondering and New York-based guitarist Peg Simone. The show is at the Hideout (1354 West Wabansia Avenue), beginning at 9:30pm and tickets are 8 smackers. Check here for more information.

1700% Project @ Sullivan Galleries

Poetry is like love, hard to define, often badly imitated, but you know the real thing when you find it by how hard it is to forget and how uncomfortable it makes you. That's how I felt hearing about the 1700% Project on NPR the other day. The title refers to the rise in hate crimes against Arabs, Muslims (and those perceived as such) since September 11, 2001. The poem is a Cento, which is 100 lines of found writings, comprised of some of the individual news stories that fill out that percentage. It's an ingenious technique that's all the more arresting for its simplicity and straightforwardness. The brainchild of "artist/writer/agitator" Anida Yoeu Ali, "1700% Project: Otherance" was "conceived as a collaborative project utilizing art not just as a means to address critical issues but also as strategic intervention." Check out the last two performances, which include the poem, video, dance, audio recording and performance-installation, at Sullivan Galleries, 33 S. State Street, 7th Floor, (312) 629-6635, Saturday, May 15 at 12:30pm and Friday, May 21 at 4:30pm.

Update, 05/13/2010: Ali's project was vandalized some time between May 6 and May 11.

Good Evening Reading @ POST

The 123 Collective is hosting their Good Evening Series tonight at POST (1816 S. Racine) in Pilsen. Stop by to hear Zach Kolodjeski, Kat Sanchez, and John Franklin Dandridge read, and then get on stage yourself for an open mic! Space opens at 7pm and reading begins at 8pm. The event is free, but BYOB.

Revamped Fashion Show

Earth Share of Illinois presents Revamped, a fashion and art show dedicated to celebrating and promoting the beauty of eco-conscious lifestyle practices. Tickets are $35 in advance, $45 at the door; VIP entry is $75.

The City That Works @ Gallery Cabaret

Sketch comedy troupe Schadenfreude and funk/hip hop quintet The Jordan Years team up for the show "The City That Works" at the Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley Ave., at 8pm. $10. Free food.

Gapers Block's 7th Anniversary Party @ Metro

Head out to the Metro tonight for Gapers Block's 7th Anniversary Party! We're celebrating and you're invited! Bands include JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound, Blah Blah Blah (record release show!), Hollows, and Lasers + Fast + Shit. Tickets are 2-for-1 for $7 in advance, or $10 for single admission at the door. 18+. Doors open at 8pm, music starts at 9pm. Details in Transmission. And RSVP via Facebook if that's your thing. The Metro is located at 3730 N. Clark St., 773-549-0203.