Belle & Sebastian @ Chicago Theatre

Scottish twee masters Belle & Sebastian have not played the US in four years, but they return for a short North American tour ahead of a new album slated for later in the fall. Once famous for being stage shy, lead singer Stuart Murdoch has in recent years broken from his shell and is now a jovial and charismatic frontman. The high level of musicianship is nothing to ignore either. The show is 7:30pm at the Chicago Theatre (175 N State St). Tickets are $42.50. For more information, visit the Chicago Theatre online.

Cafe Scientifique: Why Do We Choke?

Cafe Scientifique returns to the Map Room (1949 N. Hoyne) tonight from 7-9pm with a psychological thriller of a discussion entitled "Why do We Choke" led by Sian Beilock (book, blog). The event is free, but due to space considerations limited to the first 50 attendees. For more information visit the website.

Abstract:
Why do we choke under pressure? There is a science to it. The brain science behind performance under stress explains why we choke under pressure as well as how we make the perfect golf swing, difficult math calculation, or business presentation look easy. We will explore why some people excel and others fail to perform at a high level when the stakes are high. Brain science studies offer counterintuitive revelations about intelligence and performance. This café will also include practical scientific advice about ways to not choke in high-pressure situations, and how to succeed brilliantly when it matters most.

Chicago Nerds Book Club @ Noble Tree Cafe

The Chicago Nerd Social Club has its 14th Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Club meeting tonight at Noble Tree Cafe (2444 N. Clark) at 6:30pm. Tonight's book is The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov (the 2001 Penguin Classics printing is recommended). This event is free and open to the public. For full details please see the Chicago Nerds Website.

Rempis/Zerang Duo @ Ratchet

Tonight hear drummer Michael Zerang (who we recently featured in our music section, Transmission) duo with Dave Rempis on sax at Skylark's weekly jazz and creative music series, Ratchet. Admission is free, donations are welcome. 10pm. 2149 S. Halsted St. 21+

Gapers Block Book Club Meeting

The GB Book Club meets tonight at 7:30pm at the Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave. We'll be discussing Chicago: A Novel by Alaa Al Aswany. Free.