Story Lab @ Black Rock

Story Lab stands apart from other series in the city in its accessibility and unmitigated audience support for the performers. Join storytellers and story lovers at the Black Rock (3614 N. Damen) where each month, an entirely different lineup of up-and-coming storytellers share their freshest pieces. This month's readers include: Gipsy Escobar, Ben Gibson, Kate Herold, Camille Izlar, Andrew Kerns, and Zack Meyer. Hosted by Scott Whitehair of the reading series This Much is True. Show starts at 7:30pm, and is free. Get there early for a seat and to take advantage of the $5 burger and $3.50 Chicago microbrew specials. For more information visit Black Rock Pub or Story Lab Chicago.

Jo Guldi @ Union League & Read/Write Library

Author Jo Guldi presents two talks based on her book Roads To Power: Britain Invents the Infrastructure State today. The first is at the Union Club, 65 W. Jackson Blvd., at 11:30am. It will focus on comparisons of infrastructure and decay in 19th century Britain and the contemporary Midwest. Admission is $30, reservations required.

The second talk is at Read/Write Library, 914 N. California Ave., at 9pm, and is described as "a straight-up radical story about technology, ray kurzweil, participation, peasant riots, open roads, and net neutrality." This talk is free.

A Place To Bury Strangers @ Empty Bottle

A Place To Bury Strangers performs tonight at the Empty Bottle at 10:30pm. Apteka, The Big Sleep, and DJ Brady open. Tickets are $12. The Empty Bottle is located at 1035 N. Western Ave. (773) 276-3600. See our preview in Transmission.

Story Week

A full day of readings, discussions and more is scheduled for Columbia College's Story Week today; see the schedule for full listings. Free.

Pitmaster Dinner @ Barn and Company

Three Floyd's Beer teams up with chef/pitmaster Gary Wiviott for a three-course meal with pairings tonight at 7:30pm at Barn and Company, 905 W Wrightwood. Admission $40. Reservations required.

Shoeshine Boy Celebrates its 12th Anniversary with a Music Party

Tonight, Shoeshine Boy Productions celebrates twelve years in the music business with an amazing and diverse music line up at Double Door -- 1572 N Milwaukee. The show will feature the music of former American Idol contestant Jeffrey David, pop rockers, Vintage Blue and Farraday, Indie rocking newcomers, The Assembly, and veteran post rockers, Air This Side of Caution. Doors open at 8:00 and tickets, starting at $10, are available for advanced purchase or at the door.

Soup and Bread @ Hideout

The Hideout (1354 W Wabansia) hosts Soup and Bread, which is a casual soup-eating event and fundraiser for a local food-related charity. Donate what you can; eat what you will. Event runs 5:30-7:30pm.