Slowdown

Polar Dash

The Chicago Polar Dash 5k, 10k and half-marathon gets started today at 9am in Grant Park, just north of Roosevelt Rd. Registration is $45-60 and may be completed at packet pickup on Jan. 9 or 11.

The Frosting on the Filipino Cake @ Kendall College

Maribel Anama of Park Ridge's Mrs. A.'s Cupcakes @ the Pickwick shares her secrets of baking Filipino-influenced treats this morning from 10am-noon at Kendall College, 900 N. Branch. Event sponsored by the Culinary Historians of Chicago; admission $3-5, free parking.

Amazon Marketing Seminar @ Sulzer Regional Library

Today at 10am, author Michelle Sussman presents "Tricks to Marketing Through Amazon" at the Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave. Event runs 'til noon; RSVP janeh@jpusa.org to reserve your seat. Free.

Handmade Market

The Handmade Market returns to the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., today from noon to 4pm. Browse the handiwork of more than two dozen local artisans while enjoying the Bottle's ambiance and perhaps a beer. Free, 21+ except for children accompanying an adult.

The Paper Machete

The Paper Machete "live magazine" this week features comedian Matt Braunger, Neo-Futurist Lisa Buscani, Machete house historian Dan Granata, playwright Ike Holter, iO's Rachel Mason and Second City's Katie Rich and Steve Waltien, plus Chad the Bird and musical guests Reformed Whores and Bethany Thomas. Christopher Piatt hosts at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, at 3pm. Free. 21+

Chicago Sketchfest

The 12th annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, aka Sketchfest, runs Jan. 3-13 at Stage773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Four stages feature 24 shows tonight beginning at 6pm; see the full schedule for details. Tickets to each show are $15.

Joel Hodgson @ Mayne Stage

"Mystery Science Theater 3000" founder Joel Hodgson brings his one-man show, "Riffing Myself," to the Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave., for two shows tonight, at 8pm and 10:30pm. Tickets are $18; VIP tickets to the 8pm show include reserved seating as well as admission to a 4pm screening of "MST3K," a meet'n'greet with Hodgson and a signed poster. Doors open at 7 for the 8pm show, 9:30 for the 10:30pm show.

Fillet of Solo Festival

The 16th annual Fillet of Solo Festival runs Jan. 3-20 at the Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., and the Heartland Studio Theatre, 7016 N. Glenwood Ave. Tonight's performances are Story Club at 7pm and Write Club at 8:30pm at Lifeline, and Stir Friday Night at 7pm and Amanda Rountree at 8:30pm at Heartland Studio. Tickets for each show are $10, or buy a festival pass for $30.

Grant Hart @ Red Line Tap

Grant Hart, co-founder of Hüsker Dü, performs at the Red Line Tap, 7006 N. Glenwood Ave., with Ripley Caine and Jeremiah Webb tonight at 8pm. Tickets are $10. 21+

Quicksand @ Metro

Quicksand had some of the finest pedigree of any post-hardcore band in the early '90s with members who did time with Gorilla Biscuits, Youth of Today and Bold, notably. Their debut, Slip, is still revered and its followup is only slighted by those who don't care that it's on a major label. The heavy riffs, deliberateness and catchy rhythms are still heard in numerous followers. Sporadic reunion shows have led to Metro, 3730 N. Clark St. London band Single Mothers opens. Tickets are $29. Doors open at 8pm. It's 18+.

Psych Fest 4 @ Hideout

The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., hosts Psych Fest 4 Friday and tonight. Tonight's lineup includes Outer Minds, The Velcro Lewis Group, Miracle Condition, Underground Symposium and Bitchin Bajas. Tickets are $10, or $16 for a two-day pass. Doors open at 9pm. 21+

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