Wright's Search for Innovation in Design

Restoration architect John Eifler will talk about the process of restoring a Frank Lloyd Wright building and how Wright's visionary Prairie style is retained as a building ages. He will also discuss current preservation standards and methods. 12 noon at the Gratz Center, 126 E. Chestnut St., just off Michigan Avenue next to 4th Presbyterian Church. Admission is free; registration is required.

Eifler's firm, Eifler & Associates, has restored some 20 Wright buildings, which were designed by Wright over a 60-year period. This event is sponsored by the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust.

Free Minds Free People Conference

Free Minds Free People, a national conference organized by the Education for Liberation Network, takes place July 11-14, at Uplift Community High School, 900 W. Wilson Ave. Activities at this education justice oriented conference include workshops, panels, assemblies, radical professional development, lesson planning lounge, and site visits. Registration fees range from $75 to $315. High level contributions go towards ensuring access to all community members. If unable to pay registration fees, email Tara (tara@edliberation.org) to discuss other options. Childcare available. For details, full schedule of events, and registration, visit the Free Minds Free People website.
Schedule of Activities:
1:30 - 6pm - Radical Professional Development
7:30 pm - Opening Ceremony: Honoring the 1963 Chicago School Boycott

Low-Line Market

The Low-Line Market, a prepared food and farmers market, opens for the first time today from 4 to 8pm at the Southport Brown Line stop, across the street from the station house. Shop more than a dozen vendors.

Tour de Fat Pre-Party @ Happy Village

Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave., hosts a New Belgium Brewery pre-party for Saturday's Tour de Fat beginning at 7pm tonight. Enjoy $3 New Belgium cans, $4 Blue Paddle pints and $6 Paardebloem pints, play rolle bolle (Belgian-style bocce), and enter to win a New Belgium cruiser bike. No cover, 21+.

Story Club @ Holiday Club

Come to the Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Ave., tonight for Story Club. The theme this month is "independence," and features readings by super crafty Beth Cummings and author and story goddess Megan Stielstra. In addition there are open mic slots for storytelling hopefuls. Open mic signup begins at 7:30pm, show begins at 7:45pm. Free, 21+

Kurt Vile & The Violators @ Metro

Kurt Vile fans miffed that the Philly songsmith won't be making a local summer festival appearance now have reason to rejoice—Vile will be appearing at the Metro to play a set with his Violators, not even a full two months since his last Chicago show. Tickets $23, 18+, available here.