Pitchfork Kickoff Party @ Threadless

Threadless hosts its annual Pitchfork Kickoff Party today from noon to 5pm at its headquarters, 1260 W. Madison St. Enjoy live music (schedule below), Finch's beer, a little food and other fun before you head to the festival down the street. Free, 21+.

12:30pm - Football, Etc.
1:15pm - DJ Sean Dorgan
2pm - Braid
3pm - DJ Matt Roan
4pm - Hall & Oates (as performed by Dos Rose Bros)

Pitchfork Music Festival

The Pitchfork Music Festival takes over Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., this weekend, July 19-21. Björk, Joanna Newsum and Wire headline tonight; see the site for the full lineup. There's also the CHIRP Record Fair, Coterie Craft Fair, a book fort and creative lounge; details here. Bike parking is available, sponsored by The Chainlink. Read our preview in Transmission. Single day tickets are $50; three day passes are sold out. Gates open at 3pm today.

Funny Ha-Ha @ Hideout

Funny Ha-Ha returns to the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., tonight at 6:30pm. This round features Erin Shea Smith, Homer Marrs, Kate James, Keith Ecker and Carly Oishi, as well as short films by Steve Delahoyde. Claire Zulkey is your host. $5 suggested donation at the door; proceeds benefit the Neighborhood Writing Alliance.

Reading & Signing with Sam and Peter Stamatis

Local father and son duo Sam and Peter Stamatis will read and sign copies of their book 'Dandelions for Dinner: Greece at War and a Family's Dream of America.' Their book is a hopeful family saga spanning from the late 1800s to the Greek Civil War during the 1940s.
The reading will start at 7 p.m. at the Book Cellar. 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave.

Fan Interference Release @ Quimby's

'Tis the season to celebrate America's Pastime, so join Zisk Zine in the release of their anthology Fan Interference: A Collection of Baseball Rants and Reflection tonight at 7pm at Quimby's Bookstore, 1854 North Ave. Preview in Book Club. Free.

Girl Next Door @ Stage 773

Girl Next Door, "a pole dance soiree" exploring the "sensual side of the everyday woman," comes to Chicago for three shows at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., today and Saturday. More than a dozen dancers take to the pole over the course of the evening. Doors open tonight at 7pm, show's at 8pm. Tickets are $45-$65.

Reading & Signing with Vickie Matthews

Local author Vickie Matthews will read and sign copies of her new novel 'The Goddess Letters.' Matthews' novel is a thriller that taps on issues of past loves and feminism. Vickie Matthews is a naturopathic physician and has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show. The reading will start at 7:30 pm at Women & Children First. 5233 N. Clark Street.

Comedy Explosion @ Arie Crown Theater

The Arie Crown Theater, 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr., presents "Comedy Explosion," tonight at 8pm. The line-up features John Witherspoon (Friday, "First Family,"), Sheryl Underwood from CBS's "The Talk," Michael Blackson, and Chicago's own, Damon Williams. Tickets are $25-$57.50; for more information, call 312-791-6190.

The Room @ Music Box

The Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., hosts a midnight screening of the modern cult classic The Room. Tommy Wiseau won't be in attendance, but it'll still be fun. Tickets are $10 in advance or at the door.