The Paper Machete

The Paper Machete live magazine kicks off the new year with Saurin Choksi, Mel Evans, Adam Guerino, Ben Johnson, Andrew Marchetti and Coya Paz, as well as musical guests the Weeping Willows. Christopher Piatt hosts at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, today at 3pm. Free, 21+

Fillet of Solo Festival

Lifeline Theatre's 17th annual Fillet of Solo Festival of solo performances and storytelling runs Jan. 3-19. Performances are held at the Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., and the Heartland Studio Theatre, 7016 N. Glenwood Ave. Tickets are $10 per show, or $30 for a festival pass, and are available online or at the Lifeline box office.

Lifeline Theatre
5pm - 2nd Story: Julie Ganey
7pm - Story Club
9pm - Write Club

Heartland Studio Theatre
6pm - Five From Rogers Park
8pm - Penelope Walker
10pm - Marsha Estell

WinterDance @ Cultural Center

Like SummerDance, WinterDance is a series of one-hour dance lessons by professional instructors followed by dances hosted by local DJs. WinterDance runs Jan. 3-5 in the Yates Gallery on the 4th floor of the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. Tonight's dance style is Salsa -- May I Have This Dance instructors lead a class at 6pm, and DJ Rica Obsesion spins from 7 to 9pm. Free, all ages.

Dread Zeppelin @ Reggies

The legendary Dread Zeppelin headlines tonight at Reggies Rock Club, 2105 S. State St., with Mr. Blotto and Blue Dream opening. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are $15. 17+

Queer Contra Dance Party @ Old Town School

Queer Contra Dance Party brings its gender-free version of contra dancing (similar to the square dance) to the Old Town School of Folk Music's Szold Hall, 4545 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10, but nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.

Kurt Elling @ Green Mill

Jazz vocalist Kurt Elling performs at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, tonight from 8pm to midnight. $15 cover. 21+

NIN Burlesque @ Martyrs'

Hot and Heavy Burlesque presents an evening of Nine Inch Nails live band burlesque tonight at 10pm at Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., featuring the NIN tribute band Now I Am Nothing and headlining dancer Michelle L'Amour. Tickets are $15. 21+