Facets Night School: Cat People

Facets Cinematheque continues its Night School screenings in October with screenings of classic horror films Tonight's film is the 1942 version of Cat People and includes a pre-screening lecture and Q&A session after the film. Admission is $5. See the Facets Night School page for a complete schedule. Facets: 1517 W. Fullterton (near Ashland). (773) 281-9075.

Eli's Cheesecake Festival

The 13th Annual Eli's Cheesecake Festival will bombard you with entertainment, food, a classic car show, chef demos, things for the kids, and of course, cheesecake. Event runs today from 9am-5pm and tomorrow from 11am-5pm at Eli's Cheesecake World, corner of Montrose and Forest Preserve Drive.

World Kitchen Learning Series: Curds and Whey

Get your cheese-making on at the "Curds and Whey" class, part of the city's World Kitchen learning series. Class runs 11am-2pm at the Gallery 37 Center for Arts at 66 East Randolph, admission is $30, and registration is required.

Chris Hardwick @ Lakeshore Theater

Chris Hardwick may have made his mark as the quirky co-host on "Singled Out," but now, he is @nerdist, hear him tweet! Today, the multi-talented comedian is a writer, producer and host of "Web Soup" on G4, as well as a frequent guest on "Attack of the Show," "Chelsea Lately" and almost every comedy podcast you can get your hands on. In addition to touring, he is also writing a book on time management. Go figure. This show includes a special appearance by his musical comedy partner, Mike Phirman. 3175 N. Broadway. (773) 472-3492. $22.50. 7:30pm & 10:30pm.

Ukulele Cabaret @ Silvie's Lounge

Tonight's the latest installment of Ukulele Cabaret, an ongoing series of open mikes for the ukulele crowd. Tonight's theme: "Uke Horrifica", so bring your songs about monsters, ghosts and other scary stuff. Ukulele Cabaret happens tonight at 9pm at Silvie's Lounge (1902 W. Irving Park). For more information: ukechicago (at) gmail (dot) com, or call (312) 278-3122.

Stripped: An Unplugged Evening With Marilyn's Dress @ Gorilla Tango Theatre

The fictional rock band Marilyn's Dress, originally the product of a homework assignment in 2002 which led to the creation of a full length mockumentary replete with 15 songs, will be performing at Gorilla Tango Theatre starting Saturday, October 3rd. The band stars Jeremy M. Eden, Dan Eden and Kevin Kirchman as Talon St. Lee, Cyrus Long and Brodie the Roadie. Join the band for an unprecedented look back on the ups and downs of their time together, with never-before-released footage and songs, and special guest appearances.

Marilyn's Dress will be performing at Gorilla Tango Theatre on Saturdays from October 3-17 at 10pm, tickets are $10. For more information and tickets call 773-598-4549 or visit: Gorilla Tango Theatre

Paintings, Poetry, and Live Music @ Elastic Sound and Vision Gallery

This event, part of the Chicago Calling Arts Festival, includes Vibrational Sound Narratives, a collection of artworks by Alpha Bruton, poetry readings, and musical performances. Artists and projects include:

Eric Elshtain (Chicago) and Greg Fraser (Georgia) -- poetry collaboration
Satya Alliance (Satya Gummuluri (voice), Douglas Brush (percussion), Joel Wanek (upright bass), and Dan Godston (trumpet)). This performance includes poetry by Divik Ramesh (New Delhi).
Trio with Gino Robair (percussion / Oakland), Andrew Royal (violins / Chicago), and Aaron Zarzutzki (electronics / Chicago)
Vibrational Sound Narratives, a collection of new paintings by Alpha Bruton
Jamie Kazay -- poetry
Textaport Project
Wayne Allen Jones (Chicago) and Duane Vorhees (Bangkok) -- poetry collaboration
Bauhaus9090 performance
other performances / projects TBA

7-11pm. $12 suggested donation. Elastic Arts Foundation, 2830 N. Milwaukee, 2nd Floor. For more information, call (773) 772 3616.

Panel Discussion and Performance @ Chicago Cultural Center

This event begins at 1pm with a panel discussion involving people in New Orleans and Chicago discussing the arts, curation, and the roles of the arts in society. The panelists in New Orleans and Chicago will be connected over the internet, using Skype. A large ensemble performance of Gino Robair's Divination will begin at 2:30pm. The event will be held at the Claudia Cassidy Theater, on the 2nd Floor of the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. 1-4pm. Admission is free.

"Green Hornet" Web Series Fundraiser

SIGSALY Entertainment holds a fundraiser event for its "Green Hornet Web Series" tonight at Swirl Wine Bar, 111 W. Hubbard St., from 10pm to 5am. The event will feature the unveiling of the first promo spots for the series, and a chance to meet members of the cast and crew. There will also be door prizes given away, including a cameo speaking role in the pilot episode. Tickets are $10; be sure to mention the password SIGSALY (pronounced "sigs alley") at the door. 21+

Women & Children First's 30th Anniversary Gala

Women & Children First welcomes you to celebrate their 30 years in the book selling business. Special guests will include authors Alison Bechdel (Fun Home) and Dorothy Allison (Bastard Out of Carolina) along with other local authors. There will be food, drink, music, dance, a special slide show and more. The event is at The Breakers at Edgewater Beach, 5333 N. Sheridan Rd., with a cocktail reception starting at 5:30pm and the dinner and dance beginning at 7:30pm. Tickets are $60 to $100. Call 773-769-9299 for reservations or more information.

Keith and the Complications @ Underground Lounge

Local soul band Keith and the Complications gets you grooving tonight at Underground Lounge. Also playing is glam band Felon Love and garage rockers Yarn

Underground Lounge is located at 952 W. Newport. (773) 327-2739. The show is $8. Show starts at 9.

Ravenswood Art Walk

This year's art walk includes over 50 venues and the art work of over 150 working, professional and emerging artists and performance groups. Start at 4256 N. Ravenswood. There, you will see one piece from each artist showing which will help you plan your route, based on your tastes. (Don't miss "The Blago Project" taking place in the former wire tapped offices of the Friends of Rod Blagojevich: 4147 N. Ravenswood.) This event is happening on the 3rd and the 4th from 11am to 6pm. Admission is free.

Monotonix @ Logan Square Auditorium

My only complaint about Monotonix, Tel-Aviv's boisterous garage rock trio, is that the sets always seem to get cut short because the drum kit has fallen apart completely in the audience and someone has a concussion. That said, those fifteen minutes of ruckus might be the most fun fifteen minutes you've ever had at a rock show. Just go. Turbo Fruits and Ga'an open. 9pm. Admission is $15. Logan Square Auditorium: 2539 N. Kedzie.