Handmade Market @ Empty Bottle

Buy local at Handmade Market at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., this afternoon from noon to 4pm. More than 30 local crafters, artists and food-makers will be selling their handmade wares. Admission is free. 21+, with the exception of kids accompanied by a parent.

Larry Cutler Solo Exhibition: Faces on Fire @ The Art House

Today from 2 to 6pm, The Art House, 3453 N. Albany Ave., hosts an opening reception for Larry Cutler's new solo exhibition with champagne, a silent auction, and hors d'oeuvres. Additionally, at 3pm there will be an artist talk in the gallery space. RSVP at facesonfire@thearthouse.us.

Fillet of Solo Festival

Lifeline Theatre's 18th annual Fillet of Solo Festival of solo performances and storytelling runs Jan. 9-25. 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 $50 for a festival pass, and are available online or at the Lifeline box office.

Lifeline Theatre
4pm - Sweat Girls
5:30pm - Tellin' Tales Theatre/Tekki Lomnicki
7pm - the kates
8:30pm - Story Sessions
10pm - You're Being Ridiculous

Heartland Studio Theatre
4pm - Stephen Bastien
5:30pm - BYOB Story Hour
7pm - The Stoop
8:30pm - Chicago Slam Works
10pm - The God, SEX & Death Variety Hour

Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival

The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival runs Jan. 8-18 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. The schedule tonight includes 28 shows on four stages, running at 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11pm. Tickets are $15 per show, or $150 for a festival pass.

Windy City Rollers @ UIC Pavilion

The Windy City Rollers hold their season opener tonight at the UIC Pavilion, 525 S. Racine Ave. The Manic Attackers face Hell's Belles, while the Fury take on the Double Crossers. Doors open at 6pm, first bout is at 7pm. Tickets are $20-35 via TicketMaster or the box office.

Bloodshot Records' 20th Anniversary @ Metro

Bloodshot Records continues its 20th anniversary celebration tonight with a concert at the Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., featuring performances by Ben Kweller, Lydia Loveless, Rhett Miller, Bobby Bare Jr. and the Banditos. Doors open at 6:30pm, show's at 7pm, and tickets are $21. 18+

Almost There @ Siskel Film Center

The new Kartemquin documentary Almost There makes its Chicago premiere tonight at the Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St., at 7:45pm. Artist Peter Anton and filmmakers Dan Rybicky and Aaron Wickenden will be present for audience Q&A after the film. Tickets are $11.

Michele McGuire @ Tonic Room

Singer-songwriter Michele McGuire plays Tonic Room, 2447 N. Halsted St., tonight, with PM Buys opening. Doors are at 8pm, show's at 8:30. Tickets are $10. 21+