Clear some space in your makeshift beer cellar (aka coat closet), because the Beer Temple in Avondale is now open, and it's stocking the kind of craft brews that belong in goblets and chalices and other fancy-pants stemware. Co-owner Margaret Quinn told the Reader's Julia Thiel that the beer-dork haven carries beer from more than a dozen countries and will likely specialize in sours, mainly of the Belgian variety. Everyone has a record collection, am I right? Why not impress (or confound) friends with a sour-beer collection instead?
William S. Burroughs: Movie Star is an evening dedicated to the screen presence of the noted Beat Generation writer. Film writer and Burroughs expert Graham Rae joins the Psychotronic Film Society for an evening that will feature two rarely screened films: Towers Open Fire, which Burroughs made in collaboration with English director Anthony Balch, and Burroughs: the Movie, a documentary directed by poet John Giorno.
$10
Take a ride with Polkaholics, as they bike from the Daley Plaza to Habetler Bowl for an evening of 10-pin and commiseration.
The inimitable movie rental store hosts this monthly film screening. January's edition features the 1973 Senegalese drama film, Touki Bouki.
Cinephiles and audiophiles alike ought to check out the Music-About-Film & Film-About-Music Show, an event hosted by Hopscotch Cinema in which film artist and cellist Tatsu Aoki and professor Lori Felker illustrate the unique properties the two disciplines share. Additionally, four 16mm short films directed by art-rock band the Residents will screen, while our own Ben Sachs teams up with Edward Crouse to form what's likely the world's first film-critic band—the two will perform "pop songs about films and film directors" under the name Farewell Scarlet.
$10
Music critics are so obnoxious, always gushing and waxing poetic about albums before they drop. Finally, it's your turn to act all high and mighty because you got the goods on a record before the rest of the world. In partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs, Saki presents Off the Record, a monthly series that includes a public listening party of a band's newest effort, as well as a live performance by said band. Tonight's inaugural installment features Brokeback and the release of Brokeback & the Black Rock, the band's first album in a decade. Thrill Jockey DJs will spin following the performance. There will be beer, there will be food.
Rarely screened since its original 1926 release and currently not available on DVD, The Flying Ace is a classic example of a "race film," meaning it was intended for black audiences. With its all-African-American cast, it tells the story of a World War I pilot—based on African-American aviatrix Bessie Coleman—who investigates the disappearance of his town's railroad paymaster. Hosting the event is the Northwest Chicago Film Society.
$5
If their aim was to capitalize on burned-out Record Store Day shoppers, Dusty Groove and Maria's have timed the launch of their "Diggin' Dusties" series perfectly. Peruse DG's new releases in the comfort of your own drunkenness days after wrestling that greedy asshole for the last Lana Del Rey single. —Asher Klein
Fans of the reality show can watch it projected on seven screens. Kit Kat house diva Jade, a past contestant, will make “special appearances.”
A happy hour for dog owners with dog-related boutiques, vendors, shelters, and other businesses.
This group for knitters, crocheters, and fabric artists welcomes all levels of experience, and meets every first Thursday of the month.