Native Pennsylvanian and current Chicagoan Matt Arbogast has been recording as the Gunshy since 2002, but he only acquired the band to go with that bandlike name after his move to Chicago in '04. On the Gunshy's third album, Souls (2005), he populated his haunted landscapes with plenty of other players, but he didn't sacrifice a bit of his eerie, laserlike focus. The real breakthrough album was his fourth, There's No Love in This War (2007), based on letters exchanged during WWII between the soldier who'd become his grandfather and the young woman who'd become his grandmother—it's a minor masterpiece, with all the intimacy of the best gruff, scuffed-heart indie singer-songwriters and none of the self-absorbed solipsism of the worst. Last year's I Gave Too Much Time to the Wine (Yer Bird), which compiles several Gunshy EPs and a few new songs, continues this trend: though still a young man, Arbogast sounds like a grizzled old salt sitting in a waterfront bar telling tales. You can't be sure which stories are originally his own and which started as someone else's, which ones are true and which are complete fiction. He'll play solo for this show, which celebrates the release of a split seven-inch on California label Silver Sprocket Bicycle Club, which the Gunshy share with grimly funny Phoenix folk-punk band Andrew Jackson Jihad. —Monica Kendrick
$8Students at the Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago presents this fashion show that features animation, visual effects, and more. A portion of the proceeds benefit the EDMC Education Foundation, which provides scholarships to IIA-Chicago students. $10-$35
This workshop provides information about commercial cleaning products and how to make your own green cleaners using household ingredients. $10-$12
McBride performs magic tricks. $25-$30
The National Kidney Foundation provides free blood pressure tests, waist circumference analysis, and other services as part of its National Kidney Day (3/11) activities. The gym Cardinal Fitness will offer guest passes and $1-to-join membership.
March 9: Located at 3145 S. Ashland from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
March 9: Located at 1301 W. Madison from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., this will be a screening only with KidneyMobile experts
March 10: Located at 3927 W. Belmont Ave. from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Discussion with science journalist Rebecca Skloot (The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks).
Sick of "styrofoam"? Us too. Come out to Lemmings to support us and support the ban! Together we can get rid of this stuff for good! $20 (pay at the door) includes 2 drink tickets and light apps., a raffle, a guess to win game and more! Half of the proceeds go to continue our work.
No Foam Chicago is an advocacy group that works to educate the general public on the environmental and health impacts of "styrofoam" food packaging. For more information please visit: www.nofoamchicago.org.
Discussion with science journalist Rebecca Skloot (The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks).
Readings by Maria Cecilia Barbetta, Lorenz Langenegger, Olga Flor, and Daniela Strigl. In German and in English. RSVP to lux@chicago.goethe.org.
On Wednesday, March 10th, Chicago After Work will host a business and social networking event at Cuvee. Chicago After Work's events provide a diverse mix of 300+ professionals from numerous industries who want to create new business opportunities and expand their network. The event will include a private reception from 6-7pm, appetizers from 6-7pm, complimentary massages from the Red Door Spa, shoe shines provided by The Shinnettes, the first all female shoe shine company and 10 minute Mixology classes hosted throughout the evening by I Wish Lessons.
Admission:
•$10 In Advance
•$15 At The Door
Includes:
1.Private Reception 6-7pm
2.Appetizers from 6-7pm
3.Mixology Classes from I Wish Lessons
4.Massages from Red Door Spa
5.Shoe Shines from The Shinettes
Artist Amy Franceschini (free-soil.org) lectures in conjunction with the exhibit "Actions: What You Can Do With the City."
Rich signs her memoir, Dreaming in Hindi: Coming Awake in Another Language.
Robert Spano, conductor (Schubert, Golijov, Copland).
Keith Carter discusses his photography.
Well known for his time with the local jam band Mr. Blotto and most recently the Dueling Piano series throughout Chicagoland, David Allen brings his unique vocal stylings to the lounge at Chicago Prime Steakhouse