By Gregg Shapiro

Contributing writer

Wed., July 23
 
The always delightful Edie Carey performs at 9 p.m. at Uncommon Ground Devon, 1401 W. Devon. Call (773) 465-9801.
 
“Lesbians Who Kill,” a satirical gender-bending look at what might motivate women—lesbians in particular—to become killers runs through July 27 at Bailiwick Repertory, 1229 W. Belmont. Call (773) 883-1090.
 
Vamplifier and Tell Your Friends play the Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake, at 9 p.m. Call (312) 666-6775.
 
It’ll be just like 1978 all over again at the Charter One Pavilion, 1300 S. Linn White Drive, when Boston and Styx perform. Call (312) 540-2000.
 
At 9 p.m., Mike Green Band, You and The Uncontrollable Few play the Elbo Room, 2871 N. Lincoln. Call (773) 549-5549.
 
Empty Bottle, 1045 N. Western, welcomes Buffalo Killers, Blueblood and Pink Devil at 9 p.m. Call (773) 276-3600.
 
From 6–7 p.m., AfriCaribe plays Puerto Rican Bomba, followed by an Afro–Puerto Rican jam session with AfriCaribe, Grupo Yuba and Nuestro Tambo, from 7–9 p.m., at the Humboldt Park Boathouse, 1359 N. Sacramento. Call (312) 742-7549.
 
The wait is over as Coldplay and Santogold play the United Center, 1901 W. Madison, tonight and tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. Call (312) 455-4500.
 
First Look Repertory of New Work, the 4th annual program featuring three developmental productions of new plays presented in rotation and accompanied by a series of readings, lectures and events, begins with “Pursued by Happiness,” by Keith Huff, running through Aug. 10 at Steppenwolf’s Merle Reskin Garage Theatre, 1624 N. Halsted. Call (312) 335-1650.
 
Grin and bare it when The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, in Lincolnshire, presents the musical “The Full Monty,” running through Sept. 21. Call (847) 634-0200
 
The Grant Park Music Festival presents an evening titled “Russian Splendor” at 6:30 p.m. in Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Call (312)-742-7638.
 
Reggie’s Rock Club, 2105 S. State, welcomes Planet Struck at 8 p.m. Call (312) 949-0120.
 
Set in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, the world premiere of “Superior Donuts” by ensemble member and Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winner Tracy Letts, directed by ensemble member Tina Landau, runs through Aug. 24, at the Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted.
 
Thurs., July 24
 
Goodbye Airwaves, Hello Podcast!: Think Pink Radio’s 5th Anniversary and Transition Party, with the Wayward Sisters and performance art by Nicole Garneau (Uprising #7 Exploring Love and Revolution), Lez Bo-Bo the Clown, S.I.R., JSun Howard and others, is from 10 p.m.–2 a.m. at The Bijou Theatre, 1349 N. Wells. Call (312) 943-5397.
 
The Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln, presents a summer evening of poetry with Gregg Shapiro, Kathleen Rooney, Cheri Taylor and Kate Dougherty at 7 p.m. Call (773) 293-2665.
 
*S.P.A.C.E., 1245 Chicago Avenue in Evanston, welcomes Natalia Zukerman, with special guest Trina Hamlin, at 8 p.m. Call (847) 492-8190.
 
Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, hosts a Nicholas Tremulis record release gig for “Little BIG Songs,” featuring special guest Rick Rizzo, at 6:30 p.m. Call (773) 227-4433.
 
Smart Bar, 3730 N. Clark, is the place to check out The Black Ghost, Bio-Booster and Pete Augusta at 10 p.m. Call (773) 549-4140.
 
The dream-pop hard rock band Vertigo plays US Beer Company, 1801 N. Clybourn, at 9 p.m. Call (773) 871-7799.
 
Richard Colburn performs a DJ set at 9 p.m. at Sonotheque, 1444 W. Chicago. Call (312) 226-76003.
 
Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, serves up The XYZ Affair, Locksley and Par Avion at 9 p.m. Call (773) 281-4444.
 
B1g T1me performs live with Club For Heroes and The Bombshells of the Belmont Burlesque Revue, featuring Naughty Natanya, Lady Annabelle, Titi Touché, Kitten Kaboodle, MsPixy and Paris Green, at the Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace. Call (773) 478-4408.

Noches Latinas, from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Navy Pier Beer Garden, 600 E. Grand, presents James Sanders & Su Cojunto.
 
Get your jam on when O.A.R., with special guests The Beautiful Girls, plays the Charter One Pavilion, 1300 S. Linn White Drive. Call (312) 540-2000.
 
Uncommon Ground Grace, 3800 N. Clark, presents Carlo Navarro and IJ Quinn at 9 p.m. Call (773) 929-3680.
 
Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake, welcomes The Heaven Seventies, White Hot Knife, Holding Mercury and Welcome to Cambridge at 9 p.m. Call (312) 666-6775.
 
At 9 p.m., Emmanuel Cruise, Theo, Leo, Bona Verna and Rick Kurek play the Elbo Room, 2871 N. Lincoln. Call (773) 549-5549.   
 
Schuba’s, 3159 N. Southport, presents Jeremy Jay with Coupleskate and The Black Umbrella at 9 p.m. Call (773) 525-2508.
 
Made in Chicago presents 50 Years of Bossa Nova, featuring Paulhino Garcia’s Orquestra Brazzilli, at 6:30 p.m. in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Call (312)-742-7638.
 
Ronny’s Bar, 2103 N. California, presents M.O.T.O., The Coke Dares and Bread And Bottle at 9 p.m. Call (773) 278-7170.
 
Reggie’s Rock Club, 2105 S. State, welcomes The Loyal Divide, Tenki and Ceiling Stars (featuring members of Tenki) at 9 p.m. Call (312) 949-0120.
 
Hillgrass Bluebilly presents Scott H. Biram, Bob Log III and Left Lane Cruiser at 9 p.m. at the Empty Bottle, 1045 N. Western. Call (773) 276-3600.
 
At 9:30 p.m., Cameron McGill & What Army, Rachel Ries & the Brawny Angels and Brian Wheat & Groggy Darlin’ play the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia. Call (773) 227-4433.
 
Fri., July 25
 
Queer performance artist Tim Miller performs at Links Hall, 3435 N. Sheffield, at 8 p.m. tonight and tomorrow night. Call (773) 281-0824.
 
Cake Chicago presents “July is Hot” with Martine Locke, Angie Evans and Ripley Caine at 9 p.m. at The Red Line Tap, 7006 N. Glenwood. Call (773) 274-5463.
 
American Music Theatre Project’s “Dangerous Beauty,” featuring Jenny Powers and Hollis Resnik, is presented at 8 p.m. tonight and tomorrow night at the Ethel M. Barber Theater, 30 Arts Circle Drive on Northwestern University’s Evanston campus. Call (847) 491-7282.
 
American Speedway, a high-energy, kick-ass rock and roll band out of Philadelphia that plays heavy, loud and fast while injecting catchy hooks and chant-along choruses, plays The Brauerhouse, 57 N. Hillside in Hillside. Call (708) 449-8900.
 
Debonair Social Club, 1575 N. Milwaukee, presents Gabe Paloma (Zuvuya Recordings & Kill Memory Crash). Call (773) 227-7990.
 
Frankie’s Blue Room, 10 W. Chicago in Naperville, welcomes Painkiller Hotel at 9:30 p.m. Call (630) 416-4898.
 
The Additives perform at 10 p.m. at JJ Kelly’s, 2455 Bernice in Lansing. Call (708) 474-9977.
 
Murphy’s Bleachers, 3655 N. Sheffield, presents Victoria Vox and Stolie at 9 p.m. Call (773) 281-5356.
 
Polvo performs live at the Subterranean, 2011 W. North. Call (773) 278-6600. 
 
Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, serves up the Kyle Mann Combo, The Deadstring Brothers and Pool of Frogs at 9 p.m. Call (773) 281-4444.
 
Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss in Downers Grove, welcomes Dan Zahn and Kate Moretti at 8:15 p.m. Call (630) 969-9720. 
 
Chicago Theater, 175 N. State, hosts an evening with straight ally Bill Maher. Call (312) 462-6300.
 
The Second City double feature of solo performances, “Split!” and “Shatter,” featuring Second City e.t.c. alumnus Nicky Margolis and current Second City Touring Company cast member Pat O’Brien, runs through July 29 at The Second City e.t.c. Theatre, 1608 N. Wells, 2nd Floor of Piper’s Alley.
 
That’s Javier Mendoza performs at 10 p.m. at Uncommon Ground Devon, 1401 W. Devon. Call (773) 465-9801
 
Grammy contender Keenan Baxter performs smooth jazz on keyboards from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at The Green Olive Restaurant and Bar, 13501 S. Avenue N. Call (773) 646-6200.

Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake, presents The Textbook Committee (A Tribute to Guided By Voices), Rory Lakes Karaoke Dreams and Black Apple at 9 p.m. Call (312) 666-6775.
 
The Methadones, The Copyrights and The Chinese Telephones are on the bill at 9 p.m. at Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake. Call (312) 666-6775.
 
Roller, Mad Hornet Afterparty, Livalie, Thoroughfare, Violet Vicous and the Vagabonds perform at 9 p.m. at the Elbo Room, 2871 N. Lincoln. Call (773) 549-5549. 
 
Sonoi, Blues Oblique (Michael Krassner), and James Elkington (The Zincs) hit the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, at 10 p.m. Call (773) 227-4433.
 
The Grant Park Music Festival presents an evening titled “Russian Splendor” at 6:30 p.m. in Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Call (312)-742-7638.
 
At p.m., Bret Gand band is Dead, Spiller Whale and Coffinberry roll into Ronny’s Bar, 2103 N. California. Call (773) 278-7170.
 
Reggie’s Rock Club, 2105 S. State, welcomes Paper Rival, The Honorary Title, New Frontiers and Mansions at 7 p.m. Call (312) 949-0120.
 
Empty Bottle, 1045 N. Western, presents Hair Police, Hive Mind, Oakeater, Bruce Lamont and Bloodyminded at 10 p.m. Call (773) 276-3600.
 
Sat., July 26
 
The Joans, the band whose mission is to give legendary Hollywood star Joan Crawford the rock and roll voice she deserves, rocks the Elbo Room, 2871 N. Lincoln, at 10 p.m., with Jordan and the Way, The Emerald Lizards, Soma Star and The Debut. Call (773) 549-5549.
 
*Uncommon Ground Grace, 3800 N. Clark, welcomes Ron Morris, Dave Wechsler and Julia Klee and The Clockworks at 9 p.m. Call (773) 929-3680.
 
At 11 p.m. Canasta performs at Schuba’s, 3159 N. Southport. Call (773) 525-2508.
 
Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award-winning composer Charles Strouse discusses his new book, “Put On A Happy Face: A Broadway Memoir,” with Theatre Building Chicago Artistic Director John Sparks from 1–3 p.m. at Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont. Call (773) 327-5252.
 
Uvulittle recording artist Jim Schwall plays the Heartland Café, 7000 N. Glenwood, at 8 p.m. Call (773) 465 8005.
 
Martyrs’, 3855 N. Lincoln, presents Karsh Kale & MIDIval Punditz, Vishal Vaid and Bombay Beatbox at 9 p.m. Call (773) 404-9494.
 
Performers on the three stages at the Taste of Lincoln Avenue’s 25th anniversary year, on Lincoln Avenue between Fullerton and Wrightwood, today and tomorrow, noon-8:30 p.m., include M & R Rush, Trippin’ Billies, The Why Store, JJ Grey & Mofro, Caliente, Big Sky String, Nicholas Tremulis Orchestra, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, The Radiators, Javelinas, Matthew Santos, Dot Dot Dot, The Dovedales with Phil Angotti and Eric Howell, The Hue, Harper, Pete & J, Anna Fermin’s Trigger Gospel, The Lee Boys, Vanessa Davis, Dan Hubbard Band, Underwater People, Hello Dave, Stache, 7th Heaven, Mike & Joe and Hairbanger’s Ball.
 
Uncommon Ground Devon, 1401 W. Devon, brings you Balkano at 10 p.m. Call (773) 465-9801.
 
Imaad Wasif & Two Part Beast perform at 9 p.m. at the Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace. Call (773) 478-4408.
 
If you don’t know him by now, Black Ensemble Theater Company’s popular musical “I Am Who I Am (The Story of Teddy Pendergrass)” has been extended through the end of December 2008 at the Black Ensemble Theater, 4520 N. Beacon. Call (773) 769-4451.
 
Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake, presents Otter Petter, The Never, The Saturday Nights and Tennis Courts at 9 p.m. Call (312) 666-6775.
 
Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, welcomes Earlimart, with Peter and the Rabbits, at 9 p.m. Call (773) 227-4433.
 
The Deep Blue Organ Trio performs at S.P.A.C.E., 1245 Chicago Avenue in Evanston, at 8 p.m. Call (847) 492-8190.
 
The Grant Park Music Festival hosts a Luciano Pavarotti tribute concert at 6:30 p.m. in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Call (312)-742-7638.
 
A Friend Called Fire, Abandon The Radio and Foo play Reggie’s Rock Club, 2105 S. State, at 10 p.m. Call (312) 949-0120.
 
Empty Bottle, 1045 N. Western, presents Ariel Pink, Chairlift and Magical, Beautiful at 10 p.m. Call (773) 276-3600.
 
Sun., July 27
 
Out electo-wizardry duo Matmos plays the Lakeshore Theater, 3175 N. Broadway, at 9 p.m. Call (773) 472-3492
 
“Summer Re-Runs!,” A Reasonable Facsimile Theatre Company’s summer reading series of staged readings of classic TV shows presents Young, Rich, and Spoiled!: “90210,”  “Dawson’s Creek” + 5 Minute “Melrose Place,” at 7 p.m. at The Spot, 4437 N. Broadway. Call (773) 728-8933.
 
American Music Theatre Project’s “Dangerous Beauty,” featuring Jenny Powers and Hollis Resnik, is presented at 2 p.m. at the Ethel M. Barber Theater, 30 Arts Circle Drive on Northwestern University’s Evanston campus. Call (847) 491-7282.

Joan of Arc performs in support of their latest effort, “Boo Human,” at the Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont. Call (773) 281-4444.
 
Uncommon Ground Devon, 1401 W. Devon, presents The New Quartet. Call (773) 465-9801.
 
Schuba’s, 3159 N. Southport, welcomes David Vandervelde, with The Lickety-Splitz, at 9 p.m. Call (773) 525-2508.
 
At 7 p.m. Jeff Churchwell and John Statz play Uncommon Ground Grace, 3800 N. Clark. Call (773) 929-3680.
 
The Rising Stars series welcomes Midwest Young Artists at 3 p.m. in Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Call (312)-742-7638.
 
CoCoComa, Witch Hats, Daily Void and Loto Ball Show perform at 9 p.m. at the Empty Bottle, 1045 N. Western. Call (773) 276-3600.
 
Mon., July 28

Shortbus alumnus Jay Brannan performs a concert of original material at the Lakeshore Theater, 3175 N. Broadway. Call (773) 472-3492.
 
Velvet Lounge, 37 E. Cermak, presents Isaiah Spencer & the Originals (Kevin Nabors, Scott Hesse, Darius Savage), with special guest Ernest Dawkins, at 9 p.m. Call (312) 791-9050.
 
Furious Frank and the Hobocamp Mud Show, Before We Leave, The Canoes and Actually play the Elbo Room, 2871 N. Lincoln, at 9 p.m. Call (773) 549-5549.
 
Schuba’s, 3159 N. Southport, presents Matt White. Call (773) 525-2508.
 
At 7:30 p.m., Chicago Human Rhythm Project presents a free performance of “Rhythm World” in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Call (312)-742-7638.
 
The Dials, Walking Bicycles and Aleks and The Drummer spill into the Empty Bottle, 1045 N. Western, at 9 p.m. Call (773) 276-3600.
 
Tues., July 29
 
Grant Park Chorus, featuring Joseph Cullen, guest chorus director, presents Made In America, with music by queer composers Corigliano, Copland, Barber and others, at 6:30 p.m. in the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Chicago’s Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph. Call (312) 334-7777.
 
After 5 years at WLUW, Think Pink says farewell with a party featuring Metronomy (live), Rene Romero and Stinky Pinky at the Funky Buddha, 728 W. Grand. Call (773) 666-1695.
 
Duffy’s Tavern, 420 ½ W. Diversey, presents Aphrodesia at 9 p.m. Call (773) 549-9090.
 
Tuesdays on the Terrace, an exciting season of free evening jazz concerts at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago, features Jeb Bishop from 5:30-8 p.m. Call (312) 397-4010.
 
Earth, Wind & Fire breezes into the Chicago Theater, 175 N. State. Call (312) 462-6300. 
 
At 8 p.m., Brian Sharpe performs at Uncommon Ground Grace, 3800 N. Clark. Call (773) 929-3680.
 
Elbo Room, 2871 N. Lincoln, welcomes Iowa Machine Shed and Luke Sayers at 9 p.m. Call (773) 549-5549.
 
Ronny’s Bar, 2103 N. California, presents The Hellblinki Sextet, The Howlin Tumbleweeds and Divided Like A Saint’s at 9 p.m. Call (773) 278-7170.
 
Edison Glass, The Felix Culpa and They Found Me They Named Me play Reggie’s Rock Club, 2105 S. State, at 6 p.m. Call (312) 949-0120.
 
DRMWPN, Matteah Baim and Ami Saraiya perform at 9 p.m. at the Empty Bottle, 1045 N. Western. Call (773) 276-3600.
 
Wed., July 30
 
FitzGerald’s, 6615 W. Roosevelt in Berwyn, hosts a CD release celebration for “Bound To Go: Illuminating Legacy of African American Folk Tradition” by Andrew Calhoun & Campground, at 8 p.m. Call (708) 788-2118.
 
MayIHaveThisDance.com plays swing and jitterbug from 6–7 p.m., followed by The Boilermaker Jazz Band playing authentic swing and jazz from 7–9 p.m., at Jackson Park 63rd Street Beach, 6300 S. Lake Shore Drive. Call (773) 256-0903.
 
At 7:30 p.m. Robin Messing reads from and signs her book “Serpent in the Garden of Dreams” at Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark. Call (773) 769-9299.
 
Brooke Miller performs at 9 p.m. at Uncommon Ground Devon, 1401 W. Devon. Call (773) 465-9801.
 
Noches Latinas, from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Navy Pier Beer Garden, 600 E. Grand, presents Miguel Mendez & Michael Angelo Mendez, playing Mambo and Cha-Cha) and Salsa Chicago Mambo All Stars performing Mambo and big band.
 
Cagebird Kill, Natives of the New Dawn, Opal Candy and Max the King rock the Elbo Room, 2871 N. Lincoln, at 9 p.m. Call (773) 549-5549. 
 
Ronny’s Bar, 2103 N. California, welcomes Shopping, Daylight Robbert, Fault Lines, The Elephant Walk and Action Finger at 9 p.m. Call (773) 278-7170.
 
Hifi Handgrenades blow it up at 8 p.m. at Reggie’s Rock Club, 2105 S. State Call (312) 949-0120.
 
At the Empty Bottle, 1045 N. Western, Silences Sumire, The Boy Bathing and Caribbean perform at 9 p.m. Call (773) 276-3600.
 
Uncommon Ground Grace, 3800 N. Clark, welcomes Andrew Pelletier and Vicky Emerson at 7 p.m. Call (773) 929-3680.