NYC
Film screening: Girls in Uniform at The Museum of Modern Arts, tonight, 7:30 p.m. (Tickets $10, $6 w/ student ID). It may have been taboo in 1930s American film to tell a story about lesbian love, but the Germans had it covered. Leontine Sagan's directorial debut tells the tale of a student-teacher romance at an aristocratic, all girls boarding school. In German with English subtitles.
Restaurant closing:Gonzalez y Gonzalez, 625 Broadway, tonight-Sunday (tonight 12p.m.-1a.m., Fri & Sat 12p.m.-4a.m., Sun 12p.m.-12a.m.). The 24-year-run of the Downtown Mexican spot is coming to an end; their lease was bought up by a Chipotle (yes, landmark touristy-looking restaurants get gentrified too). Swing by to dine and say goodbye, before it closes for good on the 31st.
Live show:Bilal at Highline Ballroom, Friday (Tickets $25 advance, $30 door). One of the best voices in post-modern soul rocks one of NYC's most popular venues. Let your inner sensitive thug shine.
CHICAGO
Dining event:Goose Island Beer Company and Whole Earth Meats at Nana, 3627 South Halsted St., tonight, 7 p.m., reservations: 312-929-2486 ($65, includes beverage, tax, & gratuity). This family-style dinner combines two things that are on opposite ends of the epicurean spectrum—alcoholic beverages and Halal meat. Representatives from both Goose Island and Whole Earth will be on hand to discuss the evening's pairings, and the humanely raised meats and poultry. Reservations are required for the event, but walk-ins are welcome between 5p.m. and 9p.m. in the main dining room.
Live show:DJ ?uestlove at Smart Bar Chicago, 3730 North Clark St., Friday, 10 p.m. (Tickets $20). The unfuckwitable ?uestlove will be spinning, 'nuff said. Chicago's own DJ Intel will also be on the tables that night.
Bar opening: Leader Bar & Grill, 3000 West Irving Park Road. After plenty of delays, Leader Bar opens just in time for...well, not Bears football. Oh well, check out the 22 flat screens, and start (if you haven't already) to get excited about the Bulls.
L.A.
Art/comic gallery:As Seen at Comic-Con: an Exhibition of Professional Work by the Illustrators of the ADG at Gallery 800, 5108 Lankershim Blvd. (Historic Lankershim Arts Center) Thursday-Sunday, (Thurs-Sat 2:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Sunday 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.), free. Every Thursday through Sunday until February 11, you can satisfy your inner nerd by checking this exhibit that features over 80 different pieces from Comic Con 2010. Peep storyboards, concept art, illustrations, and other works from titles like Star Trek, Tron (original and sequel), Harry Potter and many more.
Film screening:James Dean Double Feature at Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave., Friday, 7:30p.m. (Tickets $11, $9 w/ student ID). A double feature of two films from the short-lived American icon. Come check Rebel Without a Cause and East of Eden to discover why he's the only actor to have ever received two posthumous Academy Award nominations.
Live show:Tanya Morgan, Rapper Big Pooh at The Roxy Theatre, 9009 Sunset Blvd., Sunday, 8 p.m. (Tickets $10). Premier indie hip-hop act Tanya Morgan performs alongside Rapper Big Pooh, former member of the majorly respected but now defunct, Little Brother. Veteran Stone's Throw artist Roc C is also on the bill; he and Pooh come together to form The Young Americans.
