The Chi-Town Countdown: 15 things to do, Oct. 1-15

A hoy hoy one and all, welcome to the very first Chicago Beat post! I’m Piet Levy, your host for this blog, which will keep you tuned in to Chicago’s awe-inspiring music, movie and performance scene. I’ve got some big plans for this space here – including coverage of the Chicago International Film Festival this month, so please be a good Midwesterner (or Midwesterner at heart) and show this page some love.

So we begin with what will be a recurring feature over here at the Beat – the Chi-Town Countdown, a listing of grand things to do over the next two weeks. Let’s rock!

1. Andrew W.K. and Calder Quartet (Oct. 1)  - The last time I rocked out with wild, krazy Andrew, the club got so hot from all the sweat-soaked moshing madness, steam literally floated off my body when I stepped outside. And this show was in April. So expect Andrew to take it down one billion notches when he shows off his classical pianist side in a joint performance with exquisite string ensemble Calder Quartet. You can still expect to “Party Hard” (or hardish), as this video indicates. 8 p.m., Lakeshore Theater, $20.

2. “Paranormal Activity” at AMC River East 21 (Oct. 1) - The wife got so freaked out by a still pic from this new tiny-budget horror film that she had nightmares. Flick looks very “Blair Witch,” except even scarier. Playing at midnight Oct. 1-3 at AMC River East 21.

3. The Ultimate Night For Patton Oswalt Fans (Oct. 2) – Are you a big fan of actor/comedian Patton Oswalt? Then Friday is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see Patty not once, but twice – live. Scenario one – he does the stand-up thing at the Congress; doors open at 7, tickets $29.50-$32.50. When that’s done, he’ll take questions at a 9:40 Music Box Theatre screening of his new dramady “Big Fan” (how appropriate), written by Robert “The Wrestler” Siegel (directed by him too), who will also be in attendance. $9.25

4. Links Hall 30th Anniversary Celebration (Oct. 2-3) - Got 30 hours to spend? Down with dance, improv, readings, tai chi, a film screening slumber party, and something called a “Gong Labyrinth?” Then celebrate Links Hall’s 30th birthday with a 30 hour marathon of all these things and loads more. $30, click here for the sked. 

5. Deathscribe Horror Radio Play Festival (Oct. 5) – Get spooked the old fashioned way with this series of new radio plays, performed live by actors and foley artists. Directors include vets from local legitimate theater companies including Steppenwolf, Lifeline and Teatro Vista. 8, Music Box, $15 advance, $20 door.

6. Broken Lizard (Oct. 8-9) – Known almost exclusively for the films “Super Troopers,” “Club Dread” and “Beerfest,” comedy troupe Broken Lizard, led by Chicago native Jay Chandrasekhar, performs live at Lakeshore. 8 on Oct. 8, 7:30 and 10:30 Oct. 9. $25.

7. Naked Raygun (Oct. 9) – By Friday, the 5^th annual local punk music showcase Riot Fest will be entering day three, but that’s when things really heat up, courtesy of Chicago’s Naked Raygun. Rights of the Accused, No Empathy and Wax open. Doors 6 p.m. Metro. $20.

8. Music Box Massacre (Oct. 10-11) – The 24-hour horror movie marathon also turns 5. Freaky line-up includes David Cronenberg’s “The Brood,” with actor Art Hindle in attendance, and three flicks from guest of honor Stuart Gordon – “The Black Cat,” “From Beyond,” and of course “Re-Animator.” Look for our interview with Gordon next week! Starts at noon, $27 advance, $32 door.

9. Local Movies @ Chicago International Film Festival (Oct. 10) – Pay your respects to our homegrown talent with a screening of seven short films from Illinois filmmakers at 2:45, followed by Brian Caunter’s gangster flick “Chicago Overcoat” at 7:30 (Caunter in attendance).  AMC River East. $12, $9 for students, seniors and Cinema/Chicago members.

10. Roger Ebert Presents “The Castle” (Oct. 11) – The esteemed Sun-Times film critic (hopefully there’ll be a Sun-Times by the 11^th), hosts a screening of the Australian comedy. Thank God he’s not showing “Knowing.” Four stars for that schlock! Ugh, I’ll never let that one down. 5, River East, $12, $9 students, seniors, Cinema/Chicago members.

11. Screeching Weasel (Oct. 11) – Riot Fest’s main event, for good reason, is the resurrection of Chicago area-raised punk pioneer Ben Weasel’s Screeching Weasel. Come early for local openers Alkaline Trio and Pegboy. $25, Congress, doors at 5:30.

12. “Antichrist” @ CIFF (Oct. 12) – Word is director Lars Von Trier is the next Spielberg, and his new film “Antichrist” the next “E.T.” No. Not really. Not at all. Buzz indicates this will be the most provocative new flick you’ll see all year. Star Willem Dafoe will be around to (hopefully) explain some things. 7, AMC River East. $15, $12 Cinema/Chicago members.

13. “I Know a Woman Like That” (Oct. 13) – Elaine Madsen (mother to Chicago-native thespians Virginia and Michael) directs this doc profiling accomplished women, including Evanston mayor Lorraine Morton. Elaine and Virginia participate in a panel discussion afterwards. 5, Film Row Cinema at Columbia College, Free.

14. “The House on Mango Street” (Oct. 13) – Steppenwolf’s latest is an adaptation of the 1984 novella of the same name, about a Mexican-American girl coming of age in Chicago. Oct. 13 through Nov. 1. $20.

15. “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” @ CIFF (Oct. 14) – Expect loads of Oscar noms for this Sundance and Toronto winner. The Oprah executive produces. Director Lee Daniels and star Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe will receive awards and take questions. 6, AMC River East. $50 for film, $100 for film and reception afterwards.