Friday / October 10
Filmmaker Parvez Sharma’s documentary A Jihad for Love explores the complex relationship between Islam and homosexuality at a time when gay Muslims are sometimes attacked by extreme coreligionists. The documentary presents a broad survey of the Muslim world’s attitudes toward homosexuality: Spanning 12 countries and nine languages, it probes the opinions of both gay and straight Muslims. (International House, 6 p.m., free)
Saturday / October 11
Ever since gaining prominence earlier this year, the Kooks have become a mainstay in hipster culture. This is no surprise, since the four-piece ensemble features members with tight jeans and perfectly tousled hair. The band is on tour to promote its second studio album Konk. (4746 North Racine Avenue, 8 p.m., $21)
Sunday / October 12
While the Vans Warped Tour went pop sometime around 2000, the Riot Fest continues to cater to die-hard punk fans with a three-day festival of punk rock that showcases the genre’s rich 30-year history. This year’s performers include the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, the Casualties, and Mustard Plug, among others. (2135 North Milwaukee Avenue, noon, $25)
Monday/ October 13
Delightfully gay writer David Sedaris takes on the world as he graces the Auditorium Theatre to promote his newest collection of personal essays, When You are Engulfed in Flames. Author of the bestselling Me Talk Pretty One Day and Holidays on Ice as well as a frequent contributor to public radio, Sedaris promises to provide an uplifting, off-kilter perspective in a time of economic woe. (50 East Congress Parkway, 8 p.m., $27.50)
Although the Blackhawks ended last season on a rather dismal note, this season seems to be much more promising. In fact, after off-season acquisitions of defenseman Brian Campbell and French goaltender Cristobal Huet, they may even make the playoffs this year! The Hawks face off against the abominable Nashville Predators in their home opener. (1901 West Madison Street, 7:30 p.m., $15)
Tuesday / October 14
Matt Hales, better known as Aqualung, performs at Schubas Tavern tonight. The English singer and songwriter’s single “Strange and Beautiful” was ubiquitous in 2002, appearing on TV shows and Volkswagen commercials. Also of note is that Hales wrote his first symphony at the ripe age of 17. (3159 North Southport Avenue, 9 p.m., 21+, $15)
Wednesday / October 15
2003 Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi will discuss obstacles to the participation of women in Iranian politics. As an activist for women’s and children’s rights, Ebadi has pushed for the equality of women in Iran and throughout the Middle East. (International House, 6 p.m., free)
That obscure band known as Cobra Starship, probably best remembered for appearing in the Snakes on a Plane music video, brings its act to Chicago. This time, the band is on tour to promote its newest album and its effervescent cover of Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl”—quite subtly changed to “I Kissed a Boy.” (329 North Dearborn, 6 p.m., $15)
Thursday / October 16
Teatro Luna, Chicago’s premier all-Latina theater company, performs at Mandel Hall. Frustrated by the incompetence of men, Teatro Luna interviewed over 50 men nationwide and compiled the sessions into Machos. The resulting play is the story of young men across the country told in drag from the Latina point of view. (Mandel Hall, 7 p.m., free)
