1. Learn a little, drink a little
Evolve your mind and palate at Revolution Brewing. The brewery teams up with The Field Museum to bring beer and science lovers Evolution at Revolution, a science and sipping event hosted by the museum’s Emily Graslie. Tonight, Pete Makovicky, associate curator of paleontology, gives a talk called Evolution at the South Pole, perfect to pair with a frosty Rev brew. (Revolution Brewing, 2323 N Milwaukee Ave, 6:30pm. $22, members $20)
Gang of Four brings its powerful post-punk sound to Pilsen when the band takes the stage tonight at Thalia Hall. Despite the departure of vocalist Jon King, the band plays on, adding John "Gaoler" Sterry as lead singer. (Thalia Hall, 1807 S Allport St, 8pm. $26 and up
August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean, part of the prolific writer’s 10-play cycle, shines brightly under the knowledgeable direction of Ron OJ Parson and the strength of the show’s performances. See the metaphysical play set in early 1900s Pittsburgh, where slavery lingers in the memories of the characters, before it closes this weekend. (Court Theatre, 5535 S Ellis Ave, 7:30pm. $45–$65)