Public Works will host another two-piece panel of art-industry professionals, including ALARM's editor-in-chief Chris Force as well as graphic artists and screen-print studio owners Sonnenzimmer, featured in ALARM 35 and the inaugural issue of Design Bureau. The talks are scheduled for 7-9 p.m., followed by an hour-long reception with free beer and DJ Clerical Error.

In conjunction with the Speaker Series, the gallery presents the work of Funderburgh, Perry, Sonnenzimmer, and Seripop in Public Works 2, a show exhibiting pop-cultural art in various forms. Officially open since Friday, August 6, the show features Sonnenzimmer’s sophisticated gig posters (past clients have included Tokyo Police Club, The Books, and The Weakerthans), Perry’s colorful zine designs popularized through Nike dunks, Funderburgh’s delicate mosaic wallpaper art, and Seripop’s over-sized street-poster collages.

This convergent show can be visited at the Andrew Rafacz Gallery from noon to 5 pm Wednesday through Saturday, or by appointment at 835 W. Washington, in Chicago's West Loop. For a more detailed schedule of speakers, visit www.thispublicworks.com.

Scott Thomas of the Post Family, a collaborative artist group, will kick off the series with Stephen Gossett of Flavorpill Chicago, and DJ Pete Dougherty of Hey Champ. Among the other guests to speak are artist Dan Funderburgh, author and bookmaker Mike Perry, poster artists Seripop (who will have a guest chapter in ALARM 39: Chromatic), and graphic artists and screen-print studio owners Sonnenzimmer, featured in ALARM 37. The talks are scheduled for 7-9 p.m., followed by an hour-long reception with free beer and DJs.

In conjunction with the Speaker Series, the gallery presents the work of Funderburgh, Perry, Sonnenzimmer, and Seripop in Public Works 2, a show exhibiting pop-cultural art in various forms. Officially opening on Friday, August 6, the show features Sonnenzimmer’s sophisticated gig posters (past clients have included Tokyo Police Club, The Books, and The Weakerthans), Perry’s colorful zine designs popularized through Nike dunks, Funderburgh’s delicate mosaic wallpaper art, and Seripop’s over-sized street-poster collages.

This convergent show can be visited at the Andrew Rafacz Gallery from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, or by appointment at 835 W. Washington, in Chicago's West Loop. For a more detailed schedule of speakers, visit www.thispublicworks.com.

Love Chicago? Why not sing about it?

The Chicago Public Library has announced the "Sound Off" Music Competition, where local musicians can show off their talents by submitting original songs inspired by the city of Chicago.

Music from 10 finalists will be reviewed by a panel of judges comprised of ALARM Editor-in-Chief and all around champion of independent music Chris Force and music & culture critic and author of The Girls’ Guide to Rocking, Jessica Hopper.

The winner will headline the CHIPUBLIB Sound Off music event where they will perform a set including their original ode to Chicago as well as a studio package from Electrical Audio, founded by Steve Albini.

The contest will run from August 27-September 27.  Find out how to Enter Today.

Good Luck!

Debashish Bhattacharya

With his second album in 14 months, Indian slide-guitar master Debashish Bhattacharya issues his take on musical adaptations of the mythological Hindu figure Shakuntala.  Using one of his twangy, self-made creations, Bhattacharya mixes Hindustani and Karnatic music in a style that, at times, distantly resembles Western slide music.

Debashish Bhattacharya: "Chahat"

Debashish Bhattacharya: \"Chahat\"

Sleep: Hesitation Wounds (Strange Famous)

A co-founder of hip-hop collective Oldominion, emcee Sleep has made a name for himself in the Pacific Northwest with high-energy, quick-tongued rhymes, diverse samples, and an often-downbeat sound.  This follow-up to his 2005 LP Christopher is his debut on Sage Francis' Strange Famous label, and it features guest spots by Del tha Funky Homosapien and Grayskul.

Obvious disclaimer: this Sleep is unrelated to the über-heavy stoner-metal group of the same name.

Amber Asylum: Bitter River (Profound Lore)

This vocally driven neoclassical project is led by multi-instrumentalist Kris Force, a Gothically inspired songstress with no relation to ALARM head honcho Chris Force.

A pairing of cello and violin roots Bitter River in a brooding, eerie minimalism, which is completed with Force's powerful range.  Previous Amber Asylum contributors have included Steve Von Till (Neurosis) and Tim Green (The Fucking Champs); the group's current collaborators include Eric Wood (Bastard Noise / Man is the Bastard), Jackie Perez-Gratz (Giant Squid), Leila Abdul-Rauf (Saros), and more.

Amber Asylum: "Bitter River"

Amber Asylum: \"Bitter River\"