In these uncertain times, I find it quite comforting when I am able to discern more closely where all the uncertainty is actually coming from. Though that sometimes feels like taking pleasure in another profession’s chaos. The bane of my undergraduate career was an intro class on economics taught by a stuck-up grad student seemed to have it in for what he considered spoiled and lazy undergrads—utterly bizarre. But oh, no, the joke’s on him actually because I’ve recently read that macroeconomics itself is in crisis—everything they taught him was a bunch of bull because it made too many assumptions about the perfection of markets—or something like that. I tend to think that only good things may come from a shake-up in econ thinking—does that mean I can get an asterisk on my transcript?

Jacques Renault

FRIDAY 31
NIGHTLIFE - Jacques Renault
Lured into the DJ game by an early love of drum ‘n’ bass, ex-Chicagoan Jacques Renault was wooed into the world of house and disco thanks to a day-job stint at Gramaphone Records. He’s since relocated to New York, where the disco influence has taken an even stronger hold, with a string of recent original productions, edits and remixes that Renault has released both under his own name and as Runaway. He’s an official member of the DFA family which gives him serious street cred, at least in our book. Tonight, he brings his cosmic and mirror-ball-styled disco goodies to Funky Buddha Lounge, where he plays alongside local disco champions Marcus Shaddden, SR-71 and Jordan Z.
Funky Buddha Lounge. 10pm. $10, free before midnight with R.S.V.P. to rsvp.goodforparty.com

FILM - What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
Camp alert! Chicago Filmmakers and the Reeling Film Festival are screening What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, and they’re holding a costume contest. The screening will be preceded by a social hour at 7pm. Expect boozing. Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N Clark St (773-293-1447). El: Red to Berwyn. Bus: 22, 92. 8pm. $8, members $4.

AROUND TOWN/BOOKS - Printers’ Ball
The annual Printers’ Ball sets up in Columbia College’s Center for Book and Paper Arts this year. As always, you’ll find loads of free copies from Chicago small presses, plus letterpress and papermaking demos and live readings. Center for Book and Paper Arts, Columbia College, 5–11pm; FREE!

MUSIC - Porter Batiste Stoltz
Bassist George Porter Jr. remains best known for his role in legendary New Orleans combo the Meters, Allen Toussaint’s storied session band and veritable heavyweights in their own right. Years later, Porter and keyboardist Art Neville resurfaced in a different iteration billed the Funky Meters, but with the latter’s departure, the trio continues to churn out dirty shuffles and delicious grooves. FitzGerald’s, 9:30pm, $20.

ART & DESIGN - “Public Works” opening reception
Cody Hudson, Justin Fines, Andy Mueller and Chris Eichenseer deftly blur the boundary between fine art and commercial design. Andrew Rafacz Gallery, 835 W Washington Blvd, second floor. 6–9pm. FREE!

SATURDAY 1
NIGHTLIFE - Satisfaction Guaranteed
It seems that Lollapalooza gets its start a bit earlier than expected as LaSalle Power Co. and Diesel:U:Music present this showcase of local indie and electro talent, most of which will be performing the Grant Park megafest next weekend. Dark Wave Disco DJs headline, Mother Hubbard and DJ A-Cup of Rocktapussy fame debut their live electro Moneypenny project, Million $ Mano and Drea get saucy as He Say She Say, and Rehabers Yello Fever open. And that’s just the main room. Head upstairs to hear 2008 Lolla act Flosstradamus. LaSalle Power Co. 9pm. Free, Diesel:U:Music wristband required. Pick up at Diesel Store anytime before 8/1.

FILM - Odds Against Tomorrow
Harry Belafonte will be onhand with the socially conscious film noir Odds Against Tomorrow, in which three guys involved in a heist present a microcosm of race issues in America. Robert Ryan is a racist, and less than thrilled at working with Belafonte. It’s a solid film, and Belafonte should be worth the extra cash you’ll pay: Tickets are $15 in advance, available through ticketweb.com. On the day of the show, tickets at the box office will run you $20. Music Box, 3733 N Southport Ave between Grace St and Waveland Ave (773-871-6604). El: Brown to Southport. Bus: 80 Irving Park, 152 Addison. 7:30pm.

AROUND TOWN/SPORTS - The Great Urban Race Chicago
Numero uno on the waiver release for this urban adventure states that it may be a “potentially hazardous activity.” Should that scare you? Only if you think you’ll end up in the ER by competing in this “scavenger hunt, road race and wandering party.” Past races have included sketching, kite flying and riddles, so grow a pair and sign up already. First place gets you a spot at the nationals (in Vegas, baby! for a chance at $10,000) and $300. More cash prizes (for some) and fun (for all) are promised. Proceeds benefit the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Cubby Bear. 11am; $70, advance $60.

MUSIC - Baby Teeth
Far more so than its retrofitted peers who are selling out concert halls, Baby Teeth has a distinct band-out-of-time feel that reflects its cheeky sense of humor—explicitly indebted to the 1980s yet decidedly more yacht rock than Cocteau Twins. Tonight’s a release show for the group’s new Hustle Beach. Frontman Abraham Levitan visited our office for a live performance. Hear it on our Infinite Loop podcast. Schubas, 10pm, $10, 18 and older.

GAY & LESBIAN - Northalsted Market Days
The biggest street festival in the Midwest is really an outdoor gay bar. Halsted St between Belmont Ave and Addison St. 11am, FREE!

SUNDAY 2
SUMMER FESTIVALS/MUSIC - Belize Day in the Park
The city’s Belizean community cooks up a storm of bargain eats at this South Side fest, bringing music, food and craft vendors in on top of that. Southwest side of Washington Park, 5700 S Russell Dr. 10am–10pm, FREE!

THEATER - I’ll Stop the World and Belt With You
This awesomely-named John Hughes–inspired cabaret revue features Christin Boulette, Jason Bowen, Matt Bugay, Courtney Freed and Scott Gryder taking on the best of the ’80s. Davenport’s, 7pm, $13 plus two-drink minimum.

MUSIC - Mos Def
The versatile rapper’s latest, The Ecstatic, is a triumphant return to form, recalling the creative leaps and bounds defining 1999’s bar-raising Black on Both Sides. Tonight, expect a dose of the new stuff plus BOBS staples like the psychedelic “Umi Says” and club-bouncing “Ms. Fat Booty,” in addition to questionable detours into rock and reggae. House of Blues, 7:30pm, $26.25–$37.

ART & DESIGN - “Burns”
Artists Ben Russell and Brandon Alvendia host an evening of hot video, performance and visual art by CamLab, Diana Guerrero-Macía, Semiconductor and Matt Hanner. Ben Russell, 1716 S Morgan St, no. 2F. 6–10pm. FREE!

AROUND TOWN - King of Pop hometown tour
Still grieving over the death of Michael Jackson? Maybe it’s time to make the trek to Gary, Indiana, and pay your respects to MJ’s birthplace. Meet at the parking lot behind Borders on East 53rd Street and then hop on an air-conditioned bus, which will make the 45-minute drive to Gary. Tour stops include the small house (and now makeshift shrine) at 2300 Jackson Street, the steel mill where Joe Jackson worked and other points of Jacko interest. The excursion lasts around three and a half hours, depending on traffic. Borders Books & Music, 1539 E 53rd St (866-717-8687). Bus: 2, 4, 15, 55. Noon. $55; ages 6–12 $45.