Pencil This In

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 4, 2008 5:45PM

The double whammy of the Mondays and cabin fever can drive the most stout constitutions deep into their comforters. Here are some things to inspire you to layer up and head out.

Music: Ever want to learn about the process of songwriting? Then Old Town School of Folk instructor Charles Kim is then man to teach you. Every Monday Kim presents a series of free songwriting workshops; even better, no registration (or jacket) is required.

Charles Kim's songwriting workshops begin at 6:45 p.m. in the Old Town School's concert hall, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. Call (773) 728-600 for more info.

Movie: DOC Films screens the 1959 Sam Fuller film "Verboten!" Set in post-war Germany, the film follows an American GI who falls in love with a German woman who's only with him for money. Meanwhile, the woman's neo-Nazi brother is involved in a far more devious plot involving the GI.

Verboten! screens at 7 p.m. this evening. Admission is $5.

Food: The International Sommelier Guild starts up their latest round of Wine Fundamentals classes starting this evening at the Illinois Institute of Art. The $1500 course runs every Monday through May 12, but if you're looking to pursue a career in wine, it's an invaluable resource.

The ISG Wine Fundamentals Level 1 and 2 classes run from 4:30-10 p.m.

Music and Food: Start stoking the fires for St. Patrick's Day this evening with Martyr's weekly Traditional Irish Music Mondays featuring Aidan O'Toole. While you're there, enjoy 1/2 off all pizzas.

Martyr's traditional Irish Music Mondays starts at 8 p.m. There is no cover.

Art: The Art Institute of Chicago's "American Perspectives" series allows lecturers the ability to lead public tours, examining the threads in American art that make up our historical and cultural fabric. today's event starts at 1 p.m. in Gallery 100; the event is free.