Ideas Week is finally here, bringing Chicago more than 80 affordable talks, conversations and labs from top thinkers, makers and innovators. Although much of the schedule has been selling out fast, there are many engaging events you can still attend. Today alone, you can hear what David Gregory (Meet the Press) and Robin Wright (House of Cards) have to say about the current state of our union (Cadillac Palace Theatre, 7pm. $15), learn whether or not the world can run on batteries (Morningstar, 12pm. $15) and even print your own body part (Merchandise Mart, 10am. $15).
2. Get Psyched
Remind yourself that Swedish music is so much more than ABBA and forget you ever had to sit through Mama Mia! at Schubas tonight when indie psych rock group Dungen take the stage. The Swedish band brings their vintage sound in support of their seventh album, Allas Sak (“Everyone's thing”). (Schubas, 3159 N Southport Ave, 8pm. $15)
For more than 20 years, UniverSoul has been bringing the elements of funk and soul to their circus act. Groove to old-school tunes while enjoying stunts, Caribbean dancers and Vietnamese acrobats in this eclectic, upbeat performance. (Washington Park, 5531 S Martin Luther King Dr, 2:30pm & 6:30pm. $21-$36)