[ film ]

Fri., Sept. 3, 7:30 p.m., free, Piazza at Schmidts, Second Street and Germantown Avenue, rooftopfilms.com.

The last movie directed by Louis C.K. to receive theatrical release was 2001's Pootie Tang. Consider Hilarious, C.K.'s concert film that premièred at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, penance. After years of being criminally under-appreciated, C.K. has had a run of good luck thanks to his FX show, Louie. An off-kilter break from sticking comedians in situational comedy, each episode is a mix of skits and standup, the latter being where C.K. is clearly more at ease. So Hilarious is just C.K. in his element, riffing on topics like his kids, his divorce and the sheer stupidity of the American people. But C.K.'s favorite target his himself, so even though Hilarious features the goatee'd ginger onstage at Milwaukee's Pabst Theater, it's comforting to know he's an idiot just like us.

Wed., Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m., $12, Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., 215-569-9700, princemusictheater.org.

[ modern family ]

Sun., Aug. 29, 8 p.m., $8, North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar St., 877-435-9849, northstarbar.com.

After 15 years holding it down at NoLibs' Liberty Lands Park, the Lawn Chair Drive-In will make the move to Chestnut Hill. By way of introduction, Lawn Chair will screen Elaine May's A New Leaf, starring Walter Matthau as a formerly rich playboy in search of the wealthy sugar momma (played by May) who can pull him out of his penniless rut. Since its inception, Lawn Chair has presented diamonds-in-the-cinematic-roughs, screened always on film, with tacked-on 'toons and vintage commercials. But a kerfuffle with the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association sent founders Dave Amodei and Todd Kimmell in search of new digs, selecting Chestnut Hill's Water Tower Rec Center for their final film of 2010 and setting their site sights on Pastorius Park (Abington Avenue and Lincoln Drive) for the future. But location is not important for the boys of Lawn Chair. "I'm not a filmmaker," says Kimmell. "I'm a guy who shows films and loves films. That's how I like to bring people together."

[ barely there ]

In the minds of many, the Anything But Clothes party still denotes an excuse for sorority girls to ditch formal threads for skin-tight, DIY getups made of caution tape, playing cards or a few packs of Twizzlers. Maybe the folks at Life Unchained are out to shake the stigma with an ABC-themed Party with a Purpose. Thrown in partnership with Art to Save the World, the evening will feature beer, wine, snacks and a DJ, plus domestic round-trip plane tickets to the male-and-female winners of the costume contest. Proceeds will benefit two local Life Unchained "dream projects": Live Love Philly and $5 Fridays. You stay classy, philanthropists.

Live Love Philly and $5 Fridays. You stay classy, philanthropists. Fri., Aug. 27, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., $25, Studio 34, 4522 Baltimore Ave., 215-387-3434, arttosavetheworld.com.

[ this means war ]

Oct. 8. Sat., Aug. 28, 4 p.m.-midnight, $10, The Arts Garage, 1533 Ridge Ave., 215-765-2702, theartsgarage.com.

Look, we understand you people who read the title of this pick and think, "Jesus H., more Rocky?!" We know, it's getting a little old, considering most of the movie-going world has associated Philly with the Little Kenzo Boxer Who Could for going on 34 years now. But we also think it's better to be aligned with a Best Picture winner (which beat out Taxi Driver, no less) than, say, The Garbage-Picking, Field Goal-Kicking Philadelphia Phenomenon. Plus, it's totally funny to watch tourists trip while running up the Art Museum steps, which is why there's simply no better place to see the Italian Stallion in action than the famed gradations. So thank the Rolling Roadshow — from the minds behind Austin, Texas' bitchin' Alamo Drafthouse — who've chosen Philadelphia on their site-specific movie tour. The Roadshow switches up the normal screening sesh by showing the first three in the series, the first two of which have hilariously similar plot lines — dig those '70s sexual politics in II. But the real kitsch gem is Rocky III, featuring second-best Rocky villain Clubber Lang, played by the one, the only, Mr. T. But even more than that, Rocky is the ultimate underdog. And underdogs are meant to be loved.

[ watch out for that tree! ]

If you've ever threatened to run away to the circus, you gotta understand that anyone can put on a funny nose and some face paint. So let the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts add another twist to your résumé: Learn how to death-defyingly swing through the air with the greatest of ease at the Circus School's new workshop on aerials. The school's professional staff will teach you to fly high during their one-hour beginner class. You'll learn and practice three different types of trapeze art: rope, fabric and static. This class is a one-time session so you can give each type a whirl before committing to a full schedule of classes. Working on the trapeze also promotes an intensive upper-body workout, so prepare to put your muscles and flexibility to the test. If this class gives you a promising glimpse of what life is like in Barnum & Bailey's big top, we won't hold it against you if you never return home.

[ all in a day's work ]

Creating your average comic book usually takes extensive collaboration and weeks or months to produce. But, as any veteran of the 24-Hour Comic Challenge will tell you, that's child's play. Originally developed in 1990, the Challenge hosts a small group of comic writers and artists who must write, pencil, ink, color and letter a full 24-page comic from scratch over the span of one day. You wanna sleep or eat? Do it on your own time. The clock stops for nothing, and no sketches, designs or summaries may be brought in beforehand. Philly's participating for the first time this year, and seven brave local artists will attempt the challenge: 24-Hour vet Pete Stathis, Raphael Tiberino, Steven Peters, Brett J. Hopkins, Andrea "Dre Time" Grigoropol, Jason Clarke and Colleen Groh — who, as the greenest writer, must serve the other artists snacks and coffee while completing her own comic. Host venue Atomic City Comics will stay open throughout, running a number of sales, including the artists' own prints and comics. A portion of proceeds benefit Kids Need to Read.

[ small packages ]

Screw foreplay! The Pretty Things Peepshow knows exactly how to get your blood pumping. Founder/performer Go-Go Amy is a master of seduction who mixes elements of burlesque, strip-tease, circus and sideshow; she'll be singing, stripping, contorting and whip-cracking while Lil' Miss Firefly, billed as the "Midget of Mischief," walks on glass and swallows balloons way bigger than her 27-inch frame would have you believe is possible. Based on vintage burlesque, Pretty Things adds a twist of 21st-century rock, too, with music by tatted-and-sultry singer Bonnie Voyage and the King Sickabilly One Man Band. With more than 300 shows under their garter belts, these ladies offer bizarre talent and erotic energy that'll leave you begging for more.

A generation ago, Kevin Nealon got his break on Saturday Night Live, where he had a nine-year run, highlighted by his anchoring of SNL staple "Weekend Update." Now, Nealon is known to a whole new set of TV viewers as the opposite of that relatively dignified newsman. He plays Doug Wilson, the always-down-to-toke accountant/corrupt councilman on Showtime's Weeds. Despite playing a proud stoner on TV, Nealon does not actually smoke marijuana. He is a proud husband, father and author of Yes, You're Pregnant, But What About Me? We figure working alongside Mary-Louise Parker gets him high enough.

Breathe in, breathe out, close your eyes and put your hand over your heart. Sure it's a-thumpin', but is it awakened? The Amitayus Kadampa Buddhist Center presents a workshop specifically designed for those of us who run 10 billion miles a minute without any idea what it means to be enlightened. Buddhist newbies will engage in teachings, mediation and enjoy some tea as they learn how to channel their inner calm and peace to find happiness.

[ not a drop to drink ]

Is the water you drink a unique blend of Schuylkill River goodness, or does it hail from the Delaware? Gin Ranly, director of education at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, will not only discuss where your drinking water comes from, but also compare Philly's filtration system to other cities and teach you ways to conserve water. Prepare yourself for a little history lesson, as well. "It's interesting these decisions were made for us a long time ago, historically, when the city of Philadelphia chose to get its water from rivers," Ranly says. While our fellow New Yorkers decided long ago their taps would gush Catskill Mountain agua, Philly, in choosing to drink river water, set up a system that relies heavily on technology to clean our city's water source. Ranly will discuss what happens when environmental pressures affect or limit that source. But rest be assured, Ranly says, you can drink from your sink. Not convinced? Snag one of the 10 free Mavea Elemaris water filtration pitchers that will be given out at the event.

[ va-va-va-voom ]

Burlesque dancer Bettina May (pictured) is bringing glamour to Philly with her vintage-hairstyle workshop, inspired by classic pinup models and our grandmothers alike. The workshop is one of three classes being held this Saturday as part of Studio Noir's Finishing School weekend, which will also give instructions on makeup and costume styling. "I've gleaned all these facts and secrets from my grandmothers and my friend's grandmothers," May says. The workshop will emphasize how pinup style can be translated into the everyday lives of women. "Just little things like putting curls in your hair or wearing red lipstick takes five minutes, instead of putting on 10 pounds of neutral-based makeup," she says. "The woman who spends all day with the kids can do this." May asks students to bring in products they already have, making pinup style simpler and cheaper for modern women. "That's the great difference between pinup then and now," May says. "Today, women are running the show."

[ acting out ]

Whatever your story is, Theatre of the Oppressed wants you to share it. Actually, they want you to play it. Through a series of guided theater exercises, Philly residents will transform snapshots from our shared metropolitan existence into human still lifes — you can be that sheepish baby munching on a Sno Cone or the couple exchanging expletives on the park bench. As the workshop heats up, participants will have the chance to tackle bigger issues: Class, race and relationships are all fair game.

Sat., Aug. 7, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., $5-$20 (sliding-scale donation), Studio 34, 4522 Baltimore Ave., 215-730-0982, tophiladelphia.blogspot.com.

Bring your board and whatever you can scrounge to donate to this colorfully named benefit in support of the National Audubon Society's efforts to clean the Gulf. In addition to live music courtesy of McRad, The Trowels, Gondola, Cisco Jeeters and more, prizes (think new duds, new deck and gift cards) will be raffled off by sponsors like 5 Boro, Exit Skateshop, Never Again Clothing and, of course, Pabst Blue Ribbon. If you're broke but want to help, stop by the park for a complimentary trim, Mohawk or a Mr. Clean and your hair will be donated to Matter of Trust, an ecological charity assembling "booms" made of hair to soak up oil. If you're sitting on your couch, eating Doritos, watching old white guys discuss this hot mess and wondering how you can help, now is your chance.

In partnership with local organizations Casa Monarca and Juntos, Philadelphia's Magic Gardens will celebrate El Dí­a del Niño, the holiday for children. The Garden's Latin American ties stem from Isaiah and Julia Zagar's continued interest in the region's folk art as well as PMG's respect for the large Mexican community in its neighborhood. "We really wanted to do something that would honor their culture and provide them something to do with their families," says executive director Ellen Owens. The free event will include piñata-making, refreshments from El Zarape, Piripitin the Mexican clown, bilingual tours and more. Sun.,

What antics take place in a roomful of indie gagsters with a penchant for "melty" pinkish monsters and bawdy zines? Not a clue — but rest assured the fringe folk at the Philly Alternative Comic Convention (PACC) already have an off-kilter 'strip peppered with one-liners on the subject. Showcasing the spectrum of this underground art form, PACC — already double in size since its debut last year — promises a kaleidoscopic tableau of bawdy comics for sale. New York-based publisher Secret Acres will send over big names Eamon Epsy and recent Eisner-nominee Ken Dahl (the Eisners are like the Oscars of comics). Other highlights include a limited-edition anthology of the top Philly artists, featuring cover art from hometown web-comic legend Box Brown. DIY aesthetics will rule the market, offering lesser-known mini-comic scrawlers an equal shot. An after-party at comic spot Locust Moon will wrap things up.

If the extent of your knowledge on influential women goes as far as high school history class, this daylong fest is your wake-up call. The five documentaries that will be screened transcend cultural and language barriers, take you inside garment factories, human rights protests and wars. The independent filmmakers who captured these powerful stories provide a picture of women who seriously kick butt. Whether the call for social change comes from a teenage girl petitioning for sex education in her conservative community (The Education of Shelby Knox) or from Nobel Peace Prize-winner Wangari Maathai as she teaches Kenyan women how to plant trees (Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai), these women have fought for equality, justice and free speech. Check out our A&E blog Critical Mass for reviews of each film.

[ in memoriam ]

A warm person known for his exuberance for life, Randy could often be found smiling on the dancefloor, sharing his positive energy and passion for music. He had kicked it on the decks since the onset of the Philly DJ scene more than 20 years ago, performing and organizing countless events. In addition, Randy was a buyer and seller at the digger's haven, Sound of Market (15 S. 11th St., second floor, 215-925-3150, jazsound.com). Store manager Darryl King mourned Miller's death on Facebook, saying, "I will miss our many conversations, sometimes about music, often about life. There will be a little less life and energy at work. May God have you and I love you man!"

As evidenced by the outpouring of support from all walks of the community, his presence in Philly club culture will be sorely missed. A dance party is the perfect way to celebrate the life of a man who lived for music, so head over to Octo and share in the memories and joy of Randy's life and love of the beat. All proceeds from the party will go to help his family with the hospital and funeral costs. Donations and condolences can be sent c/o Miller Family, 933 E. Phil-Ellena St., Philadelphia, PA 19150.