There are plenty of shows, films, and concerts happening this week. Here's some of what we recommend:


Mon 9/3: Prolific Chicago indie rocker Jason Balla expands his catalog with his new solo project, Accessory. 8:30 PM, Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western, free.

Mon 9/3: The Chicago Fringe Festival pares back to one week—what does it mean? Ultimately it means less shows, but several of this year's still look promising. Times vary, Jefferson Park locations vary; see website, chicagofringe.org, $10 per show plus $5 admission button; ticket packages $36-$100 plus $5 button.

Tue 9/4: According to the Reader's Ben Sachs "Minding the Gap is one of the strongest American documentaries to play Chicago this year." 7:45 PM, Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State, $11.

Wed 9/5: El Grande de Coca-Cola is over-the-top and ridiculous. "It's a low-stakes romp," writes the Reader's Max Maller. Coach House Theater, Berger Park Cultural Center, 6215 N. Sheridan, elgrandedecocacola.com, $20 Wednesdays.

Wed 9/5: Writers Theatre’s Vietgone brings the war home to Glencoe.
But then slathers it in cuteness. 7:30 PM, Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Ct., Glencoe, 847-242-6000, writerstheatre.org, $35-$80.

Thu 9/6:  Odetta Hartman holds her bricolage of folk, electronic beats, and field recordings together with whimsy. Let's Eat Grandma, Odetta Hartman, and Boniface, 8:30 PM, Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western, sold out.