farrago Manifest
Columbia College has creativity coming out of its ears—so much so that by the end of each school year, the students are fit to burst. And thus explains Manifest: the one-day spontaneous combustion of artistic talent featuring everything from a 32-car pinewood-meets-demolition derby (Balbo and Wabash at 2:30) to Spectacle Fortuna, a parade of puppets, the punk marching band Mucca Pazza, and Waukegan native Ray Bradbury’s characters come to life (Harrison and Wabash at 6:45).
GO: May 15. Full schedule and details: colum.edu/manifest

classical Eighth Blackbird and Pacifica Quartet*
The U of C’s back-to-back Grammy-winning resident ensembles perform works by composition students. Last year the wacky program featured melodicas, slide whistles, kazoos, and goose calls. We’re curious to hear which parts of the kitchen sink make it in for 2009.
GO: May 15 at 7:30: Fulton Recital Hall, U. of C., 1010 E 59th. May 28 at 7:30: Ganz Hall, Roosevelt U, 430 S Michigan. contempo.uchicago.edu

farrago Family Secrets reading*
Hear local author Jeff Coen read from his insider’s take on the mob trial that captivated Chicago, with a Q&A and book signing following each reading.
GO: May 16 at 2: Centuries & Sleuths, 7419 W Madison, Forest Park. 708-771-7243. May 21 at 7:30: Barnes & Noble, 1441 W Webster. 773-871-3610. May 23 at 2: Borders, 1144 Lake, Oak Park. 708-386-6927

farrago Michael Pollan
The author of such works as In Defense of Food and The Omnivore’s Dilemma wrote the book on how thoroughly we are what we eat. Plan on arriving early if you want to snag a seat.
GO: May 18 at 6. Pritzker Auditorium, Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S State. chipublib.org