The weather bird told me it’s gonna be nice this weekend. But then again, when it’s in the 40s around here, people will still break out their shorts and flip flops. Go figure. Just don’t be walking around with your pal’s jacket when he wants to scuffle. Those who wake and bake are probably couching it with the roach clip all weekend, but here’s a hand-picked selection of stuff to do, courtesy of Fun Vampires.

Friday, April 20

Life’s a bitch and then you die! That’s why we get high, cause you never know when you’re gonna go. Word wizard Nas is at the Congress Theater showing the Midwest how a real MC rolls. 8pm / $31

Malkemes called me out last week for not mentioning the Chicago Latino Film Festival. That’s still going on at Piper’s Alley, Facets Cinematheque, and the Landmark Century Centre Cinema and runs until April 25.

If you have tickets to English post-punkers Art Brut at the Subterranean, you’re probably still going to wait in line before doors, or be selling them on the Six Corners to whoever couldn’t score. The Jai-Alai Savant opens. 10:30pm / $15 but it’s SOLD OUT

Mono can’t stay away from Steve Albini, can they? These Japanese instrumentalists are playing The Empty Bottle with World’s End Girlfriend and The Drift. 9:30pm / $12

As part of the continuing Spike Lee retrospective, The Gene Siskel Film Center plays the angry Bamboozled tonight. Accompanied by a lecture with author Jacqueline Stewart. 6pm / $9, $7 SAIC students / $5 members

Saturday, April 21

Local power pop punkers Busy Signals headline tonight at The Note. Tuff Bananas and Screaming Yellow Zonkers open. 11pm.

Handmade Market continues the DIY craft movement, so if you’re out of handmade goods, The Empty Bottle is hosting. It’s free to browse and the drinks are cheap.

The Windy City Rollers have their opening bout to kick off the 2007 season. If there’s anyone who makes rollerskates look tough, it’s these gals. There’s an $8 party bus leaving from The Cobra Lounge at 4pm if you plan to get unbelievably trashed. 6pm at The Stadium (1909 S. Laramie, Cicero).

Jacques Tati’s ode to Modernism, Playtime, plays at the Alliance Francaise. Art direction done so well, it was a commercial failure. 1pm / $3

Sunday, April 22

I’ve always thought this was one of the better promo photo shoots from the mid-90s. But Lifetime, hot off a new album and an endorsement from Fall Out Boy, play the early show at The Subterranean. Check for Pete Wentz sightings. The Draft and Four-Star Alarm open. 7pm / $15 / ALL AGES