Blog Agenda: What's poppin' on Thanksgiving Eve

In the bar and restaurant world, Thanksgiving Eve is an absolute monster. It’s hands-down the biggest drinking night of the year, as well as one of the most popular nights for ordering pizza. According to MSNBC, Domino’s sales increase about 50 percent the night before Turkey Day compared to an average Wednesday. Something’s got to soak up all of that alcohol, presumably.

Chicago’s got a fairly decent group of events lined up for Wednesday, Nov. 24. The marquee event, at least for the G.T.L. set, is DJ Pauly D at the Aragon. The Jersey Shore star allegedly has mad turntable moves. With all that hair gel, his fingers are probably pretty slick, right?

For more serious local partiers, there’s BBU at Martyrs’. The Sultan’s Market waiters/rappers made waves last year with their “Chi Don’t Dance” juke jam, and they’re banging on still. Expect insane footwork at this show, which might be a good way to work off a little of that turkey and stuffing in advance.

More sullen and vegan Chicagoans might want check out The Handsome Devilz, a Morrissey and Smiths cover band, at Abbey Pub. This mostly Mexican quintet has Moz fever, straight up, and there’s no better sad drinking music than “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now.”

Speaking of cover bands, Talking Heads homage This Must Be The Band takes over the Bottom Lounge on Thanksgiving Eve, huge suits and all. Last time around, the band covered Stop Making Sense in its entirety, which was met with much fanfare. These guys are amazing and, honestly, there’s nothing wrong with a solid cover band, especially when drinking is involved.

Twilight maniacs might want to check out Robert Pattinson pal Sam Bradley at Lincoln Hall. With the new Zuni EP out, the Brit crooner is making the U.S. tour rounds opening for the underwhelming Brooke Fraser, and is kind of underwhelming himself. Still, for anyone who’s into watching drunk moms be weird, there’s probably no better show in town—at least this night.

On that same “Oh, well this is vaguely pleasant” tip, the Gene Siskel Film Center’s showing Follow That Bird, the loveable tale of Sesame Street’s very own Big Bird and his quest to fit in. For people who are into something totally, completely different, Doc Films has Full Metal Jacket. Hell, after watching that movie, the family gauntlet the next day should feel like a total breeze, and that’s really something to be thankful for.