Charlotte Gainsbourg
8 p.m. at Park West; $30
Daughter of the iconic French musician Serge Gainsbourg, Charlotte has mostly stayed out of her father's shadow by opting for English vocals and keeping songwriting company with artists like Air and Jarvis Cocker for 2006's 5:55. Most recently, she collaborated with Beck on last year's IRM, and while his ramshackle funk and baroque strings provide the backbone of the record (Beck did the songwriting, arrangement and production), it's Gainsbourg's brooding vocals that make it magical.

Audrey Niffenegger
6-8 p.m. at Columbia College Chicago Library (624 S. Michigan 3rd Floor North); free
The author, artist and Columbia faculty member -- you know, the woman behind The Time Traveler's Wife -- will be speak with fellow faculty member Ron Falzone about her success. If you're lucky enough to be a Friend of the Library (it costs), you'll enjoy a private reception with her from 5-6 p.m.

Dating for Nerds Earth Date
7-10 p.m. at Holiday Club; $20 in advance, $25 at the door
Care about the planet -- but care more about getting a date? You can handle both during this third annual eco-themed event, which includes rounds of board games and themed trivia, an organic chocolate tasting, a green fashion show, giveaways and more. A Rain organic vodka eco-tini is included in the ticket price. Tonight is for gay singles; heteros should keep Thursday night free. Find more Earth Day events.