Roger Ebert loved movies.

Except for those he hated.

For a film with a daring director, a talented cast, a captivating plot or, ideally, all three, there could be no better advocate than Roger Ebert, who passionately celebrated and promoted excellence in film while deflating the awful, the derivative, or the merely mediocre with an observant eye, a sharp wit and a depth of knowledge that delighted his millions of readers and viewers.

"No good film is too long," he once wrote, a sentiment he felt strongly enough about to have engraved on pens. "No bad movie is short enough." [Chicago Sun-Times]

RIP, Roger.

Joan of Arc @ Metro in February (more by Grant MacAllister)

Susan Stursberg, owner of Gold Star Bar, was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She needs help to raise money for her medical expenses and the local music community have stepped in to do their part.

On April 22, Joan of Arc, Coffin Pricks, Bailiff, The Ragtones, and DJ Bobby Conn will play a benefit concert for Susan at the Double Door. Tickets go on sale this Saturday (March 31), at noon CST.

Speaking of Saturday, there's a fundraising event taking place that night at the Gold Star. As part of a silent auction, you could head home on Saturday with Bears/Cubs/Sox/Fire tickets, VIP passes to the 2012 Pitchfork Festival, a Shellac Friends LP, an autographed limited edition GWAR poster, and more.

You can track the fundraising process (which is 91% complete!) HERE.

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In related news, Bobby Conn has his own show at the Empty Bottle on May 25 with Starring. Tickets go on sale this Friday (March 30), at 10AM CST.