Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
✶ Thank you for your readership and contributions. ✶
Friday, April 19
The Second City presents their third annual 24-hour improv benefit, "The Second City That Never Sleeps: Letters To Santa." Second City performers and special guests take the stage for twenty-four hours straight, with the proceeds going to provide holiday gifts for needy Chicago-area families. Joining a team of Second City all-stars (including MAD TV's Keegan-Michael Key) will be guests including Steve Albini, Robbie Fulks, Jon Langford, Sally Timms, and Jeff Tweedy. (During Tweedy's set Tuesday night you can also bid in a silent auction for a private performance, in your home, with Tweedy doing twenty songs of your choice for you and twenty of your friends.) The show starts at 8:30pm Tuesday night and continues through 8:30pm tonight. The $10 ticket, available at the door, guarantees you entry for the entire period. At Second City e.t.c., in Pipers Alley, 1608 N. Wells Ave. For more information, please call 312-337-3992.
Tonight at Schubas Tavern is Chicago Calling II: Another Very Special Clash Christmas featuring London Calling with Jon Langford, John Haggerty (Naked Raygun, Pegboy), James Johnston (Bumpus), MCs Ronnie P & Versas Style (Abstract Giants), Dave Specter, Rick Ness, Balty DeLey (Menthol), Josiah Mazzaschi (Light FM), Chris Dorff (Skapone) and Ben Hollis & Dave Crawford. Lead by the Clash tribute band, London Calling, local musicians pay respect to Joe Strummer through their interpretations of Clash classics. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Carol Robertson Center for Learning. Tickets are $10 and are available online.