Gapers Block has ceased publication.
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. ✶
TODAY
Saturday, April 20
Slowdown
BY DAY
Thursday, January 06 2005
Chicago Sketchfest @ Theatre Building
The 2004 Chicago Sketchfest, the nation's largest sketch comedy festival, kicks off tonight at the Theatre Building (1225 W. Belmont). For the next 8 days you'll get to see the hee-larious cut-up capers of such groups as "Waste Management", "Bald Faced Lie", "Real Good Turbo" and "Mister Tee-Hee's Giggle-Fest O' Laffs 'N' Sniggerings". Okay, I made that last one up. Check the Sketchfest Website for a complete listing and ticket information.
Holiday Detox @ The Wooden Spoon
The holidays are over, and it’s time to detox! In this class at Andersonville's The Wooden Spoon, they'll talk about natural sources of vitamins and minerals, and the benefits of Omega-3s, perfect protein grains, and antioxidants… without sacrificing great flavor! The menu will include Quinoa salad with mixed vegetables, Roasted salmon with honey mustard glaze, and Blueberry crisp with oatmeal-almond crumble. The class is $45 per person and begins at 6:30 p.m. The Wooden Spoon is located just south of Foster Ave at 5047 N. Clark. Call (773) 293-3190 to reserve your spot.
Loveless: An Evening of My Bloody Valentine @ Smarbar
My Bloody Valentine is a touchstone for many an alt-rocker, and the band's passing is much lamented. Those still in mourning -- and those who are otherwise fans of shoegazing walls of sound -- should be in attendance tonight at Smartbar for DJ Brad Owen's tribute, "Loveless: An Evening of My Bloody Valentine." Doors are at 10pm, it's 21 and over and you'll be charged $3 for the opportunity. More info here.
Spontaneous Response
Spontaneous Response: A One Hour Continuous Improvisation will take place tonight at 10 p.m. at the Chopin Theater in Wicker Park (1542 W. Division) near the Division Blue Line Stop. Improvising musicians from all genres and styles are welcome to participate and people can come and go as they please. Listeners are also very welcome as some of the very best musicians of Chicago have been invited to join in. There will be a $10 suggested donation for all who attend, musicians and listeners alike. The very simple goal is to raise $500 which the folks at UNICEF say can make a significant difference in a few families' lives.
Firefighters: Live!
To promote their 2005 Chicago Firefighters Calendar, the men featured in this year's spread will be signing calendars at The Chicago Water Works Visitors Center at 163 East Pearson from 12–2 p.m. today. All proceeds from the $15 calendar go to the Ignite the Spirit Fund, which benefits firefighters and their families in times of need. Buy one today!
