GB Get-Together

Join Gapers Block staff at the GingerMan, 3740 N. Clark, for drinks and maybe some pool at our monthly GB Get-Together. We'll be there from 9pm till midnight.

Going Forward in Reverse @ Sonotheque

On Friday, April 29, a diverse array of Chicago promoters and electronic musicians come together to present an evening of abstract techno and forward-thinking house. Featuring performances from globe-trotting artists such as Detroit legend Anthony 'Shake' Shakir (in his first Chicago performance), Residual Records owner Titonton Duvante, and underground electro producer Silicon of Vmax fame, this will be a refreshingly varied dance music showcase. Local favorite Karl Meier and Detroit DJ Israel Vines open. Happening at Sonotheque, 1444 W. Chicago Ave, near Ashland. Tickets are $7 before 11 PM, and available at the door. Show starts promptly at 9 PM.

GB staff member KM will be in attendance.

Labor Trail Virtual Tour

Mess Hall and the creators of "The Labor Trail: Chicago's History of Working-Class Life and Struggle" are giving a virtual tour of the history and neighborhoods of Chicago's working people. The award-winning map helps to showcase the areas where "generations of dramatic struggles and working-class life" have given the city the rich history that it has today. Feel free to bring snacks and beverages to share at the free tour, 8-10pm. Mess Hall is located at 6932 N. Glenwood Ave. Call 773-412-2501 for more information.

Lincoln Square Pottery Studio Student Sale

The Lincoln Square Pottery Studio, at 4150 N. Lincoln Ave, is hosting their 2nd Anniversary Student Sale and Show. From 6pm-10pm, student work will be on display, contests will be thrown, and food and drinks will be provided for all. 773-248-4430 for more information.

Heaven's Gate @ Film Center

The Siskel Film Center presents Michael Cimino's legendary 1980 film Heaven's Gate. Is it really as bad as legend says? You get to find out this week, as the Film Center screens the original cut of the film. It's 219 minutes long, with a 10-minute intermission. Showtimes: weeknights at 6:30 PM, Saturday at 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM, and Sunday at 2:00 PM. The film runs at the Film Center through May 5th. Tickets: $9, $5 for Film Center members, $4 for SAIC students. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Multi-author SF signing @ Borders

As part of the 2005 Nebula Awards weekend, there's going to be a huge multi-author book signing event this evening at the Borders on State Street. Listen to this line-up: Catherine Asaro; Donald J. Bingle; Robert Buettner; James L. Cambias; Ellen Datlow; Scott Edelman; Eileen Gunn; Joe Haldeman; Tina Jens; Ellen Klages; E.E. Knight; Anne McCaffrey; Mike Moscoe; Jody Lynn Nye; Ruth Souther; Jennifer K. Stevenson; Sean Stewart; and possibly more! The event starts at 5:30 PM, and only runs two hours, so you'd better get in line pretty early. Borders: 150 N. State. (312) 606-0750.

Animal Collective @ U of C: Free!

Don't miss the brilliantly strange Animal Collective tonight at the University of Chicago's Ida Noyes hall, along with Ariel Pink and popular local band Health & Beauty. Admission is FREE. Doors open at 8 pm. This show is delightfully all-ages.

Tapas ala Teatro Vista

Teatro Vista, featuring emerging and established Latino playwrights, is holding a free play reading series at Cafe Mestizo, 2133 S. Ashland Ave. Participants are encouraged to come and eat while discussing the night's play with the director. The feedback received during these dinners will help the theater determine which plays to produce in the near future. Tonight's play is Adnakiel by Tanya Saracho and director Coya Paz. Seating is limited for the 7pm reading, so RSVP by calling 312-494-5767.