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.
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Friday, December 13
Marci Hamilton, author of God vs. the Gavel, reads tonight at the Seminary Co-op Bookstore. A law professor, Hamilton challenges the belief that all things done in the name of religion deserve protection under the constitution, arguing that "religious organizations and believers should be subject to the same laws governing everyone else." She shows that, surprisingly, this mode of thought is not necessarily the concensus. Tonight's reading begins at 7pm, 5757 S. University Ave. Call 773-752-4381 for more information.
Free Walking, a "nomadic social experiment that seeks to explore Chicago on foot," offers a walk through a part of the city's industrial history. Participants will meet at 1958 W. Walnut, at 7:30pm, for the 8pm walk through the Kinzie Industrial corridor. Melinda Fries will lead tonight's walk. Contact Bonnie Fortune, at lefortune[at]gmail[dot]com for questions.
Tonight at 6pm, John P. Chalmers will present a lecture at the Newberry Library on "Extreme Bibliography." Chalmers, who compiled a list of leaf books to accompany the Newberry's exhibit "Disbound and Dispersed: The Leaf Book Considered," will speak on the definitions of the leaf book, why the books are popular among book collectors, and how he created a system to catalog the books. This talk is free and open to the public. The Newberry Library is located at 60 W. Walton. Call 312-255-3691 for more information.
Shynola, the group of British directors and animators whose most recent work was for the much-anticipated film version of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, is featured in a 70-minute program of short films that runs tonight at the Siskel Film Center. The program screens tonight at 8:00. Tickets: $9, $7 for all students, $5 for Film Center members, and $4 for SAIC students. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.
The 22nd annual Chicago Blues Festival kicks off today in Grant Park (300 S. Columbus). Four days of R&B performers, including Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, the Lucky Peterson Band, Mavis Staples and many more. See the Blues Festival for a full lineup for all days.
The GreyZelda Theatre Group is presenting their first original play, "The Thimbleberry Gallows" tonight at StageLeft Theatre, 3408 N. Sheffield. The play follows a girl whose visit to her sister at Fort Wilkins ends in her mysterious disappearance. In four sections, the play spectulates on what might have happened to her. Tickets are $10-$15; tonight's performance begins at 8pm. The show will run through July 3.
Dykediva presents Diva Dating, a night of lesbian speed dating at T's Bar on Clark. The dating range is divided into two groups, with mid-thirties and up dating from 8-9pm and those in their twenties and early thirties dating from 9:30-10:30pm. (Ranges are approximations and participants should feel free to join whichever group in which they feel most comfortable.) Admission is $10 with $1 "courage shots." Singles are encouraged to join in the fun and couples are welcome to lend their support in the dating game. T's Bar is located at 5025 N. Clark St.