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
Wednesday, December 31
Slowdown
BY DAY
Saturday, June 18 2005
Red Rover Series -- Experiment #2
Red Rover Series, readings that play with reading, is holding their second installment this month with Experiment #2, "A Prayer," featuring local writers Beth Snyder and Marvin Tate. Starting at 7pm, at SpareRoom, 2416 W. North Ave., listeners will be treated to some interesting readings presented in inventive ways. A donation of $3 is suggested at the door. Email spareroominfo[at]yahoo[dot]com for more information.
Cheech Marin @ Barbara's
Cheech Marin -- yes, that one -- stops at Barbara's Bookstore UIC to discuss Chicano Visions: American Painters on the Verge. The book accompanies the current show at the Mexican Fine Arts Center which is comprised of art primarily from Marin's private collection. Apparently, when it comes to Chicano art, he's got one of the largest private collections in the world. Who knew? The discussion begins at 7:30pm, 1218 S. Halsted St. Call 312-413-2665 for more information.
Chicago SummerDance
The ninth annual Chicago SummerDance festival of public dancing continues tonight in the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park (601 S. Michigan, between Harrison and Balbo). This evening's entertainment: Lisa "La Boriqua" and the Old School Big Salsa Band, teaching Salsa, Bachata and Cumbia. SummerDance features one hour of dance lessons, followed by two hours of live music and dancing. Tonight's show runs from 6:00 to 9:30, and SummerDance runs at the park Wednesday-Sunday nights (weather permitting) through August 28. See the SummerDance site for a complete schedule.
Too Much Light Kids!
The Neo-Futurists present "Too Much Light Kids!", a family-friendly version of their long-running late-night show Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind. GB's Alejandra Valera reviewed the show when it ran last December; read the review here. Appropriate for ages 6 and up, "Too Much Light Kids!" happens at 2:00 PM on Saturday afternoons through June 25 at the Neo-Futurarium. Admission: kids get in for $1-6 ($1 x the roll of a six-sided die), adults get in for $8-13 ($7 + the roll of a six-sided die). Group rates available; call (773) 878-4557 for details. Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). General show details: (773) 275-5255.
Celebrate the Mix Tape @ Quimby's
Tonight at 8pm "We Will Rock You" at Quimby's Bookstore's Mix Tape Event. This is Chicago's first ever celebration of the mixtape! Audience members are expected to bring a mix CD or tape to swap with someone at the reading. Featuring readings and music by: Joe Meno (Punk Planet contributing editor and author of "Hairstyles of the Damned" which you might remember from our book club discussion), Sean Carswell (Razorcake editor and author of "Barney's Crew"), Mickey Hess (THE2NDHAND contributor and author of "Big Wheel at the Cracker Factory"), Anne Elizabeth Moore (Punk Planet associate editor and author of "Hey Kidz Buy This Book"), Liz Mason (editor of Caboose zine who will present material from The Bad Lyrics Project), plus music from PAL! Don't forget to bring your mix tape or CD to trade! Quimby's is located at 1854 West North Avenue, Chicago. 773/342-0910
Streets & San Man's Pub Grub Crawl
Dennis Foley, author of The Streets and San Man's Guide to Chicago Eats, is leading a tour of yummy eats. Find out where the best workingman's lunch is, plus Chicago-related facts and fables -- straight from the San Man's mouth. Cost is $65, and includes food, beverage and transportation costs. The tour is from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and departs from the Cultural Center. For more information, contact (312) 744-9350.
Fiestas Puertorriquenas
From Tuesday, June 14 through Sunday, June 19, enjoy some Puerto Rican culture at the 23rd Annual Puerto Rican Festival. Head to California and Division in Humbolt Park for food, arts, dance and music. Free of charge.
Parade of Pet Homes
This summer's Parade of Pet Homes is Saturday, June 18th, in River North. Nineteen area designers took pre-fab dog houses and gave them a makeover, which can be viewed on a walking tour from 10am to 6pm. Afterwards, the dog houses are auctioned off, with proceeds going to the Anti-Cruelty Society.
