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

Thursday, April 18

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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: the Arthur Murray Dance Center teaching the rumba, and the Steve Cooper Orchestra playing balroom music. SummerDance features one hour of dance lessons, followed by two hours of live music and dancing. Tonight's show runs from 4:00 to 7:00, and SummerDance runs at the park Wednesday-Sunday nights (weather permitting) through August 28. See the SummerDance site for a complete schedule.

Carillonathon!

The University of Chicago's Rockefeller Chapel is home to a giant musical instrument known as a carillon. Every Sunday this summer the chapel is hosting a series of free recitals featuring University Carillonneur Wylie Crawford along with guest artists from across the United States and Europe. The concerts start at 6 pm, but come at 5:30 pm to climb the stairs of the bell tower and get a look at the giant bells of the carillon-- not to mention a breathtaking view of the downtown skyline.

Didgeridoo Workshop @ Old Town School

The Old Town School of Folk Music presents an afternoon workshop with instructor Robert Coleman on how to play the didgeridoo. Admit it, you've always wanted to learn how to play one, right? Well, here's your chance. The workshop happens this afternoon from 1:00 to 2:50 PM at the Old Town School's Mabie Gallery. The class costs $30, and no experience is necessary. There are only a few slots available in the class, so sign up early. Old Town School of Folk Music: 4544 N. Lincoln. (773) 728-6000.

Exotica: Luau By The Lake 2005

Duke Carter & Eddie Angel present Exotica: Luau By The Lake, a four-day celebration of exotica and Pacific Island culture. To finish up the event, there will be a concert at Chef Shangri-La in North Riverside (7930 W. 26th Street) by the Haole Kats from Florida. The event runs from noon to 3:00, and reservations are recommended. More information and a full schedule for Luau By The Lake is available at the event Website.

Chicago Folk & Roots Festival

The Old Town School of Folk Music presents its 8th annual Folk & Roots Festival, a two-day music and dance expo at Welles Park (corner of Lincoln and Montrose). Headlining the main stage today will be salsa/hiphop/jazz/funk group Ozomatli from Los Angeles. There will also be other stages set up around the park to showcase the Old Town School's talented faculty, as well as give attendees a chance to practice various dance styles. The festival runs today from noon to 9:30 PM. Admission is a $5 donation. See the festival's site for more details.

Songs to Love & To Be Loved

The Students of Gisela Goettling present "Songs to Love & To Be Loved," a selection of classical and operatic vocal music dedicated to the long-time vocal coach -- for a taste, visit the group's MySpace page. The performance is at 2pm on the 7th floor of Roosevelt University's Ganz Hall, 430 S. Michigan Ave. It's free, but donations will be accepted.

Lake View Music Fest

This weekend Lakeview residents gear up for the 4th Annual Lake View Music Fest. The fest features continuous live music, food from local restaurants and merch from local shops. Check out Metromix for a listing of performers. Easily accessible by the Red and Brown Line, as well as a number of busses, the party will center around Sheffield and Addison. The $5 suggested donation benefits the Lake View Citizen's Council. 12-10pm Saturday, 12-9pm Sunday.

Writing Cafe @ Story Studio Chicago

Story Studio Chicago will once again host a Writing Cafe today in their space at 3717 N. Ravenswood, #115, Chicago, from 11am-3pm. For just $10, you can hang out, write, snack, talk with other writers, and enjoy some cool temps. Plus, get some immediate feedback with mini-workshop sessions.

 

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