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.
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TODAY
Thursday, April 25
Slowdown
BY DAY
Saturday, September 17 2005
Hideout Block Party
Though perhaps the smallest of Chicago's block parties it's undoubtedly the coolest. The lineup this year includes Autumn Defense, The M's, The Pony's, Eleventh Dream Day, The Redwalls and many other fine performers. All proceeds benefit P.L.A.Y., Tuesday's Child, and Literacy Works.
The Phenix Story @ LaSalle Bank Cinema
LaSalle Bank Cinema continues their classic film series tonight with The Phenix City Story, in which an attorney general tries to get the mob out of a small southern town. Also showing will be "Crime Control," a 1941 short comedy with Robert Benchley. The show starts at 8pm at 4901 W. Irving Park Rd. Tickets are $5 for general admission, $3 for children and seniors. Call 312-904-9442 for more information.
Baboonfest
The Peaceable Primate Sanctuary is holding a Baboonfest today, from 5:30-9:00 at 676 N. LaSalle. Scott Kubisch, the founder and director of the nation's first baboon-only sanctuary, will talk about the program, the construction of Judy's - their first baboon - new home, and the animals in general. There will be videos, a raffle and even refreshments, so it should be an educational event for all interested in helping and learning about our primate cousins. $10 covers everything. Email primatesanctuary[at]yahoo[dot]com for more information.
Opening: The Great and Terrible Wizard of Oz
The theatrical wunderkinds at The House Theatre of Chicago premiere their take on a certain L. Frank Baum novel—something about ruby-red slippers and a yellow brick road. Premieres tonight at 8pm and continues Thu-Sat at 8pm and Sun at 7pm, through November 5. At the Viaduct Theatre, 3111 N Western Ave. Tickets $10-19; call 773-251-2195 for reservations.
Illume: An Alchemy of Text and Image
View a selection of new poetry videos highlighting work by both emerging and established poetry and video artists at Illume: An Alchemy of Text and Image, held at the Gene Siskel Film Center of the Art Institute at 164 N. State Street on Saturday, September 17th, beginning at 11:30am through 2:30pm. Featuring the work of Kurt Heintz, Heather Haley, Paul Hettel, D. Edward Davis, Mary Russell, and Gerard Wozek. Free. 312-846-2600.
Black, White and GreyZelda Fundraiser
The GreyZelda Theatre Group is holding a fundraiser for their upcoming season. There will be musical performances, photography, artwork and presentations of the group's upcoming productions. Food, drink and prizes will also abound, and, quite possibly, there will be karaoke! Come to the rehersal studio at 3729 N. Ravenswood, from 6-12pm, to show your suport for the group. $15 suggested donation. Call 773-267-6293 for more information.
Chicago Hackbloc
A new local group, Chicago Hackbloc, holds its first meeting all day today at an undisclosed location. Hackers, crackers, artists and activists are invited to attend the workshops, which will include a bunch of technically-oriented hardware and software topics, graffiti how-to courses, and all sorts of stuff that you'll like if you read 2600. There are some more details posted on Chicago Indymedia; check there for further info, or email whooka (at) gmail (dot) com for the full scoop.
"Behind Blythe" Opening at Rotofugi
Tonight is the opening reception for the show "Behind Blythe," detailing the revival of the iconic Blythe doll, from 6pm to 10pm at Rotofugi, 1953 W. Chicago Ave. The reception will feature photographer Gina Garan signing her Blythe photo book from 7pm to 9pm; Junko Wong of Cross World Connections (the doll's makers) will be attending as well. The newly-released, hard-to-get Roxy Baby Blythe and a variety of other Blythe Neos and Petites will be available for purchase. More info here.
World Music Fest: Nouvelle Vague @ Schubas
I'm totally intrigued by this group, Nouvelle Vague (which means "new wave" in French, and "bossa nova" in Portuguese). The group works with young female singers who have never heard the original versions of songs (their new album includes a load of great '80s hits) and remakes them in a bossa nova style. Their playing tonight along with A Moving Sound at Schubas. Tickets are $12 ($14 at the door), doors open at 10pm. Schubas is located at the corner of Belmont and Southport. This is just one of the ton of World Music Festival performances this week in Chicago. Check them out!
5th Annual County Fair
If you're itchin' to give a "yee haw," you're in luck. The 5th Annual County Fair takes place today at the Garfield Park Conservatory. Sponsored in part by the Chicago Parks District and Farm Aid (the 20th Anniversary concert is happening Sunday, September 18 in Tinley Park), there will be children's activities including a petting zoo and pony rides, dance performances, exhibits by family farm organizations and a tractor parade. You can also check out the "Good Food Movement" forum with organic restaurateur Rick Bayliss and others at 2pm and eat some sweet local foods at the food court. Best part: it's free. The Fair takes place from 10am-5pm today, at 300 N. Central Park Ave. (right on the Green Line) call (312) 746-5100 for more information. Hey, I want to ride the pony!
Goodman Theatre furniture and prop sale
The Goodman Theatre is running out of storage space, so they're having a sale today. They'll be selling off an assortment of furniture and props from various Goodman productions. And no, as the Chicago Reader pointed out already, they will not be selling off Del Close's skull. Still, this should be a great place to find some deals on furniture, so check it out. The sale runs today from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The sale will be at the theater's scene shop, which is at 2040 W. Carroll Street (between Grand and Lake, just west of Damen). For more information on the sale, contact Alice Maguire at (312) 243-7295.
3030 Goodbye Bash
3030 -- a venue that holds live music shows, theater acts, art exhibitions and film screenings -- is closing its doors due to legal problems. For the past six years the venue has been home to the Elastic Arts Foundation, a non-profit organization providing performance opportunities to independent artists. Tonight they'll celebrate those years of service with a goodbye bash featuring local writers and musicians. Come by 3030 W. Courtland at 8pm to show your support for the closing space. Call 773-862-3616 for more information.
