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, May 1
Slowdown
BY DAY
Sunday, December 04 2005
11th Annual Northalsted Holiday Walk
Check out Halsted Street between Briar and Irving Park today, catch a glimpse of Santa Claus and Buttons T. Clown, and listen to holiday carolers. The event’s sponsor, the Northalsted Area Merchants Association, also hopes you’ll do some shopping. Visit the website for more information.
Cornelia Arts Holiday Show
Visit the Cornelia Arts Building today between 11 AM and 5 PM to browse among artwork and crafts by more than 40 Chicago-area artists. 1800 West Cornelia, at Ravenswood and Cornelia. For more information, call 773-935-8094 or email CorneliaArts [at] yahoo [dot] com.
One-of-a-Kind Show @ Merchandise Mart
For your higher-end holiday shopping, consider the One-of-a-Kind Show, which runs from 10 AM to 5 PM today, and features unique objects by more than 350 North American artists and craftspeople. Merchandise Mart, 8th floor. $10 admission. For more information, visit the website.
Men Below the Belt
Tonight at Early to Bed is a class on male anatomy and sexuality designed especially for women (no men allowed). The class starts by exploring the male anatomy and women's feelings about it, then moves on to techniques on everything from giving a mind-blowing blowjob, performing a stellar handjob, expert ball handling getting more out of penetrative sex. You'll also learn how to put a condom on without using your hands! Early to Bed is at 5232 N. Sheridan Rd. The workshop is $10, and is 18 and over. Pre-registration is requested: call 773-271-1219 or email workshops@early2bed.com. More info here.
Handel's Messiah @ St. Clement Church
On Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 3:30pm, Saint Clement Church is presenting their 30th annual production of Handel's Messiah by candlelight. Randall Swanson will conduct the church's orchestra and choir in the full Messiah score, featuring four renowned vocal soloists: soprano Ellen Hargis, alto Amy Anderson, tenor William Watson and bass Jeffrey Strauss. Tickets range from $25-$45 and can be bought online and by calling 773-281-0371. Saint Clement Church is located at 642 W. Deming Place.
Pleading for the Future, Illinois vs. Leopold & Loeb
The Saint Sebastian Players present an original theatrical production of the notorius Leopold and Loeb murder trial in Pleading for the Future, Illinois vs. Leopold and Loeb. For those rusty on their Chicago history, the 1924 "crime of the century" involved two college graduates who murdered their 14-year-old cousin. The two were defended by Clarence Darrow, who gave an unprecedented argument against capital punishment. The play runs at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey, at 8pm on December 2-3 and at 2pm on December 4. Tickets are $10 general admission, $5 for students and seniors, and can be bought at the door and by calling 773-404-7922.
Chi XC Cup: Illinois State Championships
The very last of the Chicago Cyclocross Cup races happens this today, 10am at Montrose Harbor: The Illinois State Championship. What is cyclocross you ask? Watch women and men get down and dirty as they go up and down Cricket Hill and bike and then run and then bike around a muddy course. Yes, it's a legitimate cycling race. And hey, you get 10 extra points if you cross-dress for the finals! What's not to love?
Women's Performance Art Festival
From improv to dance to standup comedy, the 6th Annual Women's Performance Art Festival hosts a wealth of performance art written, directed and performed by women. Held at Links Hall, 3435 N. Sheffield Ave., the show runs for three days, December 2-4, at 8pm. The performers tackle community needs, romanticism and love, Edward Gorey, identity and a whole lot more. Admission is $15; call 773-281-0824 to save your spot.
DEPART-ment
It's time for another season of handcrafted clothing, art, stationary, jewelry and other desirable wares. "All things handcrafted. No brand-names. No foreign assembly. No questionable ethics." That's DEPART-ment's motto and the more than a hundred vendors there can demonstrate exactly why that's such a great thing. Open Friday, 7-11pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 11am-5pm, at Open-End Gallery, 2000 W. Fulton #310. Call 312-560-1442 for more information.
