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
Friday, April 19
Slowdown
BY DAY
Saturday, July 15 2006
Life of Brian @ Film Center
The Gene Siskel Film Center presents a screening of four essential Monty Python films during the month of July. Tonight's film is Monty Python's Life of Brian, the story of a boy who is definitely not the Messiah. The film screens tonight at 8:00 PM, as well as Monday, July 17 at 7:45 PM and Thursday, July 20 at 7:45 PM. See the Film Center Website for a complete schedule of films. Tickets: $9, $7 for students, $5 for Film Center members. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.
Bike Town Bash
Every year the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation holds a bicycling themed party and this year it returns strong at Goose Island Brewery, 1800 W. Fulton St., from 6-10pm. Presented by 312 Urban Wheat Ale, the Bike Town Bash offers the chance to eat, dance, take a brewery tour, enter a silent auction and win a big prize by competing in a "Tiny Bike Race." Tickets vary from $25-$100 and can be bought online. Get them fast because attendance is limited to 300. Call 312-427-3325x235 for more information.
Sondheim in the Park: Afternoon Performances
As part of a weekend-long tribute to Stephen Sondheim, Broadway stars and others perform excerpts from Sondheim's work throughout Millennium Park. Free, 1 PM to 7 PM. For more information, visit the website.
Sondheim in the Park: Grant Park Symphony
The Grant Park Music Festival performs music by Stephen Sondheim as part of a weekend-long Sondheim tribute at Millennium Park. In the Pritzker Pavillion, free, 7:30 PM. For more information, visit the website.
CIFF Summer Gala w/Steven Spielberg
The Chicago International Film Festival honors Steven Spielberg with its Hugo lifetime achievement award at its summer gala. Bill Kurtis hosts. Tickets start at $315/person; if that's within the realm of possibility for you, details are here.
Summer Resolutions Party
Celebrating all those resolutions you made six months ago that, who are we kidding, you haven't been keeping up on, Blue Sky Inn is throwing a party tonight at Nick's Beer Garden (pdf). Admission is $25 at the door and includes beer, wine and soda. Auction items include tickets to Second City and Zanies, passes to the Shedd Aquarium, membership to athletic clubs and more. The proceeds benefit this non-profit organization whose volunteers who "provide creative, recreational and education activities to at-risk adolescents in Chicago." 7-10pm at 1516 N. Milwaukee Ave. Call 773-710-7346 for more information.
Gay Games opening ceremony
Mayor Daley. Margaret Cho. Andy Bell. Megan Mullally. DJ Frankie Knuckles. Kate Clinton. Staceyann Chin. Suzanne Westenhoefer. Broadway's Avenue Q. Jody Watley. Out athletes Greg Louganis, Billy Bean, Dave Kopay, Matthew Cusick and Esera Tuaolo. Fireworks, acrobats, 200 dancers and a parade of 12,000 athletes. For one night only, Soldier Field becomes the gayest stadium on earth. C'mon, you know you want to see the spectacle. $50-150. Tickets.GayGamesChicago.org.
Handmade Market @ Empty Bottle
Looking for a gift with that je ne sais quoi? Chicago crafters show (and sell) their stuff at this monthly market, where you can sip a mimosa while you shop. Free, 12N to 4:30 PM, 1035 N. Western. For more information, visit the website.
Work Out @ Millennium Park
Yoga at 8 AM, Pilates at 9 AM, and rhythmic movement at 10 AM, led by the Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, on the Great Lawn. If you need more incentive than taking in the amazing skyline views while working up a sweat, consider this: it's free. For more information, visit the website.
You'll Never Get Rich @ LaSalle Bank Cinema
This 1941 film starring Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth plays tonight as part of LaSalle Bank Cinema's Mustache Cinema Classic Film Series. Also playing is the 1938 serial "The Spider's Web #1: Night of Terror." General admission to the 8pm show is $5 and $3 for seniors and children. 4901 W. Irving Park. Call 312-904-9442 for more information.
Rock around the Block
This neighborhood festival features more than 30 bands as well as arts and crafts, food, and street performers. The $5 to $10 donation benefits efforts to build a park in Lakeview. 3600 N Lincoln Ave. 12 N to 10 PM. For more information, call 773-665-4682 or visit the website.
