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
Saturday, April 20
Slowdown
BY DAY
Sunday, July 23 2006
National Hip Hop Political Convention
This year's National Hip Hop Political Convention will be held at Northeastern's Jacob Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, 700 E. Oakwood Blvd. Focusing on commerce, grassroots activism, personal and collective responsibility, community development and civic participation, among other things, the convention aims to educate and engage youth to help shape the future of our county. The convention runs through July 23, with various workshops and lectures scheduled throughout the days. A complete schedule of events can be obtained here. Attendees must register and can do so online through July 23 with a $55 fee. Email Convention Chair TJ Crawford at chiloc[at]gmail[dot]com for more information.
Neo-Futurists WLUW Benefit
The Neo-Futurists are holding an all-day benefit for WLUW 88.7 FM, featuring live instrumental and jazz bands and a performance of Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind. Tickets are $15 for the full day or the regular Neo-Futurist price if you just want to see the show. A portion of the proceeds go to WLUW, a progressive radion station "commtted to social justice and independent thought and expression and to giving a voice to those who too often go unheard." Call 773-275-5255 for more information.
Redmoon Theater's The Balloon Man @ Millennium Park
Redmoon Theater presents The Balloon Man, a show for kids and adults alike. "A roving team of scientists recruit a hapless children's entertainer and an intrepid youngster named Beatrice to search for that rarest of species — the wild Picnob!" The show includes 5 songs by local band The Bitter Tears, puppets, and a bit of science involving balloons. The Balloon Man happens at the Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park today at 1:00 PM and also at 4:00 PM. The show will also be performing at other times this weekend: check the Millennium Park family events schedule for a list of showtimes. The show is free and open to the public.
Wicker Park Summer Fest
Benefiting the Wicker Park/Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, this neighborhood festival offers live music, food from local restaurants, and arts and crafts vendors. 1600 N. Damen, $5 donation. 12 N to 10 PM. For more information, call 773-868-3010 or visit the website.
Summer on Southport
This festival benefits the Southport Neighbors Association and features food from local restaurants, live music, an art show, and more. 3800 N. Southport, $5 donation. 10 AM to 9 PM. For more information, call 877-244-2246 or visit the website.
Sheffield Garden Walk and Festival
Curious about how the other half (or quarter...or tenth) lives? Or at least, how they tend their gardens? This event, which benefits the Sheffield Neighborhood Association, offers workshops and guided architectural tours as well as the usual stuff of neighborhood festivals: live music, food vendors, and kids' activities. 12 N to 9:30 PM, 2200 N. Sheffield, $6 to $10. For more information, call 773-929-9255 or visit the website.
