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
Friday, April 19
Slowdown
BY DAY
Saturday, November 04 2006
Fast Forward Film Festival @ Dessa Kirk Studio
The Fast Forward Film Festival happens once again this evening at Dessa Kirk Studio (3109 W. Lake). Groups of film-makers are given a topic to make a three-minute film, and 24 hours later the films are screened for an appreciative audience. Admission to the screening is $5, and the show starts at 8:00. See the festival Website for full details.
Drag @ Neo-Futurarium
The Neo-Futurists present the official opening of Drag, the latest play in their prime-time 2006-07 series. Drag features a cast of five artists exploring their desires and motives to perform as members of the opposite sex. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 PM through December 9. Tickets are $15, or $10 for seniors/students with ID. Thursday night show prices are pay-what-you-can. See the Neo-Futurist Website for more information and to purchase tickets online Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). (773) 275-5255.
Give Peas a Chance!
Chef John comes to the Museum of Contemporary Art to teach everyone how to make food fun again. In this workshop you'll learn tips for making easy, healthy dinners, and while you're eating your dinner tonight you'll get to see a special live sketch performance. Geared toward children 3-8 and their parents. Registration is required, $5 per person, and can be made by calling 312-494-9509. 4-6pm at 220 E. Chicago Ave.
Words @ PLAY @ Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum
Work by the young poets of the Chicago Park District's Words @ PLAY poetry project will be performed by the Barrel of Monkeys troupe as part of the Chicago Humanities Festival. $5, 1 PM, 1852 W 19th. For more information, visit the website.
Shannon Okey @ Arcadia Knitting
Knitting is hip, and spinning is even more hip. Shannon Okey (knitgrrl) signs her new book, Spin to Knit, at 12 N and conducts spinning ($25 + materials, starts 1:30 PM) and dyeing ($30 + materials, starts 4 PM) workshops. 1613 W Lawrence. For more information, call 773-293-1211 or email arcadiaknitting [at] arcadiaknitting [dot] com.
War Music @ Merit School
Aurea, a Rhode Island ensemble, presents War Music, a performance piece based on Christopher Logue's adaptation of The Iliad. Free, 8 PM, 38 S Peoria. For more information, visit the Poetry Foundation website.
Cut & Paste Live Design Competition
Cut&Paste is a live graphic design head-to-head competition, tonight from 7pm to 10 pm at Crobar, 1543 N. Kingsbury. Come watch eight local up & coming designers compete before a panel of judges including Chuck Anderson of No Pattern and Jeffrey Kalmikoff of Threadless. Admission is $10 in advance, $15 at the door, 21+. Afterparty from 10pm on at Celebrity, 1856 W. North Ave.
120 Days @ Empty Bottle
Oslo electronic foursome 120 Days makes their first stop in Chicago tonight at the Empty Bottle. A little bit Kraftwerk, a little bit Neu!, they're a whole lot of pops, loops, synth and trance vocals. Good times. Check out what Vice Records says about them and listen to a track here [mp3]. They'll be at the Bottle tonight starting at 10pm with some TBA openers. Tickets are $8. (And watch your clock, 'cause the Bottle's doing a triple header tonight with Split Lip Rayfield and Drakkar Sauna at 7pm, and a free electronic show "The Redemption" with Brother El & special guests at midnight)
Lemony Snicket @ Tivoli Theatre
Lemony Snicket, the author of the now finalized children's book series A Series of Unfortunate Events, is scheduled to make a rare public appearance today at the Tivoli Theatre in downtown Downers Grove. The event will feature a reading by Mr. Snicket, music by The Gothic Archies, a screening of the Unfortunate Events film, and a book signing by Mr. Snicket. Tickets are $20, will include a copy of The End (the final book in the Unfortunate Events series), and can only be purchased at Anderson's Bookshop in Downers Grove. So you'd better talk to them before today. Tivoli Theatre: 5021 Highland Avenue, Downers Grove. Right next to the Downers Grove Metra stop!
Trunk Show @ Cultural Center
To help you prepare for the holidays, the Shop at the Cultural Center is hosting trunk shows by local artisans and designers every Saturday in November and December before Christmas. Nibble on snacks as you browse.11 AM to 3 PM, 78 E Washington. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.
Opening: Material Difference @ Cultural Center
This survey of contemporary fiber art, curated by independent critic Polly Ullrich, features more than 150 works by more than 100 artists from around the world. In the Exhibit Hall through 7 January. 78 E Washington. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.
Opening: Disruptions @ Cultural Center
This exhibit, which runs through 31 December, centers on cast-iron sculptures by Chicago artist Barbara Cooper. The sculptures "refer to organic processes of the natural world" and are displayed with related drawings. In the Michigan Avenue Galleries. 78 E Washington. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.
Cut Chemist & Edan @ The Abbey
Former Jurassic 5 DJ Cut Chemist will be rocking the turntables at The Abbey tonight. MC Lyrics Born will be holding down the mic duties for the set. Sharing the bill is Beantown indie rapper Edan. Show starts at 10pm, tickets are $20. 3420 W. Grace. For more info, see the Transmission entry or check The Abbey's website.
Hollywood Happening Benefit Gala for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The Greater Illinois Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation invites you to its annual Hollywood Happening Benefit Gala tonight, from 7pm to midnight, at the Marriott Chicago Downtown at 540 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Enjoy a cocktail buffet, Absolut and Level martini bar, yummy chocolates, dancing, entertainment, and glamorous live and silent auctions. For more info and tickets, contact Kim Mills at 312-236-4491, ext. 101.
