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
Saturday, February 17 2007
Another Chicago Fire
Backyard Tire Fire loves to crank out a murky, southern rock sound and mix in swigs of roots, funk and rockabilly. Simply a fun and talented live act, Backyard Tire Fire will practically force you onto the dance floor with their driving, rowdy sound and keep you there with honest, gut-wrenching songs. At the Double Door with Jay Bennett and Death Ships. Double Door is located at the corner of North/Milwaukee/Damen in Wicker Park. Ticket info here.
COMA 9
The California Occidental Museum of Art presents COMA 9, a collection of local artists' works. Participants include Lilli Carre, Chuck Jones, Bert Stabler, EC Brown and more. The show runs Saturday, 7pm-10pm with beer and wine, and Sunday, 12pm-5pm with coffee and tea, at 1626 N. California Ave. #2. Email erik[at]ecbrown[dot]org for more information.
Gyuto Monks @ Harris Theater
Chicago Public Radio and The Old Town School of Folk Music present a performance by the Gyuto Monks at the Harris Theater at Millennium Park. The concert starts at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available at Ticketweb. Harri Theater: 205 E. Randolph. (312) 334-7777.
Rain Garden Seminar @ Chicago Center for Green Technology
It may still be freezing out, but it's not too early to think about your garden. This two-hour seminar, part of the Chicago Center for Green Technology's Green Tech U, discusses the benefits of water-loving plants for residential, commercial, and industrial landscapes. Free, but advance registration is required. 10 AM, 445 N. Sacramento. For more information, and to pre-register, call 312-746-9642 or email greentech [at] cityofchicago [dot] org.
Bobby Conn @ Empty Bottle
To celebrate the release of his new album, Bobby Conn will be playing performing at the Empty Bottle tonight. The long-anticipated King for a Day will be released next Tuesday, February 20, through Chicago's Thrill Jockey, so check out a preview. For more information, visit the Empty Bottle.
Uffie & Feadz @ Sonotheque
Ed Banger recording artists Uffie and DJ Feadz bring their gritty electro to Sonotheque Chicago tonight, for a show being presented by Dark Wave Disco and BPM Magazine. Resident DJs Transcid & Mark Gertz will also be spinning, as will special guest C-Mass. 1444 W. Chicago. 9PM-3AM, admission is $15.
Circuit Bending workshop @ Old Town School
The Old Town School of Folk Music presents the latest in a series of workshops designed to give students a brief introduction to a musical style or dance method. This afternoon, it's a look into the do-it-yourself electronics world of circuit bending, or modifying electronic toys and instruments to produce unusual or unintended sounds. No prior electronics experience necessary, but you must be able to use basic tools, such as a screwdriver, drill, etc. This sounds like a LOT of fun, and there are a limited number of slots available for this class, so you should go register now. The class runs this afternoon from 1:00 PM to 4:50 PM, and costs $40 (price includes materials). Old Town School of Folk Music: 4544 N. Lincoln. (773) 728-6000.
SwapSimple live swap @ Mercury Lounge
The SwapSimple online trading Website presents a live swapping event today at the Mercury Cafe. Attendees will be able to swap books, DVDs and videogames. All unswapped items will be donated to the Children's Memorial Hospitals. The swap runs today from noon to 5:00 PM. See the SwapSimple blog for full details and to RSVP to the event. Mercury Cafe: 1505 W. Chicago. (312) 455-9924.
Wikstrom's moving sale
Wikstrom's Gourmet Foods, the Swedish deli that's been selling delicacies in the Andersonville neighborhood for over 40 years, is moving its business one block down Clark Street, and this weekend they're having a moving sale and open house with a free Swedish buffet. Hours today are noon to 7:00 PM, and hours tomorrow are 11:00 to 5:00. Wikstrom's: 5247 N. Clark. (773) 275-6100.
Create a Business Out of Your Writing w/IWPA
The Illinois Women's Press Association hosts "Create a Business Out of Your Writing" with guest speakers Ursula Bielski, author of Chicago Haunts, and Grace DuMelle, author of Finding Your Chicago Ancestors. Both are award-winning authors and independent businesswomen. The program starts off at 10am with networking and a continental breakfast; the talk starts at 10:30am through 11:30am. 77 W. Washington on the 2nd floor of the Chicago Methodist Temple. Members, full-time students and their guests pay $15; non-members pay $17.50. Call 312-458-9151 for reservations and information.
Repicturing Photos Workshop @ the MCA
Remember when you thought you were a world class photographer destined for greatness and then you realized everything just looks really cool through a pinhole camera? Cheryl Pope, a fashion graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, teaches you why, and how to make things look really, really cool, as well as other photo and framing techniques. Space is limited so sign up soon if you're interested. $40 for members, $45 for the rest of us; 1-4pm at the MCA; 220 East Chicago Avenue.
Crocheted Fiberglass Demo @ Chicago Tourism Center
Crocheted fiberglass? That's what artist Yvette Kaiser Smith's sculptures are made of, and today from 11 AM to 4 PM you can browse through displays that show her work at various stages, from raw fiberglass to finished piece. You can then take a shot at crocheting some fiberglass yourself. Just to say you've done it. Complimentary materials are provided. Free. 72 E Randolph. For more information, call 312-744-2400 or visit the website.
Opening: Cezanne to Picasso @ AIC
This exhibit, which just left New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art last month, "celebrates the legendary career of art dealer, publisher, and collector Ambrose Vollard (1866-1939)." And how do we celebrate? With great art by Gaugin, Van Gogh, Bonnard, and others--including works never before seen in Chicago. Can you tell I'm excited? Through 12 May. 111 S Michigan. For more information, visit the website.
The Goddamn Shame @ Elbo Room
Local noisethrobs The Goddamn Shame once again take the stage at the Elbo Room to ply their shoegaze wares. Themes include drinking, the south side, girls, and drinking. $7, 11pm, Elbo Room, 2871 North Lincoln Ave, 21+
