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
Tuesday, February 20 2007
Ballad of the Whiskey Robber @ Barbara's Bookstore
Julian Rubinstein comes to Barbara's Bookstore in Oak Park tonight, not just to discuss his non-fiction book Ballad of the Whiskey Robber, but also to celebrate the release of the "radio cabaret-style performance" accompaniment CD. The book follows a Transylvanian bank robber/hockey player/alcoholic/gravedigger/pelt smuggler as he makes his way through Hungary with the aplomb of a western hero. Free at 7:30pm; 1100 Lake St. Call 708-848-9140. If you buy the book tonight, you get the CD for free.
An Evening w/Herb Kent @ East-West University
Longtime and lauded disc jockey Herb Kent comes to East-West University for a special talk about the history of Chicago music and radio. The free event starts at 7pm in the fourth floor university auditorium at 816 S. Michigan Ave. A 6:30pm reception precedes the talk. Call 312-939-0111 for more information.
Discuss the Future of Grant Park
The lakefront will be free and open to the public forever....so attend a public meeting of the Grant Park Advisory Council to talk about the future of our front yard. The group will discuss proposed Olympic venues in Grant Park, as well as unveil the design for the new Metra station off of Roosevelt Rd. 6:30pm, Daley Bicentennial Plaza, 337 E. Randolph. 312-829-8015.
Malajube at the Beat Kitchen
Catch the fine French fellas of Montreal indie rock group Malajube (that's pronounced "MAL-a-zhoob," yo), as they play at the Beat Kitchen (2100 W Belmont Ave.) on Friday, Feb. 23. The show starts at 10:30, tickets are $10, and if any questions are rattling about in your noggin, call 773/281-4444.
Lit Gangs of Chicago: Hands on Stanzas
This month, the Museum of Contemporary Art hosts Hands on Stanzas in their Literary Gangs of Chicago series. Hands on Stanzas is a program that places local poets in public school classrooms and inner-city youth centers with the goal that "the writing and reading of poetry encourages students to explore how words can convey their own thoughts, visions and emotions." Free from 6:30-8pm at 220 E. Chicago Ave. Call 312-280-2660 for more information.
Flirting for Nerds
If you have ever felt like a nerd for fumbling through potential flirting situations then this may be the class for you. Join the folks at Early to Bed to learn the fundamentals of flirting like reading body language, and non-cheesy ways to break the ice and also give you tips on sexual and non-sexual flirting with people of all genders. The seminar is $15 or $10 for students and begins at 7:30 pm. To register, email workshops [at] early2bed [dot] com.
Mardi Gras For A Cause
Mardi Gras is all about beads, masks and drunken revilry right? Well kind of. Ever since Hurricane Katrina, the city of New Orleans (the only place to really celebrate Mardi Gras) needs our assistance, even during their famous party season. Rockit Bar and Grill is helping out by throwing a bash with Cajun styled food, a silent auctiion and live jazz. $20 gets you into the party and goes to Heartland Alliance Chicagoland Katrina Relief Initiative. For more info visit Rockit's website.
Not All In My Head: Reflections on Women's Treatment with Pain Care - Featuring Paula Kamen
The International Museum of Surgical Science and the Hektoen Institute of Medicine present a lecture series on "Understanding Pain." Today, hear Chicago author Paula Kamen speak on "Not All In My Head: Reflections on Women's Treatment with Pain Care." This event in the series is held at the International Museum of Surgical Science, 1524 N. Lake Shore Drive. A reception starts the evening at 5:30pm, and the panel starts at 6:15pm; suggested donation is $5. RSVP to Marnie Dawson (marnie@imss.org or 312-642-6502 ext. 3130).
Crazy Hat Night Mardi Gras Party @ Chicago Brauhaus
Catfish, jumabalaya and black-eyed peas are on the Cajun-themed menu for this year's Mardi Gras celebration at the Brauhaus in Lincoln Square. The Windy City Jazz Ensemble will be performing, and prizes will be awarded for best costume and craziest hat. As always, sharing a boot of beer is highly recommended. For more information, check out the website. Call 773-784-4444 for reservations.
