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 26
Slowdown
BY DAY
Friday, March 02 2007
The Detroit Cobras, The Blacks @ Logan Square Auditorium
It's a doubleshot Bloodshot Records lovefest! Michigan's gritty urban-tonkers The Detroit Cobras will churn out tracks off of their forthcoming Tied & True LP and Chicago "alternative country" legends The Blacks will open with another one-off reunion show. And the best thing of all: it's a FREE show. Doors at Logan Square Auditorium will be at 9 PM and you better get there early. Expect free goodies too like Bloodshot samplers and free download coupons.
Clipse & Low-B @ Metro
The Virginia-based hip-hop duo Clipse bring the wamp-wamp, headlining at the Metro this evening in support of their sophmore album, Hell Hath No Fury. Philly mashup and Hollertronix deejay Low-B will be opening. Tickets are $21 in advance, $25 the day of. Doors open at 11pm. 3730 N. Clark St.
10th Annual European Union Film Festival @ Film Center
The Gene Siskel Film Center presents its 10th annual European Union Film Festival throughout the month of March. The opening night is tonight, when the German film Four Minutes will be introduced by the fesival's special guest Wolfgang Drautz, Consul General of the Republic of Germany. There are plenty of chances to see scores of films from EU countries; check out the schedule at the Film Center for full details on the event. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.
Slavery and Visual Culture Conference @ Block Museum
Out of Sight is a two-day conference marking the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, which will take place March 2-3rd at the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University in Evanston at 40 Arts Circle Drive. Involving scholars from various locations in the Americas impacted by the slave trade, presenters address the relationship between the visual and slavery. The event will begin at 930am on Friday and will include speakers throughout the day and again on Saturday. The keynote speaker is Fred Wilson, famous for his critical manipulations of art institution's permanent collections to retell histories of colonialism and slavery. The conference is free and open to the general public, though registration is encouraged, so either use the form or contact outofsight@northwestern.edu.
Super Percy @ Lee's Unleaded Blues
Cozy "juke joint" Lee's Unleaded has survived some lean times for south-side blues lounges by presenting weekly "residencies" that offer entertainment value for your dollar (there's no cover and a two-drink minimum), as well as attracting rising talent like Super Percy. Percy built such a large following on Thursdays that he was able to bump Johnny Drummer out of the Friday slot he had held for almost 10 years. (Drummer now plays every Saturday). Percy's sets straddle the line between soul-blues and funk, sort of in the space that Prince's bluesier material inhabits. Sure, he does all the old Tyrone Davis-style soul, but he has an uncanny knack for reading the audience, and if the crowd seems to be one that appreciates rock-inflected material, he gives it to 'em. Be prepared to be serenaded at your table, particularly if you're female. Percy knows how to work the audience. The sound system here is probably the bes on the south side, and showtime is usually around 9:30, although calling first is advised.
Lee's Unleaded, 7401 S. South Chicago, 773-493-3477.
Polvo Arte Gallery Fundraiser
If you dont know, Polvo is a "non-commercial alternative art space" run by a collective (Miguel Cortez, Elvia Rodriguez-Ochoa, and Jesus Macarena-Avila) that has been producing exhibits, projects and publications for 10 years in the Pilsen neighborhood. The fundraiser will include a silent auction of local and international artists and will help Polvo pay their rent which was recently raised and develop the next year of exhibits and projects. Support this artist run space (which rarely asks for money for anything) that is one of the most consistent venues for critical art in the city. The event is at Polvo, 1458 W. 18th St. 1R (entrance on Laflin) on Friday March 2 from 6pm-10pm. Contact Miguel Cortez at 773-344-1940 or lapsus5@yahoo.com. More information about the artists featured in their auction is here.
15th Annual Mystery Book Fair
Come to the Newberry Library at 60 W. Walton to pick up all manner of hard cover and paperback true-crimes, classic mysteries, contemporary mysteries, romantic mysteries and science fiction. Admission is free. The book fair will run on Friday from 12pm-6pm and Saturday from 9am-2pm. Call 312-255-3700 for more information.
Shawnimal Smith's "Totally Radish" Opening @ Rotofugi Gallery
Shawnimal Smith premiers a solo show of art based around his new line, Totally Radish, at Rotofugi Gallery, 1955 W. Chicago Ave., tonight from 7pm to 11pm. Limited edition plush radishes will be available for purchase, along with t-shirts and buttons. Free beer, DJ set by Sean Doe.
