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
Tuesday, April 23
Slowdown
BY DAY
Saturday, April 14 2007
School of Rock Battle of the Bands
The Paul Green School of Rock is holding a Battle of the Bands tonight to benefit Rock For Kids. More information at MySpace, naturally. Horner Park, 2741 W Montrose. Doors 4:30pm, Show at 5pm. $10. Tickets available at the Rock For Kids website.
Benefit for Sex Workers Outreach Projects
Prohibition: An Benefit for Sex Workers Outreach Projects is happening tonight, 9 p.m. at Spot 6.( 3343 N. Clark) Escape with the most fabulous outlaws in Chicago when they take thier "immoral" pleasures public and down into the basement of a 1920s speakeasy of ultimate carnal lust. Featuring DJs Eric Lab Rat and Arvo Fingers, music from Behold and performances by Cabaret of the Nameless, Right-Eye Rita and various strippers, dominatrixes and pornographers. All proceeds benefit Sex Workers Outreach Project-Chicago.
Chicago Bike Show
In preparation for the many awesome opportunities you will have to ride your bike in the coming months, go visit the Chicago Bike Show this weekend at Navy Pier to see extreme stunts (although getting past the throng of tourists there is stunt-like enough), shop for bike gear, and attend seminars like Pilates for Cyclists and tips for commuting to work on two wheels.
Dana Falconberry @ Cal's Bar
I don't know a thing about Cal's Bar but I'd go pretty far afield to catch a set by Dana Falconberry. With only an EP and some demo's to her credit Dana has already becoming a critic's darling. Her music can shift from spare and simple (and heartbreaking) like the song "Paper Sailboat" to electronically enhanced and layered like her new demo "Silver". Either way, I'm told she has them crying in her beers at happy hour down in her hometown of Austin, Tx. Show starts a tonight at 10pm at Cal's (400 S. Wells).
Anne Willan Lecture on Historical Recipes
Anne Willan, founder of the famous La Varenne Cooking School in the Burgundy region of France, will present a lecture entitled "An Exploration of the Best and Worst of Historical Recipes" at 10 am. The lecture will take place at Robert Morris College at 401 S. State St. in room 809. Sponsored by the Culinary Historians of Chicago, the event is free for members, $5 for students, and $10 for the general public. For reservations, call 708-788-0338 or email rsvpchc@yahoo.com.
Ravi Shankar and Daughter @ CSO
...Not that daughter. But Sitar legend Ravi Shankar will be joined by Anoushka Shankar - a legend in her own right. 8pm, Chicago Symphony Center. www.cso.org
Lamp Workshop @ MCA
Learn at the MCA! Using collage, specialty papers, and a variety of other techniques, transform lampshades to create ambient lighting in your home. The class is led by Tara Strickstein, an art teacher at the InterAmerican Magnet School after-school program. It's $40 for members and $45 for the gen. pub. Class is from 1pm to 4pm.
RATM and Others Play Carnival for Fair Food
Support the Farmers that pick your food at the Carnaval and Parade for Fair Food, Real Rights, and Dignity - Saturday, April 14, 2007 in downtown Chicago. Confirmed acts for the Carnaval and Parade include: Tom Morello – Zack de la Rocha – Olmeca – Son del Centro – Las Krudas – HecOne – Condenada – Los Vicios de Papa – Spiritchild – Nuestro Tambó – Hot 8 Brass Band – Edley Shine – Fandanguero – with more to be announced! For Details see the Student/Farmworker Alliance. The activity starts at Federal Plaza at 10 am, the Carnaval and Parade will festively make its way to Rock-n-Roll McDonald’s in River North before returning to Federal Plaza for an incredible concert and rally. The event will conclude by 4 pm.
Mucca Pazza Play Humboldt Youth Art Fundraiser
Cooperative Image Group presents its 3rd annual Benefit Exhibition 2007, celebrating 5 years of youth art programming. The party will go down Saturday, April 14, 2007 from 7:00 pm to Midnight at Chi-opolis Hall 2739 W. North Avenue. There will be an art exhibit from Coop artists and music by the awe-inspiring 31 piece marching band known only as Mucca Pazza, DJ Naomi, and Cortez & Sef. Coop has worked in Chicago Public Schools, After Schools Matters and independently set up their own art center in Humboldt Park with an urban agriculture program. They have worked with over 2000 Chicago area youth, employing over 200 in paid apprenticeship positions. A $10 suggested donation at the door will go to benefit Co-op Image’s youth art initiatives.
Get in touch with Mark Diaz 773.252.2808, mark@www.coopimage.org for more information.
Cremaster 4 & 5 @ Film Center
The Gene Siskel Film Center presents the return of the Matthew Barney Cremaster film series. Today the Film Center will be screening Cremaster 4 (a satyr tap-dances on the Isle of Man) and Cremaster 5 (a five-act Hungarian opera featuring Ursula Andress). Today's screening is at 3:15 PM; the films will also be screened other times during the month of April. See the Film Center Website for a complete schedule of all films in the series. Tickets: $9, $7 for students, $5 for Film Center members, and $4 for SAIC students. Film Center: 164 N. Clark. (312) 846-2600.
DEPART-ment
DEPART-ment makes its quarterly appearance at open-end gallery, 2000 W. Fulton, Suite 310, this weekend. Update your wardrobe for spring with handmade jewelry, clothing, and accessories from dozens of crafty vendors, plus cards, housewares, body care potions, toys, pet stuff, and more. Open today from 11 am - 5 pm. Call 312-560-1442 for more info.
Mr. Lif @ The Abbey
Bostonian verbal acrobat and Def Jux recording artist Mr. Lif brings his politically-charged lyrical skills to The Abbey Pub tonight. Cap D of homegrown hip-hop outfit All Natural also appears on the bill, as does Nacrobats emcee Pugslee Atoms. Kinghellbastard and DJ Intel wil also be performing. Keep your eye on our Transmission page for further details. 3420 W. Grace at Elston. 18 and over show. Doors at 8pm, show at 9pm. Tickets $15 in advance and at the door.
Bookmaking Workshop
Learn the basics of bookmaking in this free hands-on workshop taught by Susannah Strang, book artist and printmedia instructor at the School of the Art Institute. Strang will provide demonstrations and handouts for easy-to-replicate book structures. Now you can finally write that novel! At A+D Gallery, 619 S. Wabash, from 3:30-5:30; call 312-344-8687 for details. Part of the Pass It On: Connecting Contemporary Do-It-Yourself Culture exhibit.
One-String Guitar Workshop for Kids
Your youngsters can make a guitar our of ordinary household objects, and Ed Vogel of Leonardo's Basement (a Minneapolis-based, hands-on arts/science/technology workshop for kids) will show them how. Rock on, kids! At A+D Gallery, 619 S. Wabash, from 2-3:30; call 312-344-8687 for details. Part of the Pass It On: Connecting Contemporary Do-It-Yourself Culture exhibit.
Opening: Karl Wirsum @ Cultural Center
An exhibit featuring the vibrant and sometimes disturbing work of Chicago imagist artist Karl Wirsum opens today and runs through 24 June. Free, in the Exhibit Hall. 77 E Randolph. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.
Opening: Caesar and Cleopatra @ Cultural Center
Another season, another ShawChicago production. Yay! ShawChicago is staging G.B. Shaw's Caesar and Cleopatra starting this afternoon, through 7 May, on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 PM, and Mondays at 7 PM. In the Studio Theater, $15. 77 E Randolph. For tickets, call 312-742-8497. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.
WLUW Record Fair and Other Delights
Springtime is a wonderful time of year to clean out your record collection and start fresh. Perhaps this is your opportunity to start collecting '60s British pop albums? Whatever your desires, WLUW 88.7 FM will fulfill them at their fifth annual record fair, which will be held Saturday and Sunday, April 14-15, at Pulaski Park Fieldhouse (1419 West Blackhawk). The record fair is a benefit for WLUW, and offers more beyond stacks of vinyl and CDs--art and poster vendors, performances from local bands and DJs, a Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution Championship, and food will also be available. If you are interested in being a vendor, contact them for details.
