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, June 09 2007
Sing-along Buffy the Vampire Slayer @ Music Box
The Music Box Theatre hosts a sing-along screening of the "Once More, With Feeling" episode of the much-missed TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The screening happens tonight at midnight. Tickets are $12 (the ticket includes a Buffy goodie bag and other Buffy-related treats) and can be purchased at Ticketweb. Music Box: 3733 N. Southport. (773) 871-6604.
Chicago Rocks! Day 2 @ Metro
The lineup is awesome. Two days of Chicago hip-hop artists, the indie labels they're signed to, and the fans who love them. More info found here. Day 2 is at the Metro, and features Crucial Conflict (remember them?), Psalm One, and the almightyu All Natural contingent.
Chicago Cares Serve-a-thon
Chicago Cares' annual Serve-a-thon sends thousands of volunteers into the city to spruce up public schools, parks, and community centers with paint, plants, and old-fashioned elbow grease. You can serve individually or be part of a team. Check out Chicago Cares' site for more information.
Chess @ Chicago Tourism Center
As part of Chicago's "Art of Play" summer celebration of toys and games (through 30 September), the Renaissance Knights host a chess tournament as well as open play for people at all skill levels. 11 AM - 4 PM, 72 E Randolph. Free. For more information, call 312-744-2400 or visit the website.
Free Intro to Yoga @ Bloom Studio
If you're curious about yoga but aren't sure about making the financial and time committment for professional classes, Bloom Yoga Studio has got you covered. Their monthly free Intro to Yoga workshop is a great way to learn some basic poses and get an introduction to the practice as well as decide whether it's really for you. The workshop is free, but pre-registration is recommeded to ensure you get a spot. 3-4pm at 4663 N. Rockwell. Call 773-463-9642 to register or do it online.
Bike to Work Week
Bike to Work Week kicks off today. Sponsored by the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, who will be scheduling local activities over the next five days to help enhance your cycling experience, it's an opportunity to knock out your daily exercise requirement early, help the environment, and get to work far faster than you would if you were waiting for the Red Line. You know I'm right.
Southport Green Market
Not content with the city's various farmers markets, the Southport Grocery and Cafe (1420 West Grace St.) will host several "Green Market" Saturdays over the summer and into the fall. In addition to showcasing locally grown vegetables, they'll up the ante with everything from flowers to baby food to artisan breads and cheeses on display from local growers and producers. Hours are 8AM - 1PM.
The Noisettes @ Schubas
The Noisettes, a trio from London that's caused some noise in the US since its trip to SXSW and an appearance on late-night TV, stop by Schubas tonight to bring its brand of raucous garage rock. Opening the show are fellow countrymen The Maccabees and Chicagoans Reds and Blue, who are playing its last show with woodwind player Annie Coleman, who leaves the band to pursue other projects (which includes the truly awesome Golden Horse Ranch Square Dance Band). 10pm. $12.
Gang Gang Dance @ Empty Bottle
The Brooklynite experimental music combo Gang Gang Dance come to town tonight; bringing their meandering, difficult-to-describe, everything-goes "urban-primitivist" sound for a headlining set at the Empty Bottle. The band has recently been working on their fourth LP and are touring to support the release of their DVD Retina Riddim. OCRILIM and Teith open. 10pm, $10. 1035 S. Western.
FB Art Market
Firebelly Design hosts the FB Art Market, where you can get handmade one of a kind goods from: Firebelly Design, Art School Girl, Good Night TV, Qylaar, Katie Hates Couture, Nako Design, Will Miller, Delicious Design League, The Match Factory, Travis Barteaux, Rick Valicenti, Kara's Super Cute Cupcakes, Barb Valicenti, Alex Moulitsas, Molly Carter, Ilsa Flanagan, Jess Weida, Drew Garza, Early to Bed and DJ Brian Kelly. 50 percent of all sales will be donated to the Lisa Tonna Fund. Lisa is a 37-year-old anti-tobacco advocate who is battling the disease she's been fighting to save others from: lung cancer. 2701 W. Thomas, 2nd Floor, from 11am to 5pm.
Printers Row Book Fair
It's time once again for the Printers Row Book Fair! If you've never been you're in for a treat and if this is a return visit then you know what treasures await you. Join hundreds of author panels and readings and browse over three blocks of reads from new and used booksellers. Everyone from your favorite little bookstore on the corner to, yes, Barnes & Noble will be there, lined up along Dearborn and Polk. In addition to the author readings there will also be panel discussions, cooking demonstrations and children's activities. For more information call 312-222-3986 or email bookfair[at]tribune[dot]com.
3rd Annual Drinking & Writing Festival
Come to Hopleaf to celebrate that beverage that has brought us so many great reads: alcohol. This year's Drinking & Writing Festival focuses on Charles Bukowski and several special guests will provide their insights on Bukowksi and beer. Guests include Bill Savage, Bob Skilnik, Rick Kogan and Bill Jauss. You can also participate in the 2 Drink Minimum Writing Contest, sample some beers from local homebrewers and pick up some reads on Bukowksi, drinking and writing, provided by the Book Cellar. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The Hopleaf is located at 5148 N. Clark St. Call 773-334-9851 for tickets and information.
Old Town Art Fair
This 58th annual fair features works by 260 artists, live music, food tents, a garden walk, a historic tour, and children's activities for a $5 admission donation that benefits local youth groups and preservation projects. Enter at Lincoln and Wisconsin. The festival runs from 10 AM to 6 PM today and tomorrow. For more information, call 312-337-1938.
Wells Street Art Festival
Wanna buy some art? This 33rd annual festival runs along Wells from North to Division and includes paintings as well as works in glass, textiles, and other media by more than 250 artists. Admission is $7to $10, for this event, which also features food tents and live music. 10 AM to 10 PM. Call 773-868-3010 for more information or visit the website.
Work Out @ Millennium Park
Yoga at 8 AM, Pilates at 9 AM, and Indian folk dance at 10 AM, led by instructor Shamila Khetarpal, on the Great Lawn. If you need more incentive than taking in the amazing skyline views while working up a sweat, consider this: it's free. For more information, visit the website.
Student Films Across America
Student Films Across America is a collection of, you guessed it, short films by students from around the country, including one from Chicago. Come see An Open Door by local film student Sean Jourdan and many more at the Lakeshore Theatre, 3175 N. Broadway, tonight at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10 in advance or at the door.
Ribfest @ Lincoln and Irving Park
Ribs, live music, ribs, a corner for kids and a senior oasis, ribs, performing dogs, and oh yeah, ribs are on tap at this North Center neighborhood festival, which runs from noon to 10 pm Saturday and Sunday. Admission is a $5 donation which benefits the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce. Call 847-677-8273 for more information.
Jonathan Cohn discusses "Sick: The Untold Story of America's Health Care Crisis"
Jonathan Cohn, senior editor at The New Republic, will discuss his new book, Sick: The Untold Story of America's Health Care Crisis - and the People Who Pay the Price, at the Printers Row Book Fair. He will be joined by Dr. Quentin Young, chairman of the Chicago-based Health & Medicine Policy Research Group and national coordinator of Physicians for a National Health Program. The event is at 11:30am today at the Hotel Blake.
Little City Used Book Sale (Formerly Brandeis Book Sale)
For those of us who used to trek to Skokie every summer for the Brandeis Book Sale, mourn not the loss of those jaunty book-slingin' ladies...the sale's been taken over by Little City. The Little City Book Sale promises to be one of the best used book events in the Chicago area, so don't miss out! Opening night is tonight, from 6 to 10pm, with a $5 donation - at Old Orchard Westfield Mall. The sale runs until Sunday, June 17th. More info by calling 847.221.7856.
Chicago Blues Fest: Alvin Youngblood Hart
A true guitar innovator, equally adept at both acoustic and electric playing, who may represent one of the futures of the blues. See feature:
http://www.gapersblock.com/transmission/archives/2007/06/07/2007_chicago_blues_festival_preview_reunions_guitar_gods_and_living_history/.
