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
Thursday, April 25
Slowdown
BY DAY
Saturday, June 23 2007
David Vandervelde @ Darkroom
Chicago's David Vandervelde has managed to set expectations rather high with his debut album, The Moonstation House Band. (It's also the name of his band, of course.) Oft-compared to Marc Bolan, the 22-year old has a voice that would've sounded perfect in the best of 70s glam-rock. Fortunately for those of us who couldn't enjoy that era, he's updating the style with a sound that draws from all sorts of rock-influenced genres. For more information, visit Darkroom.
Animation Showcase @ Chicago Tourism Center
As part of Chicago's "Art of Play" summer celebration of toys and games (through 30 September), Columbia College's Center for Asian Arts and Media is screening diverse animated films by local, international, and student filmmakers. 11 AM - 4 PM, 72 E Randolph. Free. For more information, call 312-744-2400 or visit the website.
Chicago HER-RAH 2007
The International Centre for Women Playwrights and Around the Coyote present Chicago HER-RAH 2007: A Festival of the World's best Women Playwrights and Their New Plays. Teh festival will feature staged readnigs of new, production-ready plays written by women from all over the world. The hope is that the festival will provide a platform for these plays to reach full production by professional theatres. All-festival passes can be purchased for $15; tickets for individual performances are $5 each. Admissions is on a first-come, first-served basis and reservations are not accepted. A full schedule of events can be found on the website. Around the Coyote is located at 1935 1/2 W. North Ave. Call 773-342-6777 for more information.
Chicago Books to Women in Prison @ Mercury Cafe
The Chicago Books to Women in Prison project is releasing a special edition of their prisoner-authored newsletter, "Bound Struggles." This release + performance will be the culmination of a six month project with formerly and currently incarcerated women, made possible by grant support from Chicago Foundation for Women. This event will also raise funds and raise awareness for the "No Child Left Behind Bars" campaign organized by Critical Resistance Chicago. 6-9 PM, at Mercury Cafe, 1505 W. Chicago Avenue
Belmont Arts & Music Festival
The Belmont Arts & Music Festival has moved further west from its old location near Sheffield; the fest now runs west on Belmont from Damen in Roscoe Village. But the music is still good: Saturday's lineup features Bob Mould, The Redwalls, Robbers On High Street, Bon Mots, Heartless Bastards, the Drams, the Saps, the Crying Shame and Hey Champ on two stages. There will also be your standard assortment of vendors and food. $5 suggested donation.
Zombie Prom
Zombie Prom is a benefit party and world-premiere screening for "Fang!," a locally produced independent TV show about a vampire chick and her spooky, kooky hijinks. Dress up as a zombie (or a vampire -- ooh, or a zombie vampire!) and enjoy cheap drinks and the beats of DJ Casimer Pascal and Scott Masson of Office. At 9pm, watch the world premiere screening of the "Fang!" pilot. Doors open at 8pm at the Heart of Gold, 3036 N. Lincoln; cover is $5, 21 and over. (Creepy costumes and zombie flair encouraged, but not required.)
Cool Kids & Certified Bananas @ Underground Lounge
Installment #3 of the Fly By Night event series presents the Chicago up-and-coming hot thing hip-hop Cool Kids, who'll get busy with a headlining set tonight at the Underground Lounge. On the supporting side of things, we'll be treated to a deejay set from Providence, RI's mashup/remix crew Certified Bananas. Also appearing will be Chicago DJ Willy Joy and a host of others that are still TBA. 952 W. Newport. 10pm. Admission is $7. 773-327-2739.
World of Games @ Millennium Park
In Wrigley Square and on the Chase Promenade, you can check out demonstrations of international games played in Chicago, and also play some games yourself. Part of the Art of Play summer series of events. 11 AM to 4 PM. Free. For more information, visit the website.
Hell's Fairies Weiner Run
Hell's Fairies, Chicago's GLBT scooter group, is making a "Wiener Run" today. Meet in the parking lot of Dominick's at Foster & Sheridan at 4pm, then scoot around to three hot dog stands on the north side to taste the meat. Remember to bring some cash, and maybe a wet wipe or two. More info here.
BARcamp Chicago @ Wicker Park
BARcamp Chicago, the informal conference designed to help people share and learn tech issues in an open environment, starts today at Wicker Park (1464 N. Milwaukee). The tech talks start as noon and go through midnight; there should be plenty of space for people to discuss stuff and hack away at projects, so bring your laptop. See the BARcamp Chicago Website for further details and to RSVP.
Street Art Sale
One of Chicago's most original and innovative street artists, Ninjagrl, is flying the coop and heading west. You can pick up some of her original works at tonight's sale. Paintings, buttons, stickers, prints. All sorts of stuff at varying price levels. The sale is at Three Left Productions, 4951 N. Oakley, Gallery One. For questions, call 312-523-3121 and ask for Jocelyn if you have questions. The show will start at 7 p.m.
Opening: Escultura Social @ MCA
The MCA celebrates one of North America's most exciting art scenes with this exhibit showcasing recent works from Mexico City. The exhibit features work in various media (including performance art, videos, photographs, and installations) by 19 artists and one architect, and runs through 2 September. 220 E Chicago. For more information, visit the website.
Musica Latina @ Millennium Park
The Grant Park Music Festival season at the Pritzker Pavilion continues with tonight's performance of music by Villa Lobos, Brouwer, Estevez, and Lecuona. 7:30 PM. Free. For more information, 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.
Chicagoland Ukulele Jam Festival @ Legal Grounds Coffee House
The Chicagoland Ukulele Jam Festival happens today at the Legal Grounds Coffee House in Maywood. The festival will feature a showcase of ukulele players, workshops, uke vendors, and luau-style food & drink. The festival happens today from 10:00 to 6:00; see the festival Website for complete details. Legal Grounds: 1300 Maybrook Square, Maywood. (708) 615-9000.
2007 Dyke March
Get yr grrrl on at the 11th annual Chicago Dyke March. The Dyke March began as a response to anti-woman harrassment at the Pride Parade and has grown into an free-spirited, welcoming and sassy way to express one's pride (and support your prideful pals) without corporate floats and politicians. The march steps off at 1:30pm from the playground behind Trumbull Elementary School, 5200 N. Ashland Ave., and wends its way to the lake for post-march entertainment.
