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, October 13 2007
Handmade Market @ Empty Bottle
Handmade Market, the oft-monthly indie craft event, returns to the Empty Bottle today. Shop for groovy goods from local artists from noon to 4:30 at 1035 N. Western.
18th St: Pilsen Open Studios
Coordinating with Chicago Artists Month, this self-guided studio and gallery walk includes more than 30 artist spaces between 16th and 23rd, from May to Leavitt. Start from the APO Cultural Center at 1438 W 18th. 11 AM till 7 PM. For more information, visit the website.
Open Studios @ Fine Arts Building
As part of Chicago Artists Month, take yourself on a self-guided tour of this fabulous old building (its elevator is operated by an elevator man--when did you last see one of those?), almost entirely occupied by artists and galleries. Open today from 12 N till 5 PM, 410 S Michigan. Free. For more information, call 708-822-0063 or visit the website.
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.
YarnCon @ Pulaski Park Fieldhouse
Join other yarnophiles at YarnCon at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse (1419 W. Blackhawk) from 10am to 4pm. Yarn fans, buyers, and interested folks are welcome. Admission is $3.
Mid-North Region Affordable Neighborhoods Expo
Join Acting Housing Commissioner Ellen Sahli and Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. (27th) for the Mid-North Region Affordable Neighborhoods Expo, which will be held today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chicago Center for Green
Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd. Education about improving energy efficiency, implementing green building technologies, improving air quality and homebuyer assistance will be available. A raffle for rain barrels will also be held (you can also buy them for $40 each). Admission is free.
Market Cooking Class @ Alliance Francaise
Renowned French cooking instructor Madelaine Bullwinkle will lead a shopping excursion to the Green City Market and then lead a class in the kitchen at the Alliance Francaise on preparing fresh foods from the market. The day begins at 9 am and concludes at 2 pm. The cost is $80 for Alliance Francaise members and $85 for the general public. Call 312-337-1070 for more information.
Opening: Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef @ Cultural Center
In conjunction with this year's Humanities Festival (theme: Climate of Concern), this exhibit showcases a project by the LA-based Institute for Figuring, which "engages women the world over" in crocheting a coral reef. Through 16 December, in the Chicago Rooms (2nd floor), 78 E Washington. Free. For more information, visit the website.
Beverly Jenkins, Francis Ray & Jacquelin Thomas @ Borders
Celebrated romance authors Beverly Jenkins, Francis Ray and Jacquelin Thomas will be at Borders on 95th St. to talk about their recent work. Free. 2pm. 2210 W. 95th St. Call 773-445-5471 for more information.
International Antiques Fair @ Merchandise Mart
Close to 100 dealers from around the world are participating in this year's International Antiques Fair. A great excuse to wander around the world's largest commercial building. $15, 11 AM to 6 PM. For more information, call 800-677-6278 or visit the website.
Rich King @ Borders
Chicago journalist Rich King will be at Borders on Michigan Ave. to talk about his book, My Maggie, about his wife's battles with cancer. Free. 2pm. 830 N. Michigan Ave. Call 312-573-0564 for more information.
Celebration of Authors @ Woodson Library
Books Ink and the Chicago Public Library host a huge event featuring more than 15 authors, including Francis Ray, Beverly Jenkins, Arnie Bernstien and more at Woodson Regional Library. Free. 9am-4:30pm. 9525 S. Halsted St. Call 312-747-6921 for more information.
Music Box Massacre 3 @ Music Box Theatre
The Music Box Theatre and the Movieside Film Festival present their third annual Music Box Massacre, a 24-hour horror filmfest. This year's special guest is director Fred Dekker, who will be screening his 1987 film The Monster Squad and participating in a Q&A session. Among the other films to be screened will be The Shining, Videodrome, Tod Browning's Freaks and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. There will also be vintage movie trailers screened in between the films, live music, raffles, costume contests, and vendors selling monster movie merchandise. The Music Box Massacre starts at noon today, and finishes at noon tomorrow. Tickets are $24 and can be purchased through Ticketweb. Music Box: 3733 N. Southport. (773) 871-6604.
Hunnert Car Pileup
The sixth annual Hunnert Car Pileup "The Midwest's Greasiest Hot Rod Show," is today at the historic Grundy County Speedway and fairgrounds in Morris. Featuring some of the Midwest's best examples of traditional style hot rods, this is the show for the truly hardcore enthusiast. Fast cars, fast women and fast music (full band lineup here) Admission for spectators is $5. Gates open at 9am.
Ladyfest Benefit Show
Ladyfest returns to Chicago with a weekend-long festival of art, music, film, spoken word, and activism. The fest itself kicks off Oct. 18, but tonight's benefit concert will give you a taste of the goodness in store. See Jenny Hoyston's Paradise Island, Bird Names, Eyesearsnose, and The Fake Fiction at the AV-Aerie, 2000 W. Fulton, #310. Tickets are $8 at the door.
Pullman Historic District Annual Home Tour
Pullman residents open their doors for their annual tour. Step inside 120-year-old landmark mansions, worker's cottages and multi-unit apartments. Order tickets from (773) 785-8901 and pickup the day of at Pullman Visitor Center, 11141 S. Cottage Grove (Metra Electric 111th and 115th Street Stations and CTA bus 111). October 13 & 14, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Macy's Day of Music @ Symphony Center
From 2 PM to 10 PM today, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra hosts its 11th Annual Free Music Marathon, starting with a free performance by the CSO with Branford Marsalis. Also included in the day's programs are sing-alongs, jazz, klezmer, world music, street performances, and more. 220 S Michigan. For a complete schedule, visit the website.
Paws and Flow Yoga Class
If loving my dog is wrong, I don't want to be right. Lakeshore Athletic Club at Illinois Center is offering a free 45-minute yoga class for dogs and their owners at noon today. "Paws and Flow" will highlight stretching and flexibility exercises for both of you, as well as an opportunity to meet other dogs and the person holding their leash. And because Halloween is nearing, bring your dog in its costume. You did buy a costume for the dog, right? Call 312-616-9000 x280 to register.
