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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Monday, February 17
Join recent Top Chef finalists Carla Hall & Stefan Richter for a charity event for True tonight at the Merchandise Mart location of the Chopping Block (222 Merchandise Mart, #107). From 6-9pm, you'll get drinks, hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction and raffle while you watch Carla and Stef battle it out again (sigh). Tickets $150.
This year's competition brings both 3D and motion-design categories into play. More details here. 7pm, Congress Theatre (2135 N Milwaukee Ave). Tickets $20/$15 in advance. (312)-458-9668.
Norwegian bassist Ingebrigt Haaker Flaten returns to Chicago to reunite with some old improvisational jazz friends. Tonight he plays with Jim Baker, John Herndon and Jeff Parker at The Hideout. 1354 W. Wabansia. 9pm. $8.
Attention all spring brides: stop by The Left Bank (1155 W. Webster Avenue) today and pick up your "something new"! They will be hosting a Lynn Litwin jewelry trunk show from 11am until 5pm. There will be complimentary champagne and chocolate. Call 773-929-7422 for details and more information.
Visit Dominican University (7900 W. Division Street, River Forest) on today to get a glimpse of the future of local fashion design. Over 150 student designs will walk the catwalk at 3pm and 7pm at the school's annual student fashion show in the Lund Auditorium. Tickets are $12. Call 708-366-2490 for more information.
Stop by Hejfina (1529 N. Milwaukee Avenue) tonight from 4 pm to 7 pm to view Vena Cava's spring summer 2009 collection. The trunk show will feature 15 percent off all Vena Cava merchandise and gratis refreshments. Visit their website or call 773-772-0002 for more information.
As purveyors of fine vintage R'n'B that's fallen by the wayside of musical history, the Chicago-based label Numero Group has amassed a heft catalog of titles over the past several years -- especially with its amazing "Eccentric Soul" series of releases. Tonight the Group presents its first live event. They've gathered up a billing of artists (some famous, some not-so) for an evening of classic old-school soul. The Windy City's own Syl Johnson (he of "Different Strokes" and "Is It Because I'm Black?" fame) headlines.Park West Theater, 322 W. Armitage. Tickets are $22, showtime is 7:30pm, and it's an all ages show. See our Transmission page for more details.
Join Pillow Fight Club Chicago as they observe International Pillow Fight Day. This event is free. B.Y.O.P. (Bring your own pillow). E-mail pillowfightchicago@yahoo.com or check Facebook for more information. The feathers fly at 2pm in front of the Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave.
Celebrate the International Year of Astronomy with two events in Chicago. American Science & Surplus, 5316 N. Milwaukee Ave., hosts sidewalk stargazing, with several telescopes set up for your enjoyment. Downtown at the Adler Planetarium, Far Out Fridays will include telescope viewing and presentations in the Sky Theater and the Definiti Space Theater from 4:30pm-10pm. The Planetarium will also present live webcasts from around the world as part of the 100 Hours of Astronomy. The American Science & Surplus event is free; see the Adler's website for ticket information.
Learn to cook Middle Eastern dishes at the "Arab-Israeli Cookbook" cooking class today from 11am-2pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required.
Got derby? The next Windy City Rollers bout is tonight at 6pm in the UIC Pavilion (525 S. Racine). This bout pits The Fury (0-3) vs. Hell's Belles (2-1), and Double Crossers (2-1) vs. Manic Attackers (2-1). Tickets are $20 -- get yours here.
Lakeview candy store Candyality is holding a Jelly Belly Trunk Show from 11am to 4pm. Candy lovers can sample the original 50 Jelly Belly flavors, and decide whether Very Cherry is the new black or if Jalapeno really is hot. The Jelly Belly Mobile will roll in at 11am, and Mr. Jelly Belly himself will stop by.
Candyality is at 3425 N Southport Avenue (773-472-7800).
Green City Market's first year round market runs every first and third Saturday through April 18 inside the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum , 2430 N. Cannon, from 8am to 1pm Bus: 151 Sheridan, 76 Diversey - or ride your bicycle.