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
Saturday, May 4
Slowdown
BY DAY
Saturday, May 16 2009
Facets Night School: Quadrophenia
Facets Cinematheque presents Facets Night School, a series of great cult films screening Saturdays at midnight through June 27. Tonight's film is Quadrophenia, the film version of The Who's rock opera, with a discussion of the film hosted by Facets' Dan Mucha. Admission is $5, and you can get a $40 pass for all of the films in this series through Ticketweb. Facets: 1517 W. Fullerton. (773) 281-0075.
The Haute Cuisine of Ancient Mesopotamia @ Oriental Institute
Join historian Karen Wilson for a discussion about the foods of Mesopotamia and a tour of the Oriental Institute's related exhibit today at the Oriental Institute Museum at 1155 E 58th St at 10am. Tickets are $7, event sponsored by the Chicago Foodways Roundtable. RSVP required.
The Vaselines @ Metro
On one hand, it's unfortunate that the Vaselines' popularity is almost solely due to an iconic musician's love for them. On the other hand, without name-dropping them in nearly every interview until his death, they may have sunk into the obscurity that's met so many other Scottish indie-pop acts of the 1980s. The cherished duo of Frances McKee and Eugene Kelly delivered pop songs in the vein of the Pastels and Violent Femmes before splitting. But their career was resurrected with The Way of the Vaselines, a one-disc collection of their entire recorded output. That record has just been given a makeover as Enter the Vaselines with demos and live performances on a bonus disc. To support that release, they're playing some shows in the US, including their first ever in Chicago. It starts at 9pm and tickets are $16. For more information, visit Metro (3730 N Clark St) online.
SELF Magazine Workout in the Park
Love taking yoga, pilates, and dance classes at the gym, but don't like being cooped up indoors and surrounded by all of those mirrors? Well, get out of the house and start your weekend off right with a four-hour power workout in Grant Park. Jillian Michaels, trainer and life coach from "The Biggest Loser" will be appearing exclusively at the Chicago event. 11am - 3pm. Butler Field, Grant Park. 350 East Monroe Street. $15. Free one-year subscription to SELF magazine with purchase.
The Partly Dave Show @ Neo-Futurarium
Local author, actor, poet and Facebook god Dave Awl presents the latest installment of The Partly Dave Show, an evening of music, readings and other verbal talent. Tonight's theme is "Fairy Tales", and features writings on the theme by Dave, his co-hosts Christopher Piatt and Diana Slickman, and special guests Rachel Claff, Bilal Dardai, and Stephanie Shaw. Music provided by the members of Even in Blackouts (in a musical configuration that is totally not EIB). The show starts tonight at 7pm. Tickets are $12 or pay-what-you-can, and it all happens at the Neo-Futurarium (5153 N. Ashland at Foster). For complete information about the show, please see The Partly Dave Show on Facebook.
Workout in the Park @ Grant Park
Join Self magazine and The Biggest Loser coach Jillian Michaels for a day of fitness and fun in Grant Park. The day includes 19 high-energy classes taught by top instructors from Crunch Fitness, beauty consultations, fashion tips, nutritional advice and tons of freebies. Tickets ($15) are only available for purchase before the event, so don't delay!
Free Admission to the New Modern Wing @ Art Institute/Depository Food Drive
From May 16-22, you can visit the newly opened Modern Wing of the Art Institute (111 S. Michigan Ave) for free. For the $12-18 that you're saving in admission, help out the hungry in Chicago by bringing a donation for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, who will be accepting non-perishable items at food collection sites that will be located on the Michigan Avenue and the Monroe Street sides of the building.
Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure Book Discussion
Author Matthew Algeo discusses and signs his book Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure, detailing a 2,500-mile car trip around the country that President Truman and his wife took after departing the White House, at the Abraham Lincoln Book Shop, 357 W. Chicago Ave., today from noon to 1pm. Free.
CreamTeam First Anniversary Party @ Empty Bottle
Fellow Chicago music blog CreamTeam.tv is turning one and to celebrate, they are throwing a First Anniversary Party at Empty Bottle. A mashup of electronic and rock genres, the evening will feature both Chicago's own Hey Champ live and Austin's VEGA--in their first Chicago appearance and release party for their debut EP. Joining them will be Minneapolis' cloaked nightmare disco purveyors, the Moon Goons on the decks and Brooklyn's Cousin Cole gracing the speakers as the house DJ du jour. Hosted by Willy Joy & Dylan Reiff. Photos by Clayton Hauck. $8 with RSVP to party@creamteam.tv ($10 at the door). 1035 N. Western Ave. 9:30pm. 21+
Sacred Art's 4th Annual Blood Drive
Sacred Art, the local gallery that sells artwork from Chicago artists, celebrates its recent move to Lincoln Square with its 4th annual blood drive. There will be a Lifesource bloodmobile parked at the store from 10am to 4pm today, taking in walk-ins and people with appointments. Donors will get 20% off one item in the store. Call Sacred Art for full details. Sacred Art: 4619 N. Lincoln. (773) 728-2803.
Free Home Improvement Seminar @ VonDreele-Freerksen Construction Company
Want to rip out that wall but can't be sure if its load-bearing? You're in luck. VonDreele-Freerksen Construction Company is hosting a free home improvement seminar from 9 to 10am this morning at their offices at 509 Madison St., in Oak Park. Call 708-848-4130 or visit their website for more information.
