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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Friday, April 26
Celebrate the 5th anniversary of LTH Forum, Chicagoland's best food discussion board, today at Weegee's (3659 W. Armitage Ave.), 1-5pm. Admission is $30, which covers food; you can buy tickets through LTH's site.
Check out the International Chamber Artists for one of the most affordable, up-close ways in town to see good classical music, suitable for beginners and enthusiasts alike. This concert is billed as "Prokofiev is to Ballet as Debussy is to Drama", so if you aced the analogies on your SAT test, well, you're already kindred spirits with this chamber group. These folks have worked with the CSO and at orchestras around the country and around the world, and they're committed to making chamber music accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
4pm
St. Gregory the Great Church in Andersonville
5535 N. Paulina St.; $7-$15 suggested donation
Details at icamusic.org
The Kit Kat's annual party celebrating the birth of the late screen goddess Marilyn Monroe features a special themed menu and $5 Monroe Martinis. Madame X will perform signature Monroe songs throughout the evening. 5:30pm to 2:00am, with performances to begin at 7:30pm. Call (773) 525-1111 to make a reservation. The Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted St.
Chicago Tap Theatre presents Little Dead Riding Hood, a "Fairy Tale Tap Dance Opera" that explores what happens when fairy tale characters discover themselves after tiring of acting out the same old stories. Today at 3:00 p.m., the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport. Tickets range from $18 to $30. Call CTT at (773) 655-1175 or the theatre at (773) 935-6860 for more info.
A biker charity fundraiser for wounded war veterans, but you don't have to have a motorcycle to attend! $20 door donation gets you a great buffet, raffles, and lots more. 1pm-6pm, 200 E Chestnut.
Call (312) 280-5454 or e-mail jimday@saloonsteakhouse.com for more information.
This weekend marks the first Metronome Celebration in Logan Square — a music fest that not only promotes a variety of music (with 4 stages playing rock, folk, punk, and electronica) but also strives to have a green image. Sunday's music includes sets by The Effigies, The Methadones, Deal's Gone Bad, The Giving Tree and Justin Townes Earl.The fest takes place at Milwaukee at Armitage and Western from noon-10pm June 6th and 7th. Full lineup and times available online. Check out the preview in Transmission.
The Printers Row Lit Fest returns to celebrate "25 Years of the Book Fair and More." This year, featured authors will include Lynda Barry, Joe Meno, Haki Madhubuti, Harvey Pekar, Dave Eggers, Elizabeth Strout and many more, with exhibitions from as many local booksellers as you can count. It is a must-attend event for any book lover in Chicago. Admission to the Lit Fest is free, however specific events may charge an admission fee. 10am-6pm, various locations. Be sure to check the site for a schedule of events for both today and Sunday.
Chicago Endurance Sports is running a series of three clinics on basic bicycling skills. The second one is this morning from 10am-12pm at the Foster Avenue Beach House, at Lake Shore Drive & Foster Ave. It covers changing flat tires and other basic bicycle maintenance. After the class, enjoy a group ride. Bring your bike, a helmet, some water, and wear comfortable clothes. The single clinic cost is $29, and you can register for it online. For more information, e-mail info@ChicagoEnduranceSports.com or call 866-237-7861.
The Music Box Theatre brings back its weekend classic film matinees this month with a tribute to swashbuckler Errol Flynn, in honor of this 100th birthday. This weekend's film is The Prince and The Pauper from 1937. The film screens Saturday and Sunday at 11:30am. For a complete listing of films in this series, see the Music Box Website. Music Box: 3733 N. Southport. (773) 871-6604.
From June 1-7, you can dine at a nice list of local places (among them Brasserie Jo, May Street Market, Stained Glass, Uncommon Ground) from their special $25 prix fize menu, courtesy of Yelp.