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, June 2
Sketch comedy troupe Schadenfreude and musical act The Jordan Years team up to present the new live show "City that Works." The show is at the Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley Ave., tonight at 9pm. $10. Free food. 21+
Humorist Dave Barry will have you rolling in the aisles with the comedic observations on everyday life. Barry's column is syndicated in more than 500 publications including the Chicago Tribune. He won a Pulitzer in 1988. Tickets are $64 - $75, and can be purchased via telephone by calling (847) 673-6300 or on the web by clicking here. North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL 60077, (847) 673-6300.
The performer formally known as Final Fantasy will be playing tonight at Lincoln Hall. Owen Pallett is known for his epic orchestral style of song writing and is releasing his third effort entitled Heartland, "a concept album about an ultra-violent farmer" in a world called "Spectrum". If this is anything like his past releases, it will be an odd, yet magical experience.
Lincoln Hall is located at 2424 N Lincoln Ave. The show is $15 and starts at 10. 18+ (773)-525-2501
Today from 12-4pm the Chicago Art Department opens their studio space to the public, showing their shared studio facility located at 1732 West Hubbard. In addition to studio practice, CAD will also be showing a collection of member and resident art inside of a dedicated gallery area called "Tetris". Separate from studio practice and art on the walls, drop by to learn about their upcoming programs and events, and also to meet some of our CAD artists, who will be on hand to explain their work.
Academy Award winners Rita Moreno ("Anita" in the movie) and George Chakiris ("Bernardo") and Academy Award nominee Russ Tamblyn ("Riff"), who will share memories and stories from the making of "West Side Story" before each screening. Showtimes are 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm, and 8:00 pm. Tickets are $12 - purchase them here. "West Side Story" at Hollywood Palms Cinema, 352 S. Route 59, Naperville, IL 60540. (630) 428-5800
Baconfest, a celebration of the porky treat that has touched hearts and minds all over the world, awaits you today. Watch the website for further details.
Learn to cook good meals quickly at the Fast and Flavorful class. which is part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the City of Chicago. Class runs 11am-2pm at Gallery 37 for the Arts, 55 East Randolph. Pre-registration required; admission is $30.
Now in its 7th year, this highly successful event connects artists and art organizations in all disciplines -- music, dance, theater, film, design, new media, fashion, publishing, visual art -- with the support, services and networks they need. This event is free and open to the public. There will be over 20 workshops, 100 vendors, and 40 consultants to help you out with anything you might need to know. The workshop topics range from grant writing to a public art crash course to "cultivating shamelessness." The expo is from 10am to 4pm today at the Cultural Center (78 E. Washington). Visit this website for details.
Now that you've got your bike out and are riding it to and fro in the early spring warmth, it's time to fasten that milk carton to the back seat as well - Spring means Record Fair season. Returning to the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union (1340 W. Washington) from 10am-5pm, the 2010 CHIRP Record Fair and Other Delights should be good cause to warm up your vinyl-scouring fingers. Local shops and labels, record distros, and personal collections will all be in attendance, as well as entertainment from bands and DJ sets throughout. And proceeds go to CHIRP, so you can support independent radio (even if you secretly just want to be a vinyl junkie).
The Windy City Rollers have their fourth bout of the season today at the UIC Pavilion (525 South Racine). This go-round pits The Fury vs. the Manic Attackers and the Double Crossers vs. the Hell's Belles. Doors open at 5pm, with game play starting at 6pm. Get your tickets here or at the door.
The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir's lead man (and Wales native), Elia Einhorn, will be on the decks at Lucky Number Grill's upstairs lounge tonight as Glasgow takes on Manchester for one big Britpop dance party. The party starts at 10pm and goes all the way to the early morn'. 1931 N. Miwaukee (at Western). 21 & up. Free.
The Music Box Theatre presents Sci-Fi Spectacular 4, 14+ hours of sci-fi and horror films. Doors open at 11am, movies screen from noon till 2am. Special guest of honor: Larry Cohen (It's Alive, Q, The Stuff, God Told Me To). A lineup of films and a link to purchase tickets at the Music Box Website. Music Box: 3733 N. Southport. (773) 871-6604.
This history of the Easy Bake oven, Lamb Cake, and why we dye eggs at Easter will be discussed this morning at a free-for-all sponsored by the Culinary Historians of Chicago at Kendall College, 900 North Branch, at 10am (previously scheduled Columbian Exposition lecture is postponed). Admission is free--so is parking. Bring your culinary memories!
Following the immense success of the first Pastry Market in February, Logan Square Kitchen hosts another full-day showcase of small-batch pastry makers. Vendors include: BTrue Bakery, City Provisions Catering & Events, Fig Catering, and more. The Market takes place from 10am to 3pm at Logan Square Kitchen, 2333 N. Milwaukee Ave., (773) 342-2333.
The 312 Fashion Runway Series continues tonight with a runway show from designer Horacio Nieto. The StyleChicago.com hosted cocktail hour begins at 7pm and the show begins at 8:30pm at the Loft on Lake (1366 West Lake Street). Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at 312 Fashion's website.
About 30 of the city's greatest makers of handmade goods will be gathering today at Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western Avenue) from noon to 4pm for another Handmade Market Chicago. The sellers will help you you pick out a few gifts for others, or yourself. You can see who is selling at the show here. And one of the best parts of this show is that you get to sip a tall frosty something while you peruse fantastic products. If you don't leave with full shopping bags, you may leave inspired, or at least a little tipsy.