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.
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TODAY
Slowdown
BY DAY
Friday, August 27 2010
The Silent Film Society of Chicago presents Polyanna @ The Portage Theater
Tonight is closing night of the 2010 Silent Summer Film Festival, and The Silent Film Society of Chicago presents the 1927 film Polyanna at The Portage Theater (4050 N. Milwaukee). Starring Mary Pickford, with live organ accompaniment by Dennis Scott. Closing night ceremonies include pre-show music with the West End Jazz Band at 7pm. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Screening at 8pm. For more info call 773-205-SFSC or visit The Silent Film Society of Chicago.
Expressions of MJ @ DuSable Museum of African-American History
The For Children, By Children (FCBC) youth theater troupe honors the musical legacy of Michael Jackson tonight at 7pm at the DuSable Museum of African-American History, 740 E. 56th Pl., with "Expressions of MJ." Written and directed by Rod Lewis, FCBC pays tribute to the late entertainer from his early days with The Jackson 5 and through his solo career with dance routines and skits that include a medley of popular tunes like "ABC," "Dancing Machine," and "Billie Jean." Tickets for "Expressions of MJ" are $10-$15 for students; $15-$20 for adults. For more information, contact (708) 769-9880.
Etgar Keret Luncheon @ Greenberg Traurig LLP in the Loop
Israeli author Etgar Keret -- who, on August 22, begins a two-week stint as an artist-in-residence at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign -- is the guest-of-honor today at this luncheon. Free, but reservations required. 11:45am, Greenberg Traurig LLP,
77 W. Wacker Dr., Suite 3100. RSVP by August 22.
Lebanon @ The Music Box Theatre
The First Lebanon War - June, 1982. A lone tank is dispatched to a hostile town recently bombarded by the Israeli Air Force. What seems to be a simple mission gradually spins out of control as the four young soldiers inside are pushed to their limits. Writer-director Samuel Maoz uses his own vivid recollections of the war and restricts the film's settings to the tank's interior, showing us the outside world only through the lens of a periscopic gun sight. Lebanon opens at the Music Box Theatre tonight. 3733 N. Southport Ave.
Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child @ Music Box Theatre
Centered on a rare interview that director and friend Tamra Davis shot with Basquiat over twenty years ago, this definitive documentary chronicles the meteoric rise and fall of the young artist. Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Childopens at Music Box Theatre tonight, time TBA. 3733 N. Southport Ave.
Maximalism: Fashion Show @ Happy Dog Gallery
The Sometimes Store, The Gaudy God and Sisterman present Maximalism: Fashion Show tonight at Happy Dog Gallery (1542 N. Milwaukee Ave.). The show will feature 24 all nude and black looks comprised of '80s and '90s new vintage. All looks will be available for purchase after the show. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8, and the afterparty runs until midnight.
Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar Grand Opening Party
Formerly known as Kaplan's Liquors, Maria's is an old style Chicago tavern: half liquor store, half bar. Maria Marszewski has owned it since 1986 and is now handing off the managerial reigns to her sons Mike and Ed (co-creator of Co-Prosperity Sphere and The Public Media Institute). The bar has been given an artsy makeover and has been re-purposed as a place for artists to gather and commune in Bridgeport. There are some nice features: chandeliers made of beer bottles; recycled hardwood benches; hand crafted butcher block tables; and Mike's beer can collection is featured in the bathrooms. Local artists' work adorn the walls, and a vast network of artists, musicians and cultural workers of all stripes DJ each night. Bobby Conn and Julie Pomerleau will perform tonight and spiritual guru and advisor, Joe Bryl, the DJ of Djs will be on the turntables playing some of his esoteric collection of 45s. The party is from 7pm to 2am tonight at Maria's: 960 W 31st Street in Bridgeport. 21+.
COLOR @ 345 Gallery
A dynamic and colorful multimedia group show by about a dozen local, emerging artists focusing on color opens tonight at 345 Gallery (Flat Iron Arts Building: 1579 N. Milwaukee, Rm. 345). Artists include A/C writers Hiba Ali and Kelly Reaves, among others. The opening reception runs from 6 to 9pm.
The Square Affair Live @ Logan Square Auditorium
The Square Affair, which celebrates Logan Square's eclectic culture, is hosting a live show with some of the neighborhood's best bands. John Drake & the Shakes, the Shams Band, the Minneapolis Henrys, Derek Nelson & the Musicians, and Dirty Diamonds will be playing at the Logan Square Auditorium (2539 n. Kedzie). Tickets are $8 in advance and $12 at the door. Show starts at 9pm and is open to everyone 17 and over.
Brent Puls (EP Release) @ Schubas
Chicagoan Brent Puls releases his EP tonight at Schubas. Puls' dreamy pop builds up from his years in the city of big shoulders in tunes like "West of the Lake" (which is also the EP's title track)and "Disco 2000". How many times do you normally hear Mies van der Rohe name dropped in your favorite tunes? Not many, that's for sure. You might remember Puls from his time with Grammar, or Bumpus or might not even realize he's contributed to many songs by local bands over the years. Catch him live and in person on the stage at Schubas tonight along with Death Ships and The Glory Singers. Tickets are $8. 21+ Music starts at 10pm. Schubas is located at 3159 N. Southport Ave. 773-525-2508
Stacks! Soul Library Dance Party @ Late Bar
Who doesn't love a sexy librarian with soul? Come on out to the Stacks! Soul Library Dance Party to benefit Chicago Underground Library. Featuring DJs John Ciba, Lady J, MLE, and JJ, and prizes for "best '60s/soul/mod librarian style." Tickets are $7 in advance, $10 at the door. Late Bar, 3534 W Belmont Ave., (773) 267-5283, 9pm-midnight (true to their name, bar's open 'til 4am).
Knee-Jerk Magazine Anniversary Party @ Fill In The Blank Gallery
Tonight Knee-Jerk magazine hosts a one year anniversary party in north Lincoln Square. Featured readers of the evening include contributors
Billy Lombardo, Zoe Zolbrod and Michael Czyzniejewski. Free beer, raffles, music and a chance to win dinner and a movie with Knee-Jerk's editors. Proceeds benefit debut print issue. Suggested donation: $5. Fill In the Blank Gallery, 5038 N. Lincoln Ave., (773) 878-1750, 8-11pm.
Coliseum @ Reggie's
Louisville metal band Coliseum play at Reggie's tonight. The band released their third album House With a Curse in June. The album is a huge change from their past sound blending harmonies with edge. $10 is $10. The Music starts at 7. All ages. Reggie's is located at 2109 S. State St. (312) 949-0121
Banana Thieves and Caged Birds @ Harper Gallery
Harper Gallery is having an end of summer opening with 2 exceptionally fun artists. Jessie Smith-Larson and Mr. Walter will be presenting their own brand of inspired creativity this Friday from 5:30pm-9:30pm. 1915 S. Michigan.
