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
Thursday, April 25
Slowdown
BY DAY
Saturday, February 19 2011
Facets Night School: The Boneyard
Facets Cinematheque begins another session of Facets Night School tonight at midnight. For the next 8 weeks enjoy a classic cult film along with a lecture/discussion about the themes in that film. Tonight's kick-off film is 1991's The Boneyard, starring Phyllis Diller, Norman Fell and a zombie poodle. The lecture will be provided by Facets Night School regular Lew Ojeda. The fun kicks off tonight at midnight; see the Facets Website for a complete schedule of all upcoming films. Facets: 1517 W. Fullerton. For inquiries about Facets Night School, call Susan Doll at (800) 331-6197.
Paul Collins' Beat @ Subterranean
Paul Collins has been around the block. Over the last 30 years, he's been involved with some of the best power-pop bands ever (The Nerves, The Breakaways, The Beat). He's currently touring in support of a new record, King of Power Pop. Paul Collins' Beat headlines Subterranean. Lafayette's Half Rats and Chicago's Sleepovers open at 10:30PM. The show's 21+ and $10. Subterranean's at 2011 W North.
Tattoo You! Benefit @ Insight Studios
The fine tattoo artists of Insight Studios (1062 North Milwaukee) will donate tonight and tomorrow night's proceeds for all their inkings to Red Door Animal Shelter; benefit runs noon-10pm both days. Now's the time to get the "Momma" tattoo you've been pondering!
Your Call @ Mercury Theater
For a night of laughs, catch All Hype City's hilarious improv and sketch comedy show Your Call, from 10pm-midnight at the Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport. Led by writer and producer Naima Dawson, the show features a mix of music and comedic skits as well as a chance for the audience to join in the fun. Tickets are $20-$25 and are on sale at the box office and online; contact 773-325-1700 for more information.
Vaudezilla's Show & Tell Cabaret @ The Greenhouse Theater
Strut on over to the Greenhouse Theater (2257 N. Lincoln Avenue; 773-404-7336) tonight at 11pm for the Show & Tell Cabaret. Presented by Chicago's favorite burlesque troupe Vaudezilla, the show promises "the Best of the Best" of burlesque and variety performances. Starring Red Hot Annie, Donna Touch, RenZena, Cherry Brandi, The Dolls of Doom, and Stage Door Johnnies, the show is expected to sell out and tickets ($15) can be purchased on the Greenhouse Theater's website.
Schadenfreude's "Alderman Ed Bus Victory Party (and variety show)" @ Gallery Cabaret
Schadenfreude (Chicago's critically acclaimed comedy group) is performing tonight at the Gallery Cabaret in Bucktown. The comedic variety show will focus on the upcoming mayoral election in Chicago. Alderman Ed Bus (53rd) is running for mayor. He will host. Guests include Alderman Scott Waguespack (32nd Ward), former 42nd Ward Alderman Burt Natarus, Grammy Award winner and 20th Ward candidate Rhymefest, Cook County Social Club (2010 Best Comedy Group, Chi Reader), Comic and future Chicago Wingman: Ernest Wilkins, Beatbox sensation Yuri Lane and Paul Thomas (Rum Emanuel). Gallery Cabaret is located at 2020 N. Oakley St. Admission is $10. Show starts at 9pm.
The Alumni Chapter @ Portage Theater
Indie film The Alumni Chapter premieres at the Portage Theater, 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave., tonight. A pre-screening party runs from 6pm to 8pm, with a cash bar, snacks and appetizers, and opportunities to meet the cast and filmmakers. The film screens at 8pm, and the afterparty gets going at 10pm. Tickets are $10 in advance; more info here.
Two With Water Fundraiser @ Beauty Bar
Local lit mag Two With Water hosts a fundraising party featuring booze, literary games, and a live show by Chicago band Helicopters. $5 cover.
Beauty Bar, 1444 W. Chicago Ave., 7-10pm.
Tamale Hut Cafe Presents @ Tamale Hut
Next installment of Tamale Hut Cafe Presents is tonight. Featured reader is Scott Blackwood, Director of Roosevelt University's MFA Creative Writing Program. His novel We Agreed To Meet Just Here is the winner of the 2007 AWP Award for the Novel. Contest judge Robert Eversz calls it "...a lyrical mystery about disappearance, told in precise and luminous prose. The absences are so keenly felt, in the drifting lucidity of the author's sentences, that every reappearance reads like a small miracle." Tamale Hut Cafe, 8300 W. Cermak Road (between 10th and 11th Ave.), North Riverside, IL, (708) 442-0948, 7pm. BYOB. Reading is free, but you'll want to bring money for Jaime's tamales. There's also an open mic, so bring stories, poems, essays or songs.
PORQUES NO COMES @ Gorilla Tango
Lupe Sanchez performs his "semi-falsified, autobiographical one-man performance", PORQUE NO COMES, tonight at Gorilla Tango Theatre (1919 N. Milwaukee Ave). PORQUE NO COMES (Because You Don't Eat) is the comedic story of a Latino boy (Lupe himself) growing up in a white suburb (Schaumburg to be specific), and his journey to find understanding and identity. Show starts at 9:30pm. Tickets are $10.
