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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Tuesday, April 23
Facets Multimedia presents the return of Facets Night School, their semi-regular series of midnight cult movie screenings paired with lectures on the films' subjects (renamed Facets Fright School for this run, due to this series' focus on horror films). Tonight's kick-off screening is a special premiere: two long-time regulars of the Night School series, Lew Ojeda and Joseph Lewis, have made their own cult film (Sisters of No Mercy) and present it tonight along with performances by circus actors, musicians, dancers, etc. Facets Fright School runs Friday and Saturday nights at midnight through October 29. See the schedule on the Facets Website for full details. Facets: 1517 W. Fullerton. (800) 331-6197.
The Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S. King Dr., presents an encore performance of The Wiz, Chicago Style, tonight at 7pm. The play, an adaptation of the Broadway and film versions of The Wiz, features a Chicago-centric twist that includes the Chicago "Style" Steppers and the Jesse White Tumblers. Tickets are $20-$25 and are available at the box office; for more information, call 312-835-1878 or email mtcproduction@yahoo.com.
It's time again to dance in the warm glow of a happy rock 'n 'roll marriage. I mean, of course, Mates of State are playing in Chicago once more! This adorably upbeat couple also marry the sweet sounds of a banging drum and a slamming keyboard to the stage. Making for one fun-filled ride. Mates of State play September 30 at The Metro. 18+. Suckers and Yawn open. Doors open at 8pm, show starts at 9pm. The Metro is located at 3730 N. Clark St. Tickets are $18 (adv). 773-549-4140
50/50 Pilsen calls itself "the blurring of art & craft." The craft portion occurs this weekend at 1915 S. Halsted St., Sept. 30 to Oct. 2; the art exhibition portion opens Oct. 15. This weekend, peruse crafts from 15 to 20 local artisans. Hours are 6-10pm Friday, noon-7pm Saturday and noon-6pm Sunday. Free.
Dating event Me So Far takes place tonight at 826CHI, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., tonight at 8pm. Registration required.
Tonight, Sujatha Fernandes reads from Close to the Edge: In Search of the Global Hip Hop Generation. In conversation with Jesse De La Pena, Angela Zone, and Mike Treese. Stop Smiling Storefront, 1371 N. Milwaukee, 7pm. RSVP to rsvp@stopsmilingonline.com.
A study of some favorite fermented delicacies such as chocolate, cheese and a little vino too will be held today from 6-8pm at the Lincoln Park Vosges Haute Chocolate, 951 W. Armitage. $40 per person. To reserve a spot call 773-296-9866 or email Raquel@vosgeschocolate.com.
Mortified! returns to Chicago with stories of deep humiliation tonight at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., at 7:30pm. More info on Facebook. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. 21+
Join Gapers Block at the Ravenswood ArtWalk opening party tonight from 7pm to 10pm at the Ravenswood Event Center, 4011 N. Ravenswood Ave. The event doubles as the official kickoff of Chicago Artists Month and as this month's Gapers Block Get-Together. Join us for art, a silent auction, food from local restaurants, live music by Musikanto and a $10 open bar featuring wine and Revolution Brewing Co. beer. RSVP on Eventbrite. Free.