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
Sunday, October 26
Slowdown
BY DAY
Saturday, October 08 2011
Facets Fright School: Bloodsucking Freaks
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 screening: the outrageously gory and campy Bloodsucking Freaks from 1978. Tonight's lecture will be given by author and head writer at Mr. Skin Mike McPadden. 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.
Handmade Market
The Handmade Market runs from noon to 4pm today at The Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave. Peruse the wares of more than two dozen local venders, and maybe have a beer while you're at it. Free.
Man Or Astroman @ Metro
There isn't a lot of space-oriented rock music coming out of Alabama, strangely enough, but what they lack for in quantity they make up for with quality. Man or Astroman's been kicking around since the early 90s and now in their second reincarnation. Eight albums and a slew of EPs and singles of surf-inspired punk were enough to keep their name marquee, but it's their must-see live performances that've been talked of most. It's not every band that plays in spacesuits, charges up Tesla coils and rolls out dot matrix printers as a primary instrument. They headline Metro. Milwaukee's Jaill opens. The show's 18+, $16 and starts at 9PM. Metro's at 3730 N Clark.
BikeFall @ Hideout
This cycling celebration includes performances of bike tricks and BMX dance routines, along with music, films, and drink specials from New Belgium Brewing. Events outdoors during the day are free, and a $20 cover beginning at 6 pm benefits the Humboldt Park community bike workshop West Town Bikes. The Hideout is located at 1354 W Wabansia Ave. Check out the event page on the Chainlink, Chicago's social network for cyclists, for more information and a link to purchase advance tickets.
Riot Fest: Smoking Popes Free Show @ Double Door
One of the most well-known bands coming out of Chicago in the 90's, Smoking Popes will be playing a free show tonight at Double Door tonight as part of Riot Fest. The show is late enough that you should be able to make it an after-party to other Riot Fest events.
International Hotdog Forum @ Roots & Culture
It's an age old debate: which city boasts the best style of hotdog? The International Hotdog Forum aims to put this argument to rest by bringing together a dozen regional hotdog recipes to celebrate their nuanced differences and diversity. Chef Eric "E-Dog" May has assembled a caucus of 11 guest chefs who have contributed recipes representing their chosen city's style of dog. Sample their creations at Roots & Culture, 1034 N. Milwaukee Ave., from 4pm to 7pm today. $10 donation.
Chicago Canine Rescue Mutt Strut
Walk through Wrigleyville to benefit homeless animals today at the Chicago Canine Rescue Mutt Strut, which goes from 11am-2pm, starting with a 1.5 mile walk beginning at Newport and Southport; your animals are welcome to join you. Walk concludes with a party complete with entertainment, food, raffles, and vendors. Admission $25-40 before Oct 6; $50-70 after.
Beer-Cheese Pop-Up @ Half Acre
The guys over at Half Acre are hosting a pop-up cheese shop in their tasting room from 3 to 6 this Saturday. Check out a variety of cheese from Jasper Hill Cellars (including my personal favorite Cabot Creamery) and bread from Elmore Mountain both Vermont-based artisans. From Gabriel, "Cheese goodies will be available for purchase - and available for accompaniment with a complimentary flight of sample sized pours, representing 4 of our particularly cheese friendly brews. In short, you buy the cheese, you get the beers."
Special Screening of Adaptation @ the Music Box
The Music Box will host a special screening of Spike Jonze's film Adaptation starring Nicolas Cage and Meryl Streep. The film is based on the book The Orchid Thief by Author Susan Orlean. Ms. Orlean will be on-hand for the screening to introduce the film. The screening begins at 2:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase here. The Music Box is located at 3733 N. Southport Ave. 773-871-6607.
Author Susan Orlean @ the Music Box
Author Susan Orlean will be on hand at the Music Box to present an excerpt from her new book RIN TIN TIN: The Life and the Legend. Special screening and book signing to follow. Event begins at 5:30pm. You can purchase tickets here. The Music Box is located at 3733 N. Southport. 773-871-6607.
Kegs for Kids
Kegs for Kids is tonight at the Mundelein Auditorium at Loyola University, 1020 W. Sheridan Rd., from 5pm to 10pm. Enjoy more than 50 beers from craft and microbreweries, food from local restaurants and a special Metropolis coffee blend roasted just for the event, and bid on items in a silent auction. Tickets are $65, with $100 VIP tickets available; proceeds from the event benefit Pierce Elementary School.
"Chicago Read-In" @ DuSable Museum of African-American History
The DuSable Museum of African-American History, 740 E. 56th Pl., presents WVON-1690 and Literacy Live's "Chicago Read-In," today from 10am-12pm. In addition to readings by local authors, this family-friendly event also features spoken word artists, dance performances by Madd Rhythms and the Mayfair Academy and a special guest appearance by Chicago's own, rapper Che "Rhymefest" Smith. This event is free; however, registration is required. For more information, call 773-247-6200.
