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
Friday, May 17
Slowdown
BY DAY
Saturday, March 16 2013
War & Peace: a Public Health Perspective @ UIC
Learn more about war's effects on public health today at UIC's College of Nursing (845 South Damen, Room 158) from 9am-4pm. Speakers on topics such as veterans' health, drones, the faith community and refugee health are part of the event. Free admission--and lunch is included as well. Event sponsored by UIC and Emergency USA.
Good Food Festival
The Good Food Festival runs March 14-16 at the UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd. Today's programming begins at 9am and includes a seminar on fermentation by Sandor Katz, workshops on a variety of food topics, a Chef's Kimchi Challenge and an exhibition show featuring more than 150 vendors. Festival passes are $10 in advance, $15 at the door; workshop tickets are $35-75 in advance, $45-90 at the door.
Dyeing of the River
The City's official St. Patrick's Day festivities start this morning with the dyeing of the Chicago River at 10am. Get downtown early and line up along Wacker Drive or on one of the bridges to get a good look. Free.
TIF Forum in Washington Park
"Let's Talk TIFs," a public forum on TIF funding and how it works, takes place today in the Washington Park Field House, 5531 S. King Dr., from 10:30am to noon. Tom Tresser, founder of the Civic Lab and TIF Illumination Project, speaks. Free. More details on Facebook.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
The City's official St. Patrick's Day Parade marches up Columbus Drive from Balbo to Monroe beginning at noon. Free.
Superhero Expo @ Chicago Cultural Center
Stop by the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.) at 2pm today for Superhero Expo. WBEZ's Allison Cuddy hosts a panel discussion with comic artists Jill Thompson, Lyra Hill and Jenny Frison. In addition, there will be a screening of Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines.
9th Annual Chi-Town Blues Festival @ Arie Crown Theater
The Arie Crown Theater, 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr., presents the 9th Annual Chi-Town Blues Festival at 8pm tonight, featuring an all-star line-up of blues artists including Bobby "Blue" Bland, Floyd Taylor, Mel Waiters and more. Tickets are $52.50-$62.50; for more information, call 312-791-6190.
The Tossers @ Metro
The Tossers, Kevin Flynn & the Avondale Ramblers, The Blind Staggers and Continental play a St. Patrick's Day show at the Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., tonight. The show is a 20th anniversary show for the Tossers, and also serves as the record release show for the Avondale Ramblers' latest, The Broken Pavement of Avondale. Tickets are $17 in advance, $20 at the door. Doors open at 8pm, show starts at 9pm. 18+
Ray's Tap Reading Series @ Prop Theater
Ray's Tap Reading Series, produced and hosted by Chris Bower, presents "Manners Please" at the Prop Theater, 3502 N. Elston Ave., tonight at 9pm. The event is described as "a show about manners, etiquette and politeness and what other words might be out there to describe how we should behave and interact with each other and how we actually do." The series is held twice a year and includes Chicago area writers, artists and musicians. This show will feature Martha Bayne, Brian Nemtusak, Robin Cline, Ian Belknap, Mason Johnson, Dave Synder in tandem with Naomi Washer, Matt Test, Megan Larmer, Daniel Shapiro, Randall Colburn, Margaret Chapman, Chris Schoen and the music of Tijuana Hercules. The show is $15 or-pay-what-you-can. All proceeds go directly to the artists.
Jim Becker, Joe Adamik, Glen Kotche & Darin Gray @ Hideout
The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., presents a rare improvised set tonight from four of Chicago's most talented and forward-thinking musicians. Bassist Darin Gray opens with a solo set at 9pm, followed by Califone bandmates Jim Becker and Joe Adamik at 10pm. Wilco drummer Glen Kotche then joins the three performers for a final set of improvised music at 11pm. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 the day of the show. 21+
Bowling For Books at Timber Lanes
If you've found yourself wondering why no one seems to bowl anymore, now is your chance to dust off that ball and convince your friends to join you for a good cause. $35 gets you unlimited bowling, shoe rentals, and food, or if you're a real baller, shell out $250 for a private lane and form your own team. All proceeds go to Reach Out and Read, which prepares Illinois' youngest children to succeed in school by partnering with doctors to prescribe books and encourage families to read together. 9pm to midnight at Timber Lanes, 1851 W. Irving Park Rd. Tickets here.
