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
Wednesday, May 8
Slowdown
BY DAY
Saturday, May 11 2013
Chicago River Day
Friends of the Chicago River hold their annual Chicago River Day today from 9am to noon. Help clean up the city's main waterway by picking a work site and registering to attend. Free.
Peterson Garden Project Plant Sale
The Peterson Garden Project holds a plant sale this weekend, May 10-12, at 4642 N. Francisco Ave. from 10am to 4pm. Pick up organic heirloom vegetable and herb seedlings, gardening supplies and baked goods from local pastry chefs. See a list of what plants will be available here. Proceeds go to Peterson Garden Project classes.
Chicago Art Girls: Popup Shop
Did you forget it was Mother's Day? Or do you just like browsing some of the coolest locally made wares Chicago has to offer while talking to the person who handmade your newest "must-have" item? Then head over to the Chicago Art Girls Popup Shop today from 11am to 5pm at Ravenswood Art Center (4011 N. Ravenswood). There are more than 35 vendors and there will be thousands of gorgeous items available for purchase.
Oak Park's Great Food Truck Rally
Oak Park's Great Food Truck Rally brings together at least a dozen food trucks from noon to 6pm in the parking lot of Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake St. in Oak Park. Admission is free.
American Beer Classic
The American Beer Classic runs two sessions at Soldier Field today -- one from noon to 4pm, the other from 6 to 10pm, with VIP access beginning an hour earlier. Sample beers from more than 80 breweries, attend educational sessions, and enjoy live music and a festival atmosphere. Tickets to Session 1 are sold out, but tickets for Session 2 are $60 in advance, $70 at the door and VIP tickets for either session are $110. Designated driver tickets are $30.
The Paper Machete
It's a special Mother's Day edition of The Paper Machete this week, featuring special guest Julia Sweeney as well as Brendan Dowling and Tim Sniffen, Brad Einstein and Julia Weiss (as the interrupting assholes), Ike Holter, Ali Klinger, Wendy Matteo and Aemilia Scott. The musical guests are Faces for Radio and Bailiff. Christopher Piatt hosts. The fun starts at 3pm at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway. Free, 21+
The Mothers in the Mills Benefit @ John Barleycorn
Help out breeder dogs used in puppy mills tonight from 6:30-10:30pm at John Barleycorn (149 W. Kinzie). A buffet dinner, drinks, music, and an auction/raffle are on the bill. Tickets $100-125.
Journey to the End of Night
Journey to the End of Night, a game that's sort of an combination of tag, returns to Chicago tonight. Meet at 6:30pm at at the flagpole by the fieldhouse in River Park, 5100 N. Francisco Ave., to begin. Free.
Chunks: A One Woman Show @ Powell's Bookstore
Caitlin Bergh presents her one woman show, Chunks, on the stage at Powell's Bookstore (2850 N Lincoln). Chunks is a series of funny stories about being yourself, even if you are disgusting. Fresh openers each night. $5, BYOB, show starts at 7:30pm. Saturdays April 20 through May 11.
Mother's Day Love and Laughter @ Chicago Theatre
The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. presents "Mother's Day Love and Laughter," tonight at 8pm. This music and comedy combination features comedian Rickey Smiley ("The Rickey Smiley Morning Show") and a concert by R&B singers Avant and Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, Eric Benet. Tickets are $67.50 - $97.50 and are on sale online or by calling 800-745-3000. For more information, call 312-462-6300.
The Revelettes '60s Go-Go Spectacular
The Revelettes '60s Go-Go Spectacular runs Saturday nights in May at the Prop Theater, 3502 N. Elston Ave., at 10:30pm. This full-length spectacular features go-go troupe The Revelettes performing dance numbers inspired by the surf and sci-fi movies of the 1960s, with house band the Reveltones, multi-talented curio-collector host Andy Somma and many special guests, including comedienne Mary Zematis, juggler extraordinaire Brad French, retro singer John Connors, and Vaudevillians the Gentlemen Follies. Tickets are $15 in advance or at the box office. BYOB or hit the concession stand.
Facets Night School: Ben & Athur
Facets Cinematheque concludes its Facets Night School,a cult film paired with a discussion of the film, tonight at midnight. Tonight's final film is the cult film Ben & Athur, paired with a lecture by Facets Night School regular Lew Ojeda. Facets Night School screenings run Saturdays at midnight through May 11, and admission is $5. See the Facets Website for a complete schedule. Facets: 1517 W. Fullerton. (800) 331-6197.
Smashing Time @ Hideout
End your Saturday right (or maybe start your Saturday right?) at this dance party at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia). DJs Mary Nisi and Carrie Weston will be spinning from 11:59pm to 3am. Admission $5.
