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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Sunday, March 23
Mayfest kicks off the summer street festival season this weekend at Ashland and Barry avenues this weekend, May 17-19. Enjoy beer, food and live music by Brothers Rage, Mr. Blotto and This Must Be the Band under a huge tent, as well as a pet pageant and expo from 11am to 2pm. Admission is $10. The fest is open from 10am to 10pm today.
Green Festival Chicago returns to Navy Pier Saturday and today, May 18-19. Attend presentations by more than 100 speakers from the environmental and social justice community, tour the exhibit hall, watch films in the Sierra Club Green Cinema, check out eco-fashion exhibits, attend workshops and enjoy live music and an organic, vegetarian and vegan food court and organic beer and wine garden. Admission is $10 online in advance, $15 at the door; a festival fan weekend pass admits two people both days for $32, available online only. You can also get in free with a donation of three nonperishable food items to the Great Chicago Food Depository. The festival is open from 11am to 5pm today.
Brigid Murphy hosts Milly's Spring Family Fling today at 2pm at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave. The family-friendly country-style variety show includes puppets, magic, flamenco and hip hop dance, and music by the Spinettes and Diggettes. Tickets are $18 online or at the door; children under 3 get in free.
In Chris Bower's original comic tragedy, Mascot , actor Matt Test takes on the character of a man estranged from his family and meditating on ways to continue seeing his son. Through May 26 at the Den Theatre. Showtimes: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 3pm. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Brown Paper Tickets, Reservations can be made by calling (773) 800-9479 or by emailing: foundobjectstheatrechicago.com
This afternoon is the science fiction writer's panel and networking event from 3 to 6pm at Open Books Chicago (213 W. Institute Place). Hosted by the Chicago Nerd Social Club, the event features Q&A with authors Wesley Chu, Wesley and Brad Sun and Mark McClelland. Panel moderated by Jeff Smith with time for audience questions and chat about current projects.
The Gene Siskel Film Center presents a preview of four upcoming movies by Kartemquin Films. The directors of the films will be in attendance for Q&A and feedback, and a post-screening reception for ticketholders is also scheduled. The screenings begin at 5:00pm. Film Center: 164 North State Street. (312) 846-2800.
Author Leslie Zemeckis celebrates the release of her book Behind The Burly Q: The Story of Burlesque in America, tonight at 7pm at Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave. The event will feature a book signing and Q&A with Zemeckis as well as live burlesque performances by two dancers from the Belmont Burlesque Revue, Kiss Kiss Cabaret and Original Tease. Vander Mill Cider will also release its new Loving Cup cider. No cover, 21+
HoZac Records' Blackout Fest runs through Sunday at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave. Tonight Dwight Twilley, Pezband, GAMES, The Sueves and DJ Jeremy Games perform. Tickets are $25. Doors open at 8pm. 21+
Chicago's favorite comedy sister duo act, The Puterbaugh Sisters, host Entertaining Julia, a free comedy, music and variety show every Sunday at Town Hall Pub (3340 N Halsted) at 9:30pm.