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
Slowdown
BY DAY
Friday, June 07 2013
Chicago Blues Festival
Blues Fest is back in Grant Park for its 30th year as one of Chicago's most popular music festivals. Watch blues legends, including Otis Clay, perform on five stages throughout four days. Event runs 11am-9:30pm. Free admission.
Midsommarfest
Summer doesn't technically begin until later this month but that doesn't stop Andersonville's Midsommarfest from taking the stage this weekend, starting tonight (5-10pm; Saturday & Sunday, 11am-10pm) on Clark Street from Foster to Catalpa. Music, eating, entertainment, drinking, shopping...and the fun of being outside. "Suggested" $10 to enter; kids under 12 and over 65 are free.
Ribfest Chicago
You know that summer has finally hit when Ribfest comes around. Tonight kicks off the 15th annual Ribfest Chicago at the the intersection of Lincoln Avenue, Irving Park and Damen. There will be all the ribs your finger-lickin' hands can get a hold of, including an amateur rib eating contest at 6pm, and live music. The fest continues throughout the weekend. $5 suggested donation.
First Friday @ Old Town School of Folk Music
The Old Town School of Folk Music hosts their monthly First Friday evening of performances and workshops this evening. The public is invited to come to the school and sample some of the many music & dance classes the school has to offer. The evening takes place at the Szold Music & Dance Hall in the school's east building (4545 N. Lincoln), and admission is a $5 donation. See the school's Website for details on the evening, or call the box office at (773) 728-6000 for more information.
The Interview Show
The Interview Show, hosted by Mark Bazer, returns to The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., tonight from 6:30 to 8m. This month's guests include author Jami Attenberg, State Sen. Daniel Biss, Art Institute curator Gloria Groom, The Dissolve editor Keith Phipps and special musical guest Matt Kerstein of Brighton MA. Doors open at 6pm. Admission is $8.
3rd anniversary party @ Inkling
Inkling, the craft boutique that sells locally produced artwork and goods, celebrates its 3rd year of business with a party this evening from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. The party will feature a raffle, button making, and free drinks. See the shop's Website for full details. Inkling: 2917 1/2 N. Broadway. (773) 248-8004.
Rebirth Brass Band @ Martyrs'
New Orleans' Rebirth Brass Band plays two shows tonight, at 7pm and 10pm, at Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave. Great Divide opens during the 10pm show. Tickets for either show are $25. 21+
Spitalfield @ Bottom Lounge
Spitalfield play their album Remember Right Now in its entirety tonight at Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St. Shane Henderson & the Future Perfect and Jon Walker open. The show is 17+ and tickets are $16, and doors are at 7pm.
Ray Bradbury Festival @ Strawdog Theater
Tonight, Strawdog Theater (3829 N. Broadway St.) celebrates the work of that late, great Waukegan native at the Ray Bradbury Festival. Events include panel discussions, live performances of Fahrenheit 451, live performances of The Ray Bradbury Radio Hour, and an artists gallery of Bradbury inspired work. Produced by OtherWorld Theatre Company, all events are free with suggested $5 donation. Click here for schedule of events.
ActYourAge! @ Intuit
Following its inspirational and critically acclaimed sell-out run at Chicago Dramatists this April, Beth Urech will perform her one-woman show, ActYourAge!, tonight and Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 8pm at Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Arts, 756 N. Milwaukee Ave. Tickets are $20 (includes post-show reception). (312) 243-9088.
Chicago Women's Funny Festival
Chicago's second annual Women's Funny Festival, June 6-9, is honoring female comedians with a four-day event that features Chicago's own Alexandra Tsarpalas, Second City faculty member Angie McMahon and other comics from around the nation. Shows start tonight at 8pm at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Tickets are $15 and one-day passes are $35.
Chicago Women in the Blues Festival @ Reggie's
Reggie's, 2105 S. State St., hosts the Chicago Women in the Blues Festival tonight, featuring Peaches Staten, Hollethee Maxwell, Demetria Taylor, Vanessa Davis, Liz Mandeville, Donna Herula, Ramblin Rose, Tracee Adams, Alex Lund, Stacy Jones, Dia Madden, TK the Tequila Kid and Ellen Miller, hosted by Joan Gand and Blue Road. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. 18+
Eleanor Friedberger @ Empty Bottle
Oak Park native, and sisterly half of The Fiery Furnaces, Eleanor Friedberger plays the Empty Bottle tonight in support of Personal Record, her second solo album. Tickets are $15, and the show beings at 9:30pm. The Empty Bottle is located at 1035 N. Western Ave. 21+.
Archie Powell & the Exports @ Schubas
Local rockers Archie Powell & the Exports bring their rowdy power-pop to Schubas tonight at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport. Front man Archie Powell will be celebrating his birthday so things are sure to "get weird" at the 10pm show. Quiet Company and The Kickback open. Tickets are $10. 18+
