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
Tuesday, September 16
Slowdown
BY DAY
Friday, July 12 2013
Windy City Smokeout
The intersection of Rush and Illinois gets drenched in sauce beginning today (3-10pm) and over the weekend at the Windy City Smokeout. Entertainment and a bevy of BBQ joints (Smoque, Bub City, Lillie's Q, etc.) are on the bill. Admission $30/day, $60 for entire three days (does not include food/drink costs; this had better be good).
Free Minds Free People Conference
Free Minds Free People, a national conference organized by the Education for Liberation Network, takes place July 11-14, at Uplift Community High School, 900 W. Wilson Ave. Activities at this education justice oriented conference include workshops, panels, assemblies, radical professional development, lesson planning lounges, and site visits. Registration fees range from $75 to $315. High level contributions go towards ensuring access to all community members. If unable to pay registration fees, email Tara (tara@edliberation.org) to discuss other options. Childcare available. For details, full schedule of events, and registration, visit the Free Minds Free People website.
Schedule of Activities:
8:30-9:30 am - Registration and light breakfast (provided by conference)
9:30-11 am - Opening Keynote
11:15 am-12:45pm - Workshops/Panels, Young Activists, Site Visits (Uptown Tour)
12:45-2 pm - Lunch (provided by conference)
2-3:30 pm - Workshops/Panels, Critical Media Literacy for Young Activists
2-5:15 pm - Site Visits (Little Village Environmental Tour/ Logan Square Tour)
3:45-5:15 pm - Workshops/Panels, Young Activists
7:30-9 pm - Documentary Screening and Open Mic
Square Roots Festival
The Square Roots Festival returns to Lincoln Square, on Lincoln Avenue between Wilson and Montrose, July 12-14. The festival features more than 60 musical acts on four stages (two outdoors, two indoors at the Old Town School of Folk Music), art and craft vendors, local food purveyors and breweries pouring more than 30 beers. The festival runs from 5 to 10pm tonight. Suggested donation for admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children and seniors, and $20 for families.
Wicker Punk Ball @ Double Door
First Ward Alderman Proco Joe Moreno hosts the Wicker Punk Ball tonight at Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave., featuring live painting, punk-inspired murals and installations, performances by Frank Lintzeris and Totally Wrecked, live band punk karaoke, the Midnight Circus and more. A portion of the proceeds benefit 826CHI and CPS schools in the 1st Ward. Tickets are $15 online, $25 at the door. "Mohawks, Doc Martin's and ballroom attire encouraged." Doors open at 6pm. 21+
Chicago Arts District 2nd Fridays
On the second Friday of every month, the 30-or-so galleries and creative spaces in the Chicago Arts District at Halsted and 18th streets open their doors to showcase art and artists from Chicago and the world. The opening receptions begin at 6pm and last officially until 10pm, letting viewers get up close with the art and artists for free. Maps are available at the information center at 1821 S. Halsted St.
Eleanor C. Whitney and DIY Locals @ Quimby's
Tonight at 7pm, Quimby's (1854 W. North Ave.) welcomes Eleanor C. Whitney, reading from Grow: How to Take Your Do It Yourself Project and Passion to the Next Level and Quit Your Job. Whitney will be joined by local creative professionals Selena Fragassi (Boxx Magazine), Rebecca Ann Rakstad (Rarrar Press), and Bradley Adita (PopPunk.com). Free.
Jeff Garlin @ Music Box
The Music Box Theatre welcomes comedian Jeff Garlin, who will be presenting a screening of his new film Dealin' With Idiots tonight and tomorrow night at 7:20pm. Full details and advance tickets available at the Music Box Website. Music Box: 3733 North Southport. (773) 871-6604.
Sarah Bruni @ Women & Children First
Author Sarah Bruni reads from and signs her new book, The Night Gwen Stacy Died, tonight at 7:30 at Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St. Read our review in Book Club. Free.
Zombie Prom @ Bottom Lounge
The Zombie Prom overwhelms Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St., tonight from 9pm to 2am. Enjoy your typical prom staples -- buffet dinner, photo booth, crowded dance floor -- with your fellow undead. Zombie makeup and attire are mandatory; a $10 onsite "makeover" is available. Tickets are $30. 21+
Making New Friends @ Upstairs Gallery
The unmistakeably creative and cunningly absurd web series Making New Friends--brought to you by Chicago's preeminent comedy production studio and digital network, Peaches and Hot Sauce-- will be screening all six episodes and premiering the season one finale "The New Zack" tonight at the Upstairs Gallery (5219 N. Clark St.) There will be a Q&A session following the screening with director Eric Richter and writers/producers Patrick O'Rourke and Zack Mast. Show starts at 10:30pm. It's Free (donations accepted) and you can bring your own booze.
