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
Sunday, May 19
Slowdown
BY DAY
Sunday, September 01 2013
African Festival of the Arts
The 24th annual African Festival of the Arts runs Aug. 30 to Sept. 2 in Washington Park, 51st and Cottage Grove, from 10am to 10pm each day. Browse a marketplace with more than 300 artists and vendors; sample food from local restaurants; visit pavilions organized around topics such as books, spirituality and cyberspace; and enjoy music on two stages. Admission is $20 per day at the gate, or $30 for a weekend festival pass. Children under 12 and seniors over 65 are $5. Family passes are $30 per day, and include admission for two adults and up to four children.
Jazz Fest
The Chicago Jazz Festival runs Aug. 29 to Sept. 1 in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. Watch jazz on four stages beginning at 11am, and culminating with the final performance of the festival, Donald Harrison and The Congo Square Nation with special guest Willie Pickens, at 8:45pm. Free.
Empty Bottle Family Friendly Block Party
The Empty Bottle hosts their first every Empty Bottle Family Friendly Block Party, featuring food from chef Dave Cooper from Bite Cafe, music from various bands (including Yakuza, Rabble Rabble, Circles, and more), and family activities inside the Empty Bottle. The party starts at noon today, happens on Cortez, between Western and the alley, and admission is a suggested $5 donation. Full details at the Empty Bottle Website.
Windy City BBQ Classic @ Soldier Field
Pitmasters (30!) from all over the land will convene at the South parking lot of Soldier Field today from noon-9pm for the Windy City BBQ Classic, which benefits Operation BBQ Relief, an organization that helps those affected by the 2011 Joplin, MO tornado. Sample the grillin' (all tickets come with unlimited BBQ sampling), and wash it down with Lagunitas beer or bloody marys. Local flavor in attendance include Barn & Company, Smoque, Sweet Baby Ray's, Chicago Q and Uncle Bub's. Admission $49-$99.
North Coast Music Festival
The 4th annual North Coast Music Festival wraps up at Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., with a final full day of music. Wu-Tang Clan, Lotus and Rebelution headline. Gates open at 1pm, music starts at 1:30pm. Sunday general admission tickets are $60. All ages.
Chicago Fringe Festival
The Chicago Fringe Festival runs Aug. 29-Sept. 8 at several venues in the Jefferson Park neighborhood. More than two dozen performances of theater, sketch comedy, spoken word and other experimental works stage today, beginning at 2:30pm; see the schedule for details. Admission buttons are $5 (they're required to get into any show); tickets are $10 per show. You can also buy five- and 10-ticket packs for $45 or $80, respectively, or go to everything for $180.
Longman & Eagle Block Party
Longman & Eagle, 2657 N. Kedzie Blvd., holds its second annual block party tonight from 4 to 10pm, with Windy City Soul Club spinning, plenty of beer and a special outdoor menu from Chef Jared Wentworth. Admission is free.
Longman & Eagle Block Party
Give summer its send-off at Longman & Eagle's second annual block party, which runs today from 4-10pm (2657 N Kedzie). Music from Windy City Soul Club and a special outdoor menu are part of the fun; perhaps they'll have a bouncy castle for the kids?
Dirty Dozen Brass Band @ Bottom Lounge
You gotta respect your elders, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band has been on top of the scene in New Orleans for a long time. See'em live at the Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St., tonight with Van Ghost opening. Doors are at 10pm, show's at 10:30. Tickets are $12. 17+
