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
Saturday, May 4
Slowdown
BY DAY
Friday, September 27 2013
Critical Mass Bike Ride
Critical Mass is a global movement promoting the use of bicycles as a feasible means of transportation in response to a cultural over-dependence on automobiles. The bike ride is a reclamation of public space, demonstrating that the streets belong to people and not machines. Chicago Critical Mass bike rides take place on the last Friday of each month. The free ride starts from Daley Plaza (Dearborn & Washington) at 5:30 pm and runs for about three hours.
Hamburger Hop @ Harris Theater
Chefs from all over the city will duke it out for the best hamburger tonight from 6-9pm on the rooftop of the Harris Theater (205 E. Randolph) as part of the opening activities of this weekend's Chicago Gourmet. A special panel of judges and the crowd itself will make their picks. Late Night Gourmet, an afterparty at the Radisson Blu Aqua (221 N. Columbus), runs from 9pm-midnight. Tickets start at $115.
Tim DeChristopher and Terry Tempest Williams @ Chicago Historical Museum
Join climate justice activist Tim DeChristopher and "citizen writer" Terry Tempest Williams at Chicago Historical Museum (1601 N Clark St.) for a talk and book signing event sponsored by Haymarket Books and Lannan Foundation. DeChristopher, co-founder of the nonprofit Peaceful Uprising, will speak about his environmental activism and act of nonviolent civil disobedience that landed him 21 months in prison. The talk will be followed by a discussion and book signing with Terry Tempest Williams. Tickets are $5, seats are unassigned. Doors open at 6pm, event starts at 7pm.
Billy Bragg @ SPACE
Legendary folk singer Billy Bragg plays two shows at SPACE, 1425 Chicago Ave. in Evanston, tonight at Saturday with Joe Purdy opening. Tickets are $40-88. Doors open at 7pm, show's at 8pm.
Computer Chess @ Music Box
The Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., screens the new mockumentary Computer Chess tonight and Saturday at 7:15pm. Writer-director Andrew Bujalski, local stars Gordon Kindlmann and Anne Dodge, Chicago-born producer Alex Lipschultz, and other special guests will be on hand for a Q&A with NewCity film critic Ray Pride after the show. Tickets are $9.25 in advance or at the box office.
Iron & Wine @ Chicago Theatre
Iron and Wine perform at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., tonight, with Widowspeak opening. Doors open at 7:30pm. Tickets are $42-52. Read our interview with Sam Beam in Transmission.
Travis @ Vic
The Glaswegian Travis have never really broken in the US, aside from a couple songs over a decade ago, but the Britpop band is still chugging along. Their new album, Where You Stand, delivers the Travis sound and they'll return stateside to tour in support of it. Travis headlines with Luke Rathborne opening. The show's 18+, $40 and starts at 7:30pm. The Vic's at 3145 N. Sheffield Ave. Read our preview in Transmission.
The Shit Show @ the Shambles
The Shit Show comedy showcase is back at the Shambles, 2050 W. Division St., at 8pm tonight. This month's features Sam Norton, Jeanie Doogan
Mike Lebovitz, Katie McVay, Jason Earl Folks and Keith Paesel. Hosted by Rasa Gierstikas, with special guest host Corey Calver. No cover.
Old School & Freestyle Jam @ The Venue
Biz Markie, Slick Rick, Johnny O and the Sugar Hill Gang perform tonight at The Venue at Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Dr. in Hammond, IN. Tickets are $50 to $85. Doors open at 8pm. 21+
The Meat Puppets @ Empty Bottle
The Empty Bottle presents the Meat Puppets this evening at 9:00pm, with special guests Enemy Planes and Vamos! Tickets are $20 ($18 in advance), and may be purchased through the Empty Bottle Website. Empty Bottle: 1035 North Western Avenue. (773) 276-3600.
