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
Friday, April 19
Slowdown
BY DAY
Tuesday, December 17 2013
The Second City That Never Sleeps/Letters to Santa @ Second City
This 24 hour-long benefit for needy families begins at 6pm at the Second City e.t.c Theater (1608 N. Wells) and is a marathon of music -- among them JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound, Bob Mould, and Sally Timms (Letters to Santa veteran Jeff Tweedy, as well as St. Vincent, Bush, and a reformed Veruca Salt will play live from other locations), improv from local Second City talent (as well as Fred Armisen) and entertainment (Lil Bub the cat!) that is well worth the $20 admission fee. The event will also auction off items such as a Jeff Tweedy concert in your living room, tickets to a taping of "Saturday Night Live," and a recording session with Steve Albini. If you can't handle the heat, stay out of the kitchen and watch the entire event online; it'll be streaming for free.
The Second City That Never Sleeps
They say laughter is the best medicine, but laughter also can be great for raising money for a great cause during the holiday season. The 24-hour marathon of laughs for all ages begins at 6pm in the Second City's E.T.C. stage and will feature Portlandia star Fred Armisen, Internet cat sensation Lil Bub and musicians Bob Mould, Bonnie Prince Billy, Sally Timms and Chicago's J.C. Brooks & The Uptown Sound. There's also word of a Veruca Salt reunion, its first in 15 years. Tickets are $20 and are available at the theater (1608 North Wells Street).
International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers
Celebrate International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers with the Sex Workers Outreach Project Chicago tonight at Ugly Stepsisters Gallery, 1750 S. Union Ave., from 7 to 10pm. The evening will feature an open mic at which community members and allies can tell stories and share thoughts related to violence against sex workers, as well as therapeutic group engagement, an interactive altar at which attendees can light a candle and leave a personal message, and a projection of the names of the sex workers who we have lost this year. Refreshments will be served, and DJ Masisi spins. Attendees are encouraged to bring winter clothing and toiletries to donate.
The Moth StorySLAM @ Martyrs'
Martyrs' hosts the monthly Moth StorySLAM starting tonight at 8:00pm. Ten random people are chosen to deliver a five-minute story on a given topic, and the best story (judged by a panel of audience members) earns its author a spot at the StorySLAM semifinals. Admission is only $8, but the show is very popular, so arrive early. Martyrs': 3855 North Lincoln Avenue. (773) 404-9494.
