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
Wednesday, April 24
Slowdown
BY DAY
Saturday, May 03 2014
Free Comic Book Day
It's Free Comic Book Day! Comics shops across Chicagoland and the world are giving away free comic books and hosting events; find a store near you and go! We've got not one but two previews of local events in Book Club.
Joss Whedon: A Celebration
DePaul University's Department of Media & Cinema Studies hosts Joss Whedon: A Celebration today from 9am to 6pm at the College of Communication, 14 E. Jackson Blvd. Discussions will explore Whedon's many projects for film, television and comics, and special guests include screenwriter Cheryl Cain, who was assistant production coordinator on the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" TV series and a writer on "Firefly." Attendance is free; see the Facebook page for more details.
Modern Vintage @ Plumbers Hall
The Modern Vintage show runs Friday night through Sunday at Plumbers Union Hall, 1340 W, Washington St. Shop for vintage jewelry, clothing and accessories from dozens of vendors. Doors are open today from 10am to 5pm. Admission is $8 in advance, $10 at the door ($3/$5 for students), or get a three-day pass for $25. Sign up separately for "Nena Ivon's Connoisseurs Lunch n' Learn," which includes a presentation on designer costume jewelry and bag lunch from Little Goat; tickets are $25.
Ribbon Cutting & Block Party @ Ciclo Urbano
West Town Bikes and Ciclo Urbano celebrate their 5th anniversary, and a new Fabrication Workshop Space, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and block party at 2459 W. Division St., from 12pm-6pm. Hosted by Alex Wilson (WTB Executive Director) and Eduardo Arocho (Executive Director, Division Street Business Development Association). Special guests include 26th Ward Alderman Roberto Maldonado and Jose E. Lopez, Executive Director of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center. There will be free food and barbecue, BMX and skateboarding demos, and a performance by AfriCaribe. Free and open to the public.
Avondale Restaurant Crawl
The Northwest Arts Connection, Avondale Neighborhood Association and Greater Avondale Chamber of Commerce present the Avondale Restaurant Crawl from 1 to 5pm today. Tickets are $20 and get you samples from Chief O'Neils, Honey Butter Fried Chicken, Traspassada, Beer Temple, Pork Shoppe, Orbit Room, Square Bar, Dragon Lady Lounge and, um, Burger King. Entertainment will be provided by Factory Theater, Prop Thtr, Ignite Gaming, The Art House and Alywind Accordions. Ticket pickup is at Brands Park, 3259 N. Elston Ave., and rickshaws will be on hand to take you around the neighborhood.
Wine Riot @ Union Station
On May 3, Wine Riot returns to Union Station to educate consumers about wine during a tasting extravaganza with a DJ, photo-booth, and temporary tattoos. Enjoy unlimited tastings of 250 wines from around the world, learn about wine at the Bubbly Bar, in Wine 101, or in a 20-minute Crash Course. Tickets for each four-hour riot are $60. Saturday sessions are from 1 to 5pm and from 7 to 11pm. 21+
Mash Tun Fest @ Co-Prosperity Sphere
Mash Tun Festival at the Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., celebrates release of the latest issue of Mash Tun Journal as well as the latest round of new microbreweries in Chicagoland. Sample beers from 18th Street, One Trick Pony, Horse Thief Hollow, Dryhop, Off Color, Ale Syndicate, Slap Shot, Atlas, Lake Effect, BuckleDown, Penrose, Une Année and more, plus food and entertainment, from 3 to 7pm today. Advance tickets required, available for $35. 21+
CIMM Fest
The Chicago International Movies & Music Festival runs April 30-May 4. Various musical performances, movie screenings, panel discussions, and other events are happening throughout the city; see the schedule for full details. Each show is ticketed separately, or buy a day pass for $35, a festival pass for $75, or a VIP pass for $150.
CHAOS Brew Club 3rd Anniversary Party
CHAOS Brew Club celebrates its third anniversary with Cerveza de Mayo, a Cinco de Mayo-themed beer and taco party, at its space at 2417 W. Hubbard St., from 6 to 11pm tonight. It's only open to members, but a 60-day trial membership is only $30. 21+
25th Annual Chicago's Biggest Liar Contest
The 25th Annual Chicago's Biggest Liar Contest takes place at The Ravenswood United Church of Christ, 2050 W. Pensacola Ave. Eleven of the city's most skilled storytellers will unleash their tallest tales and biggest whoppers in a Battle Royale of Bullshit for the legendary Hogwashe Cup. The city's only tall tale competition promises ridiculous surprises, top secret special guests, and lies of all sizes throughout the evening. Don Hall returns to defend his title against these bald-faced liars:Archy Jamjun, Marta Lee, GPA, Jason Lindner, Craig Fitzgerald, Adam Ziemkiewicz, Joe Janes, Angela Vela, Oba King, and Karen Genelly. Tickets are $19.43 in advance, $20 at the door.
Bladerunner @ Reggies
Bladerunner -- the collaboration between saxophonist John Zorn, bassist Bill Laswel and drummer Dave Lombardo -- performs two shows tonight at Reggies, 2105 S. State St., at 7 and 10pm. General admission to the early and late shows are $60, with several VIP options available. 21+
Graze Release Party @ Charnel House
Graze magazine celebrates the release of its fifth issue with Relish, a party at Charnel House, 3421 W. Fullerton Ave., tonight from 8 to 11pm. There'll be food by FIG Catering and Paper Moon Pastry, drinks by Beam, Kimbell Brewing and Longman & Eagle, and music by KSRA, Quarter Mile Thunder and DJ JVH. Tickets are $10 online or at the door, and include a copy of the magazine.
