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
Thursday, April 18
Slowdown
BY DAY
Friday, April 17 2015
Lake FX Summit + Expo: Culinary @ Macy's
Learn more about Chicago's restaurant scene and the industry in general at today's Lake FX Summit + Expo: Culinary today at Macy's on State Street (events throughout the day). Sustainability, business development, and farm-to-table cooking demos are among the many offerings over today and tomorrow. Free.
The State of Reproductive Freedom in America
The Illinois Humanities Council presents "The State of Reproductive Freedom in America: A Conversation With Katha Pollitt" tonight from 6 to 8pm in the Thorne Auditorium at the Northwestern University School of Law, 375 E. Chicago Ave. Pollitt, author of the "Subject to Debate" column for The Nation and the book Pro: Reclaiming Abortion Rights, will be interviewed by WBEZ reporter Natalie Moore on issues of reproductive justice, personal freedoms, gender and culture. Admission is free, but registration is required.
James Beard Awards Gala @ Lyric Opera
For the first time ever, Chicago is the host of tonight's James Beard Awards Gala, which honors chefs and industry titans for their contributions. Ceremony starts at 6pm, followed by a gala reception; tickets $500 for general public, so I recommend you get a bag of Arby's and sit outside to see the celebrities leave. Event takes place at Lyric Opera (20 North Upper Wacker Drive).
Chicago Latino Film Festival
The 31st annual Chicago Latino Film Festival runs April 9-23 at the AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois St. Today's lineup includes 10 films, beginning at 6pm; see the schedule for full details. Tickets are $12 per film, $10 for members of the Illinois Latino Cultural Center. Film passports, good for 12 admissions, are $110.
What We Do In The Shadows @ Film Center
The Gene Siskel Film Center presents a week-long run of the 2014 film What We Do In The Shadows, which recently finished up a popular first-run. If you missed this New Zealand comedy featuring Jemaine Clement from Flight of the Conchords, you have a second chance to catch it in the theater. See the Film Center site for full details and advance tickets. Film Center: 164 North State Street. Box office: (312) 846-2085.
Baconfest @ UIC Forum
UIC Forum (725 W. Roosevelt) turns into a giant cloud of pork at this weekend's Baconfest; over 150 restaurants (Barn and Company, Black Dog Gelato, Firecakes, Osteria La Mada, Farmhouse, Homestead, etc.) will serve their bacon-infused delights (drinks and food); you sample, sample, and pass out. Friday night general admission 7-10pm; tickets $100. Event also benefits Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Back to the Future parts I & II @ Music Box
The Music Box Theatre celebrates the 30th anniversary of the original Back to the Future (and the 2015 date in Back to the Future II) by offering a screening of both films. The screenings start this evening; see the Music Box site for a full schedule and advance tickets. Music Box: 3733 N. Southport. (773) 871-6604.
Dmitry Samarov @ Rational Park
Dmitry Samarov celebrates the opening of an exhibition of his work at Rational Park, 2557 W. North Ave., with a reception tonight from 7 to 10pm.
HUMP! Film Festival Tour @ Music Box
The Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Clark St., hosts the HUMP! Film Festival, a series of short & dirty films curated by Dan Savage. The program of 18 shorts screens Friday and Saturday night; showtimes for both nights are 7:30 and 10:30pm. Full details and advance tickets available at the Music Box site.
Heroes of House @ Metro
The Metro and smartbar, 3730 N. Clark St., host
