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 25
Studs Terkel @ Barnes & Noble
Chicago historian Studs Terkel will be doing a discussion and booksigning for his latest book, Hope Dies Last: Keeping the Faith in Troubled Times at the Barnes & Noble at 1441 W. Webster at 3:00 today. If you haven't read the book or seen Studs in person, you definitely need to check him out; it's inspiring to see this tough old guy still going strong at 91 years. More info: (773) 871-3610.Josh Ritter @ the Old Town School
Go see Josh Ritter play at the Old Town School of Folk Music Saturday November 29 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15, available on the Old Town School website. "Ritter's is the rare type of songwriting: untouched by affectation, embroidered with a quietly plaintive voice and sparse melodies (think Dylan and Drake), and with words expressive of another time and place - intangible and idyllic, full of longing and nostalgia, with imagery that awakens even the inanimate." - THE VILLAGE VOICEVulgar Boatmen at Beat Kitchen
The Vulgar Boatman are coming to play at the Beat Kitchen with Sour Delux and Sounddrifter. The Boatmen are a great, great rock band (mp3s at their site) that doesn't tour often. Be sure to check them out!WLUW Punk Rock Reunion
WLUW is having a benefit show starring three of Chicago's biggest punk bands from the 90's. The Bollweevils, Apocalypse Hoboken, and the Traitors will be reuniting for one night to raise some rockin' bucks for independent radio. The Dutchmen and Mexican Cheerleaders will represent the current Chicago punk scene. This all ages show is at the Metro and begins at 5:30pm with doors opening at 5:00. Advance tickets are $13 (and can be purchased royalty free at Hifi Records next to the Metro), $15 at the door. It's expected to sell out so buy early and save a couple bucks. Seems an appropriate way to celebrate Black Friday, doesn't it?Sing-a-long Sound of Music
The strange phenomenon of attempting to turn the Julie Andrews musical into the next Rocky Horror rears its head again for a three-day stay at the Music Box Theatre. Costume parades, talking back to the screen, props aplenty ... yes, it's all here. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, if you really want to make sure you can attend. Music Box Theatre: 3733 N. Southport. (773) 871-6604.Santa train starts rolling
If you're going to be in town the day after Thanksgiving, keep an eye on the El trains that pass by in the Loop; you might see this year's holiday train, which is a regular train decorated with holiday imagery and garlands, and also features an open-air flatcar with Santa and his reindeer waving to amazed onlookers. The train runs through Sunday, December 21st, on various train lines; check the CTA site for times and locations.Buy Nothing Day
It's Buy Nothing Day 2003. Fight the consumption bender that traditionally follows Thanksgiving, and don't go shopping on the biggest shopping day of the year.Thanksgiving
It's Turkey Day! Show up for a large meal at your parents' -- or invite'em over to your place! Just make sure to eat more than you should have, and turn on the TV for a marathon of football games and/or old movies.Michael Mayer, Reinhard Voigt, and Kate Simko
Michael Mayer and Reinhard Voigt from the German label Kompakt are DJing and playing live techno (respectively) at the Empty Bottle, alongside Kate Simko/Detalles. 1035 N. Western, 21+, 9pm, $12 advance/ $15 door.OK Go @ Abbey Pub
OK Go, Chicago's hometown pop-snot-rock heroes, play an 18-and-over show at the famous Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace. The Like Young and Thunderbirds Are Now open. Doors are at 9pm, show starts at 10. $15.57th Latke-Hamentash Debate
University of Chicago Staff debate the perennial question of the superiority of the Latke and the Hamentashen. This year's moderator is Ted Cohen, Professor of Philosophy. Participants include Donald Levine, Professor of Sociology ; Albert Madansky, Professor Emeritus, Graduate School of Business; Anne Walters Robertson, Deputy Provost and Professor of Music; and Dr. Mindy Schwartz, Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine. Spectators are encouraged to show support for their preferred victual by coming to Mandel Hall dressed in a latke- or hamentash-related costume. The debate is followed by a reception at which latkes and hamentashen will be served. 11/25/2003, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM. Location: Mandel Hall, 5706 S. University Avenue. The fee for the post-debate feast is $3 in advance or $4 at the door. For more information, call the Newberger Hillel Center at (773) 752-1127.Mosquitos @ Virgin Megastore
The NYC trio Mosquitos will be doing an in-store appearance at the Virgin Megastore today at 12:30PM, to promote their show at Gunther Murphy's tonight at 9:00. If "lighthearted indie rock, smart samples and sexy Brazilian beats" are your kind of music, check them out. Virgin Megastore: 540 N. Michigan Avenue. (312) 645-9300. Gunther Murphy's: 1638 W. Belmont. (773) 472-5139.Huey Lewis and the News
Relive your 1980s nightmares! Or just pretend you're listening to the soundtrack of Back To The Future. Tonight at the Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago, Joliet. (815) 726-6600 or (312) 902-1500.Wild Chicago @ Quimby's
Surely you've seen "Wild Chicago," the program on Channel 11 hosted by Will Clinger and featuring stories on strange doings in the Windy City? Well, some of the people behind the show have put together a compilation of their favorite stories from the show. The book is called Wild Chicago: The Companion Guidebook to the Wildly Popular Television Show, and the authors (Clinger, producer Harvey Moshman, and correspondent Mindy Bell) will be doing a booksigning this afternoon at 4:00 at Quimby's. 1854 W. North. (773) 342-0910.A Puppet Christmas Carol
From Harvey Finklestein's Institute of Whimsical, Fantastical, And Marvelous Puppet Masterage, the creators of last year's amazing sock puppet version of "Showgirls," comes a new show for the holiday season. This ain't your daddy's puppet show. Starts tonight, and runs Saturdays at 10:30 PM through January 3 at Live Bait (3914 N. Clark). See the Metromix site for further details.60-Minute History is history!
Tonight's the final night for A 60-Minute History of Humankind, the current prime-time show of the Neo-Futurist theater company. Come see a spirited attempt to describe the major points of the last few thousand years through dance, performance, flag-waving, and the distribution of a large amount of pennies. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland. (773) 878-4557.Califone @ U of C
Go see Califone with Sin Ropas at the University of Chicago's Ida Noyes Hall (1212 e. 59th street, on 59th between Kimbark & Woodlawn ave.) Saturday, Nov. 22nd at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $12, available at the door.Megan Mullally Northlight show
Actress Megan Mullally performs two benefit concerts for Northlight Theatre tonight at 7:30 and 9:00. Call the Northlight box office at 847-673-6300 for tickets; more info at their site.Green City Thanksgiving market
The Green City Market is having a Thanksgiving Market this Saturday at the Lincoln Park Zoo, 8am to 1pm. Entrance to the zoo is free, and the market will be held in the Lion House. There will be cooking demonstrations, children's activities, chestnut roasting, and of course, all the usual organic and sustainable merchants to shop from: fruits & vegetables, hormone-free meats (pork and beef), poultry (organic turkey chicken and duck), game, breads, artisanal cheeses, mushrooms, caviar, cider, vinegars, mustards, maple syrup, honey, organic Christmas trees, wild rice, and coffee.Select Media Festival 2
The Gene Siskel Film Center and your pals at Lumpen Magazine present Select Media Festival 2, the latest in a series of film and video festivals celebrating "the digital underground of electronic media." Tonight the festival kicks off with a rip-roaring double feature: Value Added Cinema, a 45-minute collection of gratuitous product placement in Hollywood cinema; and Knowing Was Half The Battle, aka the infamous GI Joe shorts that have been travelling the 'net recently (done by Chicago's own Eric Fensler!). Show starts at 8:00; Select Media Festival runs through November 26. Check the Website(s) for further details. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.Sondre Lerche/Rachael Yamagata
Norwegian singer-songwriter wünderkind Sondre Lerche makes a return appearance at Schubas, supported by local hot stuff Rachael Yamagata. Two shows: 7:00p, 18 & up; 10:30p, 21 & up.CHICAGOPEX
The Chicago Philatelic Society holds the 117th(!) annual CHICAGOPEX philatelic convention and bourse November 21-23 at the Sheraton Chicago Northwest, 3400 West Euclid Ave. in Arlington Heights. The British Caribbean Philatelic Society, the United Postal Stationery Society and the United States Stamp Society will hold their annual conventions concurrently. If you're into stamps, this is the Big Show. More information here.Flirt Burlesque
Flirt is a burlesque cabaret featuring Parisian-style dancing, singing and vignettes in two 40-minute sets with live musical accompaniment. 9pm at The Black Orchid, 230 W. North Ave. (third floor of Piper's Alley.) 21 and over. Tickets are $25 each, call the box office to reserve: 773-425-5593.Synethaesia- Glam Rock Opera, etc.
If you're into glittery glam-rock operatics, student-made films, improvisational dancing and other artsy goings-ons, swing by Hyde Park's Smart Museum of Art, Thursday from 8:30- 10:30 pm for "Synaethesia," a multi-dimensional event put together by a conglomoration of U of C student groups. P1xel (of P1xel and the Chronic Network) has requested that guests wear white to the event, which is free and open to the public.Bridge Mag AAA Role-Playing Game
Bridge Magazine has organized a public tournament of its Advanced Artists & Alternos Role-Playing Game System, which premiered in the game-theory themed Bridge 7/8.(From the site:) In this satire of hipster culture, players create artists and alternative-lifestyle characters who battle it out against the commodifying forces of commercial culture against the backdrop of the North Side, a neighborhood that curiously resembles Chicago's Wicker Park. The first-ever gaming module for the AAA system, Escape From Banality: The Battle For the North Side pits players against such menacing creatures as 'Eggerites,' 'Friends Zombies' and the ever-fearsome'Iraglasilisk,' monsters brought on by a mysterious 'Cloud of Banality' that threatens the artistic integrity of their hipster haven. Who will win? Join in the fight and maybe it'll be you!
Admission to the Bridge AAA Role-Playing Tournament is $5, capping of a Bridge subscription drive scheduled for Nov. 17-20th (to volunteer to help with the drive, please contact the Bridge office). Pre-rolled character sheets will be handed out to all participants, who will then be organized into groups of 3-6. A Bridge-trained “game master” will direct game play. Players whose characters survive play will be awarded prizes including a velvet dice bag with dice and a cloak-broach. A caricature artist will also be available on site to, for a small fee, draw caricatures of players as their role-playing characters.
Doors open at 7pm, game runs from 8pm to midnight at the Open End Gallery/Ideotech, 2000 W. Fulton St. More info here.
Beaujolais Nouveau Tastings
Beaujolais Nouveau is a French red wine that is meant to be drunk young. It's released every year on the third Thursday in November, and this year's harvest is supposedly excellent. There are several tasting parties going on tonight, so rather than make separate listings for each, here they are all in one:• The Chicago chapter of Wine Brats at Maeve, 1325 W. Wrightwood, serving Georges DeBoeuf 2003 Beaujolais Nouveau, 2002 Beaujolais-Villages and a 2002 Cru Beaujolais. 6:30 -8:30pm. $18 online in advance; $25 at the door if available.
• Pops for Champagne, 2934 N. Sheffield, serving Joseph Drouhin 2003 Beaujolais Nouveau from cask. 6-8pm. $25, reservations required.
• The French American Chamber of Commerce - Chicago Chapter at Union League Club, 65 W. Jackson, featuring food by chefs Dominique Tougne (Bistro 110), Didier Durand (Cyrano's Bistrot), Dale Levitsky (La Tache), Francoise de Melogue (Pili.Pili), John Bubala (Thyme) and others. Silent auction items include a "discover France" travel package. $45-$55. Reservations recommended; call 312/578-0444 and tell them the entry for the event on their website is broken.
• MonAmiGabi, 260 Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook, serving 25 Crus Beaujolais wines. 6-9pm. $25, reservations recommended.
• MonAmiGabi, 2300 N. Lincoln Park West, serving beaujolais & chardonnay, along with hors d'oeuvres & desserts. 9pm-1am. $30, reservations recommended.
• Your local wine shop, which will no doubt be offering some sort of special and likely offering tastes of the new shipment. All for the cost of a bottle of wine.
(Obviously, you must be 21 or over to drink at these events.)
Katherine Shonk
Chicago writer Katherine Shonk will be appearing at the Women and Children First independent bookstore tonight at 7:30, promoting her debut collection of stories The Red Passport. Her stories "portray the tumult, hopes, and disappointments of Russians and visiting Americans alike in post-Communist Russia." Women and Children First: 5233 N. Clark. (773) 769-9299.Beer Academy
Goose Island brewery on Clybourn turns into Beer Academy on November 19th at 6:30 pm. Learn from the Brewmaster, brush up on the ins and outs of brewing, and taste a dozen different beers while you're at it. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. To RSVP or for more information, call 312-915-0071.Blogger Meetup
The monthly Weblogger Meetup is tonight at 7pm at the Black Rock, 3614 N. Damen Ave. Free, other than what you spend on drinks. Come meet your fellow bloggers!Free Self-Defense Training
The recently publicized rapists that have been attacking women in Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and other northside neighborhoods has drawn together Chicago NOW, Chicago CAPS, and Lakeview Alderman Tom Tunney to provide free self-defense classes. Representatives of 1000 Waves will be teaching the final class. You can attend the free session tonight at Sheil Park (3505 N. Southport) from 6-8 pm."Swell Holiday" Cocktail Party
Local fashion designer Cynthia Rowley and style writer Ilene Rosenzweig celebrate the release of their new book Swell Holiday"> with a cocktail party at Spago, 520 N. Dearborn. The book showcases simple holiday entertaining techniques, from desserts and "Grinch" punch to fashion and greeting cards. The party runs from 5:30-8:30pm, and appetizers are included in the $30 ticket price (which leads us to believe drinks are not). Proceeds benefit the School of the Art Institute of Chicago Fashion Scholarship. Call 312/527-3700 to reserve a spot or for more info.Hopkinson reading @ 57th St Books
Acclaimed novelist Nalo Hopkinson will read from her new novel,- The Salt Roads
Storytelling and New Technology
The New Media Program at Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism presents "Storytelling and New Technology: a conversation about the future", a discussion of how technology is changing information dissemination. Topics include consumer-controlled information channels, new media and journalism, and digital imaging technology. The all-day conference will be held in the McCormick Tribune Center, 1845 Sheridan Road in Evanston from 8:30am to 2pm. It's free, but you should register in advance.Outer Ear Festival films & performances
The Outer Ear Festival of Sound, "the only comprehensive interdiscplinary sonic arts festival in the Midwest," presents an evening of sound-oriented films and live performances. The schedule:A special gala festival evening of live performances and video works: Valeri Scherstjanoi (Germany): solo performance of Russian-based sound poetry Ramon Schneider and Zeljka Marusic (Switzerland): Timeline (video, 2001) Aleks Kolkowski (UK): Quattro Ex Machina Pt. 3 with invited Chicago musicians Nick Broste (trombone), Nicole Mitchell (flute), and Jonathan Chen (violin) Ed Rankus (Chicago): Go Fall Apart (video, 2003)
7pm at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St. Admission is $10.
AIC 50th Anniversary Pow-wow
The American Indian Center is having its 50th anniversary pow-wow this weekend at the UIC Pavilion, 1150 W. Harrison. The event will feature Native American arts and crafts and lots of music and dancing. Doors open Saturday and Sunday at 10am. Tickets are $10 or $18 for a weekend pass. Here's the poster.
DIY Trunk Show
From 11am to 4:30 pm, more than 50 artisans will be gathering at the Pulaski Park Auditorium (1419 W. Blackhawk--2 blocks NE of the Division Blue line stop) to display their wares. Get a jump on your holiday shopping and support some wonderful local people. There will be something for every budget and every style. To get a sneak peek at what will be available, check out their website.Admission is free!Outer Ear Festival @ Candlestick Maker
The Outer Ear Festival of Sound, "the only comprehensive interdiscplinary sonic arts festival in the Midwest," presents Chicago artists Robb Drinkwater, Jason Soliday and Jennifer Karmin performing "aaaaaaaaaaalice," a text-sound performance. At the Candlestick Maker, 4432 N. Kedzie, 9pm. Admission is $10.T.Raumschmiere and Ellen Allien
Berlin trash-techno/electro darling and co-founder of the Shitkatapult label T.Raumschmiere rocks the Empty Bottle Saturday night. With Ellen Allien also playing, it's sure to be a great show. 1035 N. Western, 21+, $12, 10 pm.Eric Schlosser at NU
Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation, is speaking for free on at Northwestern's Ryan Family Auditorium at 7pm. The talk will "address the way the fast-food industry has transformed America's economy, workforce and popular culture."AIC 50th Anniversary Pow-wow
The American Indian Center is having its 50th anniversary pow-wow this weekend at the UIC Pavilion, 1150 W. Harrison. The event will feature Native American arts and crafts and lots of music and dancing. Doors open Saturday and Sunday at 10am. Tickets are $10 or $18 for a weekend pass. Here's the poster.Robbie Conal @ Quimby's
Robbie Conal, an artist whose amazing posters of political figures have graced many a plywood construction wall, will be making an appearance at Quimby's tonight at 7:00 to discuss and sign his new collection, Artburn. Fans of political cartooning will definitely not want to miss this. Quimby's: 1854 W. North. (773) 342-0910.Health and Beauty @ Fireside
Go see Health and Beauty along with: The Moment, The It's, and Took to the Sea Friday, 14 November 2003, 7pm at the Fireside Bowl, located at 2646 W Fullerton, 3 blocks NE of the California stop on the Blue Line.Aleks Kolkowski @ Candlestick Maker
The Outer Ear Festival of Sound, "the only comprehensive interdiscplinary sonic arts festival in the Midwest," presents UK artist Aleks Kolkowski with special guest Michael Zerang of Chicago at the Candlestick Maker, 4432 N. Kedzie, at 9pm. Admission is $10.Plaid and Luke Vibert at The Abbey
Plaid returns to Chicago with Luke Vibert (aka Plug, aka Wagon Christ). At the Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace, 21+, $18 presale/$20 day of show, 10 pm.AIC 50th Anniversary Pow-wow
The American Indian Center is having its 50th anniversary pow-wow begins tonight at 5pm at the UIC Pavilion, 1150 W. Harrison, and runs through Sunday. The event will feature Native American arts and crafts and lots of music and dancing. Tickets are $10 or $18 for a weekend pass. Here's the poster.Outsider Music Videos
Irwin Chusid, author and DJ who coined the term "outsider music" as a parallel with the outsider art world, will be appearing at Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art tonight. He will be screening videos and films starring such outsider musicians as Richard Peterson, Wild Man Fischer, Sid Laverents, Alvin Dahn, Klaus Beyer, Peter Grudzien, Bingo Gazingo, and others. Fans of unusual music will not be disappointed. Intuit: 756 N. Milwaukee. (312) 243-9088.Robbie Conal @ Barnes & Noble
Robbie Conal, an artist whose amazing posters of political figures have graced many a plywood construction wall, will be making an appearance at Barnes & Noble tonight at 7:30 to discuss and sign his new collection, Artburn. Fans of political cartooning will definitely not want to miss this. (If you're worried about supporting The Man™ by buying at a chain bookstore, go see Conal tomorrow night at Quimby's.) Barnes & Noble: 1441 W. Webster. (773) 871-3610.Hottentot Venus
Acclaimed poet and novelist Barbara Chase-Riboud will read from her new novel, Hottentot Venus, which is based on the true story of Sarah Baartman, a South African herdswoman exhibited as a scientific curiosity in the capitals of 19th-century Europe. Thursday, November 13th, 2003 at 7 pm at 57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th StreetOuter Ear Festival films
The Outer Ear Festival of Sound, "the only comprehensive interdiscplinary sonic arts festival in the Midwest," presents an evening of sound-oriented films. The schedule:Abigail Child (New York): a screening of films and videos: Hyper Fictions Shiver (1992) from 8 Million; Perils (1986); Covert Action (1984); Mayhem (1987); Mercy (1989); Surface Noise (2000); Dark Dark (2001); Cake + Steak (2002)
8pm at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St. Admission is $8.
"VideoHound's Dragon" Book Release Party
The Chicago Psychotronic Film Society presents a book release party for the new Bible of kung fu, monster and action psychotronic movies from the other side of the globe -- VideoHound's Dragon: Asian Action & Cult Flicks by Chicago author Brian Thomas. The book is over 900 pages long, with over 1,100 reviews, 100 photos, 8 indexes and a foreword by martial arts movie queen Cynthia Rothrock.Then at 10pm, DJ Psychomike will present the wildest mash ups in his special CEASE AND DESIST SHOW, playing sounds you can't find in any store by bands that would have nothing to do with each other!
The Liar's Club, 1665 W. Fullerton, 773/665-1110. Doors open at 8pm. Free, 21 and over.
Studs Terkel
Studs Terkel, the prolific and award-winning author, historian, interviewer and activist, will be appearing at the Swedish American Museum Center (5211 N. Clark) to promote his new book Hope Dies Last: Keeping The Faith In Troubled Times. If you despair for the current state of the world, this book might be the cure. The event is being sponsored by Women and Children First, the independent bookstore just up the street from the Museum; you need to buy the book from the store to receive a complimentary ticket for the event. The bookstore is at 5233 N. Clark. For more information, or to buy a copy of the book which will be waiting for you at the event, call (773) 769-9299.Andrew Sullivan @ UIC
Andrew Sullivan will give the lecture, "Same-Sex Marriage: The Arguments Against and For" at UIC's Chicago Illini Union, Rooms A, B and C from 7-8:30 p.m. The event is co-sponsored by Freedom Alliance, the OGLBTC, Levine Hillel Center, the Student Activities Funding Committee and the Log Cabin Republicans. It's free. More info here.Try It Quiet: Silent Films
The Silent Film Society of Chicago presents "Try It Quiet: New Silent Films for the 21st Century," a program of modern films created by today's filmmakers in the style and spirit of the early days of silent cinema. Dennis Scott will provide live theatre organ accompaniment. At the BioGraph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue. Tickets are $8 in advance, $7 for students and seniors, $10 day of show. Contact SFSC at 773/205-7372 for more info.Billy Bragg et al.
Billy Bragg, Tom Morello, Lester Chambers, Mike Mills, and quite a few other musicians will be playing in town tonight at the Park West for the Chicago stop of the Tell Us The Truth tour, which is a musical tour designed to educate the general public about the dangers of media consolidation. If you can't make the concert tonight (at 7:30), there will also be a panel discussion by the musicians at The HotHouse this afternoon at 1:30. Park West: 322 W. Armitage. (773) 929-1322. The HotHouse: 31 E. Balbo. (312) 362-9707.Martin Amis @ Barbara's Oak Park
Author Martin Amis will be at Barbara's Bookstore in Oak Park reading from and signing his latest novel, Yellow Dog. 7:30pm, free. Barbara's is at 1110 Lake St. in Oak Park; call 708/848-9140 for more information.Blind Boys of Alabama @ Hothouse
In a rare appearance at such an intimate venue, renown gospel group The Blind Boys of Alabama will be appearing at Hothouse tonight at 31 E. Balbo Drive. The concert, which starts at 8pm, is in support of their latest album, Higher Ground. Tickets are $30 and you may call 312-362-9707 for more information.Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles
Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles is the country's first all-female mariachi incorporating "pop rhythms with the romance, style and flair that make mariachi one of the best-loved forms of Mexican music." They will be performing tonight at the Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 East Randolph Drive at 7pm. Tickets range from $15-$30. Call (312) 629-8696 for more details. Sponsored by the Mexican Fine Arts Center.What Ever.
Heather Woodbury, performance artist and author, will be making an appearance at the Women and Children First bookstore this afternoon at 5:00, promoting the novelization of her play, What Ever. Heather will be performing monologues from the play, which include a wide range of characters that make her play "one of the greatest works you've never heard of" (Ira Glass, This American Life). Women and Children First: 5233 N. Clark. (773) 769-9299.Cineme 2003
Cineme 2003, otherwise known as the first annual Chicago International Animation Film Festival, presents showings of award-winning animated films Friday, Saturday and Sunda, primarily at the Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. Covering everything from web animation to Bill Plimpton to contemporary Anime, this should be a visual feast. Schedule here; tickets are $6 at the door, or buy a pass.Ned Rorem in Conversation
In a discussion with Chicago Tribune music critic John von Rhein, America's greatest living composer looks back on a life well-live and considers his legacy, both musical and literary. Topics are drawn in part from Rorem's notoriously honest diaries, and touch on his views on the state of the world and of music composition. Program is $5. Sunday November 9, 2003, 3:00 to 4:00 PM. Northwestern University School of Law: Chicago Campus, Thorne Auditorium375 E. Chicago Ave. For tickets call 312.494.9509.RESFEST 2003.
RESFEST 2003, the great annual festival of technology, art and film (but mostly film), winds up its three-day stay at The Museum of Contemporary Art. This afternoon, a repeat of the Cinema Electronica program (read: music videos) at 1:00, the final of three video shorts programs at 3:00, a retrospective of the work by director Michael Gondry (who directed, among other videos, Bjork's "Bachelorette" and The White Stripes' "Fell In Love With A Girl;" you know, the Lego video) at 7:00, and a program at 5:00 called "By Design", which contains what our operatives have picked as the film to see this year: "Letter to the President," by The Barnstormers. You have been thusly alerted. More information at the RESFEST site, or call up the MCA boxoffice for tickets: (312) 280-2660.Fine Art of Fiber
The Fine Art of Fiber is being held this weekend, Friday Nov. 7 to Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. This free, annual event sponsored by Illinois Quilters Inc., North Suburban NeedleArts Guild and North Shore Weavers Guild features handmade quilts, wall hangings, weavings, clothing, beadwork, fabrics and dolls on display and for sale along with lectures and fashion shows. Hours are 10am-5pm each day.Bitch Magazine Open House/Reading
The lovely ladies of Bitch Magazine are coming to our town! Head over to Women and Children First (5233 N. Clark) for an open house from 1-2 pm, then enjoy a Bitchy reading at Quimby's, 1854 North Ave., at 8 pm, as staffers read old favorites from issues past and new articles from the Fall 2003 Family Issue. Sponsored by Chicago NOW.Cineme 2003
Cineme 2003, otherwise known as the first annual Chicago International Animation Film Festival, presents showings of award-winning animated films Friday, Saturday and Sunda, primarily at the Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. Covering everything from web animation to Bill Plimpton to contemporary Anime, this should be a visual feast. Schedule here; tickets are $6 at the door, or buy a pass.Chicago Beer Society Fall Tasting
The Chicago Beer Society, founded in 1977, holds its annual fall blind tasting and dinner coming up November 8 at Rock Bottom Brewery, State and Grand. Doors open at 6:30pm, dinner at approximately 8pm. $35 for members, $45 for nonmembers. (Join the Society when you make your reservation (PDF) and pay the member rate.) Check their site or call their hotline for more information: 847-692-BEER.RESFEST 2003.
RESFEST 2003, the great annual festival of technology, art and film (but mostly film), continues its three-day stay at The Museum of Contemporary Art. This afternoon, the short films and videos start screening at 2:00. The most interesting attraction this day: a series of Spike Jonze music videos screening at 8:00! Yes, they will have the "Weapon of Choice" video, with commentary by Christopher Walken. Worth the price of admission all by itself, no doubt. More information at the RESFEST site, or call up the MCA boxoffice for tickets: (312) 280-2660.Fine Art of Fiber
The Fine Art of Fiber is being held this weekend, Friday Nov. 7 to Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. This free, annual event sponsored by Illinois Quilters Inc., North Suburban NeedleArts Guild and North Shore Weavers Guild features handmade quilts, wall hangings, weavings, clothing, beadwork, fabrics and dolls on display and for sale along with lectures and fashion shows. Hours are 10am-5pm each day.RESFEST 2003.
RESFEST 2003, the great annual festival of technology, art and film (but mostly film), hits Chicago tonight for a three-day stay at The Museum of Contemporary Art. Tonight: a program of short films at 6:00, music videos at 8:00, and much partying and merry-making. More information at the RESFEST site, or call up the MCA boxoffice for tickets: (312) 280-2660.Apple Store opening in Skokie.
New Apple Store. Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie, IL. 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Be there.Cineme 2003
Cineme 2003, otherwise known as the first annual Chicago International Animation Film Festival, presents showings of award-winning animated films Friday, Saturday and Sunda, primarily at the Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. Covering everything from web animation to Bill Plimpton to contemporary Anime, this should be a visual feast. Schedule here; tickets are $6 at the door, or buy a pass.Fine Art of Fiber
The Fine Art of Fiber is being held this weekend, Friday Nov. 7 to Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. This free, annual event sponsored by Illinois Quilters Inc., North Suburban NeedleArts Guild and North Shore Weavers Guild features handmade quilts, wall hangings, weavings, clothing, beadwork, fabrics and dolls on display and for sale along with lectures and fashion shows. Hours are 10am-5pm each day.Nina Simone, Love Sorceress
Back by popular demand! After sold-out screenings in January, March, May, and August, we bring back this extraordinary document of a 1976 European concert by the legendary singer. Thursday, November 6, 6:00 pm at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 North State Street.Bitch Magazine Reading
The lovely ladies of Bitch Magazine are coming to our town! Enjoy a Bitchy reading at Barbara's Bookstore, 1350 N. Wells, 7:30 pm, as staffers read old favorites from issues past and new articles from the Fall 2003 Family Issue. Sponsored by Chicago NOW.CBS Thirst Fursday
The Chicago Beer Society gets together on the first Thursday (or "Thirst Fursday") of every month at Goose Island Brewpub, 1800 N. Clybourn. Occasional educational sessions begin at 7pm, while the socializing and drinking begins at 8pm. Free. More info here.Sex Toys 101.
Rachel Venning and Claire Cavanah, co-owners of the sex toy stores Toys in Babeland, will be making an appearance at Chicago's woman-owned sex toy store, Early to Bed, tonight at 7:30 PM. The title of their presentation is "Sex Toys 101: A Playfully Uninhibited Guide," and all are invited to attend. Early to Bed: 5232 N. Sheridan. (773) 271-1219.A Day on the Force benefit
Come to The Beat Kitchen (2100 W. Belmont) tonight at 7:30 pm for the Wrap Party that will benefit the filmers of A Day on the Force, a documentary about Chicago's only women's professional tackle football team. Big Smith, The Expatriates, and The Push will be performing. You can also pre-order copies of the film on either VHS or DVD.Lord Of The Rings Documentary Showing
Barbara's Bookstore, whose website is only a step above a 404 sadly, is running a special documentary tonight at 7 about the Lord Of the Rings. This is the only showing and Barbara's is the only store in the whole state showing it, so if you love the Lord of the Rings, head down there pronto. It's showing at the Oak Park store at 7pm - call them at 708.848.9140 for more info.Rocco DiSpirito @ Borders
Rocco DiSpirito, chef and restaurateur -- and most recently, star of the reality show "The Restaurant" -- will be at the State Street Borders (150 N. State) at 12:30 signing copies of his new book, Flavor.Chicago Photography Center open house
The Chicago Photography Center is hosting an open house for the dedication of its new building at 3301 N. Lincoln. Enjoy the live music, free snacks, and pretty pictures from 2-6 pm.Life Along the El
"Explore the city by train! One of Chicago's most famous landmarks is its century-old elevated train system. The Chicago Historical Society offers guided tours on the Brown Line from the Loop to Kimball and back, exploring the rich history that parallels the tracks. The tour begins and ends at the southwest corner of Randolph and Wabash. Advance reservations are required. $10 general admission; $8 CHS members." The next tour is scheduled for Sunday, November 2, 1:00-3:00 P.M.NaNoWriMo
National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing November 1. The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30. Chicago participants will be having a kick-off party at 6 p.m. at the Ten Cat, 3931 N. Ashland.Traitors, et al. @ Fireside Bowl
Come see the Traitors for one of their final performances ever. The Mashers, The Dutchmen, The Groadies and BridgeOnFire open -- and there's a rumor of a surprise guest. Doors open at 7pm; $7 admission. Fireside Bowl, 2646 W. Fullerton. Call 773/486-2700 for more info.Bike Winter expo
Not even a Chicago winter should be an excuse to stop commuting by bicycle. The good people at Bike Winter have the tips to keep you warm, clean and safe on two wheels while everyone else is shivering on the El platform. Nov. 1 at 1 there will be an educational expo in the field house at Daley Bicentennial Plaza, 337 E. Randolph Drive.