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
Friday, April 26
Neo New Year!
Join the Neo-Futurists for a special New Year's Eve performance of Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind. Live music, food, and festivities start at 10 pm. The show starts at 11 sharp and ends with a midnight countdown, hugs, kisses, and bubbly. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance. For more info, call (773) 275-5255, or stop by the Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland.Rashomon @ Siskel Film Center
Rashomon. You know the name, but have you ever seen the film? Akira Kurosawa's classic film about how four separate people (one of them deceased) view a single event, a meditation about how unbiased observation is impossible to obtain, will be screening at the Siskel Film Center tonight at 6:00. The film winds up the Film Center's Kurosawa film festival, which you should have seen. You may also be interested in the 7:45 screening of The Sea is Watching, a film made from a Kurosawa script. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.Iroquois Theatre fire anniversary
Commemorate a grisly event: 100 years ago today, Chicago's Iroquois Theatre caught fire. The fire started backstage, and so was not seen by the audience until much too late. The resulting death toll: an astonishing 600 bodies, making it one of the worst disasters in city history (the number of deaths even higher than that of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871). Amazingly, nobody was held accountable for the disaster. More information on the disaster, and how its lessons are still being learned today, can be found in Anthony Hatch's book Tinder Box: The Iroquois Theatre Disaster, 1903. You might also wish to visit the monument in Montrose Cemetery.Best of Screen-2-Scream
Independent Film and Video Chicago presents 2003's Screen-2-Scream Best of the Best, a battle of the top short films submitted in the past year for streaming on IFVC's site. Audience members vote on the overall winner, which will be streamed on ifvchicago.com. 8pm in the MethaDome Theatre at Frankie J's on Broadway, 4437 N. Broadway. Free and BYOB. Call 773/415-7164 for more info.Looney Tunes cartoons @ Music Box
Celebrate the end of 2003 with a matinee of classic Looney Tunes cartoons at the Music Box Theatre today at 11:30 AM. "What's Opera, Doc?", “One Froggy Evening”, “There They Go-Go-Go”, “Little Beau Pepe”, and many more that you probably know by heart, if you're of a certain age. Music Box Theatre: 3733 N. Southport. (773) 871-6604.Russian Ark @ Siskel Film Center
Tonight at the Siskel Film Center, they're screening Russian Ark, a glorious-looking film shot in and around the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. The film weaves in and out of Russian history, moving from era to era as easily as its gliding Steadicam moves from gallery to gallery. The movie has but one continuous shot, which means that literally hundreds of actors were positioned and timed with precise planning throughout its 96 minutes. The film is part of a Russian film festival that's continuing on through February of next year. The showing tonight is at 7:30. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.Chicago Anti-Bashing Network Holiday Party
The Chicago Anti-Bashing Network holds its annual holiday party tonight. Amnesty International's new film, "Less Than Human," featuring a pair of cases of gay-bashing by Chicago police, will be screened. 7pm-9pm at 5445 N. Kenmore, Apt. 2S. Free, but please call Bob Schwartz at 888-471-0874 or email CABNstopthehate@aol.com to RSVP.Looney Tunes cartoons @ Music Box
Celebrate the end of 2003 with a matinee of classic Looney Tunes cartoons at the Music Box Theatre today and tomorrow at 11:30 AM. "What's Opera, Doc?", “One Froggy Evening”, “There They Go-Go-Go”, “Little Beau Pepe”, and many more that you probably know by heart, if you're of a certain age. Music Box Theatre: 3733 N. Southport. (773) 871-6604.Synth City: 1984 Van Orwell
Vision Nightclub, 640 N. Dearborn St., hosts Synesthesia Chicago's Synth City: 1984 Van Orwell, featuring "an interpretive performance of Van Halen's 'Jump' video and the George Orwell classic '1984' simultaneously onstage." We're not sure exactly what that means, but no doubt it will be interesting. DJ Ryan Paradise spins, with a hosted bar from 10-11 p.m. Admission is $10, 21 and over. Check Vision's website or call 312/266-2114 for more information.¡Descarga a la HotHouse!
HotHouse, 31 E. Balbo, celebrates its 2nd annual customer appreciation night with ¡Descarga a la HotHouse!, a jam session (descarga) featuring members of Victor and Connie Parra's Mambo Express and the Willie Gomez Con Cache Orchestra. The show starts at 9pm, and it's free with a canned food donation. Donations benefit the Gadshill Center in Pilsen. For more information, check out Hothouse.net or call 312/362-9707.Russian Ark @ Siskel Film Center
Tonight at the Siskel Film Center, they're screening Russian Ark, a glorious-looking film shot in and around the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. The film weaves in and out of Russian history, moving from era to era as easily as its gliding Steadicam moves from gallery to gallery. The movie has but one continuous shot, which means that literally hundreds of actors were positioned and timed with precise planning throughout its 96 minutes. The film is part of a Russian film festival that's continuing on through February of next year. The showing tonight is at 6:15; there will be another screening tomorrow night at 7:30. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.NU v. BG in Motor City Bowl
The Northwestern Wildcats are in their fourth Bowl appearance in nine years -- against Bowling Green in the Motor City Bowl at Detroit's Ford Field. B.G. was 10-3 and is ranked 24th on the BCS chart. Tickets are still available.Modern Times @ Music Box
If you're in town over the holidays, you should treat yourself to a screening of the Charlie Chaplin classic silent film Modern Times, which opens today at the Music Box Theatre. Digitally remastered print, of course; this is the first Chaplin film that's been digitally restored. Showtimes at 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, and 9:30. Music Box Theatre: 3733 N. Southport. (773) 871-6604.Christmas Dinner @ Ann Sather's
Maybe you're not able to join your family this Christmas. Or maybe you need to escape family this Christmas. Maybe Christmas isn't even your bag. Whatever the case, stop by Ann Sather's, 929 W. Belmont in Lakeview, for a special holiday dinner. Your choice of one of five great meals, including soup, salad and dessert, for $16.95. Call 773/348-2378 for more information.Music Box Christmas sing-a-long
Frank Capra nostalgia and group singing collide with the Music Box's Christmas double feature and sing-a-long, Dec. 19-24. Per tradition, the movies are "White Christmas" and "It's a Wonderful Life," and each showing is preceding by a round of Christmas carols, led by Santa Claus himself.Music Box Christmas sing-a-long
Frank Capra nostalgia and group singing collide with the Music Box's Christmas double feature and sing-a-long, Dec. 19-24. Per tradition, the movies are "White Christmas" and "It's a Wonderful Life," and each showing is preceding by a round of Christmas carols, led by Santa Claus himself.Music Box Christmas sing-a-long
Frank Capra nostalgia and group singing collide with the Music Box's Christmas double feature and sing-a-long, Dec. 19-24. Per tradition, the movies are "White Christmas" and "It's a Wonderful Life," and each showing is preceding by a round of Christmas carols, led by Santa Claus himself.Celebrate Festivus at Piece
Stop by Piece for a pint of the 2003 Piece holiday brew Festivus, available for $3 a pint. DJ spins holiday tunes at 9 p.m. Donations of non-perishable food items and a portion of proceeds benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Dec. 22: 11:30 a.m. - 2 a.m. The Festivus brew is a Belgian ale, reddish brown in color with hints of cloves, nuts and fruit skin. No spices used with this beer - all the flavors are produced naturally by the unique yeast.Music Box Christmas sing-a-long
Frank Capra nostalgia and group singing collide with the Music Box's Christmas double feature and sing-a-long, Dec. 19-24. Per tradition, the movies are "White Christmas" and "It's a Wonderful Life," and each showing is preceding by a round of Christmas carols, led by Santa Claus himself.Handel's Messiah
Handel's perennial Advent favorite - the Messiah. Apollo Chorus of Chicago, Stephen Alltop conductor; Ellen Hargis, soprano; Calland Metts, tenor; Angela Horn, mezzo-soprano; Thomas Barrett, bass-baritone. The Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance 205 E. Randolph Drive Dec. 21: 3 p.m. Price: $25-$45 Information: 312-427-5620SPEC Chicago organizational meeting
There's a Self-Publishers Event Council of Chicago organizational meeting tonight at 8pm at Brent Ritzel's place, 908 N. Oakley #2 (2 blocks north of Chicago Ave., 1 block east of Western Ave.)."Last meeting we covered upcoming events, venues and co-sponsors for events. This meeting we'll focus more on protests, actions, art attacks, flash mobs, guerrilla theatre, pranks...and promotions, promotions, promotions (i.e. getting as much attention for what we're up to as possible). Also, we'll discuss putting on benefits in order to raise more operational funds. Also, we'll be compiling a SPEC Chicago mission statement, and other content for the website (www.selfpublishers.org), so scribble your ideas down for this (plus ideas on protest, actions, etc.) and bring them with."
The meeting is, of course, free, but please RSVP to Brent at SPECchicago@yahoo.com or 773/269-2918.
Music Box Christmas sing-a-long
Frank Capra nostalgia and group singing collide with the Music Box's Christmas double feature and sing-a-long, Dec. 19-24. Per tradition, the movies are "White Christmas" and "It's a Wonderful Life," and each showing is preceding by a round of Christmas carols, led by Santa Claus himself."Jingle This!" Un-Holiday Show
Beatnik Turtle performs songs from their anti-Christmas album, "Santa Doesn't Like You," at their second annual "un-holiday show," Jingle This! At Martyr's, 3855 N. Lincoln Ave. at 10pm. $8, advance tickets and additional info available at martyslive.com.Green City Holiday Market
The Green City Market is having a Holiday 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, and of course, all the usual organic and sustainable merchants to shop from: fruits & vegetables, hormone-free meats (pork and beef), organic meats (lamb, turkey, chicken, and duck), breads, artisanal cheeses, mushrooms, caviar, cider, vinegars, mustards, maple syrup, honey, coffee, and more.Exquisite Holiday Vegan Fare
Alyson Green will be in True Nature Foods (6034 N. Broadway, Chicago) between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday December 20th with a wide assortment of organic, vegan Christmas treats to sample. Orders will be taken on Saturday December 20th only for delivery on the day of your choice between December 21-24 and December 26-31. All deliveries will be made to True Nature Foods and come beautifully packaged ...perfect for hostess gifts!Music Box Christmas sing-a-long
Frank Capra nostalgia and group singing collide with the Music Box's Christmas double feature and sing-a-long, Dec. 19-24. Per tradition, the movies are "White Christmas" and "It's a Wonderful Life," and each showing is preceding by a round of Christmas carols, led by Santa Claus himself.Illegitimate Arts Festival
The Associated Colleges of the Midwest's Chicago Arts Program presents its semi-annual Illegitimate Arts Festival, in which artists from ACM's 14 schools exhibit and/or perform their work. The show is free, and runs from 6pm to midnight at 3340 N. Clark. Call 773/529-4458 ext. 10 for more information.Surf Rock Christmas
This Friday, the Abbey Pub is hosting Los Straitjackets' Christmas Pageant featuring the World Famous Pontani Sisters. Who, you say? Legendary surf rock outfit Los Straitjackets plays in Mexican wrestler masks and speaks only in Spanish. The Pontani Sisters are go-go dancing New York sisters. And this is why you have to be there. Friday, Abbey Pub, $15.Women of Iraq
3 women from Iraq will be at the Chicago Temple (77 W. Washington at Clark St.) tonight at 7 pm giving a talk to inform Americans of incorrect assumption of Iraq's culture and people. The event is hosted by Peace Chicago. There will be a holiday bazaar featuring free trade items occuring in the basement beginning at 6 pm. For more information, contact Erica Kaster at 312-427-2533.Xmas Sing-Along at Schubas
WLUW puts the "fun" in "fundraiser" at Schuba's tonight with a holiday sing-along. When you aren't singing carols with Elizabeth Conant, you'll get to hear members from several great local bands sing their renditions of their favorite carols. You'll be able tra-la-la with the M's, John Upchurch and Mark Greenberg (ex-Coctails) with two special guests, Steve & Liam of Frisbie, Grand Lunar, which is a new project from Charles Kim of Sinister Luck Ensemble, and the Detholz!. Tickets will cost $10 and the fun begins at 8:30.Music of the Baroque Holiday Concert
Music of the Baroque's annual holiday and brass concert featuring music by Purcell, Schutz, Gabrieli, and Britten's Ceremony of Carols. Conducted by Edward Zelnis. Dec. 17: 8 p.m. St. Michael's Church 1633 N. Cleveland Ave. Tickets $25-$50. Call 312-551-1414 for more information or purchase tickets online.LOTR: The Return of the King
The last installment of The Lord of the Rings trilogy premiers tonight at midnight (OK, technically that makes it Wednesday, but whatever). If you don't have your ticket yet, you may be too late, but here's a list of theaters showing the film -- call around and you might get lucky.Czech horror and fantasy shorts @ Siskel Film Center
Tonight at 6:00, the Siskel Film Center presents a program of Czech horror and fantasy short films, inclusing some early works by the hugely talented Czech animator Jan Švankmajer. Highly recommended for horror film fans. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.Singer-songwriters @ Heartland
The Heartland Cafe, 7000 North Glenwood, offers up a night of singer-songwriters on their little stage.
The line-up:
8-8:30pm -- Micki Crosiant
8:30-9 -- Elmer Rich
9-9:30 -- Jennifer Bader
9:30-10 -- Damon Henrichs
It's free, but show your appreciation by having dinner or drinkin' in the Buffalo Bar. Call 773/465-8005 for more info.
Schubas Holiday Party
Schubas presents its second annual holiday party tonight. Yes, there will be karaoke: live band karaoke with (who else?) The Karaoke Dokies. Price of admission is one new toy, to benefit the Children's Home and Aid Society of Illinois. Schubas: 3159 N. Southport. (773) 525-2508.Best of Too Much Light
This weekend, The Neo-Futurists are doing special editions of their weekly show Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind. Tonight's show is a year-end retrospective of their favorite plays from 2003. The Too Much Light show presents 30 short plays in the space of 60 minutes, so don't worry that you'll be sitting around for hours. It's funny, it's thoughtful, it's naughty, it's one of the best bets in live theater this weekend. Tonight's show starts at 7:00; doors open at 6:30. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland. (773) 275-5255.Star Wars Christmas special @ Delilah's
If the idea of seeing the legendary 1970s TV holiday special that's never been rebroadcast or released on video due to its, shall we say, unusual storyline (review, screenshots) appeals to you, then head on over to Delilah's tonight, because they're screening it at 6:00. Admission is free; Wookie costumes are optional. 2771 N. Lincoln. (773) 472-2771.Movieside Film Festival
Tonight's the second and final night of this year's Movieside Film Festival, which is a film and independent video film festival at the Biograph Theater. The programs tonight: at 5:00, Melvin Goes To Dinner, the directorial debut by former Second City cast member (and "Mr. Show" co-creator) Bob Odenkirk. At 6:30, a program of music videos by Fugazi, Sleater Kinney, Peaches, Holy Ghosts, Flying Luttenbachers, and many more. At 8:00, the main shorts program, featuring work by Samuel Beckett, Buster Keaton, the Borthers Quay, and others. This program will also feature live performances by Kit Kat Honeys, The Audreys, Chic-A-Go-Go, and Environmental Encroachment. Biograph Theater: 2433 N. Lincoln. More information: (773) 856-5220.Songs of Good Cheer
Like singing in large groups? Chicago Trib columnists Eric Zorn and Mary Schmich host the fifth annual Songs of Good Cheer, a holiday singalong at the Old Town School of Folk Music this weekend. Fear not the singing journalists -- the actual music is provided by Old Town School's house band of faculty and students. Tickets are $25 for adults, $18 for kids and seniors. Proceeds benefit the Chicago Tribune Holiday Campaign. Two shows today -- a shorter, kid-friendly program at 4, and the regular show at 7 -- at 4544 N. Lincoln.Best of Too Much Light
This weekend, The Neo-Futurists are doing special editions of their weekly show Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind. Tonight's show is a year-end retrospective of their favorite plays from 2003. The Too Much Light show presents 30 short plays in the space of 60 minutes, so don't worry that you'll be sitting around for hours. It's funny, it's thoughtful, it's naughty, it's one of the best bets in live theater this weekend. Tonight's show starts at 11:30; doors open at 11:00. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland. (773) 275-5255.Harvey Sid Fisher
Harvey Sid Fisher, the crooner and male model whose "Astrology Songs" videos used to be featured on The Daily Show, back when it was being hosted by Craig Kilborn, is making a rare live appearance in Chicago at Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art. Two shows, at 7PM and 10PM. Fans of outsider, incorrect, and just plain weird music will not be disappointed. Intuit: 756 N. Milwaukee. (312) 243-9088.Movieside Film Festival
Tonight's the first night of this year's Movieside Film Festival, which is a film and independent video film festival at the Biograph Theater. Tonight's program features work by this year's special guest, director Jim Jarmusch. There will be a 6:00 screening of Jarmusch's Down By Law, a screening of Jarmusch's favorite short films (including work by William S. Burroughs, Carl Dreyer, Max Fleischer, and others) at 8:00, and a discussion between Jarmusch and Chicago film critic Jonathan Rosenbaum at 9:30. Biograph Theater: 2433 N. Lincoln. More information: (773) 856-5220.Alex Ross/Chip Kidd signing
Wilmette-based comics artist Alex Ross and designer/author Chip Kidd sign their new book, Mythology: The DC Comics Art of Alex Ross, at Chicago Comics, 3244 N. Clark, 3-6 pm.About Face's The Gift
The Gift and Other Stories, presented by About Face Theatre at the Museum of Contemporary Art. 8pm. Tickets are $35, available from the MCA box office, 312-397-4010.Songs of Good Cheer
Like singing in large groups? Chicago Trib columnists Eric Zorn and Mary Schmich host the fifth annual Songs of Good Cheer, a holiday singalong at the Old Town School of Folk Music this weekend. Fear not the singing journalists -- the actual music is provided by Old Town School's house band of faculty and students. Tickets are $25 for adults, $18 for kids and seniors. Proceeds benefit the Chicago Tribune Holiday Campaign. Tonight at 7:30 p.m., 4544 N. Lincoln.12 Bars of Christmas
The 8th annual 12 Bars of Christmas is a great opportunity to get uproariously drunk with several hundred of your closest friends. Between noon and 3am, hit as many of the 15 participating Lakeview bars as you can. $10 in advance or $12 on the day-of gets you a badge and special drink prices at each bar; the proceeds benefit the Lakeview Shelter. RSVP to this eVite if you plan on participating.Holiday Pottery Show and Sale
Lincoln Square Pottery Studio, 4150 N Lincoln Ave., will be hosting a Holiday Show and Sale on Saturday December 13th 2003, from 6-10pm. Come see what local potters have created while mingling with the artists. Free. Check the website or call 773/248-4430 for more information.St. Lucia Festival of Lights
Italy, meet Sweden. Sweden, take the story of an Itallian saint and turn all of it into a winter celebration on the darkest day of the year.St. Lucia was adopted by the Swedes and Chicago's very own Andersonville neigborhood will be hosting the festival tonight. A procession of singing and candle-lit St. Lucia girls will make thier way down Clark Street from the Swedish American Museum starting at 4:45pm. The good times continue afterwards at the museum with treats and more singing.
The Swedish American Museum is located at 5211 N. Clark Street. Admission is $1 or a toy to be donated to the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center.
Holiday Ball
The Butcher Shop proudly presents the 7th Annual Holiday Ball featuring Dave LaCrone and the Mistletones along with other special guests. The location is the Wear Proof Mat Co, 2156 W. Fulton. 9:30pm is the start time and it ends when it is over. Holiday attire is required! (Anything super-fancy is fine...suits, prom dresses, tuxes, lively costumes, gorgeous gowns, etc.) Tickets are going to be $25 due to higher overhead costs this year. But remember that does include an open bar! For more information contact the Butcher Shop at 312.666.4566 or Tom Colley at 773.517.9520.Mindfield Follies Multimedia Cabaret
The Mindfield Follies Multimedia Cabaret Extravaganza promises something for every taste: Drumming, DJs, dancing, capoeira, burlesque, interactive art, a silent auction, and free beer. Doors open at 8:30, show starts at 9. A suggested $10 donation will help support a drum and dance study trip to Senegal for several of the featured artists. Mindfield, 3701 N. Ravenswood #251 (at Waveland).Best of Too Much Light
This weekend, The Neo-Futurists are doing special editions of their weekly show Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind. Tonight's show is a year-end retrospective of their favorite plays from 2003. The Too Much Light show presents 30 short plays in the space of 60 minutes, so don't worry that you'll be sitting around for hours. It's funny, it's thoughtful, it's naughty, it's one of the best bets in live theater this weekend. Tonight's show starts at 11:30; doors open at 11:00. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland. (773) 275-5255.About Face's The Gift
The Gift and Other Stories, presented by About Face Theatre at the Museum of Contemporary Art. 8pm. Tickets are $35, available from the MCA box office, 312-397-4010.Only if You're Not Invited
Mixed media and photography curated by Matt Kellen, including new work by Alan Froberg, Matt Kellen, Tom L. and Marshall Peheim. Opening reception 6-10 at Open End 2000 W Fulton *310.The Untitled Project
Opening reception for Matt Siber's The Untitled Project at Peter Miller Gallery . In The Untitled Project, Matt removes all traces of text from photographs he has taken of various urban settings. This same text is then reintroduced by placing it in its correct position on another print hanging to the right of the original, albeit altered, photograph. Reception is from 6-9pm. The Peter Miller Gallery is located at 118 N Peoria.The Discrete Series @ 3030
Poets Barbara Cully, author of Desire Reclining, and Frances Sjoberg read at 3030, 3030 W. Cortland, as part of The Discrete Series sponsored by Antennae journal. The reading begins at 9pm; $5 suggested donation, BYOB.Movieside Film Fest. Pre-Party
Movieside Film Festival - 2 Year Anniversary Show Biograph Theater (2433 N. Lincoln Ave.) December 13, Saturday & December 14, Sunday 1.773.856.5220 for info. www.movieside.com Tickets $10 at the door $9 pre-sale (per day) 2nd Hand Tunes, Laurie's Planet of Sound, Sound Gallery & Una Mae's Freak Boutique. Movieside Pre-Party @ Acme Art Space 1741 N. Western Ave. Friday, December 12, 2003 8pm $5 Art Show, Live Music, Performances by: Castration DJ, John Ciba, DJ Nothin' But Trouble, The Coughs, Arcade, I M Smasher, The Audreys, Chris Rejano & Keith Kemp, & more!! (Sponsored by Bulletproof Film)Cardiff Giant returns
Acclaimed but disbanded Chicago theatre company Cardiff Giant, co-founded in 1988 by "Urinetown! The Musical" masterminds Greg Kotis and Mark Hollman, reunite for an hour-long improv set, 8:00 pm at the Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N Ashland. Tickets are $12 and can be reserved by calling (773) 275-5255.Ayun Halliday @ Quimby's
Dare to be heinie! Ayun Halliday, former member of the Chicago theater troupe The Neo-Futurists, currently living in New York with hubby Greg Kotis (one of the creators of the Broadway show Urinetown! The Musical), making a living writing some incredibly funny and entertaining prose about being a mom (The East Village Inky, The Big Rumpus), will be at Quimby's tonight at 7:00, reading from her brand-new book No Touch Monkey! And Other Travel Lessons Learned Too Late. Oh holy crap do you need to go see this. Quimby's: 1854 W. North. (773) 342-0910.Jesus Saves
In Jesus Saves, five emerging Chicago artists tackle the iconography and beliefs of the Christian religion through the use of painting, photography, textile, installation, and a small dose of humor here or there. Featuring work by Katie Baker, Michael Coleman, Jeremiah Ketner, Dustin Mertz, and Gregory Shirilla. Showing at Buddy Gallery December 11, 2003 - January 11, 2004. Opening receptions: Thursday, December 11th, 6-10pm and Friday, December 12th, 8-12pmPinebender/Pelican
Pinebender, Pelican and Half-cut are playing at the Empty Bottle. Doors are at 9:30, tickets are $8.SPECchicago Reading @ Quimby's
Self-Publishers Event Council of Chicago will present an evening of readings on the theme of love and hate at Quimby's Bookstore, 1854 W. North Ave. The event will feature Grant Schreiber (Judas Goat Quarterly), Brandon Wetherbee (Foul zine), Michele Walker (local Chicago writer), Seth Emily (American't zine), and Alex Zander (MK Ultra magazine). It all starts at 8pm, and it's free, although donations will be accepted on behalf of Chicago activists jailed in Miami in the wake of anti-Free Trade Area of the Americas protests a couple of weeks ago.Self-Publishers Event Council of Chicago is a new organization composed of zinesters, writers, bloggers, artists, performers and poets dedicated to creating alternative avenues for sharing self-published artistic expression with the public. Email SPECchicago@yahoo dot com for more info.
Indigo Girls Ensemble @ Hideout
The Indigo Girls Ensemble sing favorites from their namesakes' songbook at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, tonight at 8:30pm, followed by Sweet Hello (the Ensemble's instructors at the Old Town School of Folk Music). More information here.CASA Bubble Bath 4
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Cook County invites you to the fourth annual Bubble Bath, a benefit event featuring tastings of more than 50 Champagnes and sparkling wines, from undiscovered beauties to the finest French cuvées. There will also be a raffle and silent auction for everything from a trip to French wine country to bottles of bubbly. The event is held at Bin 36, 339 N. Dearborn, 6-10pm. Tickets are $50, reserve yours at 312/755-WINE.Typing Explosion !
The Seattle trio Typing Explosion is aptly named: three women dressed in 1960s frocks sit at typewriters, furiously pounding out poetry based on audience suggestions. They will be typing this afternoon at 1:00 at Columbia College's Hokin Annex. The Typing Explosion is being presented in conjunction with the exhibition "Type/Writer," a "graphic celebration of the union of type and the written word." Admission is free. Do not touch or talk to the typists. 623 S. Wabash. (312) 344-7696.Another Lousy Day
Chicago playwright David Kodeski's "Another Lousy Day" gets the public radio treatment with a premiere event tonight at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., 7:30 pm. (Call 312-948-4800 for reservations.) In the much-acclaimed monologue, Kodeski investigates the life a South Side woman whose diaries he found in an Andersonville thrift store. Chicago Public Radio (WBEZ, 91.5) will broadcast the play on Dec. 11, at 6 pm and again on the program Eight Forty-Eight on Dec. 16, at 9:30 am. Ding!Urinetown! The Discussion
Join the Tony-owning men behind "Urinetown! The Musical," former Chicagoans Greg Kotis and Mark Hollman, for a discussion of how Neo-Futurism influenced their hit play. The pair will also perform original songs not included in the Broadway production. Tonight, 8:00 pm at the Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland. Tickets are $15 and can be reserved by calling (773) 275-5255.Debbie Stoller Busts out her knitting
Debbie Stoller, editor of Bust and the writer of Stitch-n-Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook, will be at the Knitting Workshop (2218 N. Lincoln) from 6-7 pm giving a reading and signing copies of her book. Afterwards she's rumored to hit the local Stitch-n-Bitch meeting at Art Gallery Kafe (1907 N. Milwaukee) to maybe, um, stitch and bitch.Urinetown! Your ticket should say Urinetown!
Urinetown: the Musical, the 2002 Tony-Award-winning musical scripted by former Chicago actor Greg Kotis, hits the Shubert Theatre tonight for a two-week stay. Not only is the story (of a town where bathroom habits are severely regulated) quite funny, but there are loads of in-jokes for fans of musical theater, with references to everything from West Side Story to the Andrew Lloyd Webber oeuvre. Shubert Theatre: 22 W. Monroe. (312) 902-1400.Typing Explosion !
The Seattle trio Typing Explosion is aptly named: three women dressed in 1960s frocks sit at typewriters, furiously pounding out poetry based on audience suggestions. They will be typing at noon at the Betty Rymer Gallery in the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 280 South Columbus Dr., and tonight at 6:00 at Columbia College's Hokin Annex, 623 S. Wabash. The Typing Explosion is being presented in conjunction with the exhibition "Type/Writer," a "graphic celebration of the union of type and the written word." Admission is free. Do not touch or talk to the typists. call 312/344-7696 for more info.Chicago Artists for Dean
A variety show featuring some of Chicago's best performers, comedians, actors, singers and dancers. There will be a raffle featuring prizes from local business as well as local artists’ work up for auction. $10 admission. All money raised goes to the Dean campaign. Reception/auction begins at 7:00 p.m. Show starts at 8:00 p.m at Bailiwick Repertory Theater, 1229 W. Belmont.Cold Mountain Premiere Benefit
HotHouse is pleased to host the premiere Chicago showing of the highly anticipated film Cold Mountain. Stars include Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, Renee Zellweger and Donald Sutherland, with music produced by T-Bone Burnett, featuring Jack White of the White Stripes. Native Chicagoans William Horberg (The Quiet American, The Talented Mr. Ripley) and Albert Berger produced the film, and have organized this screening as a benefit for HotHouse, the Center for International Performance and Exhibition. Mr. Horberg, Mr. Berger, and Mr. Minghella have confirmed attendance at the screening and post screening reception at HotHouse. Other guest stars are expected to attend. The screening takes place at 7pm at Village Theatres Burnham Plaza 826 South Wabash Avenue. Post Screening party immediately following at HotHouse 31 east Balbo; parking avialable for both events at 710 S. Wabash -$8 with coupon from HotHouse. Please call 312 362-9707 for more informationDesign @ Siskel Film Center
Design, a film shot entirely in the Chicago area, will screen at the Siskel Film Center tonight at 8:00. A selection of the 2002 Sundance Film Festival, Design is the directorial debut of Davidson Cole, who also appears in the film as one of three characters (another one played by Daniel J. Travanti, from "Hill Street Blues") whose path cross and culminate in a night of "bad choices," as the Website puts it. NewCity recommends the film, saying that it "suggests the powerful influence of Kieslowski, but a Kieslowski without a whisper of God's grace." Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.Dance-along Nutcracker
Hundreds are expected to descend on the Chicago Cultural Center's Preston Bradley Hall, 78 E. Washington St., to participate in the second annual Dance-along Nutcracker, where, true to the name, anyone who wants to can dance to Tchaikovsky’s classic Nutcracker Suite, as well as other holiday favorites. The audience is encouraged to don tutus, tiaras and ballet slippers, and hit the dance floor along with professional dancers who provide instruction and cues. There are two shows, at 3pm and 7pm, with the later performance intended more for adults (apparently so many parents wanted to get in on the act last year that they added the second show this year). Both are completely free. Call the Cultural Center for more information: 312/744-6630.Another Gurlesque Burlesque
Those Sissy Butch Brothers are at it again! See the finest in naughty entertainments at Gurlesque Burlesque, $15, at The Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace (at Elston). Doors open at 8, tassel twirlin' commences at 9. As always, the show is a benefit for Sissy Butch Brother T. Vaughan-Tremmel's in-progress documentary on the history of burlesque. Attendees are urged to "Dress like you mean it!"Rufus Wainwright @ The Vic
Catch Rufus Wainwright at the Vic Theater Saturday December 6th at 7pm. All ages. Tickets are $23.50.Tom Waits Tribute
The man with the gravelly voice gets the tribute he deserves at Nevin's Live, 1450 N. Sherman Ave. in Evanston this Friday and Saturday night. Just $10 (each night) will get you in the door. Call 847/869-0450 for more info.Friday night's line-up: Michael McDermott, The Orphans, Edward Burch, The Delafields, Thomas Pace, Steph Turner, Marvin Tate, Mark Sheehy, Kristin Shout and Darkroom Chemicals.
Saturday night's line-up" Danny Black, Al Day Trio, RD Roth & The Issues, Big Sky String Band, No Doctors, Mia Park and Joe Cannon from Early Risers, Cheer Accident, Bumpus and Big Sky String Band.
"Made in Rogers Park" Craft Fair
"Made in Rogers Park" Holiday Arts & Craft Bazaar, sponsored by the Chicago Park District and the Loyola Park Advisory Council. The free event runs from 10am to 3pm in the Sky Room of the Loyola Park Fieldhouse, 1236 W. Greenleaf (at Sheridan).Gapers Block TGIF Get Together
Gapers' Block will be having an "unofficial" get together at Danny's Tavern in Wicker Park at 1951 W. Dickens (Dickens and Damen, east side) in Wicker Park from 8 onwards. More details here.Design @ Siskel Film Center
Design, a film shot entirely in the Chicago area, will screen at the Siskel Film Center tonight at 8:00. A selection of the 2002 Sundance Film Festival, Design is the directorial debut of Davidson Cole, who also appears in the film as one of three characters (another one played by Daniel J. Travanti, from "Hill Street Blues") whose path cross and culminate in a night of "bad choices," as the Website puts it. NewCity recommends the film, saying that it "suggests the powerful influence of Kieslowski, but a Kieslowski without a whisper of God's grace." The director and select cast members will be at the screening tonight; there will be a second screening Monday, December 8. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.Late Night Andersonville
Stores and restaurants will be staying open late Friday night, offering discounts on food and gifts as a way to get up on Holiday shopping. There will also be street entertainment and complimentary drinks and hors d'ouvres at many shops. Print off a coupon at Andersonville.org and visit the neighborhood between 6pm and 10pm.Or visit on Saturday or Sunday for Julmarknad ("YULE-mark-nahd," according to the chamber of commerce). The Swedish American Museum Center will be hosting its annual handicrafts bazaar, and other stores will be doing something special, too.
Tom Waits Tribute
The man with the gravelly voice gets the tribute he deserves at Nevin's Live, 1450 N. Sherman Ave. in Evanston this Friday and Saturday night. Just $10 (each night) will get you in the door. Call 847/869-0450 for more info.Friday night's line-up: Michael McDermott, The Orphans, Edward Burch, The Delafields, Thomas Pace, Steph Turner, Marvin Tate, Mark Sheehy, Kristin Shout and Darkroom Chemicals.
Saturday night's line-up" Danny Black, Al Day Trio, RD Roth & The Issues, Big Sky String Band, No Doctors, Mia Park and Joe Cannon from Early Risers, Cheer Accident, Bumpus and Big Sky String Band.
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.World of Chocolate AIDS Benefit
Sample cocoa creations from nearly two dozen local confectioners at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago's second annual World of Chocolate benefit. The event commemorates World AIDS Day and raises funds for the Foundation's grantmaking programs. Tickets run from $50 for general admission to $500 for the Bittersweet Bliss Tree Sponsorship. Fairmont Hotel Imperial Ballroom, 200 North Columbus Drive, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.Tassel Twirling
Chicago's lady-owned sex shop Early to Bed is hosting a tassel twirling workshop! Learn fun twirling techniques in a relaxed atmosphere with other aspiring "helicopter girls"! This workshop is an interactive "hands-on" educational experience! No experience necessary. Students may bring their own tasseled pasties and fixative, or purchase them at the workshop. Tassel twirling is for participants with tassels ONLY; no spectators. Led by Amelia Ross-Gilson, co-founder of TwirlyGirl.net. Women only please. $10Errol Morris Lecture
Filmmaker Errol Morris will speak at the University of Chicago on Wednesday December 3rd at 4pm. A reception will follow. Both lecture and reception are free, and will take place in the Max Palevsky Cinema, located in Ida Noyes Hall on the University of Chicago campus.Annual Event Young Nonprofit Professionals Network
Tonight at the Museum of Contemporary Art the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network is celebrating their first year. There will be art, mingling, cocktails, and information about YNPN for members and people who are simply interested in non-profit organizations in the city. Admission is free (there is a cash bar) and the festivities begin at 5:30. There is a post-event party that will take place at Pippin's Tavern (806 N. Rush St.) from 8 pm on with drink and food specials.Jandek on Corwood
Jandek. Nobody knows who he is, but he's released 34 albums (!) of the strangest audio this site of Jupiter. A new documentary about the mysterious Houston, TX recluse, Jandek on Corwood, will be screening at Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art tonight at 7 PM. Come hear the story of an elaborate musical mystery that doesn't wish to be solved. Intuit: 756 N. Milwaukee. (312) 243-9088.Emmett Till Documentary
Facing History and Ourselves hosts a free screening of The Murder of Emmett Till, a new documentary about the 14-yr-old Chicago boy whose murder in Mississippi in 1955 spurred the Civil Rights movement. Woodson Regional Library, 9525 S. Halsted, 312-345-3203.Erick Rudiak, Jeff Vezain & Cory Hance @ Beat Kitchen
Singer-songwriters Erick Rudiak, Jeff Vezain and Cory Hance (lead singer of The CellsBeat Kitchen, 2100 w. Belmont. Show starts at 8:30pm, cover is $6.Pub Quiz @ Gunther Murphy's
Gunther Murphy's on Belmont hosts a biweekly pub quiz, put together by volunteer hosts. Teams of up to 5 pay $20 to play; cash prizes dependent on the size of the pot. Starts around 9:00p.