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
Stencil Pirates @ Quimby's
Stencil Pirates: A Global Study of the Street Stencil is a new book by Chicago artist Josh MacPhee that contains over a thousand photographs of the most interesing and beautiful urban paint work from around the world, from Australia and France to San Francisco and Ohio. Josh will be appearing at Quimby's tonight at 7:00 PM to promote the book. Fans of graffiti art should definitely check this out. Admission to the event is free. Quimby's: 1854 W. North. (773) 342-0910.Classics of the Silver Screen
It's pops night at Pritzker Pavillion when the Grant Park Orchestra plays favorites from the movies, including "Star Wars," "The Pink Panther" and "Bridge On the River Kwai." No films will be projected, so think of it as the inverse of a silent movie. 6:30 p.m.Citizen Kane @ the Music Box
One of the most technically innovative and influential films ever, Orson Welles’ 1941 masterpiece Citizen Kane is in town this week, to the Music Box’s Weekend Matinee Series (Saturday, July 31, and Sunday, August 1, at 11:30 am) as well as 600 N. Michigan’s Loews Classic Film Series (Thurdsay, August 5, at 7:00 pm). See what all the fuss is about the way it was meant to be seen: with movie theater popcorn.Once Upon A Time in America
Sergio Leone's 1984 film Once Upon A Time In America, notoriously slashed by American film companies before it played in this country, will be shown this afternoon at 3:00 at the Siskel Film Center. The 139-minute film stars James Woods and Robert De Niro as gangsters in Prohibition-era New York, and moves from the 1920s to the 1960s in a complex flashback structure that was simplified for the US release. Fans of Sergio Leone will definitely not want to miss this chance to catch the uncut version of what many consider to be his greatest film. If you miss the movie tonight and want to catch it again, it'll be shown on Wednesday, August 4th at 6:30 PM. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.Venetian Night
Head downtown for the 47th Annual Venetian Night, the night when Chicagoans decorate their boats and themselves in lights and costumes (respectively). This year's theme is "Broadway on the Lake," so expect to hear some showtunes on 93XRT to go along with your boat parade viewing. The parade takes place on the lakefront between Roosevelt and Monroe, beginning at 8:30. Fireworks begin at 9:30 in Monroe Harbor.Make your own Bottlecap Centerpiece!
As part of the current exhibit of outsider art at Intuit, the gallery is offering a "Make your own Bottlecap Centerpiece" workshop today at 1:30 PM. The workshop is $20 per person and includes materials. Call for reservations. Intuit: 756 N. Milwaukee. (312) 243-9088.Bughouse Square Debates
Do you like to argue? Do you like to share your opinions with random strangers? Do you like to heckle others? Then come on down to Washington Square Park this Saturday to participate in the annual Bughouse Square debates. Bring your favorite soapbox, grab a mike, and let people know what's on your mind. Admission is free and prizes are awarded to the best speakers and best hecklers. The fun takes place from 1-5pm. Washington Square Park is located in front of the Newberry Library at 60 W. Walton.Newberry Library Book Fair
The 20th Annual Newberry Library Book Fair is happening this week. Browse over 100,000 titles with many books priced at just $2 or less! Admission is free. The book fair is taking place July 29 & 30, from Noon-8pm, and July 31 & August 1, from 10am-6pm. The Newberry Library is located at 60 West Walton. See their website for more information.Indiefest Chicago
Indiefest Chicago continues its 10-day run of more than 50 independent films tonight at the Biograph, 2433 N. Lincoln. First shows are at 2pm, tickets are $10, and the schedule is right here.Wicker Park Summerfest
Because there was really just a dearth of street festivals in a Chicago summer, the Wicker Park/Bucktown Chamber decided to start a new one. They do have a better music selection than most: today's lineup includes The M's, the Sights, and the Posies. Continues tomorrow. Noon-11pm, on Damen between North and LeMoyne. The usual $5 "suggested donation." See here for full schedule.Dykes Pedaling Bikes
DykeDiva.com, the Lesbian Community Cancer Project, and the Windy City Cycling Club present Dykes Pedaling Bikes, a bike ride for all levels of pedalers. DykeDiva sez: "It's about fun, socializing, exercise, and of course, an excuse to meet the girls." Meet at 10:00 AM at the totem pole near Addison and Lake Shore, then pedal down to Hyde Park for lunch at Medici on 57th street (you can meet up with the group at Medici at 11:30, if you miss the start of the trip). More information: see DykeDiva's calendar of events.Drinking & Writing @ T's
Tonight's the last night (this month, anyway) that "Drinking & Writing" will once again cozy up to the bar where it all started, T's Bar and Restaurant, 5025 N. Clark St. (at the corner of Winnemac) in the heart of Andersonville. Every Thursday and Saturday at 7 p.m. for the whole month of July you are cordially invited to join them for drinks and performances of "Drinking & Writing". As a bonus, not only will you be able to see the original "Drinking & Writing," but you'll also be able to see the all new "Drinking & Writing Volume II, The 'Nobel' Experiment". That's right, an all new show written and performed by Neo-Futurists Steve Mosqueda, Sean Benjamin, and featuring Chloe Johnston. This all new Volume of Drinking & Writing focuses on the years of prohibition and features many new writers such as Edna St. Vincent Milay, H.L. Mencken, Upton Sinclair, Sinclair Lewis, Jack London, and many more. The two shows will be performed in rep on Thursdays and Saturdays, so to find out more about the schedule visit their website, where you can also purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are $12 and $8 for students with ID and can also be purchased at the door.Runaway Divas @ Siskel Film Center
Runaway Divas, a strange-sounding film about the friendship between Marcy, an aspiring supermodel, and Miriam, a 30-year-old accordionist who's "not all there," premieres tonight at the Siskel Film Center. The movie was made by Chicago filmmakers Monika Szewerniak and Aleksandra Hodowany, who will attend the show tonight. Runaway Divas will run at the Film Center through August 5, so if you miss the premiere tonight you can still see the movie. Showtime tonight is at 8:00; check the Film Center Website for other showtimes. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.Lip @ Neo-Futurarium
Performance poet Lisa Buscani, a former Neo-Futurist, returns to her old stomping grounds this month and presents Lip, a weekly spoken-word extravaganza. Every Friday and Saturday night in July will feature a different lineup of writers and performers, each one delivering 15 minutes of scintillating verbiage. This week's Lip lineup: Lisa Buscani, Kristiana Colon, Mary Fons, Scott Hermes, K-So G, Jeff Lewis, Beau O'Reilly. Fans of the spoken word will definitely want to listen to Lip. Show starts at 8:00, doors open at 7:30. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). More information and reservations: (773) 275-5255.Critical Mass
Chicago Critical Mass shoots for its largest ride yet: 3,000 bicyclists. Be one of them. Ride a tandem and be two of them. Either way, gather at Daley Plaza at 5:30 p.m. This month's route is yet to be determined, but there is talk of the destination being a party at Montrose Beach.Horro'Rama Drive-In and Convention
Flashback Weekend, aka The Horro'Rama Drive-In and Convention, happens this weekend at the Holiday Inn O'Hare International in Rosemont. Dozens and dozens of names that will be quite familiar to the horror fan: director George Romero; critic Joe Bob Briggs; local horror movie show host Svengoolie; and a slew of lesser-known (but no less important) luminaries. See a reunion of the cast from Day of the Dead! See a musical parody of Army of Darkness! Gaze at a room full of memorabilia dealers, celebrity signings, and miscellaneous activities! And marvel at the convention's recreation of the drive-in experience with an outdoor full-size drive-in screen, 35mm projection and stereo sound system! Go check out the Website for the full details. The convention happens today through Sunday, August 1.The Monkey Show
Rotofugi celebrates its grand opening tonight with its first show, the Monkey Show, an exhibit of customized "Fling the Monkeys" from AdFunture. The show starts at 7pm at the store, 1953 W. Chicago Ave. Free.Acid house with DJ Pierre @ Smartbar
Acid house enthusiasts (the music, not the drug or the book) should get down to Smartbar tonight where the lineup is all acid house, all night long. DJ Pierre, the man who discovered that tweaking the bass of the TB-303 drum machine produces the unique squelchy sound that came to be known as acid, is headlining. Adonis, Mike Dearborn, and Tim Baker are also on the lineup. 3730 N. Clark, 21+, 10 p.m., $10.Newberry Library Book Fair
The 20th Annual Newberry Library Book Fair is happening this week. Browse over 100,000 titles with many books priced at just $2 or less! Admission is free. The book fair is taking place July 29 & 30, from Noon-8pm, and July 31 & August 1, from 10am-6pm. The Newberry Library is located at 60 West Walton. See their website for more information.Indiefest Chicago
Indiefest Chicago begins its 10-day run of more than 50 independent films tonight at the Biograph, 2433 N. Lincoln. First shows are at 7pm, tickets are $10, and the schedule is right here.Sonic Youth @ the Vic
And believe it or not, you can still get tickets. Kool. Wolf Eyes and Hair Police are the opening acts. Show starts at 8:00, and it's 18+. The Vic: 3145 N. Sheffield. (773) 472-0449."Just Married" photography exhibit
"Just Married," a collection of photographs on the subject of gay marriage, opens today at Rushmore restaurant and gallery. A public reception for the show will begin this evening at 6:00. The show will run through September 30. Rushmore: 1023 W. Lake Street. (312) 421-8845. Reservations are recommended if you'll be dining at the restaurant.Newberry Library Book Fair
The 20th Annual Newberry Library Book Fair is happening this week. Browse over 100,000 titles with many books priced at just $2 or less! Admission is free. The book fair is taking place July 29 & 30, from Noon-8pm, and July 31 & August 1, from 10am-6pm. The Newberry Library is located at 60 West Walton. See their website for more information.Chicago Bar Wars
Tonight, at Vision Nightclub, 630 N. Dearborn, teams from 26 of the city's bars and nightclubs will compete in the most difficult event of their lives: Chicago Bar Wars 2004. They will compete in five events: Bouncer boxing, jello wrestling, sumo wrestling, flair bartending (think Cocktail) and the Hottest Bartender Pageant. And you can watch it all for just $20! Tickets are available here or at the door. May the best bar win!Drinking & Writing @ T's
All July long "Drinking & Writing" will once again cozy up to the bar where it all started, T's Bar and Restaurant, 5025 N. Clark St. (at the corner of Winnemac) in the heart of Andersonville. Every Thursday and Saturday at 7 p.m. for the whole month of July you are cordially invited to join them for drinks and performances of "Drinking & Writing". As a bonus, not only will you be able to see the original "Drinking & Writing," but you'll also be able to see the all new "Drinking & Writing Volume II, The 'Nobel' Experiment". That's right, an all new show written and performed by Neo-Futurists Steve Mosqueda, Sean Benjamin, and featuring Chloe Johnston. This all new Volume of Drinking & Writing focuses on the years of prohibition and features many new writers such as Edna St. Vincent Milay, H.L. Mencken, Upton Sinclair, Sinclair Lewis, Jack London, and many more. The two shows will be performed in rep on Thursdays and Saturdays, so to find out more about the schedule visit their website, where you can also purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are $12 and $8 for students with ID and can also be purchased at the door.It Came From The Neo-Futurarium
The Neo-Futurists present another summer of dramatic readings of film scripts in their summer prime time series It Came From The Neo-Futurarium III: Return To The Neo-Futurarium. This week's film: Red Dawn, the 1984 pro-American flick starring Patrick Swayze. "Wolverines!" The reading will be directed by Neo-Futurist alumnus Phil Ridarelli. The show starts tonight at 8:00, and the series runs through August 4. See the Neo-Futurist Website for more details, a complete schedule, and links to purchase tickets. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland. (773) 275-5255.City of God @ Metropolis
Metropolis Coffee Co. is showing City of God tonight as part of their Movie Night Wednesdays. Show starts at 8pm. They're at 1039 West Granville Avenue, 773-764-0400, 1 block east of the Granville Redline Station.Cacophony Society First Meeting
What: Chicago Cacophony Society Reform Lodge #176Where: Paddy Mac's, 4157 N Pulaski (at Berteau)
When: 7:30pm
Plenty of parking. Pulaski bus stops out front; it's a short two blocks from the Irving Park blue line stop.
(What's a cacophony society? Read here.)
Hysterical Women Live!
Hysterical Women, an all-lesbian stand-up comedy group, will be performing tonight at the Bailiwick Repertory Theatre, 1229 W. Belmont, at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $10. More information is available at the Bailiwick Website, or call (773) 883-1090.Interactive Showgirls Screening
You know Showgirls has become a cult classic, right? Well, so does MGM. As a promotion for the new "VIP Edition" DVD, an "interactive screening of the campy stripper flick is showing at the Landmark Century Cinemas, 2828 N. Clark, tonight at 7:30pm. You'll be given a goodie bag of props -- including fake $100 bills to throw at the screen during lapdance scenes -- and prizes will be given for the best costumes. Best of all, it's free! Just download a copy of this PDF ticket for you and a guest. It's first-come, first-served, so get there early to grab a seat. More info here.Bob Newhart statue unveiled
Today at 8:00 AM at 430 N. Michigan Avenue, TV Land will unveil a bronze statue of Bob Newhart, whose "Bob Newhart Show" took place in Chicago, and whose character had a psychiatry office in that building. Bob Newhart (who was born in Oak Park, oddly enough) will speak at the ceremony. So you should attend, and then shout out, "Hi, Bob!" And then take a drink. Ha!Jonathan Ames @ Quimby's
Jonathan Ames, witty writer, enema enthusiast, sexual deviant (and we say this all with love) appears at Quimby's to read from his new book, Wake Up, Sir!. 8:00PM, free.Crayon #4 Release Reading at buddY
The Myopic Poetry Series presents Crayon #4 release reading tonight at 7pm at buddY, 1542 N. Milwaukee, 2nd floor. Free, as always. Check here for more info.Lip @ Neo-Futurarium
Performance poet Lisa Buscani, a former Neo-Futurist, returns to her old stomping grounds this month and presents Lip, a weekly spoken-word extravaganza. Every Friday and Saturday night in July will feature a different lineup of writers and performers, each one delivering 15 minutes of scintillating verbiage. This week's Lip lineup: Lisa Buscani, Joel Chmara, Mary Fons, Scott Hermes, Stephanie Shaw, Marc Smith. Fans of the spoken word will definitely want to listen to Lip. Show starts at 8:00, doors open at 7:30. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). More information and reservations: (773) 275-5255.Veggie bike and dine
Ride the Veggie Bike and Dine, a nine-mile ride with stops at four restaurants: Karyn's Fresh Corner, Chicago Diner, Lula Cafe, and the Handlebar. Advance registration is required, and limited to the first 25 riders.Honey Harvest at Garfield Park
Love honey? If so, check out the Honey Harvest at Garfield Park Conservatory Saturday July 24, where you can learn about honey while helping to harvest it. Fresh honey from one of the conservatory's eight productive hives will be available for purchase. 10-4, $3 entrance fee, 300 N. Central Park.Bowling in the Burbs
Join the suburban Nine to Twelve Bowling League and participate in a fundraising benefit to support the Gay Games VII Sport and Cultural Festival, scheduled for July 15-22, 2006 in Chicago. Bowling in the Burbs takes place today at River Rand Bowl in Des Plaines. Individual tickets are $30 while $150 pays for a lane of 6 people. Admission includes three games of bowling, prizes, and food. Portion of the proceeds will towards a scholarship program to assist persons with HIV/AIDS related illnesses attend and participate in the 2006 Gay Games. To purchase tickets, go to GayGamesChicago.org or call 773-907-2006.Drinking & Writing @ T's
All July long "Drinking & Writing" will once again cozy up to the bar where it all started, T's Bar and Restaurant, 5025 N. Clark St. (at the corner of Winnemac) in the heart of Andersonville. Every Thursday and Saturday at 7 p.m. for the whole month of July you are cordially invited to join them for drinks and performances of "Drinking & Writing". As a bonus, not only will you be able to see the original "Drinking & Writing," but you'll also be able to see the all new "Drinking & Writing Volume II, The 'Nobel' Experiment". That's right, an all new show written and performed by Neo-Futurists Steve Mosqueda, Sean Benjamin, and featuring Chloe Johnston. This all new Volume of Drinking & Writing focuses on the years of prohibition and features many new writers such as Edna St. Vincent Milay, H.L. Mencken, Upton Sinclair, Sinclair Lewis, Jack London, and many more. The two shows will be performed in rep on Thursdays and Saturdays, so to find out more about the schedule visit their website, where you can also purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are $12 and $8 for students with ID and can also be purchased at the door.Dragon Boat Race!
The Asian Social Network presents their 4th annual Dragon Boat Race today, to raise funds for the Chicago Public School system. There will be food and craft vendors, a children's playground, and traditional dances and music. Plus, of course, dragon boat racing. The whole thing runs from 9:00 to 5:00 at Ping Tom Memorial Park, 300 West 19th Street. For more information, see the Chicago Chinatown Website.Say Anything @ Doc
"Lloyd Dobbler, alright." Don't miss Cameron Crowe's 1989 classic teenage love story, Say Anything tonight at Doc Films. Showtimes at 7pm and 9:15pm.Beatallica @ Cubby Bear
Beatallica, a mind-melding combination of Beatles and Metallica, plays tonight at the Cubby Bear in Wrigleyville (southwest corner of Addison & Clark). Also on the bill: the Clash tribute band London Calling. A fine evening of fake music for all! Show starts at 10:00 PM, and admission is $6.Lip @ Neo-Futurarium
Performance poet Lisa Buscani, a former Neo-Futurist, returns to her old stomping grounds this month and presents Lip, a weekly spoken-word extravaganza. Every Friday and Saturday night in July will feature a different lineup of writers and performers, each one delivering 15 minutes of scintillating verbiage. This week's Lip lineup: Lisa Buscani, Joel Chmara, Mary Fons, Scott Hermes, Stephanie Shaw, Marc Smith. Fans of the spoken word will definitely want to listen to Lip. Show starts at 8:00, doors open at 7:30. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). More information and reservations: (773) 275-5255.Tone Loc, C&C Music Factory @ Vision
The early '90s would have been nothing without the musical stylings of Tone Loc and C&C Music Factory. Come relive that golden age at Vision Nightclub, 632 N. Dearborn, at 10pm. Tickets are $20 through TicketMaster -- sorry, that does not include your first funky cold Medina. 21 and over, though anyone under 21 probably doesn't remember these guys anyway.Ghostly International showcase @ Empty Bottle
Ghostly International's Art and Artifice showcase tour hits the Empty Bottle with Matthew Dear headlining, along with Dabrye and Chicago's own fabulous Kill Memory Crash. 1035 N. Western, 21+, 10pm, $10.Women’s Drum Circle @ WCCA
On the fourth Friday of each month, The WCCA (Women’s Center for the Creative Arts) holds a drum circle at 7:00 p.m. Tonight, you can let go of the week's frustrations in a joyous release of percussion power! Bring drums and other percussion instruments. Jennifer Vannell leads and there's a $5 suggested donation. The WCCA is located at 5514 W. Lawrence (just west of the Blue line Jefferson Park stop). Call (773) 412-9257 for more info. Check the website too for other events.Beautification at Garfield Park
Think beauty products cost too much? Wish you could make your own from herbs and other items you could grow yourself? Well, those fine folks at Garfield Park Conservatory are willing to show you how to do it, natural-style. Hope on the green line after work and get off at the Garfield Park stop so you can hang out at the Conservatory from 6-8 pm tonight. The best part of all this? It's free!70th anniversary of John Dillinger's death
On July 22, 1934, John Dillinger was gunned down outside the Biograph Theatre by federal agents. That is, he was confronted by agents in front of the theater and then made his way to a nearby alley, where he met his end. To commemorate this bit of Chicago history, the Red Lion Pub (2446 N. Lincoln, across the street from the Biograph) is hosting a "Dillinger Day" event. Dillinger-related movies will be screened, and shortly after 10:00 PM, a bagpipe procession will retrace Dillinger's final steps. The show starts at 8:00 PM, and admission is free ("half price for ladies in red").Natural Beauty Products from the Garden
Head on over to Garfield Park Conservatory for Soulistic Sanctuary, part of the Harvest Demonstration Hour on Thursday evenings, from 6 pm - 9 pm. This week, learn how to use natural beauty products from the garden. Also included in this week's workshop: making your own beauty supplies. "With teas, recipes, and botanical arts; each Thursday evening we will explore different ways to use the garden’s harvest." The conservatory is located right off the Green Line, or head out to 300 N. Central Park Ave.Drinking & Writing @ T's
All July long "Drinking & Writing" will once again cozy up to the bar where it all started, T's Bar and Restaurant, 5025 N. Clark St. (at the corner of Winnemac) in the heart of Andersonville. Every Thursday and Saturday at 7 p.m. for the whole month of July you are cordially invited to join them for drinks and performances of "Drinking & Writing". As a bonus, not only will you be able to see the original "Drinking & Writing," but you'll also be able to see the all new "Drinking & Writing Volume II, The 'Nobel' Experiment". That's right, an all new show written and performed by Neo-Futurists Steve Mosqueda, Sean Benjamin, and featuring Chloe Johnston. This all new Volume of Drinking & Writing focuses on the years of prohibition and features many new writers such as Edna St. Vincent Milay, H.L. Mencken, Upton Sinclair, Sinclair Lewis, Jack London, and many more. The two shows will be performed in rep on Thursdays and Saturdays, so to find out more about the schedule visit their website, where you can also purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are $12 and $8 for students with ID and can also be purchased at the door.Subsystence Sound Salon
In the mood for some carousing? PISTIL invites you to Rodan for a night of cocktails and hot hipster action presenting the talents of DJs Ken Meier and Jon Krohn of Subsystence. (Ya'll do see that ad on the front page, right?) The groove begins at 10 pm, but y'all will be there early so you can be seen. No, seriously, y'all will be there!It Came From The Neo-Futurarium
The Neo-Futurists present another summer of dramatic readings of film scripts in their summer prime time series It Came From The Neo-Futurarium III: Return To The Neo-Futurarium. This week's film: Scream of the Butterfly, the story of a nude bubble-bathing gold-digger. The reading is directed by Edward Thomas-Herrera. The show starts tonight at 8:00, and the series runs through August 4. See the Neo-Futurist Website for more details, a complete schedule, and links to purchase tickets. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland. (773) 275-5255.Roger Ebert @ Apple Store
Roger Ebert, film critic and Apple enthusiast, will be speaking at the downtown Apple Store tonight on the subject of low-budget movies. One can only assume that Macintosh hardware will figure prominently in the talk. The event starts at 6:00 PM, and is free and open to the public. Apple Store: 679 N. Michigan. (312) 981-4104.Friends of Fran Benefit Concert
On June 19, Francesca Opre, one of the bartenders at Delilah's, was killed in a hit-and-run accident on Western Ave. Tonight the "Friends of Fran" stage a benefit show at the Double Door, featuring Beer Nuts, The Peelers, Dummy, Vortis and The 8th Grade. Doors open at 8pm, show at 9pm. Tickets are $10, and proceeds will go to the Fran Opre Memorial Fund. You can also help by downloading a flyer (in English or Spanish) looking for information about the accident.
Just Add Fashion
The Chicago Kings (along with some Queens) present "Just Add Fashion", a drag fashion show to help raise funds in support of International Drag King Extravaganza 6, happening in October 2004. Open bar 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM, and the fashion show starts at 10:00. Also on the schedule: Queen and King performances, a strip-tease auction, and so much more. Admission is $15, and this is a 21+ show. The fun all starts tonight at 8:00 at Hydrate Nightclub, 3458 N. Halsted. For more information, see the Chicago Kings Website.Women's Book Discussion @ Women and Children First
The Andersonville bookstore Women and Children First presents a monthly book discussion group for women of all ages. Tonight's topic: "The Gangster We Are All Looking For", by Le Thi Diem Thuy. New members welcome, and you get a 10% discount when you buy the book for the discussion. The event starts at 7:30 PM. Women and Children First: 5233 N. Clark. (773) 769-9299.Chicago Poetry Cram II @ The Cafe
Tonight at 8 p.m. the folks at Chicago Poetry.com hope to cram as many poets as possible into the Cafe at 5115 N. Lincoln Avenue for a benefit reading. Proceeds from the event will go to event costs at the upcoming Chicago Poetry Fest which will take place the last weekend in August. If you're interested in participating email chicagopoetry@chicagopoetry.com for more information.Young Feminist Discussion Group @ Women and Children First
The Andersonville bookstore Women and Children First presents a monthly discussion group for feminists in their 20s and 30s. Tonight's topic: the Margaret Atwood novel "Cat's Eye". New members welcome, and you get a 10% discount when you buy the novel for the discussion. The event starts at 7:30 PM. Women and Children First: 5233 N. Clark. (773) 769-9299.Stories on Stage entry deadline
Now hear this! Today's the deadline for Chicago Public Radio's Stories on Stage competition. Send in your short story to the competition (make sure it's postmarked by today's date), and if your story is selected as one of the best, it'll be read on Chicago Public Radio in the fall. See the Website for full contest details.Barack and Roll in Oak Park
The Young Democrats of Oak Park present "Barack and Roll" One Night Only, on Sunday, July 18, at 6 p.m.(Doors open 5:15 p.m.) at the Oak Park Arts Center, located at 200 N. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois. There’s a $5 donation suggested at the door. The evening will feature Senator Barack Obama with performances by Troubled Hubble, Aesthetic Sense, Cellar Door, T-Scar & DJ Trentino, Paul Gulyas & Dan Price, Drew Bridgman, Dom Perignon Smith, Amber Robinson, and many special guests. For more information and tickets call (708) 386-0090 or e-mail Abe Riesman at abrahamjoseph2004@yahoo.com.Myopic Poetry: P.F. Potvin
The Myopic Poetry Series presents P.F. Potvin for a reading tonight at 7pm at buddY, 1542 N. Milwaukee, 2nd floor. Free, as always. Check here for more info.Ira Glass & Chris Ware
Ira Glass, host of This American Life, and illustrator Chris Ware will be presenting a story they wrote and illustrated together. The presentation takes place tonight at 10:45 PM on the roof of the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph. Along with the story presentation, there will be two musical groups in attendance: The Aluminum Group and 8th Blackbird. The event is free and open to the public.Lip @ Neo-Futurarium
Performance poet Lisa Buscani, a former Neo-Futurist, returns to her old stomping grounds this month and presents Lip, a weekly spoken-word extravaganza. Every Friday and Saturday night in July will feature a different lineup of writers and performers, each one delivering 15 minutes of scintillating verbiage. This week's Lip lineup: Kate Anderson, Dave Awl, Joel Chmara, Mary Fons, Cin Salach and Marc Smith. Fans of the spoken word will definitely want to listen to Lip. Show starts at 8:00, doors open at 7:30. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). More information and reservations: (773) 275-5255.Andersonville Walking Tour
The Chicago Architecture Foundation sponsors a wealth of walking, boat, and bus tours in neighborhoods throughout the year. One of them is the Andersonville walking tour, set for today, July 17 (the next one is in October). Part of a series that features the Edgewater and Lakewood-Balmoral neighborhoods, you can learn about Andersonville’s growth from early Swedish farms of the 1840s to a thriving present-day neighborhood. There has always been vital activity on Clark Street, originally as a Native American path and now as a bustling commercial district. The architecture is both classical and modern, and is surrounded by Victorian, prairie, and classical residential and institutional buildings. The tour takes place at 10:30 a.m., and lasts 2 hours. Tickets are $10. Check the website for more information.Gurlesque Burlesque
Enjoy semi-naked ladies? Who doesn't! Join the Sissy Butch Brothers' Gurlesque Burlesque at the Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace, tonight for a gyrating good time. Not only will you get to hoot at dozens of Chicago performers, you will also get to gaze upon Miss Dirty Martini and Julie Atlas Muz from New York and Miss Indigo Blue from Seattle. Get you tickets at the Abbey or online at ticketweb.com. Just $15!Chicago Modern exhibit @ Terra Museum
The Terra Museum of American Art presents its final exhibition, "Chicago Modern, 1893-1945: Pursuit of the New." Be sure to check it out before the museum's doors close at the end of October. The exhibit runs through October 31, and is free and open to the public. Terra Museum of American Art: 664 N. Michigan. (312) 664-3939.Dog Lovers @ Barbara's
Margaret Littman provides the "inside scoop" on other great places to take your four-legged friends in her book, "The Dog Lover's Companion to Chicago." Bring your pooch for a treat at Barbara's! Littman will read at Barbara's Bookstore in Oak Park, located at 1100 Lake Street, at 1 p.m. today. For more information call (708) 848-9140.Tour de France on a big screen
Craving some large-screen Tour de France action and willing to get up early for it? A Lincolnshire theater will be showing live race coverage on a movie screen at 6am on Saturday morning. There's a $25 registration fee, but it seems to include breakfast.Drinking & Writing @ T's
All July long "Drinking & Writing" will once again cozy up to the bar where it all started, T's Bar and Restaurant, 5025 N. Clark St. (at the corner of Winnemac) in the heart of Andersonville. Every Thursday and Saturday at 7 p.m. for the whole month of July you are cordially invited to join them for drinks and performances of "Drinking & Writing". As a bonus, not only will you be able to see the original "Drinking & Writing," but you'll also be able to see the all new "Drinking & Writing Volume II, The 'Nobel' Experiment". That's right, an all new show written and performed by Neo-Futurists Steve Mosqueda, Sean Benjamin, and featuring Chloe Johnston. This all new Volume of Drinking & Writing focuses on the years of prohibition and features many new writers such as Edna St. Vincent Milay, H.L. Mencken, Upton Sinclair, Sinclair Lewis, Jack London, and many more. The two shows will be performed in rep on Thursdays and Saturdays, so to find out more about the schedule visit their website, where you can also purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are $12 and $8 for students with ID and can also be purchased at the door.Kill Your Idols @ Quimby's
Sun-Times music critic Jim DeRogatis will be appearing at Quimby's tonight, plugging his new book "Kill Your Idols: A New Generation of Rock Writers Reconsiders the Classics." Appearing along with DeRogatis will be his co-editor on the project, Carmél Carrillo, as well as several contributing essayists. The event starts at 8:00 PM and is free and open to the public. Quimby's: 1854 W. North. (773) 342-0910.James Kochalka & Craig Thompson @ Chicago Comics
Comic artists James Kochalka (who is also a rockstar of note) and Craig Thompson show up at Chicago Comics tonight on the Chicago stop of the Chunky Monkey 2004 Tour. Whatever that means. You should go; they're good artists and funny-ass people. Ask James Kochalka when his new album is coming out; it's 3 years overdue! The appearance/signing runs from 8:00 to 10:00 tonight. Chicago Comics: 3244 N. Clark. (773) 528-1983.Lip @ Neo-Futurarium
Performance poet Lisa Buscani, a former Neo-Futurist, returns to her old stomping grounds this month and presents Lip, a weekly spoken-word extravaganza. Every Friday and Saturday night in July will feature a different lineup of writers and performers, each one delivering 15 minutes of scintillating verbiage. This week's Lip lineup: Kate Anderson, Dave Awl, Joel Chmara, Mary Fons, Cin Salach and Marc Smith. Fans of the spoken word will definitely want to listen to Lip. Show starts at 8:00, doors open at 7:30. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). More information and reservations: (773) 275-5255.Build Your Own Radio
The York Radio Club will demonstrate electronic kit-building techniques at the Elmhurst Fire Station #1, 404 North York St. in Elmhurst. The event starts at 8pm. York Radio Club members will build a simple electronic kit and informally discuss component identification and soldering techniques. Club members will also bring in other "home-brew" projects. The club will also offer Amateur Radio exams at 7pm. Free. Call 630/833-7371 or email w9pcs@arrl.net for more info.Catheters, Dutchmen @ Fireside Bowl
Seattle's Catheters have opened for Mudhoney and The Burning Brides, and now they're playing with The Dutchmen at the Fireside Bowl, 2646 W. Fullerton, in an all-ages show tonight at 10pm. Tickets are $8. More info at MPshows.com.Gurlesque Burlesque
Enjoy semi-naked ladies? Who doesn't! Join the Sissy Butch Brothers' Gurlesque Burlesque at the Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace, tonight or tomorrow for a gyrating good time. Not only will you get to hoot at dozens of Chicago performers, you will also get to gaze upon Miss Dirty Martini and Julie Atlas Muz from New York and Miss Indigo Blue from Seattle. Get you tickets at the Abbey or online at ticketweb.com. Just $15!Derrick Carter at Millennium Park
This Friday kicks off the opening (finally) of Millennium Park with performances by the Redmoon Theater, Grant Park Orchestra, and way too many acts to list. Also, morning tai chi and yoga. Be sure to check out the Promenade Stage Friday night at 10:30, when Derrick Carter takes the stage with Steve "Silk" Hurley to drop house jams for the city that birthed the genre."Simply Red" Benefit
No, it's not the Eighties band. Simply Red is a red-themed benefit for the City of Hope National Medical Center, featuring DJ Nandy Maxx, The Red Revue Burlesque Dancers, specially created Crimson Cocktails and a very special raffle. The event runs 7:30pm to 10pm tonight at Ontourage, 157 West Ontario. Tickets are $50; VIP tickets are also available. Click here or call Katherine Riley at 847/583-8600 for more information.City sticker deadline today!
Do you have a city sticker for your car yet? No? Then you better get one today, because (a) you'll have to pay a $40 late fee after today, and (b) you'll get a $120 ticket if the cops catch you without one. Check out the City Clerk's Website for information on how to get a sticker.Drinking & Writing @ T's
All July long "Drinking & Writing" will once again cozy up to the bar where it all started, T's Bar and Restaurant, 5025 N. Clark St. (at the corner of Winnemac) in the heart of Andersonville. Every Thursday and Saturday at 7 p.m. for the whole month of July you are cordially invited to join them for drinks and performances of "Drinking & Writing". As a bonus, not only will you be able to see the original "Drinking & Writing," but you'll also be able to see the all new "Drinking & Writing Volume II, The 'Nobel' Experiment". That's right, an all new show written and performed by Neo-Futurists Steve Mosqueda, Sean Benjamin, and featuring Chloe Johnston. This all new Volume of Drinking & Writing focuses on the years of prohibition and features many new writers such as Edna St. Vincent Milay, H.L. Mencken, Upton Sinclair, Sinclair Lewis, Jack London, and many more. The two shows will be performed in rep on Thursdays and Saturdays, so to find out more about the schedule visit their website, where you can also purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are $12 and $8 for students with ID and can also be purchased at the door.It Came From The Neo-Futurarium
The Neo-Futurists present another summer of dramatic readings of film scripts in their summer prime time series It Came From The Neo-Futurarium III: Return To The Neo-Futurarium. This week's film: Demetrius and the Gladiators, a swords-and-sandals epic directed by Neo-Futurist company founder Greg Allen. The show starts tonight at 8:00, and the series runs through August 4. See the Neo-Futurist Website for more details, a complete schedule, and links to purchase tickets. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland. (773) 275-5255.The Second City Goes To War
The Second City presents a collection of sketches from their vast repertoire, to give an overview of the history of the US military. The show opens tonight at Theater on the Lake, at the corner of Fullerton and Lake Shore Drive, and runs through Sunday, July 18. Showtimes are 7:30 PM each night, except for Sunday night, which is 6:30 PM. More info: (312) 742-7994.Pablo Neruda Centennial Celebration
Monday marked what would have been the 100th birthday of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Come celebrate the poetry of this remarkable literary hero at the Chopin Theater, located at 1543 W. Division brought to you by the Guild Complex. Professor Beatriz Badikian will begin the evening with a free workshop delving into Neruda's passionate poems of love, politics and life. A bi-lingual reading of work written and inspired by Neruda will follow featuring Professor Badikian and poets Eduardo Arocho, Gregorio Gomez, Regina Harris-Baiocchi, Marlon Esguerra, Michael Watson, and others. The workshop is at 5:30 p.m. and the reading starts at 7:30 p.m.. Refreshments will be provided by the University of Illinois at Chicago's Latino Cultural Center and the Chilean Consulate. Tickets are $7/$5 students, seniors, members.Rock & Roll Book Signing @ Borders
Semisonic drummer Jake Slichter (you know, that song "Closing Time" from 1998) wrote a book all about the band's thrust into the spotlight. "So You Wanna Be a Rock and Roll Star: How I Machine-Gunned a Roomful of Record Executives and Other True Tales From a Drummer's Life" (whew!) is a journey of the band's rocket into their 15 minutes of fame, both good and bad. Slichter will sign and read from the book at Border's in Uptown, at 4718 N. Broadway Ave. (at Lawrence) tonight at 7 p.m.The Ultimate Coffee Break
You like free stuff, right? Well, today's your lucky day. Show up at Equity Plaza (2 N. Riverside Plaza) between 11am and 2pm for free samples of Starbucks beverages, sandwiches, brownies and Eli's cheesecake. There will also be some non-edible freebies, including copies of the RedEye, skincare products, yoga demonstrations and chair massages. All accompanied by free music by WLIT-FM -- yippee!Rock the Bastille
A benefit concert for Sansculottes theatre company, with performances by Menthol, The Wes Hollywood Show, and the Specs. 9pm at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia; suggested donation $14. For more info call 773-507-1898 or visit the Hideout website.Becoming a Poet @ The Newberry Library
Poetry Magazine presents the program "Becoming a Poet" today at 6 p.m. at the Newberry Library. Saskia Hamilton, James Kimbrell, Christina Pugh, and Christian Wiman—all younger poets who have been awarded the prestigious Ruth Lilly Fellowship—read from their work and discuss how they got their start. Admission is $5, including reception, and reservations are required. Call The Poetry Foundation at (312) 787-7070 for tickets. The Newberry Library is located at 60 W. Walton Street near the Clark/Division stop on the Red Line.Dick O'Day's Big Lovely Liberry
Dick O'Day (aka Annoyance Theater member Richard Knight Jr.) presents his weekly show, Dick O'Day's Big Lovely Liberry, in which Annoyance cast members act out various scenes from trashy books. Expect lessons in how to pick up chicks, Angela Bowie's descriptions of life with David Bowie, and other disturbing and unseemly slices of life. The show runs tonight at 7:00 at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway. Admission is $6. The run may be extended through the summer; keep an eye on the Annoyance Website for updates.Chicago Outdoor Film Fest
The City of Chicago presents the 5th Annual Chicago Outdoor Film Festival. This year's lineup includes: His Girl Friday (tonight), The Birds, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Roman Holiday and Guys & Dolls. Movies begin at sunset in Butler Field, Grant Park at Lake Shore Drive and Monroe. Admission is free. Also free: bike valet parking (!) at the corner of Monroe and LSD.Alex Kotlowitz @ Barbara's Oak Park
Alex Kotlowitz (There are No Children Here) is an accidental Chicagoan, having arrived here from New York. His new book, Never a City So Real "presents our beloved home as it has come to symbolize America in all of its splendor and frailty-ingenious and egalitarian, uncertain and self-indulgent." Kotlowitz reads at Barbara's in Oak Park, at 7:30 p.m.The Vanishing @ Film Center
The 1988 Dutch film Spoorloos (The Vanishing) screens tonight at the Siskel Film Center. Re-made as an American film (by the same director!), the original has much more tension and a perfect ending that ranks right up there with some of the classic films of all time. A great psychological thriller, and highly recommended. The film shows tonight at 6:00. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.Disco Demolition 25th anniversary
It wasn't exactly the proudest moment in Chicago's history, but it sure got plenty of attention focused on Chicago DJ Steve Dahl. On July 12, 1979, in the middle of a White Sox-Tigers double header, Dahl held his infamous Disco Demolition, in which a number of disco records were blown up in the outfield of Comiskey Park. The event triggered a riot in the park, and caused the Sox to forfeit the second game. Considered the worst on-field event in baseball history, Disco Demolition is remembered with a mixture of fondness and horror by Chicago residents. Tonight at 8pm, Channel 11 will present a one-hour special commmemorating the event, with never-before-seen footage of the evening. WCKG is also hosting an anniversary celebration at Harry Carey's, 33 W. Kinzie, from 8pm to 10pm, where you can meet the disco demolition man himself!Protect Yo'self
Do you get a little nervous when you're walking at night alone? Want to do something to boost your confidence when you hear footsteps behind you? Then join Chicago NOW for it's Women's Self-Defense Seminar this afternoon from 2-4 pm at the Wicker Park Fieldhouse (1425 N. Damen Ave). This all-woman self-defense seminar will take two hours and will "boost your confidence and empower you with practical information and self-defense techniques—no matter what your size or level of physical fitness." Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for teenagers. To reserve your spot, RSVP by Monday, July 5, at 312-578-9351 or email Kristina Reis at tinatalk1122@yahoo.com. Space is limited to 30 people, so please RSVP as soon as possible. Payment can be made at the event via check or cash.Orwell Rolls in his Grave
The liberal news site Buzzflash presents a screening of the documentary Orwell Rolls in his Grave, a look at the modern mainstream media. (As you can probably tell from the title, they don't think too highly of it.) The screening will be at the Siskel Film Center tonight at 8:00; see the Buzzflash site to purchase tickets in advance. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.St. Andrew's 43rd Annual Greek Festival
This annual festival of Greek culture includes traditional food, folk music and dancing, stuff for the kids, a raffle, and a silent auction. On Friday night, get $1 beers from 5-7 p.m. and hear live performances from Jon Allmett and Scott Besaw and The Business. The fun all happens at St. Andrew's Greek Orthodox Church at 5649 N. Sheridan Road July 9: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m., July 10: 4 p.m. - 11 p.m., and July 11: noon - 11 p.m. Admission is $2.Magnificent Mile Art Festival
This free art festival will feature more than 200 local and national artists exhibiting their stuff at the Chicago Tribune Pioneer Court located at 435 N. Michigan Avenue. Hours are July 9: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., July 10: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and July 11: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Did I mention that it's free?Under the Tightrope
The chamber music collective Till by Turning debuts tonight with "Under the Tightrope: The Chamber Music of Sofia Gubaidulina." The performance is at 2pm at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division. Tickets are $10. For more information, call the theater at 773/278-1501.Myopic Poetry Series
The Myopic Poetry Series presents Gene Tanta and Ramona Mirela Ciupag for a reading tonight at 7pm at buddY, 1542 N. Milwaukee, 2nd floor. Free, as always. Check here for more info.Chicago Folk & Roots Festival
The Old Town School of Folk Music presents its 7th annual Chicago Folk & Roots Festival today at Welles Park. Lots of music (folk, blues, Cajun, country, Afrobeat, children's music, etc.), and a dance & workshop area featuring plenty of chances to try out different dance steps (samba, salsa, hula, etc.). If the music and dance interests you, then consider taking a class at the school (have a look at their class schedule; the next adult class session begins August 30). Admission to the festival is a suggested donation of $5, or $1 for seniors and kids. Welles Park is at the corner of Lincoln and Montrose. The festival runs noon to 9:30. See the Old Town School Website for a complete schedule.Eyes on the Books to Women in Prison Project
A group of women who met at the Young Feminist Bookclub at Women and Children First started a non-profit called Books to Women in Prison Project. They try to enhance education projects available to women in prison. The eta Creative Arts Foundation is donating a percentage of today's Eyes performance to this group. Eyes is a tribute to Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God. Tickets are $15 and if you're interested in attending, send an email to Lilia Rissman at lrissman@uchicago.edu.Lip @ Neo-Futurarium
Performance poet Lisa Buscani, a former Neo-Futurist, returns to her old stomping grounds this month and presents Lip, a weekly spoken-word extravaganza. Every Friday and Saturday night in July will feature a different lineup of writers and performers, each one delivering 15 minutes of scintillating verbiage. This week's Lip lineup: Dave Awl, Lisa Buscani, Mary Fons, Nicole Garneau, Jenny Magnus, and Marc Smith. Fans of the spoken word will definitely want to listen to Lip. Show starts at 8:00, doors open at 7:30. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). More information and reservations: (773) 275-5255.St. Andrew's 43rd Annual Greek Festival
This annual festival of Greek culture includes traditional food, folk music and dancing, stuff for the kids, a raffle, and a silent auction. On Friday night, get $1 beers from 5-7 p.m. and hear live performances from Jon Allmett and Scott Besaw and The Business. The fun all happens at St. Andrew's Greek Orthodox Church at 5649 N. Sheridan Road July 9: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m., July 10: 4 p.m. - 11 p.m., and July 11: noon - 11 p.m. Admission is $2.Magnificent Mile Art Festival
This free art festival will feature more than 200 local and national artists exhibiting their stuff at the Chicago Tribune Pioneer Court located at 435 N. Michigan Avenue. Hours are July 9: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., July 10: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and July 11: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Did I mention that it's free?Chicago Folk & Roots Festival
The Old Town School of Folk Music presents its 7th annual Chicago Folk & Roots Festival today and tomorrow at Welles Park. Lots of music (folk, blues, Cajun, country, Afrobeat, children's music, etc.), and a dance & workshop area featuring plenty of chances to try out different dance steps (samba, salsa, hula, etc.). If the music and dance interests you, then consider taking a class at the school (have a look at their class schedule; the next adult class session begins August 30). Admission to the festival is a suggested donation of $5, or $1 for seniors and kids. Welles Park is at the corner of Lincoln and Montrose. The festival runs noon to 9:30 on both days. See the Old Town School Website for a complete schedule.Bastille Day Celebration
Party like it's 1789! July 14, 1789, to be exact, the day the French masses stormed the Bastille prison and ignited the French Revolution. Join Pops for Champagne at their 22nd annual block party magnifique celebrating this auspicious French holiday. 3 p.m.-10 p.m., 2900 block of North Sheffield.Drinking & Writing @ T's
Beginning Thursday July 8th "Drinking & Writing" will once again cozy up to the bar where it all started, T's Bar and Restaurant, 5025 N. Clark St. (at the corner of Winnemac) in the heart of Andersonville. Every Thursday and Saturday at 7 p.m. for the whole month of July you are cordially invited to join them for drinks and performances of "Drinking & Writing". As a bonus, not only will you be able to see the original "Drinking & Writing," but you'll also be able to see the all new "Drinking & Writing Volume II, The 'Nobel' Experiment". That's right, an all new show written and performed by Neo-Futurists Steve Mosqueda, Sean Benjamin, and featuring Chloe Johnston. This all new Volume of Drinking & Writing focuses on the years of prohibition and features many new writers such as Edna St. Vincent Milay, H.L. Mencken, Upton Sinclair, Sinclair Lewis, Jack London, and many more. The two shows will be performed in rep on Thursdays and Saturdays, so to find out more about the schedule visit their website, where you can also purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are $12 and $8 for students with ID and can also be purchased at the door.Barrington Microbrew Fest
Taste some of the area's finest microbrews along with the monied residents of Barrington! From 1 - 6 p.m., join other microbrew enthusiasts in downtown Barrington for tastings, food, and music. Cost is $30 for day-of tickets which includes a t-shirt, tasting glass, and more.The Vanishing @ Film Center
The 1988 Dutch film Spoorloos (The Vanishing) screens tonight at the Siskel Film Center. Re-made as an American film (by the same director!), the original has much more tension and a perfect ending that ranks right up there with some of the classic films of all time. A great psychological thriller, and highly recommended. The film shows tonight at 8:30, and will also screen on Monday the 12th at 6:00. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.Lip @ Neo-Futurarium
Performance poet Lisa Buscani, a former Neo-Futurist, returns to her old stomping grounds this month and presents Lip, a weekly spoken-word extravaganza. Every Friday and Saturday night in July will feature a different lineup of writers and performers, each one delivering 15 minutes of scintillating verbiage. This week's Lip lineup: Dave Awl, Lisa Buscani, Mary Fons, Nicole Garneau, Jenny Magnus, and Marc Smith. Fans of the spoken word will definitely want to listen to Lip. Show starts at 8:00, doors open at 7:30. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). More information and reservations: (773) 275-5255.St. Andrew's 43rd Annual Greek Festival
This annual festival of Greek culture includes traditional food, folk music and dancing, stuff for the kids, a raffle, and a silent auction. On Friday night, get $1 beers from 5-7 p.m. and hear live performances from Jon Allmett and Scott Besaw and The Business. The fun all happens at St. Andrew's Greek Orthodox Church at 5649 N. Sheridan Road July 9: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m., July 10: 4 p.m. - 11 p.m., and July 11: noon - 11 p.m. Admission is $2.Magnificent Mile Art Festival
This free art festival will feature more than 200 local and national artists exhibiting their stuff at the Chicago Tribune Pioneer Court located at 435 N. Michigan Avenue. Hours are July 9: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., July 10: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and July 11: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Did I mention that it's free?Women in the Director's Chair filmfest
Women in the Director's Chair, a Chicago-based group dedicated to promoting media made by women, presents a "Garden Screening" as an alternative to the wholesome offerings of the Chicago Park District's Movies in the Park. Today they'll be showing short films by local filmmakers: CRUSH by Rebecca Spencer, FATTY DANCE PARTY by Sara McCool, performance/video duo MARRIAGE (Math Bass & James Tsang) and the Chicago premiere of FIVE ALARM MUFF by Kirston Fortune & KJ Mohr. The show starts at dusk in the garden at 2457 N. Fairfield. Admission is $6-10 on a sliding scale. See the Website for more information.Elevated Cinema: "Battleground"
The crew at buddY will be showing Guerrilla News Network's new film, Battleground, on the roof tonight at 8:30pm (or inside, if it rains). Preceded by an episode of TLVSN. BuddY is at 1542 N. Milwaukee, 2nd floor. Free, but you might make a donation.Drinking & Writing @ T's
Beginning Thursday July 8th "Drinking & Writing" will once again cozy up to the bar where it all started, T's Bar and Restaurant, 5025 N. Clark St. (at the corner of Winnemac) in the heart of Andersonville. Every Thursday and Saturday at 7 p.m. for the whole month of July you are cordially invited to join them for drinks and performances of "Drinking & Writing". As a bonus, not only will you be able to see the original "Drinking & Writing," but you'll also be able to see the all new "Drinking & Writing Volume II, The 'Nobel' Experiment". That's right, an all new show written and performed by Neo-Futurists Steve Mosqueda, Sean Benjamin, and featuring Chloe Johnston. This all new Volume of Drinking & Writing focuses on the years of prohibition and features many new writers such as Edna St. Vincent Milay, H.L. Mencken, Upton Sinclair, Sinclair Lewis, Jack London, and many more. The two shows will be performed in rep on Thursdays and Saturdays, so to find out more about the schedule visit their website, where you can also purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are $12 and $8 for students with ID and can also be purchased at the door.Bicycling to Work Lecture
It’s lovely out, so why aren’t you biking to work? This, and other questions, will be answered by Mayor Daley’s Bicycling Ambassadors today, July 8, from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center, in the Claudia Cassidy Theater, 2nd Floor. They’ll address the principles of riding in traffic, and will share tips on carrying techniques, clothing options, and how to be springtime fresh once you reach your desk in the morning.It Came From The Neo-Futurarium
The Neo-Futurists present another summer of dramatic readings of film scripts in their summer prime time series It Came From The Neo-Futurarium III: Return To The Neo-Futurarium. This week's film: 1961's Susan Slade, a melodramatic tearjerker directed by former Neo-Futurist alumnus David Kodeski. The show starts tonight at 8:00, and the series runs through August 4. See the Neo-Futurist Website for more details, a complete schedule, and links to purchase tickets. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland. (773) 275-5255.Hellcat Hussies Burlesque
The Hellcat Hussies put the ass back in sass! Watch the plus-sized hussies perform tonight at Spot 6. The show begins at 9 p.m. There's no cover, and you must be 21 to get in. Spot 6 is located at 3343 N. Clark.SummerDance: Superjane Collective
The city's SummerDance 2004 lets you dance to the beats of the Superjane Collective, featuring DJ Colette, DJ Heather and DJ Lady D, tonight from 6:30pm to 9:30pm in the Spirit of Music Garden, 601 S. Michigan Ave. It's a free event, and although there won't be any dancing lessons being offered, there'll be plenty of great dancers to imitate.Dick O'Day's Big Lovely Liberry
Dick O'Day (aka Annoyance Theater member Richard Knight Jr.) presents his weekly show, Dick O'Day's Big Lovely Liberry, in which Annoyance cast members act out vaious scenes from trashy books. Expect lessons in how to pick up chicks, Angela Bowie's descriptions of live with David Bowie, and other disturbing and unseemly slices of life. The show runs tonight and next Tuesday, July 13, at 7:00 at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway. Admission is $6. The run may be extended through the summer; keep an eye on the Annoyance Website for updates.iTunes Day
DJ Chris Walsh spins on iPods and from iTunes at the W Hotel City Center, 172 W. Adams, 6-9pm tonight in the lounge. It's free, everyone gets a free iTunes CD, and you can register to win an iPod or iMac. Woohoo! Call 312/332-1200 for more info.African-Caribbean International Festival of Life
This 12th annual event celebrating African-Caribbean culture features more than 70 performers on two stages, plus food, arts and crafts, games, kids' activities, and much more. The festival runs from 10am to 10pm every day, July 2-5 in Washington Park at 5100 S. Cottage Grove. Admission ranges from $5-$10.African-Caribbean International Festival of Life
This 12th annual event celebrating African-Caribbean culture features more than 70 performers on two stages, plus food, arts and crafts, games, kids' activities, and much more. The festival runs from 10am to 10pm every day, July 2-5 in Washington Park at 5100 S. Cottage Grove. Admission ranges from $5-$10.Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival
Twenty hot air ballons will be launched every day during this festival at the Lisle Community Park located at Ill. Hwy. 53 and Short Street in Lisle, Illinois. The festival will also include nightly fireworks displays beginning around 10:15 p.m. July 1-4. Some major music acts will also be performing including the Spin Doctors (Thursday at 9pm) and Big Bad VooDoo Daddy (Sunday at 9pm). Admission is $8; $2 for kids ages 5-12. Visit the official website for more information.American Music Festival @ Fitzgerald's
Fitzgerald's, 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd. in Berwyn, finishes off its American Music Festival, highlighting excellent folk, blues, country and rock. Playing on two stages tonight are:• Pat McLaughlin
• Dave Alvin & The Guilty Men
• Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas
• Tito Jackson & The Jackson Five Band
• Waco Bros. With Paul Burch
• Ann Rabson
• Reckless Kelly
• Eric Ambel and the Roscoe Trio
• Chicago Jazz Orchestra
• Lurrie Bell & Dave Specter
• The She Demons of Rockabilly, featuring The Casey Sisters (Austin, TX), The Honeybees (Chicago,IL), & Dawn Shipley & the Sharp Shooters (L.A.)
• Jackie Greene
• Jeff & Vida Doors open at 1:30pm. Tickets are $20 per day, but you can get $5 off if you show up before 6pm -- which is worth doing, so you can get some of Fitzgerald's great cajun BBQ before the best parts are gone. For more info and a full schedule, check here or call 708/788-2118 ext20.
Burlectro @ darkroom
Join DJ Franky Vivid and the girls of LavCab for the "Amazing BURLECTRO Show" at darkroom, 2210 W. Chicago Ave., 10 p.m.-? Come out for some tassle twirlin' techno remixes of classic burlesque tracks, a multimedia burlesque extravaganza and Live! Dancing! Girls! featuring the luscious Miss Michelle "Toots" L'amour and her fabulous Sugarbabies. The show is free, you don't have to work tomorrow—what are you waiting for?!ABBA Brunch @ Ann Sather
Here's a goofy-fun way to celebrate the nation's independence: Ann Sather Restaurant, 1448 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park, transforms into a disco today for their monthly ABBA Brunch. Enjoy the music of the Swedish supergroup while you sample the Swedish diner's morning fare. You can also register to win two free tickets to see the musical "Mamma Mia!," opening at the Oriental Theater this November. From 8am to 3pm today.Free Comic Book Day
July 3 is Free Comic Book Day at participating comic book shops across the country. Participating Chicago locations include Chicago Comics at 3244 N. Clark and Graham Crackers Comics at 69 E. Madison. Enter your zipcode at the Free Comic Book Day website to find the participating comic book store nearest you.African-Caribbean International Festival of Life
This 12th annual event celebrating African-Caribbean culture features more than 70 performers on two stages, plus food, arts and crafts, games, kids' activities, and much more. The festival runs from 10am to 10pm every day, July 2-5 in Washington Park at 5100 S. Cottage Grove. Admission ranges from $5-$10.Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival
Twenty hot air ballons will be launched every day during this festival at the Lisle Community Park located at Ill. Hwy. 53 and Short Street in Lisle, Illinois. The festival will also include nightly fireworks displays beginning around 10:15 p.m. July 1-4. Some major music acts will also be performing including the Spin Doctors (Thursday at 9pm) and Big Bad VooDoo Daddy (Sunday at 9pm). Admission is $8; $2 for kids ages 5-12. Visit the official website for more information.Fireworks!
If you like explosions (and you know you do), head to the lakefront for the city's Independance Eve Fireworks Display on July 3. The show gets going at 9:30 p.m. down in Grant Park where there will be a fireworks display "promised to delight crowds" set to music. This year one of the featured pieces is John Williams' "Imperial March" from a little-known movie called "Star Wars."American Music Festival @ Fitzgerald's
Fitzgerald's, 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd. in Berwyn, continues its American Music Festival, highlighting excellent folk, blues, country and rock. Playing on two stages tonight are:• Dave Alvin & The Guilty Men
• Drive By Truckers
• Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience (2 shows, including a kid's matinee!)
• Savoy Family Band
• Reckless Kelly
• Chicago Salty Dogs
• Jon Dee Graham
• Dollar Store
• Cornmeal
• Stone City Stragglers
• Jeff & Vida Doors open at 1:30pm. Tickets are $20 per day, but you can get $5 off if you show up before 6pm -- which is worth doing, so you can get some of Fitzgerald's great cajun BBQ before the best parts are gone. For more info and a full schedule, check here or call 708/788-2118 ext20.
Iron & Wine @ the Abbey
Quiet, heartbreaking music from Samuel Beam (backed by a full band). "An ode to an older South; a part of America that is defined by 'traditional values,' pastoral imagery and arcane manners," according to Jonathan Poneman. Ugly Casanova opens. July 2: 8:00 p.m. (doors at 7)Three Stooges @ Film Center
Low-brow cinema in the high-brow Siskel Film Center! The Three Stooges 70th Annivoisary Blowout begins tonight, and includes a number of highlights from their career. Only one Shemp film ("Brideless Groom," with Shemp trying to get married), and one Oscar-nominated short ("Men in Black;" no, there aren't any aliens in it). Don't wear your best clothes; the screening might end with a pie fight! The show runs at the Film Center through July 8. Times: Saturday through Monday at 3:00 and 5:00; all other days, 6:00 and 8:15. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2400.Godzilla @ Music Box
Godzilla? You mean guy-in-a-rubber-suit Godzilla? Yes, that one. Believe it or not, an uncut version of the film has never been seen before on US screens (the film included some additional footage shot with Raymond Burr in the US release). Now you get your chance to see the complete film at the Music Box, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the film. Highly recommended! Music Box: 3733 N. Southport. (773) 871-6604.Suicide Girls Book Release @ Quimby's
The new SuicideGirls coffee table book -- featuring 200 photos of the women of suicidegirls.com -- is out now, and Missy Suicide, founder of the site, and eight of the SuicideGirls will be at Quimby's Bookstore, 1854 W. North Ave., tonight at 7pm to sign copies of the book and possibly perform a short set of their punk rock-inspired burlesque act. Free, so get there early.African-Caribbean International Festival of Life
This 12th annual event celebrating African-Caribbean culture features more than 70 performers on two stages, plus food, arts and crafts, games, kids' activities, and much more. The festival runs from 10am to 10pm every day, July 2-5 in Washington Park at 5100 S. Cottage Grove. Admission ranges from $5-$10.Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival
Twenty hot air ballons will be launched every day during this festival at the Lisle Community Park located at Ill. Hwy. 53 and Short Street in Lisle, Illinois. The festival will also include nightly fireworks displays beginning around 10:15 p.m. July 1-4. Some major music acts will also be performing including the Spin Doctors (Thursday at 9pm) and Big Bad VooDoo Daddy (Sunday at 9pm). Admission is $8; $2 for kids ages 5-12. Visit the official website for more information.Museum of Contemporary Photography Exhibits End
In case you were looking for something to do this Friday night, you might want to check out two exhibits on their last day at the Museum of Contemporary Photography. Shimon Attie's The History of Another: Projections in Rome and Utopia's Backyard which features photographs by Peter Dombrowe, Jeanne Faust, Beate Gutschow, Peter Piller and Jörn Zehe both end their spring runs on July 2. The next exhibit at the MOCP doesn't make its debut until July 23. The Museum of Contemporary Photography is located at Columbia College Chicago at 600 S. Michigan Avenue. All exhibits are free and open to the public.American Music Festival @ Fitzgerald's
Fitzgerald's, 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd. in Berwyn, continues its American Music Festival, highlighting excellent folk, blues, country and rock. Playing on two stages tonight are:• The All-Star Blues Jam featuring Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, Bob Margolin, Mookie Brill, & Willie "Big Eyes" Smith
• Paul Burch
• Santiago Jimenez
• Jimmy LaFave
• Last Train Home
• Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca
• Steepwater Band
• Nicholas Tremulis
• Jeff & Vida Doors open at 4:30pm. Tickets are $20 per day, but you can get $5 off if you show up before 6pm -- which is worth doing, so you can get some of Fitzgerald's great cajun BBQ before the best parts are gone. For more info and a full schedule, check here or call 708/788-2118 ext20.
Art Institute's "Long Day"
Visiting hours at the Art Institute change today. The museum's "long day," or the weekday on which the museum will be open in evening hours, moves from Tuesdays to Thursdays as of today. The museum will be open Thursdays from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM. The change accompanies an increase in the museum ticket price: from $10 to $12 for adults, $6 to $7 for children, seniors and students. The museum's free admission day will remain on Tuesday. Art Institute of Chicago: 111 S. Michigan. (312) 443-3600.Bill Clinton @ Barbara's
Former president Bill Clinton will be signing his memoir, My Life on Thursday, July 1 at Barbara's Bookstore UIC, located at 1218 S. Halsted. The event starts at 1pm, but space is limited and tickets are required. Call 312/413-2665 or see this page for more information. [UPDATE] Tickets have run out, but you might be able to glimpse the former prez if you head down anyway. You just won't be able to get anything signed.The 2nd Hand Release Party
THE2NDHAND celebrates the release of All Hands On: a THE2NDHAND Reader at Quimby's Bookstore, 1854 W. North Ave., tonight at 7pm. The event will include performances of the best work published in weekly broadsheet, anthologized in the newly release book, as well as musical guests and some comments by the editors. Free!Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival
Twenty hot air ballons will be launched every day during this festival at the Lisle Community Park located at Ill. Hwy. 53 and Short Street in Lisle, Illinois. The festival will also include nightly fireworks displays beginning around 10:15 p.m. July 1-4. Some major music acts will also be performing including the Spin Doctors (Thursday at 9pm) and Big Bad VooDoo Daddy (Sunday at 9pm). Admission is $8; $2 for kids ages 5-12. Visit the official website for more information.MMW @ Tweeter Center
Medeski Martin and Wood will be playing a show at the Tweeter center, though only the group’s website seems to be informed of that fact. Neither the Tweeter Center site, or Ticketmaster, have the phenom-dance/trance pioneer group on the bill alongside 311 and The Roots, but the band’s site has the date posted and MMW fans have been told of the band’s show, which the group hails as a "groove-heavy summer" tour with their fellow tour-buddies each with their own "DIY attitude." Hey, tickets are only $15.American Music Festival @ Fitzgerald's
Fitzgerald's, 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd. in Berwyn, kicks off its American Music Festival tonight with a strong line-up of folk, blues, country and rock. Playing on two stages are:• Poncho Chavez & The Magic Sounds
• Chevere
• Chris & Heather's 16mm Film Jamboree with special guests Robbie Fulks, Kelly Hogan, Scott Ligon, Nora O'Connor, Vernon Tonges, John "Sinatra" Connors, Chris Ligon & Heather McAdams
• Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie
• Anna Fermin's Trigger Gospel
• Robbie Fulks
• Jimmy LaFave
• Michael McDermott
• Jeff & Vida Doors open at 4:30pm. Tickets are $20 per day, but you can get $5 off if you show up before 6pm -- which is worth doing, so you can get some of Fitzgerald's great cajun BBQ before the best parts are gone. For more info and a full schedule, check here or call 708/788-2118 ext20.
LPZ Center for African Apes
The long-awaited grand opening of the Regenstein Center for African Apes (RCAA) at Lincoln Park Zoo takes place today at noon. Chicago welcomes back two gorilla groups and three chimpanzee groups, including a new baby gorilla "Azizi" who was born while they were away. Lincoln Park Zoo is free and open to the public 365 days a year.