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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Thursday, April 25
Remember Big Head Todd and the Monsters? They're headlining this year's 93XRT/Michelob Ultra New Year's Eve Rock 'n' Roll Ball at Navy Pier's Grand Ballroom (600 West Grand Avenue). The party will rage from 8:00 p.m. - 2 a.m. on New Years Eve. Tickets are $67-$100 and you can get 'em from Ticketmaster.com.
The fabulous Kelly Hogan & the Wooden Leg will be rockin' in the new year tonight at The Hideout. There will be two sets, at 10 & 11:30 p.m. with D.J. Rudy Day doing his duty until the "oui" hours! $15 suggested donation makes it a sweet NYE deal with champagne toast, snacks, party favors included. The Hideout is located at 1354 W. Wabansia, Chicago.
Kampuchean Buddhist Society celebrates its 19th Anniversary tonight at Furama Restaurant, at 4936 N. Broadway, Chicago from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are $35, call 773-989-0969 or 773-334-8558 for more information.
You know, when that clock strikes twelve you're going to want to be near some fireworks for that big smooch. Head on downtown for the City of Chicago's fireworks display, and show those New Yorkers that we know how to brave the cold in style. Revelers should gather beginning at 11:40 p.m., tonight at the Buckingham Fountain (located at Congress Parkway and Columbus Drive in Chicago) in order to witness a "pyrotechnic wonder" that features the lighted fountain countdown to the New Year. At midnight, an explosion of fire and light will continue above the lakefront choreographed to a musical soundtrack that includes rock, pop and classical. Admission is free.
The CTA has announced that it will once again offer "Penny Rides" this New Year's Eve, and has extended hours on some trains and buses. It's quite the community gift, given the CTA's notoriously bad financial situation. Catch a ride on the CTA for just $.01 from 8 p.m. Friday night until 6 a.m. Saturday morning.
The Dutchmen play another Empty Bottle show in support of their debut full-length, "Bloodthirsty," on Chicago's Threat Records. The Dutchmen combine the arena-sized riffs of AC/DC and Free with the attitude of The Stooges and The Dead Boys to create an entirely unique and instantly recognizable sound. Tonight they will be joined by the fabulous Plastik Explosives (ex-Mashers) and from downstate Bloomington-Normal,The Locked Sound. The Empty Bottle is located at 1035 N. Western Ave. in Chicago. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. Cover is $7. This show is 21 & over.
You can't beat a line-up like this: Big Daddy Kane, MC Lyte, Too
Short, Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh and the incredible Public Enemy hit
the Arie Crown Theater at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr.,
tonight at 8pm. Tickets are $40-50, available through TicketMaster or the box office at 312/791-6190.
Chicago-based Zhou Brothers have a great exhibit up at the Cultural Center of Chicago. From the center: "This exhibition marks the 30th anniversary of the Zhou Brothers’ artistic collaboration and will consist of paintings, prints, drawings and sculpture. The exhibition itself is a collaboration, a co-presentation by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs at the Chicago Cultural Center and the Elmhurst Art Museum, with complementary portions presented in each location. The Zhous came to Chicago from China in 1986 and have since garnered international acclaim for their synthesis of Eastern traditions and Western abstraction." The exhibit is free and is up in the exhibit hall until January 2, 2005, so hop to it! The Cultural Center is located at 78 E. Washington St., Chicago. For more information, call (312) 744-6630.
"Next 3 Miles" Florasonic Sound Installation will be available for listening and viewing at the Lincoln Park Conservatory today from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m., for free. "Florasonic, a series of sound installations, is an effort to have artists respond -- through sound -- to the evocative environment of the Fern Room. The current florasonic project is 'Next 3 Miles,' by composer Amnon Wolman. Using sounds recorded throughout the city, Wolman celebrates the multi-faceted cultural landscape of Chicago. The result is an imaginary "sound walk" that takes us through the city and through the composer's imagination." Presented by Experimental Sound. The conservatory is located at 2391 N. Stockton Drive, Chicago.
The Chicago Improvisers Series presents: Bridge 61 with Tim Daisy, Nate McBride, Jason Stein, Ken Vandermark at the Empty Bottle tonight. From the website: "The Chicago Improvisers is pleased – thrilled, really - to welcome the return of reedist Ken Vandermark to his usual Tuesday spot at the Bottle. Having been preoccupied for the last several months with a globe-trotting performance schedule, here Vandermark settles back in for a short stretch of Tuesday performances. Just as exciting, Vandermark will be introducing a new group, BRIDGE 61. The group will of course feature Vandermark, with contributions from percussionist Tim Daisy, bassist Nate McBride and bass clarinetist Jason Stein. A potentially important event in free music history, don’t miss this opportunity to witness the debut of a new Vandermark ensemble." Show starts at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 at the door or online. The Emtpy Bottle is located at 1035 N. Western Ave., Chicago.
String Theory's final concert (as "String Theory") will be at Rodan (1530 N Milwaukee Ave. at Damen) tonight at 10 p.m. Free admission, 21+. String Theory are Joshua Davison and Nathan Tucker of Chicago. They have been making electronic music together since 1996. String Theory material has been released on Manchester England's Skam Records, Chicago's Consumers Research and Development, and Milwaukee's Wobblyhead Records. Their latest release is the Radiovalerian LP/CD on Wobblyhead Records. For more info or questions, please email stringtheory{at}thornytigers{dot}com.
Looking for something interesting to do this evening? Well, look no further. Joel Kriske of Chicago-based experimental group Pulseprogramming and Suji Lee present another installment of their excellent XOJK series at Sonotheque. Tonight features a live performance from Daniel Givens in support of his new release on Aesthetics Records. Performing alonside Givens will be Josh Abrams of Town & Country on upright bass, Jeff Parker of Tortoise on guitar, and Nikki Mitchell of Black Earth on flute/vocals. Should be an excellent night of music. Opening DJ sets will be provided by Kriske and Monday's at Danny's creator DJ Bob. $5 Cover. Sonotheque is located 1444 W. Chicago Ave. 21 and up.
Camaro Rouge, Thin Man, and Velcro Lewis and his 100 Proof Band continue the Empty Bottle's Free Mondays tonight. The show features new local supergroup Camero Rouge which includes members of THE DRAPES, THE HAMICKS and others, and have been "much-talked about." Thin Man will play second, and Velcro Lewis and his 100 Proof Band will open the evening. Show starts at 9:30 p.m. Hey, it's free! The Empty Bottle is located at 1035 N. Western Ave., Chicago.
Not a bad way to work off the holiday pounds, December 27–29 should be saved for Mayor Daley’s Holiday Sports Festival at McCormick Place in Halls A & B (2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive). The festival is an all-ages sporting event that includes tournaments and interactive "play" zones. Admission and interactive zones are FREE. Activities take place daily, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., daily and parking is $7 in Lot A. Interactive zones include Golf, Climbing Walls, Football, Skills Area, Obstacle Course, Tot’s Zone, Bowling, Martial Arts, Table Tennis, Inflatable Tumbling, Tennis, Badminton, Boxing, Fishing Ponds, Footbag, Giant Slide, 50-Yard Dash, Skateboarding & Bicycle area and much more! New this year, cheerleading clinics, double dutch jump rope and 2-ball. Visit the expanded Fitness Area where certified fitness instructors will lead classes in cardio kickboxing, salsa aerobics, pilates, yoga and more. Tournaments include Volleyball, Soccer and Table Tennis. Call the Mayor's Office of Special Events for more information 312-744-3315.
If you've got some kids bouncing off the walls in your house right now, maybe you'd like to sell them out to the circus. Well today, you can! At Tuley Park, the Chicago Parks District will be holding Circus Camp today from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. Kids from 6–18 can learn juggling, clowning, and work off some of that winter energy. Best part is, it's free! Tuley Park is located at 501 E. 90th Place, Chicago and for more information, and for registration, call (312) 747-6763.
As part of a month-long celebration of the films of Buster Keaton at the Siskel Film Center, the moviehouse presents The General this afternoon at 3:00 PM, and Thursday, December 30 at 6:00 PM. The General is considered one of Keaton's best films, and has the film star playing a Confederate Army soldier who has his locomotive stolen by Union spies. Lots of amazing stunts, all done by Keaton. If you haven't seen it before, you really should check it out. Amazing stuff. Tickets are $9, $5 for Film Center members, or $4 for SAIC students. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.
Every Sunday night, for free, you can hear the bluegrass group Tangleweed at Metropolis coffee shop, in Roger's Park. From the Metropolis website: "Ryan Fisher, Tangleweed's banjoist, began playing the guitar in 1980 at the age of 8. In high school he began singing and earned first chair tenor for two consecutive years at the International Honors Choir in London and Brussels, as he continued to focus on guitar. In 1991, Ryan entered the Berklee College of Music as a vocalist and worked with RCA in a trio called the The Verge which recorded one album. After hearing Wes Montgomery in 1992, Ryan began his jazz studies on the guitar. Ryan has studied with Steve Grismore, John Rapson, Rahheal Dos Santos Bobby Broom and Greg Cahill, among others Ryan has performed with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, members of the Sun Ra Orchestra, Matt Wilson, Ro Baz (Manu Dibango), Tom Renalds (Bela Fleck), Billlie Weiser, June Shaleen and Paul Cunliff." Metropolis is located at 1039 W. Granville Avenue, practically beside the Red Line Granville stop.
In town tonight with nothing to do? The Empty Bottle presents their "Everything ISN'T Closed On Christmas" party, featuring DJs, films, and surprise musical guests. Sounds like fun. Plus, it's free! What more could you ask for? Show starts tonight at 9:00. Empty Bottle: 1035 N. Western. (773) 276-3600.
If you're looking for something outdoorsy to do on Christmas Day, join the Chicago Audubon Society at the lakefront. The Society will be doing a bird count to further conservations efforts. A great chance to meet ornithologists, enjoy nature, and get out into the bracing winter air. Newcomers are welcome! For more information, contact Joel Greenberg at ckerchmar@earthlink.net or (630) 725-9416.
In need of some affordable (or downright cheap) last-minute shopping? Want some free juice and donuts? Then head out to American Science and Surplus today, before 11 a.m. They'll have juice, donuts, and the most bizarre assortment of doodads and thingamajigs for your shopping pleasure. The store's located at 5316 N. Milwaukee Avenue, just north of Foster Avenue. Mmmm, donuts.
If you're streaming radio, stuck in traffic, or just listening at home, today's a great day to listen to Chicago Public Radio's Christmas specials. This morning at 9 a.m. tune in for "A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols 2004". It's "one live, 90-minute stereo music and spoken-word broadcast from the chapel of King's College in Cambridge, England presenting the legendary A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols service (Biblical readings and music) as performed by the 30-voice King's College Choir. Hosted by Michael Barone." Then, this afternoon, there's the "Downtown Messiah" at 1 p.m. "Handel's holiday treasure gets a contemporary spin in this hip, genre-stretching version of The Messiah. Rita Houston hosts this two-hour special and features folk, jazz, rock, gospel, blues, bluegrass, a cappella, and other interpretations of Handel's ageless classic. The 2004 edition gathers the best performances from the past six years, including Dar Williams, Marshall Crenshaw, Terre Roche, trumpeter Randy Brecker, and new performances and arrangements from Jane Siberry, David Johansen, and other soloists. The performers share the stage with a chamber orchestra and chorus, along with narrators (and long-time New York City radio veterans) Meg Griffin and Vin Scelsa." Check out other special holiday programing on Chicago Public Radio online.
Come out to Pilsen for an enchanting bike ride tonight! The group will meet at Tenochtitlan Plaza, 18th/Blue Island and Loomis, at 6 p.m., and tour the festively lit streets of Pilsen before heading to food, shelter, and warmth at one of the many locales on the near south/southwest side. The ride will be 5–10 miles depending on the weather, with a slow pace. For a promotional poster, download here [PDF]. This is a BikeWinter event, and takes place snow or shine.
If you're really looking for the opposite of the Christmas movie genre, check out The Vic Theater's Brew and View this week. They've got Team America: World Police and Southpark: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut for your pleasure. Admission is just $5 for all movies. The first movie starts at 8 p.m. You must be 18+, and 21+ with ID to drink. The Vic is located at 3145 N. Sheffield, just south of Belmont.
Tonight brings complimentary martinis, manicures and other services to fashionable clothing stores Hot Pink, located at 1464 N. Milwaukee Ave. and 3138 N. Broadway, Chicago, from 6–10 p.m. The services rotate monthly, so for information on tonight's offerings call (773) 227-7477 or (773) 871-2131.
Tonight's Hideout Kelly Hogan & The Wooden Leg show at the Hideout has been billed as "soul r&b make-out jazz with a limp" which makes me want to rocket on down to 1354 W. Wabansia right now. There will be two sets, at 10 and 11:30 p.m. respectively. Get it on with holiday songs tonight!
The Second City presents their third annual 24-hour improv benefit, "The Second City That Never Sleeps: Letters To Santa." Second City performers and special guests take the stage for twenty-four hours straight, with the proceeds going to provide holiday gifts for needy Chicago-area families. Joining a team of Second City all-stars (including MAD TV's Keegan-Michael Key) will be guests including Steve Albini, Robbie Fulks, Jon Langford, Sally Timms, and Jeff Tweedy. (During Tweedy's set Tuesday night you can also bid in a silent auction for a private performance, in your home, with Tweedy doing twenty songs of your choice for you and twenty of your friends.) The show starts at 8:30pm Tuesday night and continues through 8:30pm tonight. The $10 ticket, available at the door, guarantees you entry for the entire period. At Second City e.t.c., in Pipers Alley, 1608 N. Wells Ave. For more information, please call 312-337-3992.
Tonight at Schubas Tavern is Chicago Calling II: Another Very Special Clash Christmas featuring London Calling with Jon Langford, John Haggerty (Naked Raygun, Pegboy), James Johnston (Bumpus), MCs Ronnie P & Versas Style (Abstract Giants), Dave Specter, Rick Ness, Balty DeLey (Menthol), Josiah Mazzaschi (Light FM), Chris Dorff (Skapone) and Ben Hollis & Dave Crawford. Lead by the Clash tribute band, London Calling, local musicians pay respect to Joe Strummer through their interpretations of Clash classics. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Carol Robertson Center for Learning. Tickets are $10 and are available online.
The Second City presents their third annual 24-hour improv benefit, "The Second City That Never Sleeps: Letters To Santa." Second City performers and special guests take the stage for twenty-four hours straight, with the proceeds going to provide holiday gifts for needy Chicago-area families. Joining a team of Second City all-stars (including MAD TV's Keegan-Michael Key) will be guests including Steve Albini, Robbie Fulks, Jon Langford, Sally Timms, and Jeff Tweedy. (During Tweedy's set tonight you can also bid in a silent auction for a private performance, in your home, with Tweedy doing twenty songs of your choice for you and twenty of your friends.) The show starts at 8:30pm tonight and continues through 8:30pm Wednesday. The $10 ticket, available at the door, guarantees you entry for the entire period. At Second City e.t.c., in Pipers Alley, 1608 N. Wells Ave. For more information, please call 312-337-3992.
Tonight at 7:30 p.m. Women and Children First Bookstore hosts a Women's Book Discussion & Holiday Potluck. The book to be discussed is Against Love: A Polemic by Laura Kipnis. The selection has been described as "engagingly acerbic" and "extremely funny" and is designed to shake up our idealistic notions about love and coupling. New members welcome; bring food or drink to share. 10% discount. Women & Children First is located at 5233 N. Clark St. Chicago. Call them up at 773.769.9299 or email wcfbooks[at]aol.com.
Support local battered womens' shelters while you find that perfect "stocking stuffer" (wink, wink) for your special someone.
Join Mistress Crimson and fellow pleasure seekers at Early to Bed on December 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy light refreshments and sex shopping in a safe, upbeat, and female-friendly atomosphere!
Early to Bed is located at 5232 N. Sheridan Road, just north of Foster in Andersonville.
Those crazy kids over at Barrel of Monkeys like to teach creative writing in the Chicago Public Schools. When they're done, they take the stories, and, word for word, produce them into short and hilarious performance pieces. For a mere $10 for adults and $5 for kids (coupon available online for $2 off) you can watch, listen, and laugh to their show That's Weird, Grandma every Monday night at 8 p.m. at the Neo-Futurarium, located at 5153 North Ashland Ave. (at Foster). And right now, until January 3, come see the "Very Special Holiday Show" of T.W.G. For Tickets, or more information, call them at 312-409-1954. It's all about the children!
Tonight at the Empty Bottle, a very special film festival: The Found Footage Festival, a collection of videotapes found at thrift stores and garage sales. Think a video version of FOUND magazine. The fun starts tonight at 8:00, and admission is $8. Empty Bottle: 1035 N. Western. (773) 276-3600.
Okay, so I haven't read it and I probably won't, given that I never liked the Narnia series and I only moderately enjoy Harry Potter, but for those of you have read and loved this year's doozy of a novel, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, Susanna Clarke will make a stop on her author's tour at Looking Glass Theatre. Part of WFMT's Writers on the Record program, the interview can also be heard at 12pm on 98.7. Tickets are free and can be had by calling 312-832-6788.
The Neo-Futurists wind up their annual year-end best-of performances of Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind with a special offer. For tonight's show only, you get to pay the price of the original show, back when it started 16 years ago. The original price: $1 times the roll of a six-sided die ($1-6). A once-in-a-lifetime offer, and now that ticket prices for Too Much Light are increasing, you'll REALLY want to take advantage of this offer. Tonight's show starts at 7:00; doors open at 6:30. No reservations, sucka! Show up and stand in line in the freezing cold like the rest of us plebes! The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). (773) 275-5255.
The Old Town School of Folk Music presents the latest in their series of Drumming Around the Globe workshops. This afternoon, you can learn how to play the Tahitian drum known as the to'ere. The two-hour class will give you some fundamentals on how to play the drum, and if you like this introduction to drumming you can sign up for the regular drumming classes that are taught at the school. Yes, you will have to bring your own drum; if you don't have one, you can rent at the school's music store, the Different Strummer. The workshop costs $20, and spaces are limited, so sign up soon! Old Town School of Folk Music: 4544 N. Lincoln. (773) 728-6000.
A grand holiday tradition at the Music Box Theatre happens again this year. It's the 21st annual Christmas Sing-A-Long and double feature of the 1954 Bing Crosby-Danny Kaye film White Christmas and the holiday classic It's A Wonderful Life. There are Christmas carol sing-a-longs before every screening, and a special appearance by Santa! Tickets are $10 for one film, $15 for both films. Tickets on sale December 1 through Ticketweb or at the theater box office. Check the Music Box Website for details. The Christmas Sing-A-Long starts today and runs through Thursday, December 23rd. Music Box Theatre: 3733 N. Southport. (773) 871-6604.
Estradanza performs at 5pm and 8pm at the Chernin Center for the Arts, 1001 W. Roosevelt. The performance features the premiere of artistic director Juan Estrada's "Blood Simple" (presumably not based on the movie), Dardi McGinley Gallivan's "Fete" and Shelby Kroger's "Mythical Mathematical Madness." $15 general adminission, $12 for students/seniors. Call 773/655-9165 for more info.
Drawing to an End is, erm, drawing to a close. Today marks the final day for Foundation Gallery's latest group show, which highlights work from gallery staples Jay Ryan, Nick Butcher, Dan Grzeca, Justin Fines, and Seripop. Using time as a common theme, "this exhibition allows the artists to demonstrate what a drawing means to each of them." Foundation is located at 700 North Carpenter, and is open from 1 to 5 on Sundays. Admission is free.
The HotHouse presents its annual Holiday Market today from 11:00 to 6:00. Kinda like the DIY Trunk Show, only with a holiday theme. Expect to find soaps, textiles, bags, purses, jewelry, scarves, etc. There are lots of participants, and the HotHouse is a really nice space, so this should be a good show. HotHouse: 31 E. Balbo. (312) 362-9707.
The Neo-Futurists present "Too Much Light Kids!", a child-friendly version (for ages 8-12) of their long-running classic stage show "Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind". The final show runs this afternoon at 2:00 PM. Admission is $1-6 for kids, and $6-11 for adults (depends on the roll of a six-sided die). No reservations accepted, but group rates are available. Call (773) 878-4557 for details. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland. More information: (773) 275-5255.
Looking for something a bit more cultured this weekend? Estradanza performs tonight and tomorrow at 8pm (plus a 5pm show on Sunday) at the Chernin Center for the Arts, 1001 W. Roosevelt. The performance features the premiere of artistic director Juan Estrada's "Blood Simple" (presumably not based on the movie), Dardi McGinley Gallivan's "Fete" and Shelby Kroger's "Mythical Mathematical Madness." $15 general adminission, $12 for students/seniors. Call 773/655-9165 for more info.
The HotHouse presents its annual Holiday Market today and tomorrow. Kinda like the DIY Trunk Show, only with a holiday theme. Expect to find soaps, textiles, bags, purses, jewelry, scarves, etc. There are lots of participants, and the HotHouse is a really nice space, so this should be a good show. The market is open from 11:00 to 6:00 on both days. HotHouse: 31 E. Balbo. (312) 362-9707.
Closing today is an excellent show at Columbia's Center for Book and Paper Arts, featuring work from Chicagoans Jay Ryan, of Dianogah fame, as well as Archer Prewitt, of local favorites The Sea and Cake. Blessed not only with musical talent, both Ryan and Prewitt are equally well-known for their abilities as visual artists. There is a massive amount of work on display here, showcasing Prewitt's Sof'Boy character as well as a comprehensive selection of Ryan's work as The Bird Machine. Be sure to catch this one before it's gone — it comes highly recommended.
Join Michelle L'amour and the rest of the Lavender Cabaret dance troupe for this season's FemmeTV Holiday Burlesque Spectacular. Enjoy the tinsel and tittilation of this scandalous revue. Join the girls at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts at 777 N. Green St. on Friday at 9 p.m. or Saturday at 8 p.m. For tickets, call the CCPA's box office at 312-327-2000.
Studio 9 Gallery, 1450 webster place is hosting a holiday art market, open daily from 12-6, featured are handmade objects for gift giving all created by local artists & crafters. There will be a PARTY on tonight from 7-10, many of the artists will be present. We can be contacted at: 773.865.2410(lindsay) or 773.330.1322 (ellen)
A few of the crafters present:
Poise.cc
Loosetooth.com
Bad Kitten Soaps
Boxspring Creative
Lena Kim & Friends
Evil Kitty
And many, many more!
Bid on drawings, etchings, paintings and other works donated by over 50 local artists. Admission includes wine and appetizers, plus live classical guitar music. The auction happens tonight, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum located at 1852 W. 19th Street (in Pilsen/Little Village). Your $10 donation benefits Contratiempo magazine (a Spanish-language cultural and literary publication produced entirely in Chicago). For more information, call the magazine at (773) 769-2923, or the museum at (312) 738-1503.
Next in the series that began with the New Order Tru Order night, Jesse De La Pena presents A night of Bjork at Darkroom. Expect all-Bjork, all night, including side projects, covers, and soundtracks. 2210 W. Chicago, 9pm - 2am, 21+, $5.
Looking for something a bit more cultured this weekend? Estradanza performs tonight, Saturday and Sunday at 8pm (plus a 5pm show on Sunday) at the Chernin Center for the Arts, 1001 W. Roosevelt. The performance features the premiere of artistic director Juan Estrada's "Blood Simple" (presumably not based on the movie), Dardi McGinley Gallivan's "Fete" and Shelby Kroger's "Mythical Mathematical Madness." $15 general adminission, $12 for students/seniors. Call 773/655-9165 for more info.
Join Michelle L'amour and the rest of the Lavender Cabaret dance troupe for this season's FemmeTV Holiday Burlesque Spectacular. Enjoy the tinsel and tittilation of this scandalous revue. Join the girls at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts at 777 N. Green St. on Friday at 9 p.m. or Saturday at 8 p.m. For tickets, call the CCPA's box office at 312-327-2000.
Like the Garden State soundtrack? Cary Brothers, whose song "Blue Eyes" was featured on the soundtrack and whose music has also appeared on Scrubs, will celebrate the release of his record All the Rage at the Hard Rock Hotel. The party lasts from 7pm -9pm, with a live performance by Brothers at 8pm. Part of the Exposed Chicago series, tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased online or by calling 312-229-1701.
Nationally recognized sports nutritionist Monique Ryan, author of "Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes" will be speaking tonight at 7 p.m. at RaceLogix on the topic of Winter Sports Nutrition. Monique will also be signing copies of her book, as well as talking about her new book "Sports Nutrition For Team Sports", which covers the sports we all coach and watch from the sidelines––soccer, football, basketball, etc. Monique's experience consulting with the Chicago Fire, the U.S. Women's Cycling Team, and U.S.A. Triathlon has put her in touch with the best of the best, so please leave room on your calendar for this special event. RSVP by calling RaceLogix at (847) 733-7732. All merchandise in the store will be 20% off during the event as well. RaceLogix is located in Evanston, at 1642 Maple at Church Street near the Davis Purple line stop.
Looking for something to do tonight? Head to the Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave., for WLUW's 4th annual Holiday Sing-Along! Join the Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, Lesser Birds of Paradise, Clyde Federal, Canasta, Tijuana Hercules and the Astronomer featuring Charles Kim will perform "seasonal favorites," and host Elizabeth Conant will lead the crowd in holiday songs between acts. The merriment starts at 9pm. Admission is $10, 21 and over.
Tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the great Quimby's Bookstore, 1854 W. North Ave, in Chicago, THE2NDHAND celebrates the release of LE2EMEMAIN, the f-r-e-e-d-o-m (one dare not speak the word aloud) issue and installment 15 in THE2NDHAND's broadsheet series, featuring Marc Baez, who contributed to LE2EMEMAIN a catalog of LOVE LETTERS FOR SALE. The entire performance will end with a dramatic rendition of Baez's "Talking to Strangers," a series of absurdo-monologues in prose form featured in the best-of THE2NDHAND anthology ALL HANDS ON. Also featured will be writer Emerson Dameron, poet Susannah Felts, and Todd Dills, founding editor and publisher of THE2NDHAND as ringmaster. BYOB. Call 773.342.0910 for more information.
Head up to the Evanston Historical Society (225 Greenwood St) today for “Holiday Tea: Victorian Christmas Customs” at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. Guests will enjoy hot tea and holiday treats, a talk on nineteenth-century holiday traditions from Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln and a tour of the holiday decorations at the Dawes House. Tickets are $20 per person. Reservations and advance payment required. Call 847-475-3410 for tickets or more information.
Metromix, in a tizzy over the upcoming release of Wes Anderson's new film The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, has put together a free concert at the Metro tonight, with local bands performing songs from Wes Anderson films. According to a preliminary write-up in Metromix, you'll get to hear The Autumn Defense performing Love's "Alone Again Or" from Bottle Rocket, drummer and composer Kevin O'Donnell tackling Mark Mothersbaugh's score for Rushmore, The Safes performing David Bowie's "Queen Bitch" from The Life Aquatic, and Abstract Giants tacking two songs ("Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard" from The Royal Tenenbaums and "Nothin' In This Word Can Stop Me Worryin' 'Bout That Girl" from Rushmore). Sounds like a perfect evening for Wes Anderson fans. Sic transit gloria. Metro: 3730 N. Clark. (773) 549-0203.
This could be one of the coolest venues for a DIY craft fair so far: a three-hour show at The Hideout. The usual categories of goods you find at craft fairs: handmade jewelry, hats, scarves, soap, handbags, etc. Plus, the Hideout will be offering full bar service during the whole show! Don't drink and shop. The show runs from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, and admission is free. The Hideout: 1354 W. Wabansia. (773) 227-4433.
The 1st Annual Wordsjam Poetry Slam, will be held tonight beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Humboldt Park Field House located at 1400 North Sacramento Blvd. Youth slammers will be representing Chicago schools: Orr High School, Curie, Manley, South Shore and more. The Slam is a result of the Youth Service Project, Inc. They're located at 3942 W. North Avenue, Chicago and can be reached at 773-772-6270.
Please join a coalition including the Pilsen Alliance, the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs, the Lawndale Neighborhood Organization, Citizens for Better Transit, and other groups as we gather for a rally at city hall to speak out for a solution to the CTA crisis. Meet at Daley’s Office, City Hall, 5th Floor (121 N. LaSalle) today at 9:00 a.m. sharp (the city council will be meeting to approve the city budget at 10 a.m.). If you live in Pilsen you can join a group at the 18th street blue line station at 8:15 a.m. to travel together. For more information you can call: Pilsen Alliance (312)243-5440, Jewish Council on Urban Affairs (773) 216-8494 or Lawndale Neighborhood Organization (773) 277-1803. You can also download, print, and distribute a flyer [PDF] if you have time.
Check out southside rockers First Coat at the Subterranean tonight at 9 pm. Tickets are a mere $5.
The Siskel Film Center winds up its fall series on American film comedy with a screening of Woody Allen's Crimes and Misdemeanors tonight at 6:00 PM. The screening will be accompanied by a lecture from Gerald R. Butters of Aurora University. Tickets are $9, or $4 for Film Center members and SAIC students. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs presents Meg Duguid's Dueling DJs tonight from 7pm to 9pm in the Randolph Café of the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. The event is presented as part of the ohm performance series that incorporates new media in the arenas of theater, music and visual art.
Chicago artist Meg Duguid originally mounted the project in summer 2003 at the outdoor plaza of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. This interactive installation features DJs Tom Pazen and Radiohiro simultaneously spinning two separate musical transmissions to 15 wireless headsets each. The public is invited to put on one of the 30 headsets and dance the night away. Non-dancers are welcome to attend as well to witness the soundless party of those sharing the dance floor but moving to different types of music. By removing the element of sound to everyone in and around the dance area, Dueling DJs becomes an intensified focus on club/party/gallery culture, incorporating elements such as voyeurism, public interaction, and noise ordinance.
In addition to Dueling DJs, there will also be a Chill Out Room in the Visitor Information Center of the Cultural Center featuring a third surprise guest DJ playing remixed holiday songs and winter-themed electronic music. The Chill Out Room will also feature a live video-mixing installation by The Video Janitors.
Admission to ohm is free. Reservations for renting equipment for 30-minutes will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. All participants are required to bring a valid state ID for equipment rental. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit ChicagoCulturalCenter.org.
Those crazy kids over at Barrel of Monkeys like to teach creative writing in the Chicago Public Schools. When they're done, they take the stories, and, word for word, produce them into short and hilarious performance pieces. For a mere $10 for adults and $5 for kids (coupon available online for $2 off) you can watch, listen, and laugh to their show That's Weird, Grandma every Monday night at 8 p.m. at the Neo-Futurarium, located at 5153 North Ashland Ave. (at Foster). And right now, until January 3, come see the "Very Special Holiday Show" of T.W.G. For Tickets, or more information, call them at 312-409-1954. It's all about the children!
Didn't get season tickets to the Lyric Opera this year? You're in luck! The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs will present soprano Maria Kanyova and pianist Robert Kania in a free Vocal Journeys recital tonight at 6 p.m. The performance will take place under the Tiffany stained-glass dome in the Chicago Cultural Center's Preston Bradley Hall, 78 E. Washington St. Kanyova will be singing works by Rachmaninoff, Szymanowski, Dvorak, Adams, Bolcom, Barber, and Sousa. American soprano Maria Kanyova will appear as Rita Billingsley, the wedding planner, in the world premiere of William Bolcom's A Wedding at the Lyric Opera this season. For more information about this program please call the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs at 312-744-6630 or visit their website.
Jeanne Felknor of the East Village Garden Club will speak tonight on "Designing Parkways/Strengthening Community Ties: The East Village Parkway Project" tonight from 7–8:30 p.m. in the Wicker Park Field House located at 1425 N. Damen. Last Month Jeanne Felknor and Kate Mell received Mayor Daly's Best Gardener of the Year Award for 2004 and the East Village Garden Club
received Daly's Urbs in Horto Award for their parkway gardens projects in both 2003 and 2004. Felknor will deliver a lecture describing their project and discuss the basics of creating parkways from the 'ground up.' Topics include: Preparing Soil, Choosing Plants Based on Soil-Water-Light Conditions, Obtaining Donations of Labor and Plant Materials, Developing Community Interest. Email dougrwood@aol.com or call (773) 278-9075 to make reservations. Tickets are $5. Check out the Wicker Park Garden club online.
The Evanston Historical Society, (225 Greenwood St.), hosts “An 1860s Holiday,” a free drop-in holiday open house today from 1 to 4 p.m. Bring your family and learn how Americans decorated Christmas trees in this era, taste some 1860s holiday treats, craft a period toy to take home, and learn about traditional Sacred Harp singing. Then, stroll through the Dawes House to see decorations recreating the lavish holiday customs of three different historical eras.
Head on down to the Chicago Arts District this weekend at South Halsted and 18th Street for their gala Winter Festival of Art. More than 50 artists will have their galleries and studios open all weekend long. The monthly Second Friday gallery openings will kick-off the festival tomorrow starting at 6pm. Then the event continues Saturday from 12-7pm and Sunday from 12-5pm. Visit the website for more information.
After a month-long tour across the country, Chicago's Manishevitz and Edith Frost play a show tonight at the Empty Bottle. A good time will be had by all. Showtime is 10:00 PM. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Empty Bottle: 1035 N. Western. (773) 276-3600.
In the 1930s, so many gathering spots for gays and lesbians
flourished on Chicago’s Near North side that some dubbed the area
“Fairytown.”
Today at 11 a.m. the Newberry Library hosts David K. Johnson, history professor at the University of South Florida, for “Free Speech and the ‘Kids of Fairytown’ .” Johnson will examine how the bohemian atmosphere of places such as Bughouse Square and the Dill Pickle Club provided a space for gay male subculture to emerge. Whether looking at Chicago’s first gay organization in the 1920s or its first gay pride parade in the 1970s, the roots of today’s gay community can be traced back to this early atmosphere of tolerance and intrigue.
Admission to “Free Speech and the ‘Kids of Fairytown’” is free and open to the public at the Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St., Chicago. For more information, call (312) 255-3691.
Robert Altman's 1978 movie A Wedding has been rewritten as an opera, and will premiere tonight at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The story concerns a wedding between two rich families, one from Lake Forest and one from Louisville, Kentucky. See this Roger Ebert essay on the rehearsal of the opera and thoughts from Altman on the original film. Tickets for tonight's premiere range between $40 and $170, depending on the seating; see the Lyric Opera Website for more details. The production runs through January 21. Lyric Opera of Chicago: corner of Madison and Wacker. (312) 332-2244.
It's 12:15 on a Saturday night. What are you doing? You're watching the Belmont Burlesque Revue at the Playground Theatre. For just $10, you'll enjoy lovely dancing, amazing magic tricks, and knee-slapping jokes. The Playground Theatre is located at 3209 N. Halsted.
Head on down to the Chicago Arts District this weekend at South Halsted and 18th Street for their gala Winter Festival of Art. More than 50 artists will have their galleries and studios open all weekend long. The monthly Second Friday gallery openings will kick-off the festival tomorrow starting at 6pm. Then the event continues Saturday from 12-7pm and Sunday from 12-5pm. Visit the website for more information.
The Neo-Futurists present "Too Much Light Kids!", a child-friendly version (for ages 8-12) of their long-running classic stage show "Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind". This show runs every Saturday afternoon at 2:00 PM through December 18. Admission is $1-6 for kids, and $6-11 for adults (depends on the roll of a six-sided die). No reservations accepted, but group rates are available. Call (773) 878-4557 for details. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland. More information: (773) 275-5255.
Diatribe Media's throwing another read-a-thon at MoJoe's Cafe (2256 W Roscoe) tonight at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. Reading are:
Emerson Dameron (Wherewithall)
Alicia Dorr (Randomlifeinprogress)
Andrew Mall (Living Proof)
Aaron Cynic (Diatribe, Vices Make My Life More Interesting)
Anna Lou Weiler (Independent Author)
Jeff Disler (Time All At Once)
Kate Sandler (Brainiac)
CT Ballentine (24 Hours)
and the return of PUPPY DAVE!!! (Sebrakkaku)
hosted by Grant Schreiber (Judas Goat Quarterly)
William Aldrich will sign his new book today from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at Grand Street Gardens located at 2200 West Grand Ave. Visit Grand Street Gardens during your holiday shopping weekend to escape the hub-bub and the cold with refreshments and a presentation by Chicagoland Gardening Magazine's very own William Aldrich. Aldrich, President of Growit Communications, Inc., publishing company, recently wrote a series of Illinois-specific gardening books for Lone Pine Publishing: Perennials for Illinois, Annuals for Illinois, Tree and Shrub Gardening for Illinois, and Month-by-Month in the Garden for Illinois. He will discuss choosing the best plants for our area and provide techniques for battling the Illinois elements in your garden. Get a jump start on planning your seed selection or Spring garden, and take home a signed copy of one of his books for yourself, or as the perfect gift for the gardener in your life. There is no charge for this event. For reservations or more information, email gail@grandstreetgardens.com or call 312-829-8200.
Fans of the surreal and horrific will want to check out the Chicago premiere of Eye of Cruelty tonight at 8:00 PM at the Siskel Film Center. Filmed in Chicago, the surreal storyline includes nuns, underground cartoonists, alleyways, and a very odd party. Director Christopher Hyatt and members of the cast and crew will be at the screening for audience discussion. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.
Ingmar Bergman is one of those film directors that everybody talks about as one of the great ones, but you never do seem to have enough time to rent his movies. Well, now you don't have an excuse. The Music Box is showing a list of 10 Bergman movies in the next 9 days. Today and tomorrow, you'll get to see Bergman's 1984 Oscar winner Fanny and Alexander, and in the days to come you'll be able to see: The Seventh Seal; The Virgin Spring; Autumn Sonata; The Magician; Cries and Whispers; The Magic Flute; Persona; Smiles of A Summer Night; and Wild Strawberries. Whew. Check the Music Box Website for showtimes. Music Box Theater: 3733 N. Southport. (773) 871-6604.
The Siskel Film Center winds up its fall series on American film comedy with a screening of Woody Allen's Crimes and Misdemeanors tonight at 6:00 PM, and on Tuesday the 14th at 6:00 PM. If you like your movies with a scholarly lecture, you might want to wait for Tuesday's screening, as it will be accompanied by a lecture from Gerald R. Butters of Aurora University. Tickets are $9, or $4 for Film Center members and SAIC students. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.
Hey! Come meet us at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark. for a drink or two and some conversation.
We'll be in the upstairs bar starting at 9pm. We'll have a few t-shirts on hand, in case you want to pick one up. If you haven't been to one of these before, don't be afraid! Check the Proprietors page for some headshots for easy identification. )Sorry kids, it's 21 and over -- it's a bar after all.)
Initiating an ongoing Friday vigil for peace, a group of health care workers invite Chicago area people to join them on Friday, December 10, (Human Rights Day), for a gathering that calls for an end to war and urges that US resources be directed toward meeting human needs at home and abroad, rather than causing ongoing war and impoverishment. The vigil starts at 3:30 p.m. at 845 South Damen, at the UIC College of Nursing entrance. For more information contact Gerri Gorman, R.N./Ph.D. at 312.413.9013 or email ggorman@uic.edu.
Get out and support Chicago's all-female roller derby league. Join local musical acts including Tight Phantoms, Lord Mike's Dirty Calypsonians, and Scott Lucas (Local H) -- presumably doing his cover of Britney Spears' "Toxic." It's all happening -- booze, raffles, and derby dolls -- at the Logan Square Auditorium this Friday, December 10.
The Discrete Series @ 3030 presents Devin Johnston and Chris Pusateri tonight
at 8 p.m. at 3030 W. Cortland. There is a $5 suggested donation BYOB. Devin Johnston is the author of two books of poetry, Aversions (Omnidawn, 2004) and Telepathy (Paper Bark Press, 2001), as well as a number of chapbooks.With Michael O'Leary, he directs Flood Editions, an independent and nonprofit press for poetry and short fiction. He lives in St Louis, Missouri. Chris Pusateri's recent work was or will be published in Chicago Review, Fence, Jacket, LVNG, Rain Taxi, Tinfish, and others. He currently lives in Seattle, where he is on the editorial board of Reverse Books. In February 2005, he will curate "Sacred Speed: A Retrospective," which focuses on the work of San Francisco-based filmmaker Nathaniel Dorsky. 3030 is a former Pentecostal church located at 3030 W. Cortland Ave., one block south of Armitage between Humboldt Blvd. and Kedzie. Parking is easiest on Armitage.
The Discrete Series presents an event of poetry/music/performance/something on the second Friday of each month. For more information about this or upcoming events, email j_seldess@hotmail.com or kerri@conundrumpoetry.com , or call the space at 773-862-3616. The series is coordinated by Jesse Seldess, editor ofAntennae, and Kerri Sonnenberg, editor of Conundrum.
Just in time for winter, a "Naked Poetry Anti-Slam" takes place tonight at 3829 N. Broadway (2 blocks South of Irving Park Road). The performance gets started at 8 p.m. followed by 11 p.m. dance party. This is what the organizers had to say: "The Naked Poetry Anti-Slam exerts a non-sexual, non-competitive maxim, encouraging authors to read as long as they'd like while audience patience is garnered by the furthered honesty of the naked body. The Naked Poetry Anti-Slam showcases these beings, driven to the heights of vernacular from the simplest delights of the body as a blank canvas. Participate with Chicago's most fascinating performers, effecting our collective unconscious in rhapsody, in a redefined anatomy of being." There is a $10 donation requested. Poets and Musical Performers include: Ozkr Dragonflies DuSoliel, Barrie Cole, Aurora Danai, Ellie Maybe, Just Joking Jerry, Christine Phillips, Bob La Bla, Phaelan Levelle, Shawnecee Nation, I Like Action!, DJ Kenny Dread. For more information please contact Teri Vrakas by emailing teri@muralivegot.com or call (773) 292-0292. No cameras / No gropers / No drunken pukers, please!
Head on down to the Chicago Arts District this weekend at South Halsted and 18th Street for their gala Winter Festival of Art. More than 50 artists will have their galleries and studios open all weekend long. The monthly Second Friday gallery openings will kick-off the festival tomorrow starting at 6pm. Then the event continues Saturday from 12-7pm and Sunday from 12-5pm. Visit the website for more information.
Gen Art presents a 7pm screening of the new Kevin Spacey movie, Beyond the Sea, at Loews 600 N. Michigan. Tickets are complimentary to members, $15 for non-members, and can be purchased on Gen Art's site. Reservations for dinner and the after party can be made online as well.
Tonight prizewinning poet and art critic W.S. DiPiero will give a talk titled "The Poetry of Looking" at 6 p.m. in Fullerton Hall at the Art Institute Museum. Members and students $5.00; public $10.00. Information and tickets are available by calling (312) 575-8000.
The Art for Charity Holiday Party takes place at the Johnsonese Gallery tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. All are invited to the gallery to enjoy contemporary art, seasonal refreshments and live entertainment from Jesus impersonator and singer Jeff Vezain! The event is free. Shop for holiday gifts--partial proceeds from all sales will be donated to the AIDS Legal Council of Chicago. Plus see the original holiday tree by political commentator Topher Vid Son. There will be holiday cookies, eggnog and live music. The Johnsonese Gallery is located in Lake View at 867 W. Buckingham Place (on the lower level), at the corner of Clark and Buckingham, just north of Belmont approximately 3200 North. Look for the State Bank of Countryside on the main level. Contact the gallery at 773.525.5877 or email info[at]johnsonese.com.
Eagles of Death Metal, yet another side project for Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme, plays tonight at the Empty Bottle. Sounding neither like The Eagles nor death metal, EoDM's debut album "Peace Love and Death Metal" offers a heaping helping of screaming rock, and a spiffy cover of "Stuck In The Middle" (of course, they retitled it "Stuck In The Metal"). Also on the bill: Walking Concert and Tight Phantomz. Show starts at 9:30 PM, tix are $10 in advance, or $12 at the door. Buy tickets at the Empty Bottle's Website. Empty Bottle: 1035 N. Western. (773) 276-3600.
Prizewinning poet and art critic W.S. Di Piero reads from his new collection Brother Fire and discusses poetry and contemporary culture. Presented by Poetry magazine & The Poetry Foundation, tonight at the Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St., Chicago. Reception 6 p.m., program 6:30 to 8 p.m. Admission is free. Call (312) 787-7070 for more information.
The first annual StoryStudio Chicago Holiday Party takes place tonight from 7 .m.–10 p.m. at their space at 3717 N. Ravenswood, #115, Chicago, IL 60613. They'll celebrate the season... and celebrate our stories with a short reading from StoryStudio writers. Libations and hors d'oeuvres will be provided and there is no charge for this event. Please RSVP if you're planning on attending. StoryStudio Chicago offers classes on all types of creative writing, check out their website for more information and upcoming class schedules.
The Danny's Reading Series tonight at 7:30 p.m. features Ed Roberson and Srikanth Reddy. Roberson is the celebrated author of Voices Cast Out to Talk Us In, winner of the 1994 Iowa Poetry Prize. Roberson has been compared to such masters as Ornette Coleman, Gabriel García Márquez, Romare. Dedicated to experimentation, his poetry explores the African-American experience, seen and heard backwards and forwards in time and space. Ed Roberson was formerly assistant director of special programs at Cook College, Rutgers University. Currently, he is a visiting poet at Columbia College.
Srikanth Reddy's first collection of poetry, Facts for Visitors, was published by the University of California Press in Spring 2004. He is currently the Moody Poet-in-Residence at the University of Chicago. The event is 21 and over, please bring ID. Danny's Tavern is located at 1951 W. Dickens, near the intersection of Damen & Armitage. 773.489.6457
Running since April of 2004, this unique Chicago monthly is dedicated to providing local DJs and producers with an alternative outlet for their musical interests. Disallowing traditional blending and mixing, INFLUENCE. encourages its guests to spin sets featuring multiple artists and genres, demonstrating the variety of styles that have inspired them artistically. Tonight features performances from Alan Oldham, Matt MacQueen, Mercedez Ben, and Charles Adler. Doors at 9 PM, free. 21 and up only. At Sonotheque, 1444 W Chicago.
Those crazy kids over at Barrel of Monkeys like to teach creative writing in the Chicago Public Schools. When they're done, they take the stories, and, word for word, produce them into short and hilarious performance pieces. For a mere $10 for adults and $5 for kids (coupon available online for $2 off) you can watch, listen, and laugh to their show That's Weird, Grandma every Monday night at 8 p.m. at the Neo-Futurarium, located at 5153 North Ashland Ave. (at Foster). And right now, starting tonight and running until January 3, come see the "Very Special Holiday Show" of T.W.G. For Tickets, or more information, call them at 312-409-1954. It's all about the children!
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs presents composer Michael Gordon in a multimedia concert tonight at 7pm in the Claudia Cassidy Theater at the
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. Free.
Myopic Poetry Series presents Ander Monson and Arielle Greenberg tonight at 7pm.
Ander Monson lives in Michigan, where he edits the online magazine DIAGRAM and the New Michigan Press. His work has appeared in many literary magazines, like Another Chicago Magazine, Ploughshares, and Boston Review. Two books are forthcoming in May 2005: Other Electricities, a novel-in-stories, from Sarabande Books, and Vacationland, poems, from Tupelo Press.
Arielle Greenberg is the author of the New Michigan chapbook Fa(r)ther Down: Songs from the Allergy Trials, based on a real life murder case, as well as the book Given. Her latest projects include a textbook on subcultures, and an anthology on women and mentorship. She is poetry editor for Black Clock, a literary magazine out of CalArts, and co-editor of the poetry annual Court Green, out of the poetry program at Columbia College Chicago, where she happily teaches.
At Myopic Books, 1564 N. Milwaukee Avenue, 2nd Floor. Free.
Second City Hash House Harriers/ Chicago Hash House Harriers "Idiot's Day" Hash happens today at 2 p.m., at the Forest Glen Woods. The Hash House Harriers are known as "the drinking club with a running problem." Non-competitive social runs through all sorts of terrain are followed by beer, songs, and general silliness. Join them today as they prove their idiocy! "Hash cash" (admission fee) for this event will be around $6.
RESFEST, the digital film festival, winds up its three-day extravaganza at the Museum of Contemporary Art with five separate programs this afternoon and evening. The day culminates in a 9:00 PM screening of the feature film Sprout, which is a surf documentary that spans the globe, looking at the many devices that suerfers use to ride the waves. See the RESFEST Website for details on the programs, and the MCA site for ticket information. Museum of Contemporary Art: 220 E. Chicago. (312) 280-2660.
Chicago (and Lawrence, Kansas) candlemakers Waxman will be holding an open house today, from around noon till around 5 p.m. Stop by and see just how they melt down all that wax and make some amazing candles just for you and me! Waxman is located at 3044 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. You can call them up at 773.929.3000. They're open every day of the week, from 11 a.m. till 7 p.m.
The first Holiday Show continues today at the Holstein Park Fieldhouse. The Holiday Show is a DIY arts and crafts fair, organized by Maria Marinottini of the Bucktown Arts Fest and featuring many artists from that festival. The Holiday Show will be open from 11:00 to 5:00 today. $1 suggested donation. Holstein Park Fieldhouse: 2200 N. Oakley. More information: (773) 263-5882.
If you like the sound of freshly crafted, one-of-a-kind goods in your hands this holiday, you'll have to get down to the winter installment of DEPART-Ment, a collective of local artisans who gather together four times a year to bring you their best and brightest wares. You'll find knowlegable folks at DEPART-Ment, who are none other than the artists themselves, guiding you around the space. Everything's organized to make your shopping easier! Today's the last day, so get out there and shop from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Everything happens at the Open-End Gallery, located at 2000 W. Fulton, #310, Chicago. For more information, on buying or selling check out DEPART-Ment online.
How did the reporting and memorializing of Chicago labor massacres
from 1886 to 1937 shape their historical legacy?
Today at 10 a.m., the Newberry Library hosts James Green, history professor at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, for “The Days of Martyrs and Saints: The Enduring Memory of the Haymarket Tragedy and Other Labor Massacres.” Green, a noted labor historian, will present background on labor landmarks in Chicago and delve into his current research on the memory and meaning of the Haymarket tragedy of 1886 and subsequent incidents leading up to the killing of 10 workers on Memorial Day in 1937.
Following Green’s lecture, the Illinois Labor History Society will show a 12-minute film of the Memorial Day Massacre of 1937. Exhibit co-curator Peter Alter of the Chicago Historical Society will then lead a brief tour of "Outspoken: Chicago’s Free Speech Tradition" that focuses on the exhibit’s labor and working-class history themes.
Admission to “The Days of Martyrs and Saints” is free and open to the public at the Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St., Chicago. For more information, call (312) 255-3691.
Chicago Public Radio presents the start of the 2005 Stories on Stage season, with stories by three authors. The subject of the stories is a 1968 Garry Winograd photograph that you can see at the Chicago Public Radio site. The program will be at the Vittum Theatre tonight at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $35 (or $55 for VIP seating and a reception with the authors), and can be purchased at the Chicago Public Radio site. Vittum Theatre: 1012 N. Noble.
RESFEST, the digital film festival, continues its run at the Museum of Contemporary Art today with four separate programs of short films. The programs run at 4:00 PM ("Shorts Program #2"), 6:00 PM ("By Design", a focus on broadcast design work from around the world), 8:00 PM ("Shynola Rarities", a retrospective of the four-man collective known as Shynola) and 10:00 PM ("Bushwacked!", a program of politically themed works). See the RESFEST Website for details on the programs, and the MCA site for ticket information. Museum of Contemporary Art: 220 E. Chicago. (312) 280-2660.
Fans of silent comedies will definitely want to check out the schedule for the Siskel Film Center's tribute to Buster Keaton, which starts this afternoon with two excellent programs: Sherlock, Jr. and The Playhouse at a 3:00 screening, and Our Hospitality and The Goat at 5:00. The Keaton retrospective continues through January 6; check the Film Center Website for a full schedule. Film Center tickets are $9, $5 for Film Center members, and $4 for SAIC students. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.
This weekend the Chicago Cultural Center is hosting All That Glitters: A Holiday Bazaar. At this two-day event you will be able to buy gifts from cultural organizations and local artists from all over the city. For those of you who remember, this event seems to be filling the gap left by the Newberry Library's defunct Very Merry Bazaar. Thank you City of Chicago! All That Glitters is open Friday 10am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 5pm. Admission is free.
The Neo-Futurists present "Too Much Light Kids!", a child-friendly version (for ages 8-12) of their long-running classic stage show "Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind". This show runs every Saturday afternoon at 2:00 PM through December 18. Admission is $1-6 for kids, and $6-11 for adults (depends on the roll of a six-sided die). No reservations accepted, but group rates are available. Call (773) 878-4557 for details. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland. More information: (773) 275-5255.
Tonight, bluesy/jazzy/alternative rockers The Rhetoric plays w/ special guests Continuum at the Underground Lounge at 952 W. Newport (in Wrigleyville, at Clark, Sheffield, and Newport). Music begins at 10 p.m. Just $5.
Today and tomorrow, the first Holiday Show happens at the Holstein Park Fieldhouse. The Holiday Show is a DIY arts and crafts fair, organized by Maria Marinottini of the Bucktown Arts Fest and featuring many artists from that festival. The Holiday Show will be open from 11:00 to 5:00 on both days. $1 suggested donation. Holstein Park Fieldhouse: 2200 N. Oakley. More information: (773) 263-5882.
If you like the sound of freshly crafted, one-of-a-kind goods in your hands this holiday, you'll have to get down to the winter installment of DEPART-Ment, a collective of local artisans who gather together four times a year to bring you their best and brightest wares. You'll find knowlegable folks at DEPART-Ment, who are none other than the artists themselves, guiding you around the space. Everything's organized to make your shopping easier! Today and Sunday, shop from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Everything happens at the Open-End Gallery, located at 2000 W. Fulton, #310, Chicago. For more information, on buying or selling check out DEPART-Ment online.
WLUW's weekly show "Think Pink" presents "Fruit: Chicago's Queerest Dance Party" tonight. DJs Erik and Ali host the winter edition of their popular Fruit dance parties. Expect to hear music ranging from '80s to Electro and Hip-Hop to Dance Punk. Come celebrate winter with Chicago's hottest homos, femmes, butches and straights! Only at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia: 11:00 p.m. pre-party and raffle; dancing from 11:30 until the wee hours of the morning. All proceeds benefit WLUW 88.7 FM, Independent Community Radio. For more information, email thinkpink@wluw.org.
Tonight the Neo-Futurists begin three weeks of their annual best of Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind! Over the course of 2004, the company members have written literally dozens of plays for this show, and starting tonight you get to see the very best from this year. Tonight also marks the night that a price increase goes into effect for the play, so now the ticket price is $7 plus the roll of a six-sided die ($8-13). Too Much Light is performed on Friday and Saturday nights at 11:30 (doors open at 11:00) and Sunday nights at 7:00 (doors open at 6:30). No reservations, sucka! Show up and stand in line in the freezing cold like the rest of us plebes! The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). (773) 275-5255.
FOUND magazine, the publication that prints the items found by its readers, is celebrating the release of its naughty sister publication, Dirty FOUND, which as you may guess is devoted to the adult-themed items that readers send in. There's a couple of release parties happening tonight (8:00 PM and 10:30 PM) at the Ice Factory (526 N. Ashland). No information on admission price given, but it should be a brilliant show just the same.
RESFEST, the digital film festival, hits Chicago this weekend with its 2004 program of short and feature-length films. Tonight's festivities include two separate programs of short films, one at 8:00 PM ("Shorts Program #1") and one at 10:00 PM ("Cinema Electronica", a program of music videos). The films will be shown at the Museum of Contemporary Art. See the RESFEST Website for details on the programs, and the MCA site for ticket information. Museum of Contemporary Art: 220 E. Chicago. (312) 280-2660.
Local promotional outfits Interrupt Media and Covalent team up once again to present Going Forward in Reverse, a new electronic music series at Chicago's acclaimed Sonotheque. This installment features performances by local house favorite Diz, Gramaphone stalwart and Antennae label head Josh Werner, Crosstalk's Brian Borden, and an opening set by Audiophile of Meiotic. Doors at 9 pm, Tickets are $5 before 11 PM. 21+, $2 PBR. Sonotheque is located at 1444 W. Chicago Ave.
Tonight's First Fridays at the MCA offers you some holiday fun from 6 to 10 p.m. First, the Steve Evans Quartet plays some sweet sweet music, while you munch on Puck's appetizers and guzzle chocolate martinis. Plus, you can create personalized wrapping paper and crafty cards at the holiday creation station. Best of all, you can check out Between Past and Future, a stellar exhibit of Chinese photography and video before it closes. Tickets are $7 for members and $14 for nonmembers. Tickets are available at the door. A special $20 ticket includes admission to one screening of RESFEST Digital Film Festival in the MCA theater. A cash bar is available until 9:30 p.m. Guests must be 21 or older to enter.
Tonight at Gunther Murphy's, 1638 W Belmont, a fundraiser for Chicago's newest lit mag, Make Magazine. Featuring Dead Horse Hill, The Like Young and Devin Davis. Hosted by poet Marvin Tate. Doors open at 9pm, $8 suggested donation. 21 and over.
This weekend the Chicago Cultural Center is hosting All That Glitters: A Holiday Bazaar. At this two-day event you will be able to buy gifts from cultural organizations and local artists from all over the city. For those of you who remember, this event seems to be filling the gap left by the Newberry Library's defunct Very Merry Bazaar. Thank you City of Chicago! All That Glitters is open Friday 10am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 5pm. Admission is free.
Four (count 'em) Improv groups performs at The Playground Theater (3209 N. Halsted, three doors north of Belmont and Halsted) at 8 p.m tonight. Tickets are always $10 for four of the city's finest improv troupes. Tonight's headliners are: Inside Vladimir "a fantastic voyage of funny! Without the miniaturization! Or the skin-tight white bodysuits!" Second, The Fling will "bring their rockstar-style ha-ha to the stage. Really smart rock stars, though. Rockstars who make literature references and stuff." Thirdly, Pastor of Muppets will "preach that olde tyme religion of laughing hysterically! You'll be converted to Laughitarianism before you know it!" Closing things out, Atticus Finch will "defend their right to be funny! And they might just bust up a chiffarobe while they're at it! (Literary References! Funny and Smart!)." If that isn't enough to make you laugh, it is, as always, BYOB.
The Dollar Store, a new monthly reading series at the Hideout, will put up its second show tonight at 7 p.m. The Dollar Store is now a monthly show featuring some of Chicago's top literary and performance talents together. Each performer receives an item purchased from a local dollar store one month in advance, which they then use to craft a short story, monologue or performance piece. Each piece is written specifically for the show. This month's performers include "Partly Dave Show" Co-Host Christopher Piatt, Bridge Magazine Fiction Editor Mike Newirth, and Modern Mythologist and local writer John H. Matthews. The show is hosted by Jonathan Messinger, editor of THISisGRAND.org. The Hideout is located at 1354 W. Wabansia, Chicago. There is a $1 suggested donation for the show.
If you like the sound of freshly crafted, one-of-a-kind goods in your hands this holiday, you'll have to get down to the winter installment of DEPART-Ment, a collective of local artisans who gather together four times a year to bring you their best and brightest wares. You'll find knowlegable folks at DEPART-Ment, who are none other than the artists themselves, guiding you around the space. Everything's organized to make your shopping easier! Tonight's the big kick off party, and the space is open from 7–11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, shop from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Everything happens at the Open-End Gallery, located at 2000 W. Fulton, #310, Chicago. For more information, on buying or selling check out DEPART-Ment online.
The Spider Trio plays avant-garde jazz at Cafe Mestizo, 2123 S Ashland (at Cermak), tonight starting at 7:30pm. Free, but tip the band. Call 312/942-0095.
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs presents "Rudolph, the Red-Hosed Reindeer" at the Loop Theater (8 E. Randolph St). The show opens today at 8 p.m. and runs through Friday, Dec. 31.
Tickets are $15 and $10 for students and seniors. All tickets can be purchased by phone at 312-744-LOOP (5667) or on-line at ticketweb.com.
"Chicago's favorite cross-dressing reindeer is back for its seventh
smash holiday season. Join Rudolph (Brannen Daugherty) and his misfit friends -- Herbie (Adam Keune), the "not gay enough" elf who wants to be a dentist and Yukon Cornelia (Lori Lee), the butch prospector with a deep, dark secret -- as
they search for happiness and attempt to outrun the horrifyingly tacky
Abominable Drag Beast (Ed Jones)."
For more information visit www.handbagproductions.org.
The Great Chicago Fire Sale is a municipally sponsored eBay charity auction that will benefit the Chicago Cultural Center, Cultural Grants and Gallery 37. All sorts of unusual items will be for sale starting today, including: a 1960's Playboy Bunny costume; a Chicago Cubs jersey signed by Moises Alou; a 1999 Chicago Cows on Parade cow; artwork from Gallery 37; City of Chicago manhole covers; and a lot of other stuff that you probably won't be able to afford. Check the Website for a full auction list.
Tonight at the Beat Kitchen at 2100 W. Belmont, Chicago, enjoy a big showcase of bands as part of the Flabby Hoffman show. Beginning at 8:30 p.m. The Parc Du Cerfs (The Flabby Hoffman band), 9:15 p.m. Adam Zeisler, 9:30 p.m. The Apartment Burlesque Orchestra, 10:15 p.m. The Wandering Endorphin, 10:30 p.m. A Band Called Pharisee, 11:15 p.m. Adam Zeisler, 11:30 p.m. God Wafer. Call 773-281-4444 for more information. If you miss the live performances, you can watch the taped show on Flabby Hoffman's cable tv show, Thursday night on Chicago Cable Channel 19 from 11:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m. $7 at the door.
Ted Okuda and Jack Mulqueen talk about their book, The Golden Age of Chicago Children's Television and discuss classics such as "Bozo's Circus" tonight at 7pm at the Oak Park Public Library, Main Branch. It's one block north and one block west of the Green Line's Oak Park stop, and it's free.
Every Wednesday night, the Old Town School of Folk Music gives you a reason to TiVo "Lost" and get out of the house. Now through December, enjoy concerts in their Afro-Folk Live series. Free (donations encouraged), 8:30 - 10:30 PM, 4544 N. Lincoln.
For those who are sick of listening to the same old holiday carols, which
seem to begin playing earlier each year, the Newberry Library offers a
holiday music alternative. On Wednesday, December 1, at 5:30 p.m., the
Newberry Library’s Wednesday Club rings in the holiday season with “An
Irish Christmas,” which features special performances by two of Chicago’s
renowned Irish music groups-the Academy of Irish Music-Chicago and the
Irish Heritage Singers.
The program opens with the Academy of Irish Music, as Noel Rice directs young performers of classical and Irish instruments. Then Chuck Kessell leads the Irish Heritage Singers in a choral program of traditional songs in the English and Irish languages.
“An Irish Christmas” will be held at the Newberry Library, (60 W. Walton St). Admission is $12, or $7 for Newberry Associates, and includes light refreshments. For more information, call (312) 255-3778.
Monster Team, a new animated film from local artists Arthur Jones and Jim Finn, plays at the Siskel Film Center tonight at 8:30pm, along with other works by the pair. Arthur and Jim will be present for discussions, and Arthur will personally present an illustrated slideshow and live reading. Tickets are $9. More information .
In observance of World AIDS Day, there will be a free, nondenominational Candle Light Vigil tonight at 8:30 p.m. at Lake View Lutheran Church, 835 W. Addison. One block west of Halsted. Full details at the World AIDS Day Chicago website.
FUNK the MENTAL tonight at Sonotheque. Special guests ATOMLY (live) and dj SOULTEK. In addition to new/latest/still fresh releases by Swayzak, The Orb, Luomo, Mix Master Mike, Kid 606, Medeski Martin & Wood, John Tejada, Klute, Heiko Laux, Alexander Kowalski, Johannes Heil, The Black Dog & Black Sifichi, Billy Dalessandro, Mouse on Mars, Akufen, Baby Mammoth, and more...including Free DJ Spooky mix cd’s to give away in case you didn't leave your cave last week. All takes place 9 p.m.–2 a.m., $5 cover, $2 PBR, $4 Cosmos, 21+ Sonotheque is located at 1444 W Chicago Ave. Chicago. For more information, call them at (312) 226-7600.
