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.
✶ Thank you for your readership and contributions. ✶
TODAY
Saturday, April 20
Slowdown
BY DAY
Wednesday, June 22 2005
Proud to Laugh
Tonight at Joe's On Weed St. (number 940 W Weed, to be exact), see queer comedy for cause. "Proud to Laugh" features Chicago comedians Jessica Halem and Sapna Kumar, along with "special guest" Bill Cruz, and the event will benefit Gay Games VII. The doors are 7pm, show starts at 8, and tickets are available at several locations: the Gay Games office, 4753 N. Broadway Ste. 602; Women & Children First Books, 5233 N. Clark; Ticketmaster; or on the door. You can also call 773/907-2006 for reservations or more information.
Next Music
As part of this weekend's Nextfest exhibition, WiReD magazine presents Next Music, a showcase of music curated by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy. Featured in tonight's concert at the Vic will be Drag City recording artist Joanna Newsom and the Handsome Family. Tickets are $15, and are on sale through Ticketmaster or the Vic Box Office. Showtime is at 7:00 PM.
Chicago SummerDance
The ninth annual Chicago SummerDance festival of public dancing continues tonight in the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park (601 S. Michigan, between Harrison and Balbo). This evening's entertainment: DJs Jeff Mills and Mike Dearborn, playing house & techno music. SummerDance features one hour of dance lessons (except Wednesday nights), followed by two hours of live music and dancing. Tonight's show runs from 6:00 to 9:00, and SummerDance runs at the park Wednesday-Sunday nights (weather permitting) through August 28. See the SummerDance site for a complete schedule.
Theatre on the Lake: Solo Latinas
Theatre on the Lake, the city's summer series of revivals of plays you should have seen from the past season, presents Teatro Luna's Solo Latinas. 7:30pm June 22-25 and 6:30 June 26. $17.50. Fullerton and Lake Shore. Call 312-742-7994 for tickets.
Mandala creation @ Cultural Center
Starting today, a group of Tibetan Buddhist monks will begin constructing a sand mandala in the Chicago Cultural Center. Construction will apparently continue through Monday, June 27th, and the mandala will be dismantled and swept up Monday evening. Throughout the days, the public will be invited to watch the monks working on the mandala. See the Cultural Center site for a full schedule of the events surrounding the mandala construction. Chicago Cultural Center: 78 E. Washington. (312) 744-6630.
More Michael Blum
Back by popular demand, Michael Blum will show 2 videos at Mess Hall tonight at 8pm. First off will be "My Sneakers" (37:30 minutes) Blum says, "In August 1999, I purchased a pair of Nike sneakers in Paris. Two years later, I would travel back to where they came from - Indonesia, according to the label - and try to learn more about them...." Additionally, following "My Sneakers," there will be a world premiere presentation. Michael is going to share a brand new work that was made right here in Chicago, featuring a local cult performer (who will also attend the screening). Michael Blum will be around to answer questions and discuss his work after the screening. Free popcorn and air conditioning will be served. Mess Hall is at 6932 North Glenwood Avenue in Rogers Park. It’s right by the Morse stop on the Red Line. Phone: (773) 465-4033, BYOB, and always free admission.
Italian Cooking @ Kitchen Chicago
Danny and Marie Lena of Papa Lena's Sweet Red Pepper Chips and Bodacious Beet Chips will be hosting an Italian cooking class at Kitchen Chicago tonight from 6:30-9:30pm. The class costs $50 per person / $85 per couple. Enjoy an evening with this dynamic duo and enjoy the results at the end of the night. More information can be found on the Papa Lena website. Space is limited, so please be sure to RSVP with the Lenas at (800) 877-7252. Or, if you can't make this class, check out the Kitchen Chicago calendar to make plans for a future date.
The Headhunters @ Schubas
Tonight is the second of two performances at Schubas Tavern, by legendary jazz musicians The Headhunters: Mike Clark, Paul Jackson & Bill Summers, featuring Robert Walter with Skerik, starting at 9pm. Tickets are $26 in advance ($28 at the door). Schubas says: "From the instant funk classic "Chameleon" to the rare-groove sound of "God Make Me Funky," the Headhunters have redefined modern funk, world music, and jazz as one of the most innovative groups in history. The band toured and recorded for several years with legendary pianist Herbie Hancock, releasing the masterpieces Thrust (1974), Flood (1975), and Manchild (1975). In 1976 the Headhunters ventured out on their own recording the classic Survival Of The Fittest (1976), followed by Straight to the Gate (1978), and Return of the Headhunters (1998). In 2003, the Headhunters maintain the same vitality and creativity on their newest release “Evolution Revolution”. The album showcases the incredible musical synergy which brought them world fame in the 70s."
