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
Saturday, April 20
Slowdown
BY DAY
Saturday, June 25 2005
Mo Willems @ AIC
Mo Willems, author and illustrator of Caldecott Award winners Knuffle Bunny and Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, stops at the Art Institute to partake in their Meet the Artist Series. The event will take place in the museum's Price Auditorium, located on the lower level near the exhibition Fantasy, Facts, and Furry Friends, of which Willems is a featured artist. Willems can be seen at 11am. The Art Institute is located at 111 S. Michigan Ave.; call 312-857-7161 for more information. This event is free with museum admission.
30 Queer Plays in 60 Straight Minutes @ Neo-Futurarium
Chicago's Neo-Futurist theater company present a Pride 2005 version of their show "Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind". In the queer version of TML, the Neo-Futurists will present 30 totally gay plays for your amusement. All proceeds and donations will go to Lambda Legal. This special Pride version happens tonight only at 8:00 PM; see the Neo-Futurists' Website for reservation information. Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). (773) 275-5255.
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: Chicago Rebels and Carl Wooley & the Groove Masters, playing west coast swing and classic jazz. SummerDance features one hour of dance lessons, followed by two hours of live music and dancing. Tonight's show runs from 6:00 to 9:30, and SummerDance runs at the park Wednesday-Sunday nights (weather permitting) through August 28. See the SummerDance site for a complete schedule.
Dill Pickle Dance
The still-nascent West Side Food Co-op is having their first fundraiser event, the Dill Pickle Dance, in honor of having chosen a name: The Dill Pickle Food Co-op. From 4pm to 6pm at the Spare Room, there will be good food, music, dancing, and a logo designing contest. For more information, check out the mailing list. 2416 W. North Ave. Suggested donation: $5 adults, $10 per family.
Back Lot Bash
After today's Dyke March (or maybe just after your work-out), pop behind Cheetah Gym Andersonville (5238 N. Clark) for the Back Lot Bash. The event promises food, beer and rock 'n' roll by acts including Three Dollar Bill, The Locals and TK04. You'll need your ID, 'cause the party is 21+; it runs from 3 to 10pm, and cover is $10.
Chicago Dyke March
Tomorrow's the annual Pride Parade, but did you know there's another march today? It's the Chicago Dyke March, and it started a few years ago in response to the Pride Parade becoming too huge and too female-unfriendly in some people's eyes. The Dyke March starts off at the corner of Ashland & Foster at 2:00 PM, the march step-off is at 3:00, and you'll march over to the lake for a rally at 4:00. More information may or may not be available at the march's Website. Just show up and have fun, why don't you.
Too Much Light Kids!
The Neo-Futurists present the final performance of "Too Much Light Kids!", a family-friendly version of their long-running late-night show Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind. GB's Alejandra Valera reviewed the show when it ran last December; read the review here. Appropriate for ages 6 and up, "Too Much Light Kids!" happens at 2:00 PM this afternoon at the Neo-Futurarium. Admission: kids get in for $1-6 ($1 x the roll of a six-sided die), adults get in for $8-13 ($7 + the roll of a six-sided die). Group rates available; call (773) 878-4557 for details. Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). General show details: (773) 275-5255.
Summer Sizzles Wine Tasting
Who wants free wine? Head to the Randolph Wine Cellars on June 25 from noon to 6 p.m. to taste sizzling summer whites, lovely rose wines, and bold reds. Learn what vino will bring your grilling to live. Free! For more info, call (312) 942-1212.
Pickup on South Street @ LaSalle Bank Cinema
Pickup on South Street, directed by Sam Fuller, stars Richard Widmark as a pickpocket who gets embroiled in international intrigue when he steals a purse containing top-secret microfilm. Also on the
bill is Enjoy Yourself - It's Later Than You Think, a 1974 documentary by local filmmaker Tom Palazzolo. At the LaSalle Bank Cinema, 4901 W. Irving Park, at 8pm. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and children. Call 312/904-9442 for more information.
Erik Larson @ MSI
Erik Larson, author of the wildly popular The Devil in the White City, makes at stop at the Museum of Science and Industry (scroll down to date) to discuss the World's Fair as it appears in his book. A book signing will follow the 1pm talk. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Call 773-753-6230 to get them. The Museum of Science and Industry is located at 57th St. and Lake Shore Dr.
WiReD NextFest @ Navy Pier
Put on your jet pack, Futureman, because this weekend brings WiReD magazine's two-day technology conference NextFest to Navy Pier. Come and see all the technology you were promised in the 21st century: robots, flying cars, invisibility coats, unmanned transport, and so much more. There will be pavilions demonstrating all this boss future tech, and there will also be a series of discussions and demonstrations by some special guests to the show. The show is open today and tomorrow from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. See the NextFest site for full details and to purchase tickets. Next stop: the future!
In Fine Spirits Wine Tasting
In case you need another reason to drink some nice wine this afternoon, Andersonville wine shop In Fine Spirits will be hosting a free wine tasting with the owners of Washington state's Maryhill Winery from 2pm-5pm today. Wines will include: 2003 Sauvignon Blanc, 2004 Viognier, 2003 Cabernet Franc Rose, 2002 Sangiovese, Fort Rock Red Blend and the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon "Proprietor's Reserve". The tastings are conducted in an open-house fashion so feel free to attend anytime.In Fine Spirits is located at 5418 N. Clark Street, Chicago. Call (773) 506-9463 for more information.
