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 18
It's a parade you can join in as well as watch. Registration for the parade starts at 5:30pm at Spin, 800 W. Belmont, and the kick-off is at 7pm with prizes for costumes awarded through the evening. It's all along Halsted near Belmont, so you know it's going to be good. (Boystowners just do it better!)
Chicago favorites Mr. Quintron and Miss Pussycat take the stage at the Empty Bottle tonight for an evening of Halloween music, puppetry, and Drum Buddy magical action. Opening act: Harry Merry, a 30-something kid from Rotterdam who looks like a long-lost cousin of the Ramones, and who plays the Fairlight synthesizer while singing weird-ass lyrics (in English). Oh, you're not going to want to miss this show. The evening starts at 9:30 (9:30? Really? On a school night?), and tickets are $10; you'll want to buy in advance, because this will probably be a seriously packed show. Empty Bottle: 1035 N. Western. (773) 276-3600.
Millennium Park is hosting the best of this display today, but you can also catch all of Craig Perry's hand-carved pumpkins at Phyllis' Musical Inn, 1800 W. Division St. There will be nearly 60 carved pumpkins, all featuring the faces of famous Chicagoans. Everyone -- from Harry Caray to John Dillinger to Bill (Billy Goat) Siannis -- will be there. The pumpkins will be available for viewing through the end of the night. Go to Perry's website for examples from last year's show, "A to Z: Fifty Musical Pumpkins." It's pretty cool.
I'm not the biggest fan of huge holiday displays, but Millennium Park is hosting "The Best of Famous Chicago," displaying a dozen large pumpkins carved with the faces of famous Chicagoans. Holiday-related or not, that just sounds cool. Carved by Craig Perry, the faces include Michael Jordan, John Malkovich, Saul Bellow and even "American Gothic." The pumpkins are on display in the Lurie Garden today, 5-11pm. Free and open to all.
It’s three months until the next B-Fest, and it’s Halloween. Tonight, head down to Hyde Park at 7pm for your B-movie fun with 1957’s Kronos, featuring not only an energy-absorbing alien hell-bent on destroying Los Angeles, but also the voice of George Jetson. The Max Palevsky Theatre is located at 1212 E 59th Street; for more information, call 773-702-8575 or visit the DOC Films website.
Browse through tomorrow’s fashion trends today as independent designers (including the twin crocheting sisters behind DoubleStitch) selected by the School of the Fine Arts Institute display their one-of-a-kind wares. The Chicago Antique Market is located on Randolph Street between Ada and Ogden, and runs from from 8 AM to 4 PM.
If you missed the screening of Unusual Suspects, the documentary on Chicago House music, you've got a second chance this weekend as the film screens at the Siskel Film Center tonight at 5:15 PM. Director Chip Eberhart (aka Chip E., the "Godfather of House Music") will be in attendance tonight. If you miss tonight's screening, the film will also be shown on Thursday, November 3rd, at 8:15 PM. Tickets: $9, $7 for students, $5 for Film Center members, and $4 for SAIC students. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.
The Rubber Monkey Puppet Company presents a workshop teaching the fine art of circuit bending, or rewiring an electronic toy or other device to produce unusual and unintended sounds. Show up tonight at the Peter Jones Gallery (1806 W. Cuyler) with a cheap electronic toy from the thrift store or dumpster. And BRING BATTERIES. Instructor Patrick McCarthy will guide you in the fine art of rewiring. The class runs tonight from 5:00 to 10:00, and is followed by a performance of circuit-bent devices made by local inventors and musicians. The workshop is free and open to all. Check out the Rubber Monkey Website for full details.
SOFA Chicago returns to Navy Pier this weekend, filling Festival Hall with sculpture, objects and functional art from around the world. The show is open Friday, Oct.28, 11am-8pm; Saturday, Oct. 29, 11am-8pm; and Sunday, Oct. 30, noon-6pm. Tickets are $15 per day or $25 for a three-day pass (students and seniors pay $10).
Millennium Park is hosting the best of this display today and Monday, but you can also catch all of Craig Perry's hand-carved pumpkins at Phyllis' Musical Inn, 1800 W. Division St. There will be nearly 60 carved pumpkins, all featuring the faces of famous Chicagoans. Everyone -- from Harry Caray to John Dillinger to Bill (Billy Goat) Siannis -- will be there. The pumpkins will be available for viewing through Monday night. Go to Perry's website for examples from last year's show, "A to Z: Fifty Musical Pumpkins." It's pretty cool.
Berry Memorial United Methodist Church is holding their first Murder Mystery Theater and Silent Auction. The mystery part of the evening will be staged by the Prime Time Players and the auction part features prizes such as theater tickets, spa treatments, museum memberships and more. Hors d'oeurves and desserts will also be served, starting at 6pm, while the murder mystery will go on at 7:30pm. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and the proceeds will be benefit the church's Operations Fund. 4735 N. Leavitt St. Call 773-784-3273 for tickets and information or email amyellison[at]redjellyfish[dot]net.
I'm not the biggest fan of huge holiday displays, but Millennium Park is hosting "The Best of Famous Chicago," displaying a dozen large pumpkins carved with the faces of famous Chicagoans. Holiday-related or not, that just sounds cool. Carved by Craig Perry, the faces include Michael Jordan, John Malkovich, Saul Bellow and even "American Gothic." The pumpkins are on display in the Lurie Garden today from 4-11pm and tomorrow from 5-11pm. Free and open to all.
Halloween-themed sexiness at HotHouse! Check out this show, chock-a-block with super-hot straight and queer performers shaking it at this variety show. And this is a monthly event, so be sure to return for Thanksgiving and Xmas shows. Doors at at 7 p.m. and the show is at 8 p.m. Cost is only $10. HotHouse is located at 31 E. Balbo.
Seriously, you've got to hot-foot it down to darkroom for tonight's spectacle -- Eve's Parlor Burlesque Velvet Rope Circus. Check out performers like Cherish (she's got a snake), Wise Women Fools, Lord Mike's Dirty Calypsonians and more. Be there. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. darkroom's at 2210 W. Chicago Ave. The show runs from 9 p.m. to at least midnight.
Join Ursula Bielski, author of Chicago Haunts: Ghostlore of the Windy City, at the Willow Brook Ballroom for the 2005 Chicago Hauntings Black Ball Halloween Masquerade. The ballroom is known in local ghostlore as the spot where celebrity ghost Resurrection Mary danced for the last time. Prizes will be awarded for the best dead Chicagoan costume. Tickets are $50 per person or $90 per couple for the event, and reservations are required. Call 1-888-446-7859 for more information, or reserve your tickets online. The ball runs from 7pm to Midnight, and the Willow Brook Ballroom is located at 8900 South Archer Avenue in Willow Springs, IL.
A huge name in modern dance, Merce Cunningham returns to Chicago with two programs presented by The Dance Center of Columbia College. The second program, tonight, focuses on Cunningham's more recent work, incorporating "computer-enhanced choreography and motion-capture video imaging." The show starts at 8pm at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph Dr. Tickets range from $18-$48 and can be bought by calling 312-344-8300.
In a series of dance parties at the Hideout, Life During Wartime involves "getting hipsters to change the state of the union instead of just complaining about it over their PBR's." The group is holding a Halloween Bash at 9pm tonight, featuring the music of Bling Kong and prizes for people in costume. 21+, $8 to get in, at 1354 W. Wabansia. Call 773-227-4433 for more information.
SOFA Chicago returns to Navy Pier this weekend, filling Festival Hall with sculpture, objects and functional art from around the world. The show is open Friday, Oct.28, 11am-8pm; Saturday, Oct. 29, 11am-8pm; and Sunday, Oct. 30, noon-6pm. Tickets are $15 per day or $25 for a three-day pass (students and seniors pay $10).
The Evanston Historical Society hosts An Evening of Halloween Ghost Stories at the historic Dawes House, 225 Greenwood St. A different storyteller will be situated in each room of the house, providing a different ghostly story as visitors pass through. Reservations are required for the hour-long program and tickets are $8 for EHS members, $10 for non-members. The show goes on at 7, 8 and 9pm. Call 847-475-3410 to save your spot and to get more information.
Millennium Park is hosting the best of this display on Sunday and Monday, but starting today you can catch all of Craig Perry's hand-carved pumpkins at Phyllis' Musical Inn, 1800 W. Division St. There will be nearly 60 carved pumpkins, all featuring the faces of famous Chicagoans. Everyone -- from Harry Caray to John Dillinger to Bill (Billy Goat) Siannis -- will be there. The pumpkins will be available for viewing through Monday night. Go to Perry's website for examples from last year's show, "A to Z: Fifty Musical Pumpkins." It's pretty cool.
Hazel is a great little stationery and gift shop located in the Ravenswood neighborhood, and possibly one of the city's best-kept secrets. Today the store is hosting a trunk show featuring Chicago jewelry designer Deana Rose. You can check out Rose's fall collection, while enjoying desserts and cocktails, from 11am to 5pm at Hazel, located at 1902 W. Montrose Ave. Call 773-769-2227 for more information.
The Chicago public radio program This American Life presents a three-hour marathon this afternoon from noon to 3:00 PM, in honor of Chicago Public Radio's current pledge drive. Check out the CPR Website for full details.
Nieghborhoodies is opening a store in Wicker Park at 1300 N. Milwaukee, and there's a party tonight to celebrate. From 8pm on, come listen to DJs spin and enjoy free Goose Island beer and apps. And, of course, check out the hip threads.
A huge name in modern dance, Merce Cunningham returns to Chicago with two programs presented by The Dance Center of Columbia College. The first program, tonight, is all about chance, during which "various rolls of the dice determine the choice of choreography, music, visual decor, costumes and light designs." The second program, tomorrow night, focuses on Cunningham's more recent work, incorporating "computer-enhanced choreography and motion-capture video imaging." The shows start at 8pm at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph Dr. Tickets range from $18-$48 and can be bought by calling 312-344-8300.
The Chicago Horror Film Festival kicks off this evening and runs through Thursday, November 3rd. Plenty of horror films being shown every night, with titles like Confederate Zombie Massacre, Mom vs. The Undead, Flesh Eating Ghouls From Outer Space (a sci-fi puppet show) and the ultimate in terror: Mexican Hat. The screening are all at the 3 Penny Cinema (2424 N. Lincoln Ave). See the festival Website for a full schedule and to purchase tickets.
This last July, a documentary called Electric Edwardians: The Films of Mitchell & Kenyon screened at the Siskel Film Center. The film, which shows various aspects of everyday life from a century ago through the use of recently found film footage that literally dates back to 1900, starts screening again at the Film Center, and plays through November 3rd. See the Film Center Website for showtimes and details on the film. Tickets are $9, $7 for students, $5 for Film Center members, and $4 for SAIC students. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.
SOFA Chicago returns to Navy Pier this weekend, filling Festival Hall with sculpture, objects and functional art from around the world. The show is open Friday, Oct.28, 11am-8pm; Saturday, Oct. 29, 11am-8pm; and Sunday, Oct. 30, noon-6pm. Tickets are $15 per day or $25 for a three-day pass (students and seniors pay $10).
Author of the Book Cellar's September book club selection, Adrian Nicole Leblanc will make a special appearance at the club's meeting to dicuss her book Random Family: Love, Drugs, Trouble and Coming of Age in the Bronx. The book chronicles the time Leblanc spent immersed with an extended family in the ghetto, shedding light on the intimate details of urban poverty. The meeting starts at 7pm and whether you're a regular member of the club or a one-time visitor, all are welcome to attend. The Book Cellar is located at 4736 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-293-2665 for more information.
If you’ve been wondering what possible use there is for those obsolete water tanks on Chicago rooftops, your curiosity can now be satisfied. Through 29 January 2006, entries in the Chicago Architectural Club’s Water Tank Design Competition are on display at the Chicago Cultural Center. 78 E. Washington. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.
The House Theatre’s Junior Board will be holding a Halloween party at 10pm tonight at Fizz Bar and Grill (3220 N. Lincoln). It’s $25, or $20 if you have your Great and Terrible Wizard of Oz ticket/trading card; but this includes an open bar all night. So drink up and have fun—House parties are always great, and all proceeds go to the theatre company. See the House Theatre blog for more information.
Looking for a Halloween experience? Try Twisted: An Experiment in Drag Gone Terribly Awry. Follow this motley crew of kings and creeping things as they penetrate the dark corners of the mind and soul. Come prepared to dance with the dead and make merry with the truly mad! Costumes strongly encouraged. The show is at Circuit at 3641 N. Halsted. Doors open at 9 p.m., and the show is at 10 p.m. And the cost is just $8.
Each month, members of the Gapers Block staff get together with readers at a neighborhood pub. This month, we'll be in the upstairs bar at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., from 9pm to midnight. Look for faces that match the ones on this page. See you there!
By the way, you don't have to dress up, but don't be surprised to see a few costumes haunting the bar.
The University of Chicago’s Human Rights Center is presenting Truth in Motion, a series of screenings of documentaries produced by Chicago’s Kartemquin Films in the past 35-plus years. Tonight’s free screening, which starts at 7 PM, features three short documentaries and an excerpt from the award-winning The New Americans. At the University of Chicago Film Studies Center, Cobb Hall. 5811 S Ellis Avenue. For more information, visit the website.
As part of the Chicago Book Festival, a tribute to Saul Bellow is being held at the Harold Washington Library tonight at 6 PM. Participating authors include Alexander Hemon and Stuart Dybek. 400 S. State Street. For more information, call 312-747-4050 or visit the website.
As part of Columbia College's Creative Nonfiction Week local editors talk paths to publication. Moderated by Jotham Burrello the all-star panel features Martha Bayne [writer, associate editor, Chicago Reader ], Sylvia M. Ewing [Producer, Eight Forty-Eight ], Jonathan Messinger [editor, Time Out Chicago ], and Ian Morris [managing editor, TriQuarterly ]. 2 pm, Ferguson Theater, 600 S. Michigan
Tonight at 6pm, Lisa Wainwright, dean of graduate studies at the School of the Art Insitute of Chicago, explores the demimonde of 1890s Paris and 1970s Chicago as seen through the work of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Ed Paschke. Wainwright is introduced by Northwestern professor William Conger. The event takes place at the Block Museum, which is located on Northwestern's campus at 40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston.
The Illinois Choice Action Team is holding a panel discussion on responsible sex education. From 7-8:30pm, the free discussion will go on at Harper College in Palatine, Building A, Room 238. Hosted in part by Women's Rights Awareness Club, Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health, Chicago Area Planned Parenthood, Sierra Club, Northwest Chicago Choice and Northwest Surburban NOW. Email Lori at info[at]nwchicagochoice[dot]org for more information.
The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation is hosting a roundtable on bicycle commuting at its new digs at 12 N today. Bring your own lunch to 9 W Hubbard, Suite 402. For more information, call 312-427-3325, ext. 221, or visit the website.
A contributor to NPR's "Fresh Air," Maureen Corrigan is recognized as "one of America's most prolific and appreciative readers." While discussing her book, Leave Me Alone, I'm Reading: Finding and Losing Myself in Books, Corrigan will explore how her life has been shaped by reading and share her thoughts on what's really worth reading. The free discussion is at 7:30pm, Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St. Call 773-769-9299 for more information.
Queer Eye for the Straight Guy's resident foodie, Ted Allen, will sign copies of his book at Borders Michigan Ave. The Food You Want to Eat is Allen's debut cookbook and serves as a quick-reference guide for those interested in getting in the cooking game. The free in-store event is at 7pm, 830 N. Michigan Ave. Call 312-573-0564.
The spectacular "newgrass" trio Nickel Creek headlines a Rock For Reading show. The twentysomething members of Nickel Creek, Chris Thile and siblings Sean and Sara Watkins, are just as likely to use their impressive bluegrass chops to cover Pavement as Ralph Stanley. AllMusicGuide called their 2005 album Why Should the Fire Die "the progressive bluegrass/folk-pop genre's reply to Radiohead's Kid A." We don't know what the hell that means either, but it's damn good. Charmingly quirky folk-pop duo the Ditty Bops open. All ages and no smoking. The Vic, 3145 N Sheffield. Doors 6pm, Show 7pm. Tickets $25. Ticketmaster or the Vic box office.
Those fat, cylindrical structures on many Chicago rooftops are water tanks, and they’re obsolete. But maybe not for long. The winner of the Water Tank Design Competition is being announced at the Art Institute of Chicago’s Rubloff Auditorium this evening at 5:30 PM. This free event also features a keynote address by jury chair and 2005 Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Thom Mayne. For more information, visit the website.
Helping to raise money for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina, the Happy Ending Reading Series hits Chicago with some pretty tempting names. Joe Meno, Elizabeth Berg and Amy Krouse Rosenthal make up the readers, while the Sunday Runners provide pop sounds for the night. Elizabeth Crane is your host at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia. 7pm. Call 773-227-4433 for more information.
Author of the Booker Prize winning novel, The Line of Beauty, Alan Hollinghurst stops by International House to discuss and read from his book. 1414 E. 59th St., 7pm. Call 773-752-4381 for more information.
The Writers and Readers Ball: Celebrating Literature on WLUW is on tap tonight at Martyr's (3855 N Lincoln Ave). Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Entertainment (poets, neo-futurists, funk band, etc.) starts at 8 pm. WLUW host Donna Seaman will sign copies of Writers on the Air: Conversations About Books. All proceeds benefit 88.7 WLUW.
The Chicago Cultural Center is screening a film by Japanese director Kinji Funkasaku tonight at 7 PM. Loosely based on a real life story, Graveyard of Honor tells the story of a Japanese gangster on a downward spiral. Free, but the Cultural Center notes that Funkasaku’s films are not suitable for children. 78 E Washington Street. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.
At 6 PM this evening, the Graham Foundation is hosting a panel discussion about the potential transformation of the unused Bloomingdale rail corridor on the north side into a linear park. Panelists include architects and others who were involved in successful transformations of similar sites in Paris and New York. 4 West Burton Place. This event is free, but requires advance registration.
Once again, it's Love Your Body Day, and to celebrate, Chicago NOW is sponsoring another great Open Mic night at Filter Cafe in Wicker Park. Come out, share your voice and celebrate real women! Make a fabulous shirt at the t-shirt making station -- show everyone how much you love your body! Talk with documentary filmmaker, Rachel Rozycki, who will be there to interview women for her new documentary about women and their bodies! Most important, tell your story. No RSVP necessary, but please arrive a bit early if you’d like to speak. Filter Cafe is located at 1585 N. Milwaukee Ave. (near intersection of Damen/North/Milwaukee). The event runs from 7:30 to 9:30pm. Send questions via e-mail to cnowedfund{at}yahoo.com.
As part of the Chicago Book Festival, the Nebula-, Hugo-, and MacArthur Foundation grant-winning author of Kindred will read from her new novel, Fledgling at the Harold Washington Library tonight at 6 PM. 400 S. State Street. For more information, call 312- 747-4050 or visit the website.
Yes, Andy Rouke from the Smiths. The one that sued Morrissey and Johnny Marr. The bassist. He's DJing at Smart Bar during Panic this week, spinning and signing Smiths merch. So, go ask if that whole "celibate" thing of Moz's was for real. And buy him a PBR -- they're on special for $2.
I've mentioned before that I'm a fan of Anthony Lewellen's work, so I find it nice that the Chicago Artists' Month schedule of events includes a look at this artist's studio. From 12-5pm, you can view his recent work in wood, steel and found objects. 5006 N. Keeler Ave. Call 773-205-8110 for more information.
Corpus Delicti: Just Desserts is an innovative play about a doctor and his many relationships to the body: his living body, the dead body that lies before him, and the body of evidence he has to examine. Performed in a UIC operating theater, it features an actual body in the performance (made from Jello). Starts at 8pm and is on the UIC campus at 912 S Wood. Call 312-528-0077 for more info or visit the Local Infinities website.
Looking for some art-inspired running, or maybe just a race route nearby that stands out from the pack? The 29th Annual Frank Lloyd Wright Races take place today, Oct. 23 in Oak Park. Sponsored in part by the Oak Park Park District (which, honestly, is just fun to say), there will be an adult 5K run/walk, 10K run and "Double Race" as well as a Youth Mile race. The race route runs (ha!) along the streets of Oak Park, past Wright's studio and other Wright-designed buildings in the Prairie Home District. Register online, $20 for adults, $12 for kids.
Bowl for equality! The Human Rights Campaign presents an 80's-themed bowling benefit at Waveland Bowl. There are two bowling times: 7:00-8:30pm and 9:00-10:30pm. $25 per person gets you an hour and a half of bowling (shoes included!), buffet, and 80's music all night. 80's costumes are encouraged, and you know how the gays like their costumes. Buy individual tickets online, or become a lane captain by sponsoring a lane for your group of five or more for $150 (contact Mel Kleve at mkleve [at] gmail [dot] com). Waveland Bowl, 3700 N Western Ave.
The Third Coast Festival staff and other radio enthusiasts explore what makes the airwaves sound so different all over the world. The evening involves listening to several examples of international radio and a lively conversation between leading radio professionals from Austria, Belgium, Canada and the US. Audience members are encouraged to participate in the discussion with Ira Glass and stay for a reception afterward celebrating the festival’s fifth birthday. This event is from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Cultural Center, located at Michigan and Washington.
The second annual Bridgeport Art Walk runs from noon to 5pm today, in conjunction with the Select Media Festival. Download a PDF map and check out what's going on in this emerging arts community. Free.
This exhibit traces the impact of the Tropicalia movement on Brazilian popular culture, including music, visual arts, theater, and film. 220 E Chicago Ave. For more information, call 312-280-2660, or visit the website.
Presented by the Silk Road Theatre Project, Yussef El Guindi's Ten Acrobats in an Amazing Leap of Faith tells the story of a Muslim-American family grappling with the differences between the Muslim identity and the American experience. The show runs through December 30 at the Historic Chicago Temple Building, 77 W. Washington, 2nd Floor. Tonight's opening is at 8pm, $25 for regular tickets and $20 for students and seniors. Call 312-236-6881 for more information.
The Third Coast Festival is holding its annual conference at the Wyndham Chicago this weekend. The conference includes sessions on making pitches and podcasting, and rendering complex information clearly and concisely. The conference also includes the awards ceremony for the 2005 audio documentary competition. For more information, visit the website.
Scary Bodega and Tense Forms present the 2nd Annual Culture of Fear Halloween Event. The event is part film, part music, part art, all fun with nods to Nosferatu, live DJs like C. Israel Vines and Mark Battista, and photography by Kirk Bravender and Kelley Reynolds. BYOB and costumes encouraged. It all goes down at The Open End, 2000 W. Fulton, 3rd Floor. Doors open at 7:30pm with your $6 donation.
The widely published poet Elizabeth Alexander, who teaches African-American Studies at Yale, will read from her new collection, American Sublime, which includes an epic poem about the Amistad rebellion. This free event, organized by the Public Square of the Illinois Humanities Council, starts at 2 PM. 1745 W 63rd Street. For more information, visit the website.
I've mentioned before that I'm a fan of Anthony Lewellen's work, so I find it nice that the Chicago Artists' Month schedule of events includes a look at this artist's studio. From 12-5pm, you can view his recent work in wood, steel and found objects. 5006 N. Keeler Ave. Call 773-205-8110 for more information.
Corpus Delicti: Just Desserts is an innovative play about a doctor and his many relationships to the body: his living body, the dead body that lies before him, and the body of evidence he has to examine. Performed in a UIC operating theater, it features an actual body in the performance (made from Jello). Starts at 8pm and is on the UIC campus at 912 S Wood. Call 312-528-0077 for more info or visit the Local Infinities website.
Lemony Snicket, the chronicler of the terrible, awful misadventures of the Baudelaire children, will be appearing at Naqua Valley High School in Naperville this afternoon to warn children not to buy the 12th book in the Series of Unfortunate Events, which went on sale this week. For information and tickets to the event, contact Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville at (630) 355-2665.
The Winediva, Christine Blumer, takes you on a journey through the heart of darkness -- deep, rich, Zinfandel -- at West Town Tavern, 1329 W Chicago Ave., today from 3pm to 4:30pm. Enjoy a lively discussion and tasting of six prime examples of the all-American grape -- none of that pink stuff here. Register at the door for a chance to wine a copy of A Zinfandel Odyssey by Rhoda Stewart, the quintessential compendium of Zinfandel lore, with forward by West Town's chef, Susan Goss. $35 for the tasting; 21 and over, obviously. Call 312-666-6175 for reservations or more info.
Did you read our interview with Miss Exotic World Michelle L'Amour and now you've just gotta see her in person? Now you can! She's reprising her successful burlesque extravaganza Femme TV at the Lakeshore Theatre -- and tonight's opening night! The show is at 10:30 p.m., located at 3175 N. Broadway.
Chicago Neighborhood Tours, presented by the Chicago Office of Tourism, is offering a guided tour of literary landmarks in Chicago, promising to travel throughout the city to learn about the lives of some of the writers who called Chicago home. The tour costs $50, which includes lunch, and departs at 10am from the Chicago Cultural Center at 77 E. Randolph Street. You may reserve your tickets online or call 312-742-1190 for more information.
Tonight from 6pm to 1am is the opening reception for The New Chicagoans show at Iron Studios, 3636 Iron St. 2nd floor. The group exhibition demonstrates the wide range of work being done by both emerging and established Chicago artists.
Featuring: Michael Merck, Cody Hudson, Rob Doran, Joe Compean, Christine Tarkowski, Melina Ausikaitis, Duk Ju Kim, Jonn Salhus, Victor, Barbara Kasten, Nat Ward, Sighn, Chris Uphues, Ryan Davies, Juan Chavez, Brian Ulrich, Greg Stimac, You Are Beautiful, Elisa Harkins, Nick Black, Carl Virgo, Al Burian, Al Pocius, Andrew Wilson, Steven Eichorn, Melinda Fries, Michael Genovese, Paul Nudd, Erin Foley and Dolan Geiman. The show runs until November 13.
Free, all ages. It's part of this year's Select Media Festival.
The Third Coast Festival is holding its annual conference at the Wyndham Chicago this weekend. The conference includes sessions on making pitches and podcasting, and rendering complex information clearly and concisely. The conference also includes the awards ceremony for the 2005 audio documentary competition. For more information, visit the website.
The Future of Food, a documentary on the corporate food system, premieres tonight with Jim Slama as a special opening night speaker. President of Sustain, Slama will address with audience with a question and answer session after the show. Tonight's show starts at 7pm, but the documentary will continue with nightly shows at 7pm and 9pm. Come to Facets Cinematheque at 1571 W. Fullerton Ave. to view the first show. 773-281-4114 gets you more information.
One Ring Zero, the Brooklyn-based duo whose recent project "As Smart As We Are" features songs with lyrics written by such authors as Margaret Atwood, Dave Eggers, Neil Gaiman, Myla Goldberg, Daniel Handler and Jonathan Lethem, plays a concert at the Harold Washington Library's Pritzker Auditorium tonight from 8:00 to 10:00. Also featured in the performance will be authors Rick Moody and Julia Slavin. The performance is a Third Coast Festival presentation. Tickets are $15, and are purchasable through Chicago Public Radio's Website. Harold Washington Library: 400 South State Street.
Rotofugi, that cool toy store that has all thse stuff you need to buy, has a mini-gallery space as part of its store, and tonight they're celebrating the start of a new art show, "Fun with Dead Bodies". The show will feature Exquisite Corpses drawn by various artists. (As far as we know, none of the artists have participated at An Exquisite Corpse, the EC site run by GB alumnus Phineas X. Jones.) The show's opening party is tonight from 7:00 PM to 11:00, and is free. The exhibit runs through November 13. See the Rotofugi Website for more details. Rotofugi: 1953 W. Chicago. (312) 491-9501.
The Chicago Cultural Center is screening a film by Japanese director Kinji Funkasaku tonight at 7 PM. The Yakuza Papers is a gangster movie that takes place shortly after World War 2. Free, but the Cultural Center notes that Funkasaku’s films are not suitable for children. 78 E Washington Street. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.
The Suicide Girls (NSFW) bring their pierced'n'tattooed burlesque show to the Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N. Kedzie Ave., tonight at 9pm. Tsu Shi Ma Mi Re and Camaro Rouge provide musical entertainment as well. Tickets are $13 in advance or $15 at the door, which is 18 and over.
Corpus Delicti: Just Desserts is an innovative play about a doctor and his many relationships to the body: his living body, the dead body that lies before him, and the body of evidence he has to examine. Performed in a UIC operating theater, it features an actual body in the performance (made from Jello). Starts at 8pm and is on the UIC campus at 912 S Wood. Call 312-528-0077 for more info or visit the website.
If you even recognize the name DrunkenBlog, then you probably oughtta go to tonight's event at the Adler Planetarium. Heck, chances are you know about it; consider this your reminder. The event is free, but seats are limited, so RSVP to make sure you're going to get in. All the details -- and there are many -- are here, but the skinniest of the skinny is 6:30pm, 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Crew Bar+Grill holds a homecoming dance to benefit the Gay Games Chicago 2006. There'll be music by the Patty Elvis Band and DJ Matt Nickel, raffles, free food, prizes for best dressed, and a king and queen will be crowned! $15 cover gets you drink specials like $8 Grey Goose cosmos, $4 Grey Goose cocktails, $2 Goose Island pints and $2 well drinks. More details here. Call 773-784-CREW for info.
The Third Coast Festival is holding its annual conference at the Wyndham Chicago this weekend. The conference includes sessions on making pitches and podcasting, and rendering complex information clearly and concisely. The conference also includes the awards ceremony for the 2005 audio documentary competition. For more information, visit the website.
Friend of GB and author of our October book club pick, Wendy McClure discusses I'm Not the New Me at 57th St. Books tonight. A $10 donation is requested for this event, which benefits Literacy Works, a nonprofit organization helping improve literacy in Chicago adults and families. 1301 E. 57th St., 7:30pm. Call 773-752-4381 for more information.
Enjoy a mini-facial, manicure, chair massage, and more in the lovely warmth and beauty of the Garfield Park Conservatory from 6:45 to 8:00 p.m. on October 20. Our estheticians, massage therapists, and nail technicians will be here to pamper and soothe your mind and body. The services run from $5 to 15.
"Urban, Rural, Wild" is part exhibition and part platform to investigate the divisions between the urban, the rural and the wild and where these divisions break down. The exhibition presents workby eight artists focusing on the historical and modern relationships between the urban Chicago and the rural downstate Illinois. The show will run through October 22. Tonight, at 7pm, the exhibition will include a film screening of "The Boulevard". The screening will take place at the Ice Factory, 526 N. Ashland. Tickets are $5. For more information, contact Sarah Kanouse at kanouse[at]siu[dot]edu.
Chicago Scriptworks presents a staged reading of Sean Fitzpatrick’s new screenplay Black Friday, tonight at 7 PM at the Chicago Cultural Center’s Studio Theater. 77 E. Randolph St. A $5 donation is requested. Call 312-802-8267 or email rsvp-at-chicagoscriptworks-dot-org to make a reservation.
As part of the Chicago Book Festival, Joy Luck Club author Amy Tan will read from her new novel, Saving Fish from Drowning at the Harold Washington Library tonight at 6 PM. 400 S. State Street. For more information, call 312-747-4050 or visit the website.
As part of the Old Town School of Folk Music’s 10th annual Autumn celebration of Latin sound, La Pena, the flamenco starts at 8:30 PM. This event is free, but the Old Town School requests a $5 donation. 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. For more information, call 773-728-6000 or visit the website.
Café Society, a project of the Public Square at the Illinois Humanities Council, is hosting a wide-ranging conversation about the Chicago Historical Society’s current exhibit, "Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America." A free tour of the exhibit at 6 PM will be followed by refreshments and discussion. Chicago Historical Society, Clark Street at North Avenue. Free, but make a reservation by emailing events-at-thepublicsquare-dot-org or calling 312-422-5580. For more information, visit the website.
Cartoonist Ivan Brunetti, curator of the excellent show "The Cartoonist's Eye", running at Columbia College's A+D Gallery through the end of this week, will speak at the gallery tonight at 6:00 PM. A+D Gallery: 619 S. Wabash. For full details, call the gallery at (312) 344-8687.
Drawing energy and inspiration from street life, graffiti, punk and hard-core music, and the folk culture of tramps, hobos, and transients, San Francisco-born Barry McGee makes art that evokes traces of human presence. Lecture starts at 6:00 p.m. at the SAIC Auditorium, 280 S. Columbus Drive.
Street-Level Youth Media, a Chicago-based organization, educates inner city youth in media arts and emerging technologies for use in self-expression, communication, and social change. On October 19th they are holding their Tenth Anniversary Celebration and annual benefit at The Tasting Room at 1415 W. Randolph Street from 6-9PM.
The Third Coast International Audio Festival celebrates its fifth birthday in the Claudia Cassidy Theater of the Chicago Cultural Center with an international panel of radio professionals, including audio samples and conversation. The free presentation, which starts at 7PM, is followed by a birthday reception. Check the website for more information, or call 312-744-6630.
Novelist E.L. Doctorow reads from his new novel, The March, about William Tecumseh Sherman, tonight at 6 PM. 60 W. Walton. For more information, call the Newberry Library at 312–943–9090 or check the website.
The University of Chicago is holding a teach-in about the economics of equitable cooperation. Okay, that means nothing to me, as I try to keep my distance from the econ majors during my U of C stay, but I hear some people are interested in learning about new economic models and stuff. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Professor Robin Hahnel leads the free lecture/discussion at the Social Science Research Building, SS122, 1126 E. 59th St. 6-8pm. Email info[at]chicagoparecon[dot]org for more information.
Part of the East-West Perspectives lecture series, Hamza Walker presents a lecture titled "Purple America: New Art, New Politics." Walker hails from the University of Chicago's Renaissance Society, a non-collecting museum that sponsors concerts, film screenings, literary readings and lectures by contemporary critics and scholars. The 7pm lecture is preceded by a 6:30pm reception; both occur in the Fourth Floor Auditiorium at East-West University, 816 S. Michigan Ave. Call 312-939-0111 for more information.
Judy Belushi Pisano, the widow of legendary John Belushi, has published a book on her late husband. From 5:30-8:30pm, she will hold a free signing at the House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn. The books don't go on sale for another week, so this is a chance to get a sneak preview at an intimate account of Belushi's life. Call 312-923-2000 for more information.
Bookslut.com presents its October reading event, featuring authors Beth Lisick, Peter Manseau and Paula Kamen. The reading happens tonight at 7:30 PM at the Hopleaf (5148 N. Clark, second floor). See the Bookslut site for full details.
As part of Violence Against Women Awareness Month, No More Violence Against Our Sistas, a short film about violence in women’s lives, is being screened tonight at 6:30 PM. The movie, which was made by young women from NYC-based Sista II Sista, will be followed by a panel discussion. DePaul University Schmidt Academic Center (SAC), Room 154; 2320 N. Kenmore. For more information, call 773-392-5165 or visit the website.
Part of the Museum of Contemporary Art's Literary Gangs of Chicago, the Dollar Store hits the MCA's cafe at 6:30pm tonight. The reading will feature favorites from a year of Dollar Stores, including some by hosts Jonathan Messinger and Sean Gardner, as well as Jeremy Sosenko and Diana Slickman. Most notably, this show is all-ages, so if you're in that horrid pre-21 bracket and can't get into the Hideout, here's your chance to see what everyone's been talking about. Free at 220 E. Chicago Ave. Call 312-280-2660 for more information.
The founder of the international Slow Food movement, a small but influential counterweight to the forces of fast, cheap, mass, and careless food production, will speak tonight on the notion of “Virtuous Globalization.” Carlo Petrini’s talk will be followed by a screening of Darwin’s Nightmare, documentary exposing “problems caused by injudicious trade practices.” This event starts at 5:30 PM and costs $20 ($10 for members of Slow Food). 900 N. North Branch. For more information, visit the website.
Join the ladies of Andersonville sex shop Early to Bed on October 18 for a senual workshop. Instructor Eve Minax will show you how to keep it simple and make it magical. From fingers to feathers to floggers, the body adores being touched and stroked -- from gentle caresses to erotic spankings with or without blindfolds, earplugs, scents, music and more. Bring anything you think may be relevant and an open mind. Come share what you know and learn hands on techniques from a pro! The workshop begins at 7:30 p.m. and is free.
This fall’s One Book, One Chicago pick is Pride and Prejudice, and this evening at 6 PM, members of the Steppenwolf Theater company will perform a staged reading of excerpts. This free event takes place in the library’s Cindy Pritzker Auditorium. For more information, visit the website.
Freelance Hellraiser, the British DJ who's recognized as one of the driving forces behind the recent copyright-busting mash-up/bootleg craze, shows up tonight at the HotHouse in his US debut performance (if you don't count his DJ session at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards after-show party). Fans of copyright violations should not miss this show. Show starts at 10:00 PM (on a school night?). Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and this is a 21+ show. Tickets available at the HotHouse site. HotHouse: 31 E. Balbo. (312) 362-9707.
Seven Chicago photobloggers -- Mitch Arsenie, Nick Campbell, Nick Feder, Archie Florcruz, Pablo Korona, Brian Milo and Bill Vaccaro -- celebrate the opening of the group show 7X7 at the Lincoln Park branch of the Chicago Public Library, 1150 W. Fullerton Ave., at 7pm tonight. Free.
As part of Violence Against Women Awareness Month, the DePaul Women’s Center and other organizations are hosting a panel discussion on violence against women and communities tonight at 7 PM. DePaul University Student Center Room 314 A&B; 2250 N. Sheffield Avenue. For more information, call 773-325-7558 or visit the website.
Continuing from yesterday, the Movieside Film Festival presents "Music Box Massacre," a 24-hour horror movie marathon at 3733 N. Southport. Through noon today, catch classic horror movies, such as Nosferatu, Return of the Living Dead and Near Dark. There will be prizes and giveaways and pajamas and blankets are encouraged. Seriously, how can you ever go wrong with pajamas and blankets? Tickets are $20 in advance, $24 at the door and can be bought by call 866-468-3401. The Music Box can be contacted at 773-871-6604.
Today the artists of East Garfield Park open their studios to the public. Walk to each locale at your own pace or take a bus tour starting at the Conservatory at noon. Art, markets, exhibits and performances galore. And if you like to find art in pain, you can tour my half-gutted home. Go here for details. All events are free.
The Chicago Photography Center unveils their new show WITHiNSIGHT with a free gallery opening from 12-4pm. The black and white exhibition includes photography from Eric Borts, Kelley Clink, Angie McMonigal and more. The show will run through early January. 3301 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-549-1631 for more information.
It's kind of like the Chicago version of The Amazing Race. From 1-4pm today, the Chicago Architecture Foundation is holding a Holabird & Root Scavenger Hunt, tracing Holabird & Root's Chicago history. It's a hunt through the Loop that starts with a gallery talk at the Architecture Foundation's ArchiCenter and ends with a small reception with John Holabird Jr. at the Holabird & Root offices. It's a unique way to interact with the city's history and architecture. Tickets are $10 for CAF members, $20 for non-members, and free for children 14 and under. You can register here or call 312-922-3432x225 to learn more about it.
Writers on the Record is once again bringing a great author to town, writer Louise Erdrich. Most recently the author of The Painted Drum, Erdrich has a long series of novels dealing with events in the lives of several generations of Ojibwa Indians. You might be most familiar with her award-winning book Love Medicine (one of my personal favorites). Victoria Lautman will sit down with Erdrich to conduct an interview before a live audience, and a simultaneous broadcast on 98.7WFMT at the Lookingglass Theater today at 11:30am. Tickets are free, but reservations are required. For more information call 312-832-6788 or 312-832-6789. The theater is located at the Water Tower Water Works on Michigan Ave.
The Movieside Film Festival presents "Music Box Massacre," a 24-hour horror movie marathon at 3733 N. Southport. From noon today to noon tomorrow, catch classic horror movies, such as Nosferatu, Return of the Living Dead and Near Dark. There will be prizes and giveaways and pajamas and blankets are encouraged. Seriously, how can you ever go wrong with pajamas and blankets? Tickets are $20 in advance, $24 at the door and can be bought by call 866-468-3401. The Music Box can be contacted at 773-871-6604.
A couple of local, and GB, favorites read at Barnes & Noble today -- Joe Meno and Kevin Guilfoile will read from their stories in Chicago Noir. 3pm at 1441 W. Webster. Call 773-871-3825 for more information.
The only thing better than a Shaw play is a free Shaw play, and that’s what’s on offer. ShawChicago is staging G.B. Shaw’s Major Barbara starting this afternoon, through 12 November, on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 PM, and Mondays at 7 PM, except 29 October. 77 E Randolph Street. For reservations, call 312-409-5605. For more information, visit ShawChicago’s website.
Chris Ware, graphic novelist of wide repute, will be signing books at Quimby's Bookstore, 1854 W North Ave., today at 3pm in support of THE ACME NOVELTY LIBRARY: Annual Report to Shareholders and Rainy Day Saturday Afternoon Fun Book, a collection of one-off comic pages that have appeared in New City, Reader and other publications over the years. Free, although you really ought to buy the book while you're there.
gODDESS is a new locally run website " featuring a sophisticated & provocative blend of fashion, fine art and erotica." (Needless to say, NSFW.) The twist is that feminine beauty & sexuality in a positive light. 10 percent of the site's profits from the gODDESS are donated to charitable organizations that are active in preventing violence against women worldwide. they're They're throwing a launch party at Sound-Bar, 226 West Ontario St., tonight from 10pm to 5am. $20 admission ($10 if you get there before 10pm, with RSVP), 21 and over. More info here.
Come support Chicago Artists' Month by participating in the Dill Pickle Food Co-op's silent art auction. From 5-9pm there will be local artists' work, jazz music by The Ways and Means Trio and all the money you spend will go twoard developing the city's newest food co-op. The auction will feature sculpture, found art, visual art and items made specifically for the free event. It all happens at SpareRoom Time-Arts Cooperative, 2416 W. North Ave. To learn more about the Humboldt Park/Ukranian Village/Logan Square co-op, write foodcoop[at]yahoogroups[dot]com.
"Debauchery with a cause" to benefit The Big Easy. Your $25 ticket cost (donation) opens the doors for smoking, drinking, appetizers, music and raffles at West Town's hottest new spot, Swim Cafe. All proceeds from The Smoke-A-Drink-A-Thon will be donated to Free Life Medical Assistance for Louisiana. Saturday, October 15, 6-11 pm, Swim Cafe, 1357 W Chicago. In the meantime, stop by Swim for mini-muffins, the panini of the day, coffee and details.
If you're ready for some sitar, you're in luck. Tonight's performance, sponsored by South Asia Outreach at the University of Chicago will feature Professor Sanjoy Bandopadhyay on sitar with Nitin Mitta on tabla. Professor Bandhopadhyay has toured and performed extensively at venues and campuses across India and is "one of the foremost sitar players of the current generation". Nitin Mitta started learning tabla at the age of 9 from Pandit G. Satyanaryana of Hyderabad, India, and has been taking advanced training from Pandit Arvind Mulgaonkar of Mumbai. The concert starts at 7:30pm at the Fulton Recital Hall at the University of Chicago, 1010 East 59th Street, fourth floor (corner of 59th Street and Ellis Avenue in Hyde Park). Admission is $10 or free with U.C. identification card. For more information or to arrange for disability access email south-asia-outreach{at}uchicago.edu or call 773.702.8635.
Chicago Neighborhood Tours, which is presented by the Chicago Office of Tourism, is offering a guided tour of the Bronzeville neighborhood this Saturday. Explore the history and culture of this celebrated African American community. Stops will include the DuSable Museum of African American History, the Little Black Pearl Art & Design Center and the Art Park at the CYC/Elliott Donnelley Youth Center. The tour costs $25, and departs at 10am from the Chicago Cultural Center at 77 E. Randolph Street. You may reserve your tickets online or call 312-742-1190 for more information.
The Mountain Goats play an evening of music at the Empty Bottle tonight. Opening act: The Prayers and Tears of Arthur Digby Sellers. The show starts at 10:00, and tickets are $13; you can purchase tickets online at Ticketweb. Empty Bottle: 1035 N. Western. (773) 276-3600.
It's month two of 4Art's six-month "Xclusive Group Show" and the gallery is holding their second opening reception tonight from 6-10pm. The show gives a "first hand look into the creation and evolution of artwork, rotated each month, by over a dozen Chicago Artists." It's kind of like art in action. Or evolution, as the case may be. Special guest artists include Nathan Peck with a video installation and Steven St. Clair with painting. Additionally, Mick Stone will be on his guitar and Karena Karras will give a live artist performance with miniature oils. 4Art is located at 1932 S. Halsted #100. Call 312-850-1816 for more information.
As part of Violence Against Women Awareness Month, Chicago Legal Advocacy for Incarcerated Mothers (CLAIM) is hosting a reading by Renny Golden from her new book, War on the Family: Mothers in Prison and the Children They Leave Behind. Books will be available for purchase (and signing); part of the money will be donated to CLAIM. The reading starts at 5 PM at the Urban Studies Program, 314 W. Institute Place. For more information, call 312-675-0911 or visit the website.
The Chicago Photograhy Center is holding a reception during which you can catch a sneak preview of the upcoming WITHiNSIGHT gallery show. There will be complimentary wine, Skyy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres to go along with the live music and black and white photography. The reception lasts from 8-10:30pm and tickets are $30 at the door ($25 if you RSVP by October 12). The special preview happens at 9pm. 3301 N. Lincoln Ave. Email Nicole Price for tickets and information at nicole[at]chicagophoto[dot]org.
Straight out of New York City come the bluegrass band James Reams & The Barnstormers with John and Ellen Wright, tonight at 8pm at the American Legion Music Hall at 1030 Central Street, in Evanston. The group has been brought to town by Chicago Bluegrass, as a part of their ongoing Bluegrass Legends Concerts series. The concerts are the only running bluegrass and acoustic music concert series in the Chicago area that features national headline bluegrass talent. Tickets are a $17 donation for adults ($15 seniors / $12 Kids 16 & under ). Call 847-573-0443 for more information or email concerts{at}chicagobluegrass.com
Tired of the same drag shows at The Baton or The Kit-Kat Club? This weekend brings acclaimed cabaret performers Kiki and Herb to the MCA for two shows on Friday. Kiki and Herb channel the song stylings of duos like the Captain and Tennille to perform hits from yesterday and today. The 7:30 show is sold out, but you can still get tix for the 10 p.m. show for $35.
As part of the Chicago Cultural Center’s About Dance series, the dance companies Deeply Rooted and Dance Africa will perform excerpts of their work. This free event starts at 6 PM this evening, in the Cultural Center’s Dance Studio. 78 E Washington Street. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.
The Illinois Humanities Council, via its Public Square initiative, is sponsoring a panel discussion on hip hop activism, featuring Jeff Chang, whose Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A History of the Hip Hop Generation won the National Book Award this year.The panel also includes UIC Assistant Professor David Stoval, and Lavie Raven, founder of the University of Hip Hop. The event starts at 6 PM at the University of Hip Hop, Southwest Youth Collaborative, 6400 S. Kedzie. For more information, visit the website.
The Mountain Goats are back in town again, and they're playing two shows. Tonight is an all-ages show at Open End Gallery (2000 W. Fulton, suite 310), and tomorrow night is a show at the Empty Bottle (see tomorrow's Slowdown for details). Tonight's show starts at 9:00, and tickets are $13; you can purchase them through Ticketweb.
Join chick lit authors Laura Caldwell, Stacey Ballis, Jennifer O'Connell and Cara Lockwood at Borders Lincoln Park as they discuss their books and the chick lit in general. They'll also sign their books, so be sure to bring them with you if you're a major fan. 7:30 pm at 2817 N. Clark. Call 773-935-3909 for more information.
826CHI, the latest of Dave Eggers' hip tutoring centers, and its accompanying "spy store" are throwing an open house tonight from 6pm to 8pm at 1331 N. Milwaukee. Lots of literati will be attending, including Eggers himself, Ira Glass, Roger Ebert, Joe Meno and Chris Ware. Free.
As part of the Old Town School of Folk Music’s 10th annual Autumn celebration of Latin sound, La Pena, Roberto Arce and his criollo trio Los Chalanes will perform Peruvian music, starting at 8:30 PM. This event is free, but the Old Town School requests a $5 donation. 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. For more information, call 773-728-6000 or visit the website.
The Chicago Cultural Center is screening a film by Japanese director Kinji Funkasaku tonight at 7 PM. Street Mobster tells the story of violent killer who seeks to start his own gang after getting out of jail. Free, but the Cultural Center notes that Funkasaku’s films are not suitable for children. 78 E Washington Street. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.
Davy Rothbart, creator of FOUND magazine, everybody's favorite publication to find weird-ass stuff, swings through Chicago on a tour to promote his new book "The Lone Surfer of Montana, Kansas". Also in attendance will be Davy's brother Peter, who will be singing some songs inspired by found stuff. The excitement begins tonight at 8:00 PM at the Neo-Futurarium (5153 N. Ashland); see the theater's Website for further details.
Accessible Contemporary Music presents the Sound of Silent Film, a festival of silent films by Chicago filmmakers, scored by Chicago composers. Filmmakers include Camella Christopher, Fuzzy Gerdes, Sean Parker and more, with music including that of Seth Boustead, John Elmquist, Amos Gillespie and Filip Mitrovic. The show starts at 8pm at the Chopin Theatre, 1545 W. Division St. The event is 21+, though those under may attend if accompanied by an adult. $7 admission. Call 773-278-1500 for more information.
The Chicago Cultural Center is screening a film by Japanese director Kinji Funkasaku tonight at 7 PM. Under the Flag of the Rising Sun tells the story of a war widow trying to clear her disgraced husband’s name. Free, but the Cultural Center notes that Funkasaku’s films are not suitable for children. 78 E Washington Street. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.
WNEP Theater is presenting a free staged reading of The Lost Shakespeare Play at the Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont. Written by Dave Stinton, the play "chronicles the deceit of William Henry Ireland, a 19-year-old who convinced London's Drury Lane Theatre to perform a play he discovered in a trunk, supposedly written by William Shakespeare." The show starts at 8pm. Call 773-755-1693 for more information.
How exciting is it that the author of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil has finally come out with a new book? At 7pm, John Berendt reads and signs the newly published City of Fallen Angels at Borders on N. Michigan Ave (830 N. Michigan, to be exact). It's been 10 years since the Savannah-centered book came out and I can't wait to see what this Venice-story brings forth. Call 312-573-0564 for more information.
Aleksandar Hemon, author of our October book club selection, joins the Poetry Center of Chicago tonight at 6:30pm, reading from his two novels, Nowhere Man and The Question of Bruno: Stories. General admission to the event is $10, and takes place at the Ballroom of the School of the Art Institute, located at 112 S. Michigan Ave. Call 312-899-1229 for tickets and more information.
As part of the Chicago Book Festival, Gregory Maguire, author of the novel Wicked, which inspired the hit musical of the same title, will appear at Barbara’s Bookstore this evening at 7:30 PM. He’ll read from his new novel Son of a Witch, sequel to Wicked. 1218 S. Halsted Street. For more information, call 312-413-2665 or visit the website.
WNEP Theater is presenting a free staged reading of The Lost Shakespeare Play at the Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont. Written by Dave Stinton, the play "chronicles the deceit of William Henry Ireland, a 19-year-old who convinced London's Drury Lane Theatre to perform a play he discovered in a trunk, supposedly written by William Shakespeare." The show starts at 8pm, with a repeat performance tomorrow. Call 773-755-1693 for more information.
Tonight the Metro holds its own benefit concert for Hurricane Katrina. Titled "Rock and Rebuild," the concert's proceeds will benefit the Hurricane Katrina Relief Campaign of the McCormick Tribune Foundation, providing short- and long-term aid to those affected by the hurricane. Bands slated to perform include the Redwalls, Bumpus and Abstract Giants. Tickets are $20 and can be bought at the Metro box office, by phone at 773-549-1212, and through ticketmaster. Doors open at 6pm and the show goes on at 6:30pm. All are ages welcome to come.
I know you've been wondering -- where are all the good local gay rubgy teams? I'm here to tell you exactly that. The Chicago Dragons Rugby Football Club is a gay-friendly rugby team that is looking to recruit players. They're having an informational session tonight at Big Chicks, 5024 N. Sheridan Rd. Swing by at 7:30pm to learn more about the team and meet some of the players. The meeting is free and, if free isn't good enough for you, it falls on Big Chick's Burger Night, which means that you can get your burger for just one dollar. One dollar! If you have questions about the team or are interested in playing, email Eric Breese at recruiting[at]chicagodragons[dot]org or call the info line at 773-347-1240.
This month's meeting of the Gapers Block Book Club takes place tonight at The Book Cellar at 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., where we will be discussing Nowhere Man by Aleksandar Hemon. The meeting begins at 7:30pm. And, join the book club email list for news, updates and alerts about future meetings. [We are experiencing technical difficulties with the email list at the moment, and we hope to have it restored as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the book club meeting is taking place as scheduled. Hope to see you there! --Ed.]
Early to Bed, everyone's favorite women-owned adult shop at 5232 N. Sheridan Rd., features its recurring Stitch n' Bitch night. From 6-9pm, you can bring your knitting, crocheting, embroidery or any other kind of stitch-work and bitch away amongst like minds. You can even bring some tasty snacks and drinks to share. Free and open to the public; call 773-271-1219 for more information.
It's not your regular department store. You won't find your Juicy, your Express or even your Old Navy Performance Fleece here. These accessories, clothing and numerous other items are all made by hand, by actual people who put their heart and soul into the goods they sell. It's not a craft fair, per se, as there are racks and check-out counters and people to help you find what you need. It's like being a regular store, but you leave knowing you're not contributing to the homogenization of consumer culture. (Oh yeah...I just broke out the sociology words.) This season's DEPART-ment is open this Friday 7-11pm, Saturday 11am-5pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. Located at Open-End, 2000 W. Fulton #310, cash and check only. Call 312-560-1442 for more information.
WNEP Theater is presenting a free staged reading of The Lost Shakespeare Play at the Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont. Written by Dave Stinton, the play "chronicles the deceit of William Henry Ireland, a 19-year-old who convinced London's Drury Lane Theatre to perform a play he discovered in a trunk, supposedly written by William Shakespeare." The show starts at 7pm, with repeat performances on Monday and Tuesday at 8pm. Call 773-755-1693 for more information.
Windy City Rollers roller derby league playoffs are tonight at the Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave. Doors open at 5pm, and the first match, pitting the second place Furies against third place Manic Attackers, starts at 6pm. A showdown between first place Hell's Belles and last place Double Crossers follows. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
Stop by Wicker Park's The Movement Studio today for another hot Beta Boutique Sample Sale featuring 50-75% off retail on Rebecca Taylor, Joie, Epoch denim, Talienk, Three Dot, Sweet Pea and cashmere from Margaret O'Leary, Cristi Conaway, White & Warren and more. The Movement Studio will be offering $20 off first time private pilates session to all sample sale shoppers. Sunday, Oct 9, 11am-5pm, 1811 W. North Ave. Suite 202, 773.351.1876
The Chicago Marathon happens today, starting at 8:00 AM. About 40,000 runners will go through a winding course that starts downtown near the corner of Jackson and Columbus Drive, goes north as far as Addison & Lake Shore Drive, and goes south as far as 35th Street. See the marathon site for a map of the course and for full information.
In conjunction with its staging of Sam Shepard’s play The God of Hell, Evanston’s Next Theater Company inaugurates this season’s Saturday Salon Series with a free panel discussion on "Looking (the other way) at torture: How much is too much in the war on terror?” The panel, which starts at 4 PM, features Doug Cassel, Andrew Koppelman, and Eric Posner, and is moderated by Danny Postel. Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street, Evanston. For more information, call 847-475-6763 or visit the website.
It's not your regular department store. You won't find your Juicy, your Express or even your Old Navy Performance Fleece here. These accessories, clothing and numerous other items are all made by hand, by actual people who put their heart and soul into the goods they sell. It's not a craft fair, per se, as there are racks and check-out counters and people to help you find what you need. It's like being a regular store, but you leave knowing you're not contributing to the homogenization of consumer culture. (Oh yeah...I just broke out the sociology words.) This season's DEPART-ment is open this Friday 7-11pm, Saturday 11am-5pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. Located at Open-End, 2000 W. Fulton #310, cash and check only. Call 312-560-1442 for more information.
Two lovely, independent boutiques in Lincoln Park are holding a sidewalk sale today from 10am-5pm. Mint offers everything from jewerly to glass to funky cards while Plain Jane features vintage clothing and accessories in addition to their custom-fit pants and jeans. Mint will also offer special discounts inside the store on this day. Both are located at 1450 W. Webster Ave. Call 773-322-2944 or email info[at]mintboutique[dot]com for more information.
As Good Charlotte famously put it, "Girls don't like boys, girls like cars and money." Well, maybe it's not so famous and, as a girl, I can say that it's not entirely true, but if you do like cars, whether you're a boy or a girl, you should check out the 2005 Hunnert Car Pileup show at the Grundy County Speedway. It's a traditional hot rod show, featuring 50's style hot rods and rock-a-billy bands and all that stuff. Admission is $5 and the show starts at 9am. The Grundy County Speedway is located at 8890 N. Rt. 47, in Morris.
More than 30 artists are selling their work at today's Studio Artists open house at Lillstreet Art Center, 4401 N. Ravenswood Ave. It's a great opportunity to do some early holiday shopping or peek at some artists' studio spaces. Free, 10am to 6pm on the second and third floors.
At 7pm tonight is Collaboraction's Fourth Annual Gala of Decadence and Debauchery Beggar's Banquet. The evening of "experiential dining" combines the creativity and design of Collaboractions with the culinary skills of celebrated Chicago restaurant chefs. There will be live and silent auctions in addition to the dramatic events Collaboraction has planned. Tickets are pricey at $150 per person, but the evening benefits the non-profit arts organization, which should make you feel all fuzzy now as well as at tax time. Call 312-226-9633 to purchase tickets and for more information. The event takes place at the River East Arts Center, 435 E. Illinois St.
Scratched your Chicago: The Underworld Mixtape because of too much love? Hear the newest stuff from Mass Hysteria as they release The Chicago Underworld Vol. 2 Mixtape tonight. Catch Mass Hysteria live with Kool G Rap, Earatik Statik and Pacifics. Hosted by Prime. The Abbey Pub 3420 W. Grace (off Elston). 8PM Door, 9PM Show. 18 and over show. $15
Another first Friday, another opening at the Fine Arts Building Gallery. It’s a great way to combine a tour of a landmark Chicago building with a fresh art encounter. From October 5 to 29, Kathleen King is showing her mixed media work, which uses paint, digital applications, and Xerox transfers. The opening runs this evening from 5 PM till 8 PM, on the fourth floor of the Fine Arts Building, 410 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 433. For more information call 312-913-0537 or visit the website.
The lovely ladies of the Lavendar Cabaret are dancing again, throwing a pajama party. In addition to a "best-of" celebration of all things burlesque, some variety acts will be performing as well. Come in your pajamas and win prizes. Surprise musical guest too! Things get started at Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave. Doors at 9:30, show at 10. $8.
PISTIL Magazine celebrates the release of their sixth issue, "Guts," with a party and fashion show at Four. Featuring the designs of Jeff Millbern and Kristen Lindbeck, DJs Martin "Boogieman" Luna and Jernell Geronimo will provide sounds for the sights. $10 gets you in with a free copy of the magazine, plus a portion of that $10 will benefit the American Red Cross Hurricane relief effort. Four is located at 1551 W. Division St., 9pm-12am.
It's not your regular department store. You won't find your Juicy, your Express or even your Old Navy Performance Fleece here. These accessories, clothing and numerous other items are all made by hand, by actual people who put their heart and soul into the goods they sell. It's not a craft fair, per se, as there are racks and check-out counters and people to help you find what you need. It's like being a regular store, but you leave knowing you're not contributing to the homogenization of consumer culture. (Oh yeah...I just broke out the sociology words.) This season's DEPART-ment is open this Friday 7-11pm, Saturday 11am-5pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. Located at Open-End, 2000 W. Fulton #310, cash and check only. Call 312-560-1442 for more information.
Hear-ye, hear-ye! Get your monthly fix of single bill-inspired literary works at the Dollar Store! This installment features fiction writer Joe Tower, Stephanie Shaw of TMLMTBGB fame and cartoonist Paul Hornschemeier. Hosted by Jonathan Messinger and Sean Gardner, 1354 W. Wabansia, 7pm, $1 to get in. All proceeds will go to a charity working to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Call 773-227-4433 for more information.
Chicago Public Radio’s Aaron Freeman hosts a panel on scientific ethics, as part of the Illinois Humanities Council’s series of events commemorating the centennial of Albert Einstein’s “Miracle Year” (when he published his theory of special relativity). This free event takes place at 6 PM at the Film Row Cinema, 1104 S Wabash Ave, 8th floor. You can reserve a ticket by visiting the Illinois Humanities Council’s website.
You're going, right? Okay. See you there. Opening act: the Ponys. Show starts at 9:00, doors open at 8:00, and tickets are $16.50 (available through Ticketmaster, ugh, or at the Metro box office). Metro: 3730 N. Clark. (773) 549-0203.
If you believe your Vogue magazine is just as nutritious as your dinner, you might want to drop by the Cultural Center tonight for "Flavor for Fashion," a collaboration between hot Chicago chefs and fashion designers. There will be edible fashion and food-and-fashion inspired performances on the runway for a blend of the edible and the wearable. The event is free and open to the public, starting at 7pm. Call 312-744-9350 to make your required reservations. The Cultural Center is located at 78 E. Washington.
Inspired by the "Iron Chef," Guild Complex is offering their own Iron Poet competition, pitting teams of local poets against each other in "a head-to-head creative combat." Better bring the hard-backed thesauri, people! The event is 21+ and takes place from 7-10pm at Around the Coyote Gallery, 1935 1/2 W. North Ave. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door, and they include a buffet dinner from an assortment of local restaurants. Call 773-227-6117 for more information.
It always surprises me (pleasantly) when I see some of the great art exhibits they have out at the Fermilab in Batavia. Tonight features an artist lecture by Chris Palmer and Lane Allen whose Origami art exhibits (along with that of Robert Lang) are being displayed until November 4th. Lectures and receptions by Palmer and Lane begin at 4pm today, and run until 8pm (Lang's reception is on Oct. 7th). Hours and directions to Fermilab are online.
Tonight at 8:30 at the Old Town School, you can see Suzi y Mateo & Los Bachateros playing music from the Dominican Republic, especially bachata. This event, part of the Old Town School’s 10th annual Autumn celebration of Latin sound, La Pena is free, but a $5 donation is requested. 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. For more information, call 773-728-6000 or visit the website.
Chances are, you read Pride and Prejudice in school, but I bet you never knew there was a Jane Austen Society of North America. As part of the Fall 2005 One Book, One Chicago series of events, Society President Professor Joan Ray will be at the Harold Washington Library at 6 PM tonight to tell us why Jane Austen is good for us. 400 State Street. For more information, visit the website.
As part of the Intersections series of lectures and discussions at the Chicago Cultural Center, a panel of scholars, artists, and activists will address issues of intimate partner abuse in a presentation called “Domestic Power: Lovers and Perpetrators.” 78 E. Washington. For more information about this free event, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.
Part of Stirring Things Up in Chicago, Thomas Dunning's "Hoot Night" series makes an appearance at the Cultural Center to perform rock hits and obscure songs from the food songbook. A number of local artists will be featured, including Kelly Hogan, Zapruder Point and Nora O'Connor. The free performance rocks from 7-9pm at 77 E. Randolph St. Call 312-744-6630 for more information.
Chicago Public Radio's regular Stories on Stage program makes it extra special this month by bringing the literature from The Paris Review to their stage. Hosted by the Review's new editor, Philip Gourevitch, the show will feature three local actors reading selected stories from the latest anthology. It all happens at 7:30pm at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. Tickets are $18 ($15 if you're an MCA or CPR member, $16 if you're a student). Call 312-397-4010 to purchase them, or go straight to the MCA box office.
The Chicago Cultural Center is screening a film by Japanese director Kinji Funkasaku tonight at 7 PM. This gangster picture tells the story of an aging yakuza who finds his code of honor is no longer of much use when he returns from 10 years in prison. 78 E Washington Street. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.
As part of the Chicago Book Festival, Nicholas Evans, author of the Horse Whisperer, will read from his new book The Divide at 12:30 this afternoon. 150 N. State St. For more information, call 312-606-0750.
John Ford's classic 1940 film The Grapes of Wrath screens tonight at the Siskel Film Center at 6:00 PM. Tickets: $9, $7 for students, $5 for Film Center members, and $4 for SAIC students. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.
Author David Rakoff reads from and signs copies of his newest essay collection, Don't Get Too Comfortable. The free event starts at 7:00 PM, and is at International House of Chicago (1414 E. 59th Street). For more information call (773) 752-4381.
Once acknowledged as a favorite author by former President Bill Clinton, Walter Mosley writes all kinds of fiction, but is best known for his fine series of L.A. detective novels featuring Easy Rawlins. The latest installment in the series, Cinnamon Kiss, has just been published, and Mosley will be discussing it tonight at 7 PM, as part of the Chicago Book Festival. 5757 South University Avenue in Hyde Park. For more information, call 773-752-4381 or visit the website.
Fluffgirl Burlesque hits the stage at the Abbey Pub, 3420 W Grace St., tonight at 9pm. The show is 18 and over. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door, available here or at 773-478-4408.
The Chicago Cultural Center is screening a film by Japanese director Kinji Funkasaku tonight at 7 PM. If You Were Young: Rage tells the story of five kids from rural Japan who come to Tokyo for work. 78 E Washington Street. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.
From 11am-5pm, the streets of Rogers Park will be filled with art, theater, music, food and drink as the neighborhood celebrates the fourth annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest. Admission to the street festival is free and grants the opportunity to see many local artists and merchants while catching some live entertainment. In conjunction with the Fest, the Rogers Park Open Studio Walk show the neighborhood's many art studios on guided walking tours. Kids can also enjoy KidFest, featuring hands-on art activities and an outdoor stage with dancers and folksingers. Free and open to the public. Call 773-262-3790 for more information.
Beau O'Reilly, co-founder of Curious Theatre Branch, and Ira Glass, radio host of you know what, go toe-to-toe and deliver competing monologues defending their chosen professions. The event is part of the Rhinoceros Theater Festival, about which see here. The smackdown happens at the SAIC Ballroom at 112 S. Michigan. Tickets are $20, and for more information you should call (773) 267-6660.
The Old Town School of Folk Music will be hosting a benefit for the New Orleans Musicians Clinic this evening from 6:00 to 11:00. The show will feature friends and staff of the school; check the school's Website for more information and to purchase tickets. Old Town School: 4544 N. Lincoln. (773) 728-6000.
The Chicago Committee on Fair Trade is holding their 2005 Fair Trade Futures Conference and is inviting all interested individuals to attend. The 3-day conference begins with a welcoming event on Friday at 6pm with Kwabena Ohemueng Tinyase, managing director of a cocoa cooperative in Ghana. Workshops for the conference include "Common Threads in the Living Wage and Fair Trade Movements," "Building a Bandwagon: How to Make FT Hip" and "Building Bridges with the Zapatista Movement." Continue celebrating with the Fair Trade Futures Fiesta on Saturday night. It all goes down at the Holiday Inn, Chicago Mart Plaza at 350 N. Orleans. Call 202-234-6797 for more information or register here.
Sponsored by the Southeast Environmental Task Force, the members of the Chicago Bike Club are planning a trip around the Lake Calument area. The 25-mile ride will be guided and is geared to help riders learn about the landfilled area. Bikers assemble at 8:45am and depart at 9:30am, meeting at the Harborside International Gold Course, 11101 S. Doty Ave. Registration is $20. Call 773-646-0436 for more information.
INTUIT: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art, normally closed Sunday, opens its space today from 2 to 4 PM. The nonprofit gallery maintains a permanent collection of outsider and folk art, and is currently featuring Singular Visions: Images of Art Brut from the Anthony J. Petullo Collection. 756 N. Milwaukee Avenue. For more information, call 312-243-9088, or visit the website.
INTUIT: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art marks the beginning of Chicago Artists’ Month this weekend with the third annual Intuit Show of Folk and Outsider Art. The show, which is a key fundraiser for nonprofit Intuit, costs $10 and is located on the second floor of 847 W. Jackson. Hours are 11 AM to 6 PM. For more information, call 312-243-9088, or visit the website.
Chicago’s 10th Artists’ Month begins this weekend with an open studios event in Pilsen, which runs from noon till 7 today. During the 35th Annual Pilsen East Artists' Open House, more than a hundred artists open their doors to the curious public. It’s a great opportunity to explore a vibrant neighborhood, see some edgy art, and eat some delicious and authentic Mexican food. For more information, call the Chicago Arts District at 312-377-4444 or check the website.
Looking for a designer sofa, cheap? This might not be the place. But if you want a designer sofa for what a decorator would pay, you're in luck. The Merchandise Mart Design Center’s Sample Sale runs from 10 to 6 today, welcomes the general public for $5 admission, and offers a range of high-end home furnishings at factory direct prices. Merchandise Mart, eighth floor. For more information, call 800-677-6278 or visit the website.
From 11am-5pm, the streets of Rogers Park will be filled with art, theater, music, food and drink as the neighborhood celebrates the fourth annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest. Admission to the street festival is free and grants the opportunity to see many local artists and merchants while catching some live entertainment. In conjunction with the Fest, the Rogers Park Open Studio Walk show the neighborhood's many art studios on guided walking tours. Kids can also enjoy KidFest, featuring hands-on art activities and an outdoor stage with dancers and folksingers. Free and open to the public. Call 773-262-3790 for more information.
Get together with other Chicago Flickrers today at noon by the Bean in Millennium Park for a meet-up and photo fieldtrip. Free, of course. More info here.
The Chicago Committee on Fair Trade is holding their 2005 Fair Trade Futures Conference and is inviting all interested individuals to attend. The 3-day conference begins with a welcoming event on Friday at 6pm with Kwabena Ohemueng Tinyase, managing director of a cocoa cooperative in Ghana. Workshops for the conference include "Common Threads in the Living Wage and Fair Trade Movements," "Building a Bandwagon: How to Make FT Hip" and "Building Bridges with the Zapatista Movement." Continue celebrating with the Fair Trade Futures Fiesta on Saturday night. It all goes down at the Holiday Inn, Chicago Mart Plaza at 350 N. Orleans. Call 202-234-6797 for more information or register here.
If you live in Naperville -- or feel like visiting Naperville for an evening -- be sure to check out Take Back the Night, a "rally and march to fight against rape and other forms of sexual and domestic violence." From 4-8:30pm in Central Park by the Bandshell at 104 E. Benton Ave., there will be exhibits, food, speakers, live music and the march itself. Sounds like a nice way to spend your time in the suburbs. Call 630-942-2103 for more information.
Mmm, a tour that smells like Intelligentsia Coffee? That's because it is Intelligentsia's coffee, at least, it's at their Roasting Plant here in Chicago. Tours now operate once a month at 10:30am and 12:30pm on Saturdays (twice a month in November and December) at their plant at 1850 W. Fulton St. Tickets are $3 (less than a latte) but space is limited so make your reservations early. On the tour, you'll get complementary coffee and tea (thank goodness, they're not a tease) and you also get a free (and fresh) 1/2 pound of coffee beans at the end! A tour gets going today, so hop to it.
"Urban, Rural, Wild" is part exhibition and part platform to investigate the divisions between the urban, the rural and the wild and where these divisions break down. The exhibition presents workby eight artists focusing on the historical and modern relationships between the urban Chicago and the rural downstate Illinois. The show will run through October 22. Today, at 4:30pm, the exhibition will include a walk through the North River Corridor with participating artist Melinda Fries. Meet at I space, 230 W. Superior, to take part in the two mile walk and examination of the historical and current use of one of the city's first Planned Manufacturing Districts. For more information, contact Sarah Kanouse at kanouse[at]siu[dot]edu.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary and helping to kick off Chicago Artists’ Month, the Lillstreet Art Center hosts an open house today from 12 N till 6 PM. You can watch artists working in 40 studio spaces, take a free workshop, and peruse current exhibits. 4401 N. Ravenswood. For more information, call 773-769-4226, or visit the website.
As part of Chicago Artists’ Month, members of the Chicago Art Critics Association will give six slide talks about Chicago artists (including Ed Paschke, Heff Carter, and Indira Johnson, among others) at the Chicago Cultural Center’s Claudia Cassidy Theater starting at 3 PM today. 78 E Washington Street. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.
INTUIT: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art marks the beginning of Chicago Artists’ Month this weekend with the third annual Intuit Show of Folk and Outsider Art. The show, which is a key fundraiser for nonprofit Intuit, costs $10 and is located on the second floor of 847 W. Jackson. Hours are 11 AM to 6 PM. For more information, call 312-243-9088, or visit the website.
Chicago’s 10th Artists’ Month begins this weekend with an open studios event in Pilsen, which runs from noon till 7 today and tomorrow. During the 35th Annual Pilsen East Artists' Open House, more than a hundred artists open their doors to the curious public. It’s a great opportunity to explore a vibrant neighborhood, see some edgy art, and eat some delicious and authentic Mexican food. For more information, call the Chicago Arts District at 312-377-4444 or check the website.
