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

Friday, March 29

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Slowdown

May 2006

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Fulcrum Point @ Harris Theater

Chicago new music ensemble Fulcrum Point presents Winds of Change—featuring music by four different contemporary composers— tonight at 7:30 PM. 205 E Randolph St., $20. For more information, call 773-935-1768 or visit the website.

Sara Wookey @ Links Hall

Based in LA and Amsterdam, choreographer Sara Wookey presents two geographically oriented perforamances, Love's Geography: Revisited and Walking LA tonight at 7pm. At Links Hall (3435 N Sheffield). Tickets are $10-15. For more information, call 773-281-0824 or visit the website.

Bike The Drive

It's like Critical Mass, without the pissed-off commuters. The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation hosts this annual event when Lake Shore Drive is, for a sweet four hours, closed to automobiles and opened to bikes. 5:30 AM to 9:30 AM, pancake breakfast to follow. More info here; call (312) 427-3325.

PLAY! A Video Game Symphony @ Rosemont Theatre

PLAY! A Video Game Symphony makes its world debut tonight at the Rosemont Theatre. The symphony, performed by the Chicagoland Pops Orchestra, takes music from various video games, including Final Fantasy, Battlefield 1942 and Sonic the Hedgehog. Screens over the orchestra will show video from the games as their music is being played. If that sounds like a fun evening for you, tickets are now available at Ticketmaster. The event happens tonight at 8:00 PM. Rosemont Theatre: 5400 North River Road, Rosemont.

Symposium on Performance and Public Space @ Links Hall

Links Hall presents a symposium, Suspended Spaces: In between Performer and Public, City and Self, as a part of Sara Wookey's residency. Panelists will muse about indentity, space, and urban consciousness. This free event starts at 2pm, at Links Hall (3435 N Sheffield). For more information, call 773-281-0824 or visit the website.

Sara Wookey @ Links Hall

Based in LA and Amsterdam, choreographer Sara Wookey presents two geographically oriented perforamances, Love's Geography: Revisited and Walking LA tonight at 8pm. At Links Hall (3435 N Sheffield). Tickets are $10-15. For more information, call 773-281-0824 or visit the website.

Sara Wookey @ Links Hall

Based in LA and Amsterdam, choreographer Sara Wookey presents two geographically oriented perforamances, Love's Geography: Revisited and Walking LA tonight at 8pm. At Links Hall (3435 N Sheffield). Tickets are $10-15. For more information, call 773-281-0824 or visit the website.

Neo Solo @ Neo-Futurarium

The Neo-Futurists present Neo Solo, a series of solo performance pieces by ensemble members, alumni, and guest performers. This week's plays: "Bernadine and Dina" by Dina Connolly; and "I'm Fine and I'm Happy" by Megan Stielstra. This particular performance runs for two weeks only, and is the last of this year's Neo Solo performances. Neo Solo runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $15, $10 for seniors & students with ID, and "pay what you can" on Thursday nights. For more details and to purchase tickets, see the Neo-Futurist Website. Neo-Futurists: 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). (773) 275-5255.

Opening: Duchess of Malfi @ Writers Theater

The Duchess of Malfi may have been written by one of Shakespeare's contemporaries; but if feels more like a modern day mafia movie. There's a secret marriage, a series of betrayals, a poisoned Bible, and a whole lot of blood. Written by John Webster, and adapted and directed by Michael Halberstam, a new production opens at the Writers Theater (325 Tudor Court, Glencoe) this evening, at 7:30pm. For more information call 847-242-6000 or visit the website.

Ravenswood Manor Garage Sale

Sign up and share your old treasures or just come by and browse what the others are passing on at the Ravenswood Manor Garage Sale. Rain or shine, the sale must go on, 10am-4pm. Deadline for registration is May 11. Email garagesale[at]ravenswoodmanor[dot]com for more information or to sign up to sell your wares.

Sustainable Urban Development in Sao Paulo @ Chicago Center for Green Technology

This seminar discusses Sao Paulo as a case study in holistic sustainable thinking. Free, but advance registration is required. 10 AM to 12 N, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd. For more information, and to pre-register, call 312-746-9642, email greentech [at] cityofchicago [dot] org, or visit the website.

Zines, Comics, and Other Hip Lit @ MCA

In conjunction with the Chris Ware exhibit, MCA and Quimby’s host this celebration of the alternative press, which runs from 12 N to 4 PM. The afternoon features readings, signings, and “serious book shopping.” As you browse, look for emerging and established authors and artists. 220 E Chicago Avenue. For more information call 312-397-4010 or visit the website.

Hula Hooping Workshop

The newly opened Aloft Loft offers classes in trapeze, aerial dance technique, stilt dancing and other circus techniques. A multi-day workshop focuses on hula hooping and "all the cool tricks that go with it". The fee for the class, which runs through May 21, is $150. For more information or to register, contact Shayna Swanson at aloftaerialdance@yahoo.com

Infrastructure: Designing for Man vs. Nature @ Archicenter

As part of its special series After Katrina, the Chicago Architecture Foundation presents a discussion about how engineers design for natural disasters. In the John Buck Company Lecture Hall Gallery, 224 S. Michigan, 6 PM. Tickets are $10 to $20, or less if you purchase tickets for the whole series. For more information and to make reservations, call 312-922-3432 x225, or visit the website.

Ride of Silence

Tonight at 7 PM, join with riders in more than 120 locations throughout the United States and the rest of the world in honoring injured and killed bicyclists. Chicago's ride begins at Daley Plaza, and then traces a 10-mile loop along the lake shore path. Participants are asked to wear black armbands. For more information, email emadamczyk[at]hotmail[dot]com or visit the website.

Green Business Panel @ Chicago Center for Green Technology

Owners of Chicago-area sustainable businesses discuss what it takes to succeed financially and environmentally. Free, but advance registration is required. 6 to 8 PM, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd. For more information, and to pre-register, call 312-746-9642, email greentech [at] cityofchicago [dot] org, or visit the website.

Opening: Variety Revival

Hosted by James Asmus and Kristen Sutdard, Variety Revival is a weekly showcase of comedy, magic, ventriloquism and rock and roll. Every Tuesday at 8pm at the Apollo Theater Studio (2540 N. Lincoln), through June 27. Tickets are $10. For more information call 773-935-6100 or visit the website.

The Invention of Clemency @ Cultural Center

Chicago’s CandleOpera celebrates Mozart’s 250th birthday with this free performance of an abridged version of the celebrated opera at 7 PM. In the Claudia Cassidy Theater. 78 E Washington St. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.

New Music Chicago @ Cultural Center

Local new music ensembles perform works by a variety of composers at a free concert this afternoon at 3 PM. In Preston Bradley Hall, 78 E Washington St. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.

2006 Midwest Alternative Car Show @ Rte 66 Raceway

The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Midway will showcase alternative fuel vehicles, fuels, engineering, current hybrids, and prototypes. Spectators can see, touch, and learn about hybrid and AFV technologies that either exist now or will be here in the near future. Route 66 Raceway is in Joliet, Illinois (3 miles south of I-80 on IL Rt. 53). Gates open at 9am and close at 6. Admission $5 (kids under 12 free). More info: nedra.com, fveaa.com, eaaev.org, and route66raceway.com.

All-City Dance Ensemble @ Cultural Center

Mad Hot Ballroom fans won’t want to miss this. Chicago public high school students who happen to be terrific dancers show their stuff (ballet, jazz, Latin, hip-hop, and more) in the Randolph Café this afternoon at 3 PM. 78 E Washington St. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.

Neo Solo @ Neo-Futurarium

The Neo-Futurists present Neo Solo, a series of solo performance pieces by ensemble members, alumni, and guest performers. This week's plays: "My Life in Jeopardy" by Scott Hermes; and "God Don't Like Ugly" by Caitlin Savage. This particular performance runs for two weeks only, to be replaced by another performance on May 25. Neo Solo runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $15, $10 for seniors & students with ID, and "pay what you can" on Thursday nights. For more details and to purchase tickets, see the Neo-Futurist Website. Neo-Futurists: 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). (773) 275-5255.

Summer Crops and Weed Control @ Garfield Park Conservatory

If you’re lucky enough to have a yard or a deck, you may be thinking about growing your food, in which case this organic gardening class can help you decide on the best options for heat-tolerant vegetables. If you are already gardening, then you are probably facing weeds. This class also covers techniques for chemical-free weed control. It runs from 6 PM to 7:30 this evening, requires pre-registration, and costs only $5. 300 N Central Park Avenue. For more information, call 773-638-1766 or visit the website.

Kay Ryan @ SAIC Ballroom

Ryan, who has been compared to Emily Dickinson and Elizabeth Bishop, is the author of five poetry collections and won the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize in 2004. She reads from her work at 6:30 PM. 112 S. Michigan Ave. $10, or free if you’re a Poetry Center member. For more information, call 312-899-1229 or visit the website.

Jazz Links Jam Sessions @ HotHouse

The Jazz Institute of Chicago, in partnership with HotHouse, presents a free (no cover!) program featuring elementary and high school student musicians jamming with professionals. 5 to 7 PM. 31 E. Balbo. For more information, call 312-427-1676, or visit the website.

Gay Talese @ Harold Washington Library

"New journalism" pioneer Gay Talese discusses his life and craft with Alex Kotlowitz in a Chicago Humanities Festival program this evening at 6 PM. 400 S. State St. Free, but reservations are required: call 312-494-9509. The Humanities Festival website has more information.

Gary Shteyngart @ Book Cellar

Gary Shteyngart, author of The Russian Debutante's Handbook, appear at the Book Cellar tonight to discuss his latest novel, Absurdistan. 7pm at 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-293-2665 for more information.

So, You Want To Freelance Workshop

StoryStudio Chicago is sponsoring this new workshop for just one night only. If you've ever been interested in perhaps the writer's dream career of freelance magazine writing (you know, writing...for money) then head on over to this workshop at the Story Studio space at 3717 N. Ravenswood, #115. This interactive session will include an overview of the world of freelancing, including: How to find ideas, how and where to market your ideas, how to structure a query letter and understanding the different types of feature articles. The instructor, Sara Fiedelholtz, graduated from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism with a Masters of Journalism. She was most recently a features reporter at the Chicago Sun Times and continues to serve as a publishing consultant and freelance editor/writer for regional, national and international publications. The workshop runs from 6:30pm to 9pm tonight, and costs $50 (pre-registration is requested).

Daniel Raeburn on Chris Ware @ MCA

The author of Chris Ware discusses the artist’s life and work. Free, 6 PM. 220 E Chicago Avenue. For more information and to reserve a seat, call 312-397-4010 or visit the website.

Gapers Block Book Club with Carolyn Eastwood

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 Near West Side Stories: Struggles for Community in Chicago's Maxwell Street Neighborhood by Carolyn Eastwood. Author Carolyn Eastwood will be joining us to talk about her book, so come join us for this special event! The meeting begins at 7:30pm. Copies of the book will be available for sale at The Book Cellar. Hope to see you there! And, join the book club email list for news, updates and alerts about future meetings.

MusicNOW @ Symphony Center

This performance is part of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s series of concerts devoted to contemporary composers, and features Symphony musicians playing works by Chicago-area composers. Tickets are $20. 220 S. Michigan Ave. For more information, call 312-294-3000 or visit the website.

Free Breakfast for Moms @ U Lucky Dawg

Hey, cheapskate! Take your mom to U Lucky Dawg, 6821 N. Western Ave., today between 7 and 11am for a free Mothers Day breakfast. Nothing says "I love you, Mom" like pancakes at a hot dog stand.

Shanghai Kunqu Music Theater Troupe @ Cultural Center

Kunqu is one of the oldest Chinese operatic traditions. In the Claudia Cassidy Theater. Free, 7 PM. 78 E Washington St. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.

New Music @ Green Mill

From 2 to 5 PM this afternoon, music by contemporary composers will be performed by local new music ensembles. $5. 4802 N. Broadway. For more information, call 773-878-5552 or visit the website.

Blood drive @ Sacred Art

Sacred Art, the new Roscoe Village store that sells artwork and clothing from local artists, is hosting a blood drive today from 11:00 to 5:00 at its shop (2040 W. Roscoe). If you donate blood, you'll also get discounts from other Roscoe Village businesses for the day. A reservation is required to donate blood, so call Sacred Art at (773) 404-8790 to make your appointment. If you can't make it to the blood drive today, you can visit the store at any time this month and purchase items from the store's donation wall; proceeds will go to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society.

Chris Ware @ MCA

Fom May 6-August 27, Chicago alternative cartoonist Chris Ware has his first solo museum exhibition @ the Museum of Contemporary Art. Original pieces from Jimmy Corrigan: Smartest Kid on Earth and also recent series Building Stories will be shown. Visit mcachicago.org for more information.

Early CGI @ Film Center

As part of the Conversations on the Edge series, the Gene Siskel Film Center is screening pioneering examples of computer animation dating from 1961 through 1985. 6 PM. Tickets are $9, or $5 for Film Center members. 164 N. State St. For more information, call 312-846-2600 or visit the website.

Amazing Mackerel Pudding Party!

Author and friend of GB Wendy McClure celebrates the release of The Amazing Mackerel Pudding Plan, a new book of the notorious Weight Watchers Recipe Cards, with a party at Kitsch'n River North, 600 W. Chicago Ave., tonight at 6pm. Meet Wendy, get her to sign your book, and check out several specially prepared classic recipes — which, in keeping with more than 30 years of tradition, will not be eaten. (There will be appetizers.) Free. RSVP to MackerelPartyChicago@us.penguingroup.com if you plan on attending. More details here.

The Culture of Gaming @ Cultural Center

A panel of Columbia College professors from diverse disciplines (English, Game Design, and Interactive Arts and Media) discuss the social, psychological, economic, and philosophical implications of computer and video games. This free event takes place at 6 PM in the First Floor Garland Room. 78 E Washington Street. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.

Warriors & Queens @ Northwestern

Warriors & Queens features the work of choregraphers who are grappling with gender and sexuality. Rachel Thorne-Germond of RTG Dance performs Marilyn and Elvis in Splendor Twice: Gender Splendor. Breakbone DanceCo presents excerpts from datastarve quartet, which pits fashion mavens in platform shoes against punk-rock Amazons. Peter Carpenter presents a solo work about queer cowboys, and the ever-entertaining Matthew Hollis rounds out the evening. This free event begins this evening at 8pm, in the ballroom of the Marjorie Ward Marshall Dance Center, at Northwestern University (10 Arts Circle Dr, Evanston). For more information call 773-680-0800 or visit the website.

Dancers Direct @ Links Hall

The first hour of this two-hour session for dancers and administrators is a discussion of marketing; the second hour is devoted to “silent, unstructured movement practice.” 6 PM. $10, 3435 N. Sheffield Ave. For more information, call 773-281-0824 or visit the website.

Stop the Genocide in Darfur Rally @ Federal Plaza

Organized by the Chicago Coalition to Save Darfur, this rally to stop genocide in Darfur begins at 4:30pm and will be held at Dearborn and Adams. Featuring "elected officials, religious, and other human rights leaders." Visit womenoncall.org for more info.

CARA Beginning Running Training Starts

If you're unsure how to start training to run (and yeah, it's a little more complex than just walking...fast), the Chicago Area Runners Association wants to help you out. They offer a myriad of training sessions, including one that starts today called (oddly enough) Beginning Running. This is very much for all running levels, and they'll help you pick the right schedule so by the completion of the 8-week training program, you'll be able to run continually for 3, 10, 20, or 30 minutes. Check the website for details.

CARA 5K and 10K Training Starts

You may have heard me mention the Chicago Area Runners Association (like, just above this post). I think it's a great idea to learn to run with some folks who really know what they're going. You can set your sights on the dozens of 5K and 10K races offered around Chicago all year long, and to help you get there, try a 5K or 10K training program with CARA. See the website for all the details.


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