Gapers Block has ceased publication.
Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
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TODAY
Friday, April 19
Slowdown
BY DAY
Saturday, July 29 2006
Ziggy Stardust @ Film Center
As part of the Gene Siskel Film Center's monthly series of music films, they will be screening a newly restored 35mm print of the 1973 D A Pennebaker documentary of David Bowie's final appearance as Ziggy Stardust at the Hammersmith Odeon. The film screens tonight at 8:00 PM, and also screens tomorrow evening at 5:30 PM, as well as the evening of Wednesday, August 2 at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $9, $7 for students, and $5 for Film Center members. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.
The2ndHand Goes to Evanston
The2ndHand invades Evanston's Comix Revolution for readings by Al Burian, Anne Elizabeth Moore and Todd Dills. The latest issue, 20.5, also includes an except of Dills's first novel, Sons of the Rapture. Free and open to the public at 606 Davis Street in Evanston, 5pm. Call 847-866-8659 for more information.
Pitchfork Music Festival
You might remember it from last summer as the "Intonation" fest, but since then, the music site Pitchfork Media, and promoters Skyline Chicago along with Vice Records, have parted ways to create two music fests for Chicago (last month's Intonation Music Fest was killer). This weekend's Pitchfork Music Festival promised to entertain like nobody's business (and for not a lot of clams at $20/day). Highlights include, but are not limited to: Spoon, The Walkmen, Spank Rock, and Chin Up, Chin Up on Saturday and on Sunday you can't beat Yo La Tengo, Spoon, Mission of Burma and The National. Music clips are available, as well as set times, and all the nitty gritty info. As of this posting 2-day passes are sold out, so pony up the money if you're gonna go! The fest takes place in Union Park, starting at 1pm each day and running until 10pm. For even more on the bands, check out our picks at Transmission.
American Gems @ Millennium Park
The Grant Park Music Festival presents music to accompany Venetian night. At 6:30 PM. In the Pritzker Pavillion, free. For more information, visit the website.
Bughouse Square Debates
Step into the past, as Washington Square Park (outside the Newberry Library at 60 W. Walton Street) hosts soap box speakers arguing "Democracy: Does One Size Fit All?" and folksingers and blues artists perform. Then take a break from the festivities by visiting the book fair inside the Newberry Library. Free. For more information, call 312-255-3700 or visit the website.
22nd Annual Newberry Library Book Fair
Browse through more than 100,000 donated books--many of them priced under $2--at this remarkable sale. Free. 60 W. Walton Street. 10 AM to 6 PM. For more information, call 312-255-3510 or visit the website.
Progressive Bike and Dine
This Chicagoland Bicycle Federation-sponsored ride starts at the Brookfield Zoo at 10:30 AM, wanders through the near west suburbs with stops in Forest Park, Oak Park, and River Forest, and ends back at the zoo by 3 PM. Registration is required and costs $35, or $30 if you're a CBF member. For more information, call 312-427-3325, ext. 224, or visit the website.
People of the Sun @ Swedish American Museum Center
Laplanders raise reindeer, don't they? To get beyond the stereotypes and learn about Sami (or Laplandic) culture, including its mythology, dance, and music, check out this production by Shakura World Theatre. Free, 7:30 PM, 5211 N. Clark. For more information, call 773-275-7372.
Opening: Hin: The Quiet Beauty of Japanese Bamboo Art
Showcasing the work of contemporary Japanese bamboo artists, this traveling exhibit features baskets and other sculptural works. In the Yates Gallery until 29 October. Free, 77 E Washington. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.
Redmoon Theater's The Balloon Man @ Millennium Park
Redmoon Theater presents The Balloon Man, a show for kids and adults alike. "A roving team of scientists recruit a hapless children's entertainer and an intrepid youngster named Beatrice to search for that rarest of species — the wild Picnob!" The show includes 5 songs by local band The Bitter Tears, puppets, and a bit of science involving balloons. The Balloon Man happens at the Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park today at 12:00 PM and also at 4:30 PM. The show will also be performing at other times this weekend: check the Millennium Park family events schedule for a list of showtimes. The show is free and open to the public.
Work Out @ Millennium Park
Yoga at 8 AM, Pilates at 9 AM, and rhythmic movement at 10 AM, led by the Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, on the Great Lawn. If you need more incentive than taking in the amazing skyline views while working up a sweat, consider this: it's free. For more information, visit the website.
Bash on Wabash
Benefiting the Greater South Loop Association, this celebration of cultural diversity includes artwork, food from local restaurants, and live music. 1400 S. Wabash, 12 N to 10 PM. $5 donation. For more information, call 773-665-4682 or visit the website.
Love Crazy @ LaSalle Bank Cinema
This 1941 film starring William Powell and Myma Loy plays tonight as part of LaSalle Bank Cinema's Mustache Cinema Classic Film Series. Also playing is the 1938 serial "The Spider's Web #3: High Voltage." General admission to the 8pm show is $5 and $3 for seniors and children. 4901 W. Irving Park. Call 312-904-9442 for more information.
Venetian Night
Fond of crowds? Join at least half a million other people at Monroe Harbor to view this annual parade of lit boats and fireworks. Free, 6:30 PM. Lake Shore Drive from Monroe to Roosevelt. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.
Taste of Lincoln Avenue
This festival benefits the Wrightwood Neighbors Association, and offers live music on five stages, 300 vendors, a kids' carnival, and more. 2400 N. Lincoln, $7 to $10 donation. 12 N to dusk. For more information, call 773-868-3010 or visit the website.
Fiesta del Sol
This family-oriented Pilsen neighborhood festival features carnival rides, live music, and food vendors. 1400 W. Cermak. Free. 11AM to 11 PM. Call 312-666-2663 or visit the website for more information.
Dirty Found Sullies Chicago
Dirty Found, Found Magazine's slutty sister publication, is getting all artistic! Join Jason Bitner, Arthur Jones, and special guest star David Wilcox as we celebrate the best lost-and-discovered smut from around the world in connection with a show of erotic art at Corbett vs. Dempsey, 1120 N. Ashland, 2nd Flr. (above Dusty Groove). Witness a pervy Powerpoint presentation, experience the lewd Dirty Found XXX Survey, and share your smutty finds. For adults only! Starting at 7:30pm. Free; more info here.
