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
Thursday, April 25
Slowdown
BY DAY
Friday, November 03 2006
Drag preview show @ Neo-Futurarium
The Neo-Futurists present Drag, the latest play in their prime-time 2006-07 series. Drag features a cast of five artists exploring their desires and motives to perform as members of the opposite sex. Tonight's show is a preview show, and Drag officially opens this Saturday. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 PM through December 9. Prices for the preview shows are pay-what-you-can; regular show ticket prices are $15, or $10 for seniors/students with ID. Thursday night show prices are pay-what-you-can. See the Neo-Futurist Website for more information and to purchase tickets online. Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). (773) 275-5255.
Too Much Light @ IIT
The Neo-Futurists take their long-running late-night show Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind to the campus of IIT. They will be performing a free show tonight at the MTCC Ballroom on the IIT campus (3201 S. State). The show starts at 7:45 PM, and seating is first come first serve.
Harry Shearer @ Borders
Comedian, actor, radio show host, director, and musician Harry Shearer appears tonight at the Borders bookstore at 830 N. Michigan to read from and sign copies of his new novel Not Enough Indians. The signing happens tonight at 7:00 PM.
Dollar Store Anniversary @ Hideout
Tonight celebrates two years of Dollar Store shows and host Jonathan Messinger and Jeremy Sosenko will bring back some of their most favorite stories and performances. Admission is seven times greater (that would $7), but it'll probably be worth it for the music and general revelry. Guests include Pat O'Brien, Chris Bower, Jake Minton, Jill Summers and music by Lord of the Yum-Yum with an improvised cabaret performance by Pearly Sweets. 9:30pm at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia. Call 773-227-4433 for more information.
Nina Hartley @ Women & Children First
Together with Early to Bed, Women & Children First presents sex educator, activist, feminist and registered nurse Nina Hartley. Hartley is in town to promote her new book, Nina Hartley's Guide to Total Sex, and to discuss sex and sexuality with all her fans. Free and open to the public at 7:30pm, 5233 N. Clark St. Call 773-769-9299 for more information.
The Man Who Fell To Earth @ Film Center
The Gene Siskel Film Center is running a series of science fiction films through December. This week's film is The Man who Fell To Earth, the 1976 movie starring David Bowie as an alien who builds a corporation on Earth to get enough money to transport water back to his home planet. The film screens this evening at 6:00, and again on Tuesday, November 7th. The November 7 screening will also include a lecture by SAIC professor Jim Trainor. Tickets: $9, $7 for students, $4 for Film Center members. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.
Pixies documentary @ Music Box
The Music Box Theatre presents loudQUIETloud: A Film About The Pixies, which documents the reunion tour that the band went on in 2004. If you're a Pixies fan, you know you want to see it. The film runs through November 9; see the Music Box for full details. Music Box: 3733 N. Southport. (773) 871-6604.
49 Up @ Music Box
49 Up, the latest film in the amazing series of ducmentaries by Michael Apted, premieres tonight at the Music Box. Every 7 years, the filmmakers check in with a series of British citizens as they live their lives. It's extremely fascinating to compare the footage of the people as children with them as adults, to see how much the one is like the other. Definitely worth checking out. See the Music Box for a schedule. Music Box: 3733 N. Southport. (773) 871-6604.
Brand New Heavies, Bumpus @ Cubby Bear
UK funk-soul outfit The Brand New Heavies play the Cubby Bear tonight, with Bumpus opening. Doors 8pm, show 9pm. $20, but check out Bumpus's MySpace for a $5 off flyer. 1059 W Addison.
Now It's Overhead @ Schubas
Athens-based Saddle Creek act Now It's Overhead plays Schubas, with openers Low Skies and Life At Sea. 10pm, 18+. $8 advance, $10 door. 3159 N. Southport.
Jazz City: Kind of Miles @ Austin Town Hall Park
Celebrate Miles Davis' 80th birthday by attending this concert featuring Davis' former pianist, Robert (Baabe) Irving III, and two Chicago trumpet players: Orbert Davis and Corey Wilkes. Saxophone player Edwin Daugherty, bassist Buster Williams, and drummer Charles Heath will also perform. 7:30 PM. Free, 5610 W Lake. Call 773-287-7658 for more information.
Not For Tourists 2007 Release Party
The 2007 Edition of the Not for Tourists Guide to Chicago is out, and NFT is celebrating with a special launch party at the Darkroom Bar, 2210 W. Chicago, from 7pm to 10pm tonight. Download your invite here and you're entitled to a free pint of Goose Island 312 and a copy of the new guide (while supplies last on both of those). Hang out with contributors and listen to a live DJ set by Yin and Yang. 21 and over.
Homecoming Dance Benefit for East Village Youth Program
This benefit for the East Village Youth Program, which mentors and provides tutoring to prepare low-income, underserved kids for college, offers you the opportunity to revisit your youth at this "old school" homecoming dance, which features spiked punch, commemorative photos, a homecoming king and queen, and more. $30, 1819 W Grand. For more information, and to buy tickets, call 312-275-0440 (ask for Maria Gray) or visit the website.
Tibetan Thangka @ AIC
As part of Silk Road Chicago, artist Gendun Saykal demonstrates Thangka painting, through 12 November in Gallery 142. 111 S Michigan. For more information, call 312- 443-3600 or visit the website.
Polly Ullrich Gallery Talk @ Cultural Center
The curator of the new fiber art exhibition, Material Difference, discusses her selections in the Exhibit Hall at 5:30 PM. Free. 78 E Washington. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit the website.
Heads Up for Hat Lovers
CHAPEAU: The Milliners Guild is hosting a show of hats inspired by those worn in classic movies this evening at the Chicago Athletic Club. The free event showcases the work of several local and guest milliners; and offers hats for sale, appetizers, raffle tickets, and a cash bar. Email info [at] chapeau [dot] us or call 773-21-6351 to get on the guest list. 6 PM, 12 S Michigan.
Susan Fong: The Whimsy of Authenticity! @ Swim Cafe
Are you getting enough art in your diet? Well, if not why don't you dive on into a big plate of culture this weekend. Susan Fong in conjunction with the FongMoon Group and Swim Cafe, are holding an exibition of her recent Asian-inspired works. The Whimsy of Authenticity! is opening tonight with a reception from 7-9 pm. The show will run through Dec. 29.
