Gapers Block: Slowdown - July 13, 2013

Lillstreet Art Center Creative Retreat: Travel Photography

The Lillstreet Art Center will host a creative retreat at its Lillstreet Loft location at 4437 North Ravenswood Avenue. Those interested will check-in at 10am for their retreat at the front desk at Lillstreet Art Center (4401 North Ravenswood Avenue) and will be directed to the loft from there. The event lasts from 10am until 4pm, and will offer a 75-minute yoga class taught by Bloom Yoga? (all levels welcome), as well as a three-hour, hands-on art instruction.

Make some new friends while you learn all the secrets to taking professional-looking photos for your next big trip. A guided tour and photo shoot throughout Lincoln Square will allow those to learn how to observe different compositions, see familiar situations in a new perspective and how to find great light.

The cost is $115 for Lillstreet members, $120 for others, and the tab includes a healthy, catered lunch. Items to bring include a notebook and pen, digital camera (DSLR preferred, Point & Shoot okay), an extra battery and an empty or extra memory card.

*Please note that Lillstreet Loft is only accessible by stairs.

Food on the Brain Seminar @ Gleacher Center

Want to know what is going on in your mind grapes when you're eating? Jealousy? Envy? Science-y stuff? The UC Graham School is offering a seminar this Saturday at the Gleacher Center (10am-4pm, 450 N Cityfront Plaza Dr, admission $115) called "Food on the Brain" that examines the impact that food has on your brain, with neuroradiologist Chris Buckle and food and wine consultant Dawn Welsh at the helm.

Chicago's Bold BBQ History @ Kendall College

Jared Leonard of Rub BBQ Company grills poetic about the the city's history of BBQ today at Kendall College, 900 N. Branch, 10am-noon. Samples included, naturally. Event sponsored by Culinary Historians of Chicago; admission $3-5.

Tour de Fat @ Palmer Square

Comedian/musician Reggie Watts and Mucca Pazza will delight and infotain at today's Tour de Fat, which celebrates beer and bicycles. Event sponsored by New Belgium Brewery; admission free. Runs 10am-5pm at Palmer Square, which runs between Kedzie and Humboldt on Palmer Avenue.

Windy City Smokeout

The intersection of Rush and Illinois gets drenched in sauce today (12-10pm) and tomorrow at the Windy City Smokeout. Entertainment and a bevy of BBQ joints (Smoque, Bub City, Lillie's Q, etc.) are on the bill. Admission $30/day, $60 for entire event (does not include food/drink costs; this had better be good).

Day 1 of West Fest

A kid- and canine-friendly event along Chicago Avenue between Damen and Wood, programmed by Empty Bottle Presents. Saturday's live music lineup includes Those Darlins, Javelin, and Tortoise. Things kick off at 1pm. $5 suggested donation.

Bubbly Creek Barrel Brawl

Homebrewer's Pride of the Southside and Horse Thief Hollow present the Bubbly Creek Barrel Brawl, a homebrewed beer competition, today at 1pm at Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St. Join the Barrel Brawl Society for $25 and help judge the beers with your souvenir tasting glass. 21+

Gapers Block Hot Dog Cookoff @ Schubas

The Gapers Block Hot Dog Cookoff is in the parking lot at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., today from 2 to 7pm. Sample Vienna Beef hot dog-based creations from Kuma's Corner, Fat Rice, Harmony Grill, The Haute and The Dog and ManBQue and vote on your favorites for the People's Choice award. A panel of hot dog experts including Doug Sohn of Hot Doug's, David Lissner "The Food Dude" and Bruce Kraig, author of Man Bites Dog, will also judge who put the hot dog to the most unique and tasty use.

One $20 ticket gets you tasting portions of all the chefs' creations and the chance to rub shoulders with Chicago's hot dog authorities; children are $10. There will also be a cash bar, drink specials, raffle prizes and music. Proceeds will benefit Reach Out and Read Illinois, an early childhood literacy organization. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door.

Chaos Summer Brew-BQ

The Chaos Brew Club homebrewers association holds its annual Summer Brew-BQ today from 4 to 11pm at the clubhouse, 1329 W. Grand Ave. (enter from alley). Enjoy barbecue brisket prepared by Burnin' BBQ, and sample a variety of home-brewed beers. Open to members only, but a Chaos Brew Club trial membership is only $25... hint, hint. 21+

Rhythm Keepers & Global Griots @ Logan Center for the Arts

The Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St., hosts the Muntu Dance Theatre's "Muntu Presents: Rhythm and Global Griots," tonight at 7pm. This dance and music concert will feature the premiere of Asiel Hardison's collaboration with Home Tone Music and Arts Foundations, as well as entertain the crowd with dance styles including West African, Caribbean, swing, hip hop and more. Tickets are $10-$30; for more information, call 773-241-6080.

You're Being Ridiculous @ Mary's Attic

You're Being Ridiculous is a group of real people telling real funny stories about their lives with a theme as their guide. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "relationships." Stories start at 7:30pm at Mary's Attic (5400 N. Clark), tickets are $15 at Brown Paper Tickets.

See A Few Good Men Dance

Chicago based dance company, Nomi Dance, presents "A Few Good Men"-- a night of all-male programming and new pieces from River North dancer Ahmad Simmons and former River North dancer Brandon DiCriscio -- at Athenaeum Theatre. Get tickets here. 2936 N Southport Ave.

The Totally Biased Stand-Up Tour @ Park West

Park West, 322 W. Armitage, presents "W. Kamau Bell - The Totally Biased Stand-Up Tour," tonight at 8:30pm. Bell, star of "Totally Biased" on F/X (the show moves to FXX in the fall), will perform his pop culture and politically-based stand-up, along with special guests Kevin Kataoka, Janine Brito, and Aparna Nancherla. Tickets are $25; for more information, call 773-929-1322.

Source: http://gapersblock.com/slowdown/archives/2013/07/13/

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