In 1979, a young student filmmaker named Penelope Spheeris grabbed a 16 mm camera and threw herself into the pit of Los Angeless nascent punk scene. The resulting film became the first installment of her Decline of Western Civilization trilogy, seminal works about then controversial subcultures, the people who participate in them, and what those subcultures reveal about the broader cultural landscape. Since then theyve become cult classics to punk and metal enthusiasts, and they represent a similar curiosity and affection at the heart of the Reader.For over 50 years, the Reader has been exploring and documenting Chicagos creative communitiesand the socioeconomic and political issues that shape them. Those stories are created using high journalism standards and made available at no cost to individual readers both in print and online, and they are archived for future generations. Right now the paper needs a little extra help to continue. The Reader invites Chicagos free and freakiest to join us at Thalia Hall for a day party and double-feature screening of Decline of Western Civilization: Parts 1 re watching music videos by local artists and hosting a pop-up market for weirdos of all stripes. Wear your most Decline fit because Glitter Guts is snapping pics, and our two favorite looks will win tickets to a show of their choice courtesy of Thalia Hall. Were also giving away some cool books by local authors, such as Jessica Hopper. Come party to help us keep the free in free press!
