Events Wed May 16 2012
In the spirit of artistic collaboration, The Coop and Gapers Block have teamed up to produce 8x8, an experiment in writing and design.
Eight Chicagoland designers (Jesse Hora, Andy Luce, Chad Kouri, Ina Weise, Letterform, Ryan Sievert, Paul Octavious and Kyle Fletcher) were paired with eight local writers (Patrick Somerville, Claire Zulkey, Kevin Guilfoile, William Shunn, Wendy McClure, Scott Smith, Gapers Block political editor Ramsin Canon and Book Club co-founder Veronica Bond) to create collaborative works, with text informing and influencing art and vice versa. The results of this experiment are presented in limited edition poster form, with writing and design back to back.
The posters make their debut at a reception Friday night, May 18, from 6pm to 10pm at The Coop coworking space, 230 W. Superior St., 2nd floor. Refreshments will be served, and sets of the posters will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting Open Books.
— Andrew Huff /
Events Tue May 15 2012
Writer Molly Backes will be celebrating the release of her young adult novel The Princesses of Iowa this Friday, May 18, at 7pm at StoryStudio's Chicago location. In addition to her work as a writer and as a teacher at the North side school, Backes works as its assistant director. The event billed as both celebration and networking opportunity, is open to the public and free of charge.
Backes is gearing up for the approaching chaos of her book tour, but managed to set aside time for us to discuss the task of writing a young adult novel. She spoke to the particular challenge of depicting the in between place that we all occupy at one time or another in which we figure out that adults aren't always right and begin to discover who we want to become.
"It's about my protagonist going from being a young woman shaped by society's idea of perfection and, by the end, she's leaning to listen to her own voice," Backes said. "That's the crux of the teenage experience."
Unlike some writers whose work is reformulated and marketed towards a young adult audience, Backes, a former middle school teacher, set out to appeal to the junior high crowd. While teaching 7th and 8th grade English in rural New Mexico, Backes became uniquely attuned to the complicated dynamics that define teenage life.
"I wanted to write something challenging, literary, and realistic," Backes said. "As a teacher I saw all these girls who woke up at 5am to curl their hair to look perfect. I got really interested in the idea of how we forget that there's something under the surface. No one is perceiving anyone else correctly; that's how high school feels."
When the story begins we find Paige, presumably living a life that's as close to perfection as one in his or her formative years could possibly imagine. A "could have been so much worse" car accident following a night of partying ends all of this, however, and leaves her shunned from the social scene she'd been so successful at navigating. Left without options, Paige locates comfort and a newfound interest in figuring herself out apart from the social hierarchy in her creative writing class.
"As I was trying to publish it everyone was saying, 'why do I care about a spoiled princess?'" Backes said. "But that's the point. It's interesting that people can't get passed their prejudices. So much of how we behave towards people is based on who we think they are, and when they don't live up, we're uncomfortable with that to varying degrees."
The book, published by Candlewick Press, is set in Iowa, the site of Backes's student teaching career, as well as her college state. She wrote it while isolated in New Mexico, still adjusting to the move.
"I felt homesick," Backes said. "I grew up in the Midwest and part of me always wants to write about the place I love. Having gone to college in Iowa, it's where I feel like I really came of age and figured out who I was. In retrospect, it's very appropriate that I wrote a coming of age story set there."
StoryStudio is located at 4043 N. Ravenswood Ave., #222.
— Claire Glass /
Events Tue May 15 2012
This month's edition of the Gumbo Fiction Salon, which books a lineup of readers in any fiction genre and concludes with an open mic, is set to take place Thursday, May 17. Designed as a fundraiser for the John Schultz and Betty Shiflett Story Workshop Scholarship fund at Columbia College, all readers are Columbia College Fiction Writing faculty, alums, or students including Jeff Jacobson, Patricia Rosemoor, Geoff Hyatt, Jenine Arteaga, Ellis Wylie, John Dowds, and Michelle Cachey. There will be an auction featuring books by some of the night's readers, as well as gift certificates to local restaurants and more.
There is a $4 cover, $2 for students, with two-for-one admission this month. The event is upstairs at the Galway Arms Irish Pub, 2442 N. Clark St., beginning at 7pm.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Tue May 15 2012
Young Chicago Authors has also teamed up with WBEZ for a series of discussions exploring the Chicago aesthetic and how teachers can integrate YCA teaching methods of hip-hop poetic/prose workshops in their classrooms. There will be a series of three talks. The first is this Wednesday, May 16 at the WBEZ West Side Community Bureau, 2531 W. Division St. at 6pm. Free, but reservations are recommended (click here to reserve). The other two talks will be held on May 23 at the WBEZ South Side Bureau and May 30 at the WBEZ North Side Bureau.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue May 15 2012
This Thursday, Young Chicago Authors presents the Yolanda Showcase. A fan art show of sorts, the show features original work inspired by the character Yolanda from the gospel musical Crowns. Yolanda is a young woman from Englewood who is sent to live with (and learn from) her Grandmother in South Carolina after her brother is shot down on the street. The poets have created a series of pieces that explore Yolanda's story through their own eyes. Performers include finalists from the Louder Than A Bomb competition. The free showcase will take place at Young Chicago Authors, 1180 N. Milwaukee Ave., May 17 from 6-8pm. Check out the Facebook page for more information.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Sat May 12 2012
Studs Terkel — author, historian, radio host and listener extraordinaire — may be gone, but his legacy of the importance of listening and the power of the human voice has inspired one heck of a party.
On Wednesday, May 16, the 100th anniversary of his birth, the Newberry Library (60 W. Walton St.) will host a birthday party to celebrate him, "one of the most prolific writers and cultural critics in the history of Chicago letters."
The event, which will be hosted by journalist Rick Kogan, will feature a bevy of memories from a variety of figures from Chicago's literary and radio scenes, such as author Alex Kotlowitz, Alison Cuddy, host of WBEZ's Eight Forty-Eight, and historian David Roediger.
"It is rare that a person is widely seen as the greatest raconteur in a big city and as its best listener," said Roediger, a professor at the University of Illinois. "Studs was remarkably both and his legacy leaves us pondering how the two are connected."
Inspired by his "spirit of aurality, storytelling, and memory," Heather Radke of the Hull House has established a "Studs Memory Hotline" of sorts, to continue the tradition of oral histories by creating a repository of how Studs has inspired others.
"I thought that both the medium and the content of recorded stories would be a nice tribute to Studs," Radke said. "He was a huge proponent of the power of the human voice. As a radio producer myself, I know how transporting it can be to hear someone telling their story rather than just reading it. With the help of some of my brilliant co-workers at the Hull-House Museum, I decided that it was also important to be able to participate in the project even if you have no particular affiliation or knowledge of Studs, which is why there are two questions: What does Studs mean to you? and When has listening closely changed the way you thought about the world?"
Some of these Studs-related stories, all of which will be archived by the Newberry, are available for your perusal online, and anyone can participate by calling 559-546-1661.
"For me," continued Radke, "Studs is the rare historical figure that is celebrated for his ability to midwife the voices of others, and whose work is as much about listening as it is about talking. I'm glad that others are excited about his legacy of dedication to the People's History, and I am excited to hear all of the jokes, anecdotes, memories, and thoughts on the phone line and at the event."
Bucky Halker and Jon Langford will provide music, and a special 'zine pairing anecdotes from Garry Wills, Sydney Lewis, and others with illustrations from Chicago artists will be distributed.
"Studs was a living link to the Chicago/America I never knew," said Langford. "His comments on WBEZ after 9/11 impressed me greatly, elevating him to level of all seeing oracle. Thanks to miracle of recorded sound people can go on listening to the man forever."
DETAILS:
Wednesday, May 16
Newberry Library (60 W. Walton St.)
5:30pm reception; 6pm program
This program is free and open to the public; no reservations are required.
— Megan E. Doherty /
Events Wed May 09 2012
This weekend Quimby's, the legendary North Side comic/books/zine shop, will be opening a pop up shop in Bridgeport. They'll be one of many pop ups participating in Version Fest 12, a month-long event billed as "what happens when you invite cultural workers, community developers, urban entrepreneurs, artists, designers, foodies, public space hackers, urban planners, cultural geographers, and dreamers to swarm a neighborhood and transform it for one month." Quimby's Bridgeport can be found at 755 W. 32nd St., May 11 and 12 from 11am-6pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed May 09 2012
This Thursday, Bucket o' Blood Books and Records welcomes Isaac Adamson. He'll be reading from his latest thriller, Complication. A tale of serial killers, thieves, family secrets and Eastern European intrigue, Publisher's Weekly says "Adamson's atmospheric and satisfyingly twisted tale...could easily have collapsed under the weight of its own complexity, but [he] pulls it off with style and a whopper of a twist." (Fun fact: Adamson's first novel, Tokyo Suckerpunch, is being made into a film starring Tobey Maguire). Bucket o' Blood Books and Records, 2307 N. Milwaukee Ave., Thursday, May 10 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue May 08 2012
Although theater is not necessarily of the literary persuasion, I think the Chicago Humanities Festival's presentation of The Postman, as part of the spring theater festival Sights & Sounds, is well worth noting here. Unlike most plays--and books for that matter--this one, for young children ages for four and up, has zero dialogue. The hour-long show comes across more like a child's imagining of a picture book than a play.
A production by the Velo Theatre Company, founded in 1981 in Angers, France by Charlot Lemoine and Tania Castaing, this like all of the company's work prominently features a bicycle. In fact, the bike in question is actually the backbone of the set, which develops in a sort of diorama fashion, taking shape and unfolding from within the postman's boxes as they're opened. Velo was built on the notion that an actor's connection to physical objects on stage can be as much a form of expression as words. This particular show surely does the mission service.
The scenes themselves are tiny, built with the keen eyesight of a young person in mind, and easily come to life at the hands of the Postman turned puppeteer, played by Charlot Lemoine who has been performing the show around the world for the past 30 years. Lemoine's excitement is simultaneously palpable and muted to allow for focus on the intricate scenery and palm sized action.
There are only two more showings of this particular production left to run. If you are lucky enough to catch one, expect, mermaids, dragons, a surprisingly effective rendering of the ocean, and a sweeping mountaintop. The show features moments of slight tension, namely when the lights go off save for a dragon's illuminated eyeballs, as well as a fairy tale quality, especially during an underwater scene.
I never once felt remotely bored during the show despite my separation from its target demographic. One of only two or three adults without a kid on her lap, I felt myself transported back to the first floor steps of my childhood home where I often looked through books with my mother, making up the story based on the illustrations.
Visit the Chicago Humanities Festival website for a complete listing of the springtime lineup and to purchase tickets.
— Claire Glass /
Events Tue May 08 2012
On Wednesday, May 9, local author Jac Jemc will read from her first novel My Only Wife. The book was released in early April on Dzanc books. Join her to hear from what writer Blake Butler (Scorch Atlas) calls, "a novel concerned with timeless dedication, love, and respect." Stick around after the reading to snag a copy (and get her to sign it). The reading is set for 7:30pm at Women & Children First, 5233 N Clark St.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Mon May 07 2012
Bang Bang Pie Shop is sort of the most exciting thing that's happened to me since moving to Logan Square. The shop started as a food truck, but co-partners Megan and David Miller and Michael Ciapciak parked for good, opening the storefront at 2051 N. California Ave. in early April. The baked goods were thrilling enough, but then I discovered the place has its own reading series, Bang Bang Fiction & Poetry, which focuses on local readers and invites the well established and the burgeoning alike.
On a daily basis Bang Bang serves up delicious coffee, blended specially for the shop by one of its owners, David Miller, biscuits that achieve moistness unlike any other I've ever eaten, and pie that brought my anti-chocolate boyfriend back for seconds, hunched over the tin in our dining room with the lights off.
I am not, however, here to talk about food, tempting as it might be. The reading series is carried over from Ipsento Café, which David Miller co-owned before moving on to pie. Organizer Ryan Lang worked at Ipsento with Miller when Bang Bang was just an idea.
"I've tried to raise the bar here because at Ipsento, I could only do so much with the space--we had the coffee grinders going, and though we were in a separate room you could still here them," Lang said.
This month's edition, scheduled for May 10, will feature readers A.D. Jameson, who is pursuing a doctorate in creative writing from UIC. Jameson is the author of two books, has taught classes at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Lake Forest College and StoryStudio Chicago, among others and is the nonfiction and reviews editor of the online journal Requited. He also writes for HTMLGIANT.
Chicago Poet Annah Browning will join Jameson at the reading. Her work has appeared in numerous online publications including Anti-Poetry, The Diagram and The Kenyon Review Online. Plus, Lara Levitan, writer at Jealous Mag and contributor to the Logan Square Review, will be in the mix.
Bang Bang Fiction & Poetry is held at 2051 N. Califonia Ave. and begins at 7:30pm.
— Claire Glass /
Robin Hustle is prose editor of The Land Line, a literary endeavor she embarked on with close friend Edie Fake who has since split due to his packed schedule. The Land Line is still hard at work, though, producing a cross section of content that marries comics and long form essay in a way that's all its own. Hustle also maintains her own blog, which offers a mixed media of long form essay, artwork, and sometimes video.
"We're trying to break down the line between these different disciplines, especially in terms of bringing interesting nonlinear comics together with long form essays," Hustle said. "We're balancing out the seriousness of some of the writing with the weirdness of the comics."
As a very much inexperienced party when it comes to the world of Chicago's comics, Hustle was the perfect source for me as she's attune to the literary and the comic art community alike. With Free Comic Book Day around the bend on Saturday, I decided to ask what she could tell me about Chicago's comic landscape, particularly what women are doing in the scene, in time for the day of freebies.
"I do think that there's a pretty amazing queer feminist angle to the comics being made here that's not really present in a lot of places," Hustle said. "Edie and I were just talking about this the other night; we both love and support the making of queer comics, but a lot of the stuff isn't really pushing the aesthetic boundaries of what can happen within a comic."
Chicago, however, is home to a collection of innovators, many of whom are female, producing work that functions in a cross discipline format, like The Land Line. Chicago's lit performance scene is unmatched, even on a national level according to organizers, but there's a less widely known comic performance culture changing the way readers access the art form.
"Lyra Hill puts together a comic reading series called Brain Frame and it's totally one of the most exciting things going on in comics," Hustle said. "Sara Drake is another woman making really gorgeous, incredible comics. For the last Brain Frame she did a live overhead projection using transparency. It was unbelievably intricate. Every single little movement was perfectly timed."
Drake's work took her to Cambodia where she taught classes to some of the first Cambodian women to attend college alongside writer and fellow SAIC graduate Anne Elizabeth Moore. It's a bit of an aside, but it's an inspiring story that speaks to the wide reach Chicago comics have.
Brain Frame is giving comics an alternative ground to stand on in Chicago--a stage. And with the city's background in improvisational theater, perhaps this doesn't come as a surprise. Hustle also discussed comics as playing a major role in the visual art world.
"Ruby Thorkelson, who makes really incredible comics of her own, is also a curator at Woman Made Gallery, and last spring she put together a show there called Underground that was all women and queer artists," Hustle said. "It was an incredible blurring of the comics world and the fine arts world. The exhibit also had a reading library put together with the help of Spudnick Press, which is a woman run collective print studio."
Read/Write Library, founded and run by Nell Taylor also participated in the show.
— Claire Glass /
Events Wed May 02 2012
The "Morbid Curiosity" exhibit at the Chicago Cultural Center runs through July 8 and features 14,000 square feet of artwork exploring the universality of death in different cultures. Check it out tomorrow night to hear the history of Chicago's Bangs sisters, 19th Century seance hostesses extraordinaire. The evening will include a live seance and readings from the winners of the Chicago Publishes Morbid Curiosity Poetry Contest. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Thursday, May 3 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed May 02 2012
Holy Freebie Batman*, it's Free Comic Book Day! The world of comics' annual holiday is Saturday May 5. There are specific titles available for free, printed solely for the purposes of slinging free goods. "Who couldn't use a free comic book?" says W. Dal Bush co-owner of Challengers Comics + Conversation in Bucktown. The print medium is supported by independent stores like Challengers, striving to bring new and old fans something to enjoy.
There is a wide variety of free titles for any age this year, with content ranging from aliens, dinosaurs, and zombies to Sonic the Hedgehog, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Star Wars and even Peanuts.
"FCBD remains an event that is just awesome for families with small kids as well as long time fans, without being filled with speculators," Terry Grant, owner of Third Coast Comics in Edgewater says.
Large publishers like mainstays DC and Marvel use the event to show fans what's in store for their titles in the year to come. Introductions to new stories such as Marvel's Avengers, or DC's new 52 are showcased to excite readers to follow titles throughout the year.
"Each year we order more comics to give away, and each year we're left with fewer books by the end of the day," says Bush.
The allure of free comics is only part of what the day offers. Most stores hold events such as artist and writer signings, art demonstrations, and interactive events.
"Every year, we make sure that we have an artist from one of that year's free comics at Challengers, signing and sketching for fans," Bush says. His store will feature artists Chris Mitten and Mike Norton, and writer Tim Seeley.
There is a sense of community in Chicago's comic world, evident in the support avid readers give their favorite neighborhood shops. This is supplemented by the audience of casual fans, families and inquiring minds that show up for the day's offerings. An event like this, which attracts the attention of so many, promotes comic books, sure, but stores are winning too, solidifying a neighborhood presence and attracting new business.
"I think FCBD does a great job bringing new faces to shops and new readers to comics by virtue of the fact that I'm still having new people coming up to me from last year's FCBD and mentioning a book, artist, writer or publisher that I suggested for them," says Grant.
Free Comic Book Day runs during store hours, but some shops book later events, too.
Challengers' adjoining art space, the Rouges Gallery, will curate an art print exhibit with thirteen different local artists. Third Coast is having Comic Book Karaoke as its after event.
FCBD is a great way for families, children, comic book enthusiasts, and newcomers to check out their neighborhood comic store. Go the Free Comic Book Day website to find a location nearest you.
Challengers Comics + Conversation is located at 1845 N. Western Ave.
Find Third Coast comics at 6234 N. Broadway Ave.
*Yes there will be a free comic book this year based on Burt Ward, the actor who played Robin in the 1960's Batman TV show.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Tue May 01 2012
Wednesday, May 2 marks the seventh anniversary of the reading series Reading Under the Influence. The monthly series has a unique format, showcasing featured writers who read their work, plus published work, followed by trivia. Series co-founder Julia Borcherts reflects on RUI's place as one of Chicago's notable monthly literary events.
"Chicago's literary scene has just exploded over the last seven years -- in any given week, there's more than a dozen fantastic reading and storytelling events going on all over the city," Borcherts says. "It's a really collaborative rather than competitive community, and there's nothing like this scene anywhere else in the country. We're so proud to have played a part in changing people's perceptions of what a 'reading' could be -- making literature and stories come alive in a way that's approachable and just plain fun."
Over the years, the series has made certain to make room for work that runs the gamut of Chicago's literary scene from established writers to self publishers.
"We always wanted for RUI to feel like a place where everyone in the literary community would feel like they belong, whether they're established authors or talented emerging writers or book, journal or zine publishers or literary enthusiasts," Borcherts says. "We love it because we have such an interactive format that it's easy for people to make new friends and learn about other great opportunities around the city just by meeting the others who come to RUI."
To celebrate its anniversary, RUI will feature readings by co-founders Rob Duffer and
Julia Borcherts, longtime co-hosts Amy Guth and Jesse Jordan and RUI co-founder emeritus, Carly Huegelmann.
RUI is the first Wednesday of each month in the back room of Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave. The show starts at 7pm, and admission is $3.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Mon Apr 30 2012
Two Cookie Minimum is back on Tuesday, May 1. Join industry professionals from all areas of the literary and publishing community for a night of reading. The selection of readers includes Rob Duffer, Ben Tanzer, , Wly Villacres, Sarah Dodson, Daniel Majid and Naomi Huffman. Hosted by Johnny Misfit.
This series is the first Tuesday of the month at the Hungry Brain 2319 W. Belmont Ave., 9pm. And always, there will be free cookies!
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Apr 25 2012
This Friday, comic artist Alison Bechdel (Dykes To Watch Out For) presents her new graphic memoir Are You My Mother? A Comic Drama. Jonathan Safran Foer calls it "a work of the most humane kind of genius, bravely going right to the heart of things: Why we are who we are. It's also incredibly funny. And visually stunning. And page-turningly addictive. And heartbreaking." Gloria Steinem says "many of us are living out the unlived lives of our mothers. Alison Bechdel has written a graphic novel about this; sort of like a comic book by Virginia Woolf. You won't believe it until you read it - and you must!" University of Chicago, Rosenwald Hall, 5801 S. Ellis St., Friday, April 27 at 5pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Apr 23 2012
Look for strangers stopping strangers, just to share a book: Tonight is
World Book Night , coinciding with the UNESCO International Day of the Book.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Fri Apr 20 2012
Revolving Door has been welcoming poets, writers and passersby to enjoy their ongoing readings, showcases, workshops and other events for the past year and half. Centered around a core mission statement, Revolving Door strives to build culturally-infused communities throughout the city by showcasing unique talent and building bridges between artists and those who seek inspiration from the written word.
The reading series takes place on the fourth Thursday of each month and features a dynamic array of local poets and writers. April's edition will feature CM Burroughs, who has been awarded fellowships and grants from Yaddo, The MacDowell Colony, among others, and has worked with Studio Museum of Harlem and the Warhol Museum to respond to art installations with her poetry. The reading will also feature Chicagoan Cristina Correa whose work has appeared in the likes of Ariel, Latina Voices, Say What Magazine, and Ghost Factory Magazine. Plus, she published a chap book this year. Stick around to enjoy music by FathomDJ, a monthly staple at Revolving Door.
You can swing by any fourth Thursday to enjoy a poem, or two, or recommend that your friend with the latent poetic streak take to the mic!! There's also a great opportunity to join a summer workshop to hone your skills of expression and expand your social and creative networks. In their own words, Revolving Door says they are "...enticed by each encounter." Bring your curious spirit and add to the intrigue at Ultra Lounge, 1270 N. Milwaukee Ave. on Thursday, April from 7:30-10pm.
— Emily Thornton /
Events Wed Apr 18 2012
This Saturday at Cole's is the release of Curbside Splendor's latest book, Chicago Stories: 40 Dramatic Fictions by Michael Czyzniejewski. The book tells Chicago stories through the personae of its famous citizens. Author Alan Heathcock says "an absurdist Chi-town Spoon River Anthology on crack, Chicago Stories is an explosion of imagination, a relentless churn of intellect and wit. In true Chicago style, this book tells it straight to your face and pulls no punches." Actors will be reading in the voice of Gary Dotson, Ann Landers, Jane Addams, Hugh Hefner and Rod Blagojevich, among others. Cole's, 2338 N. Milwaukee, April 21at 7-10pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Thu Apr 12 2012
Dust off your Superman t-shirt or your Batman utility belt and get ready for this year's Chicago Comics and Entertainment Expo running Friday, April 13 through Sunday, April 15.
Whatever your passion, be it comics, collecting, music, movies or games, there's something here for everyone. Special guests include John Cusack, Sean Astin, Anne Rice and even Svengoolie (to add a bit of local flair). Each day has a variety of programming including guest panels, autograph sessions and a show floor packed with artists, shops and more.
Tickets are available online or at the door. The event is open to the public on Friday at 1pm and Saturday and Sunday at 10am. C2E2 is held in the North Building at McCormick Place, located at 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Thu Apr 12 2012
Translator and Harvard University Professor Anna Deeny will be reading from her translation of Raúl Zurita's book of poetry, Dreams for Kurosawa (Sueños Para Kurosawa). Anna Deeny previously translated Zurita's work Purgatory. She will be joined by Daniel Borzutzky who wrote The Book of Interfering Bodies.
Join Anna Deeny & Daniel Borzutzky as they read from Raúl Zurita's Dreams for Kurosawa at Read/Write Library, 914 N. California Ave, Saturday, Apr 14 @ 8pm.
— Julie Zarlenga /
Events Wed Apr 11 2012
The San Francisco based queer poetry and performance troupe Sister Spit will be shakin' things up in Chicago this Saturday. The troupe was founded in 1994 by author Michelle Tea and was such a rousing success that in 2003, Tea founded the SF-based literary nonprofit Radar Productions to help produce the show as well as other literary concerns. The featured reader of the night is novelist and Columbia College advisory board member Dorothy Allison (Bastard Out of Carolina). Other performers include Ms. Tea herself, writer/musician/dancer Brontez Purnell of Gravy Train!!!, writer/performer Erin Markey, singer/comic book artist Cassie J. Sneider, and transgendered, nationally ranking slam poet Kit Yan. The show is part of the Chicago International Movie and Music Festival. The show is at the Wicker Park Art Center, 2215 W. North Ave., Saturday, April 14, at 8 pm, followed by an afterparty at Beauty Bar, 1444 W. Chicago Ave., beginning at 10:30 pm. Admission to the performance is $12 and the afterparty offers a sliding-scale admission of $5-$10. Tickets can be purchased here.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Apr 10 2012
This week brings two readings of the punk rock variety.
On Thursday, April 12, Columbia College Chicago's Silvertongue reading series presents Sam McPheeters, LA based writer and punk musician from such bands as Born Against and Men's Recovery Project. He'll be reading from his novel The Loom of Ruin ; you can read the first three chapters on Vice. Student readers will open the show, which will conclude with an author Q&A. Catch the show at 2:30pm at 618 S. Michigan Ave. on the fourth floor.
Then 7pm on Saturday, April 14, stop on by the punk-themed reading series Neutron Bomb for a mix of storytelling and music. This month features Kim Morris, Rebecca Lyon, Jill Westerfelhaus and Wyatt Roediger-Robinette. The night will wrap up with a musical set from Little Dave Merriman (of the Arrivals). The series is at Cal's bar, 400 S. Wells St.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Yesterday's Mini Tools of Change affair at the Cultural Center was absolutely too informationally massive to give you a properly comprehensive account of the day. I will, however, attempt to provide the general gist of the all day whirlwind of publishing tech lectures, Powerpoints--one of which included a photo of a pizza with hotdog-filled crust--and eye opening dialogue.
O'Reilly Media's Tools of Change Conference, the non-mini one that is, takes place annually in New York, heading out on the road in miniature to bring the new fangled stuff of publishing to the discussion around the country. Yesterday's conference, put on in partnership with Chicago Publishes, hosted 250 publishing pros, writers, editors, newspaper folk, and more. Speakers included Chicago literary regulars like JC Gable behind The Chicagoan magazine, Doug Seibold of Agate Publishing, Dominique Raccah of Sourebooks, Nick Disabato of brand spanking new Distance, and Founder of the Read/Write Library Nell Taylor, among many others.
Clay Johnson, author of The Information Diet: A Case for Conscious Consumption, spoke on the topic of his book, which served to infuse the day's many discussions with a particular urgency. The diet refers to weaning ourselves off of what Johnson suggests is our country's dependence on media outlets that present diluted coverage on the national level that operates on assumption and inference rather than the facts of actual events. Instead, he says, we should focus our attention at the local level and work to effect politics at home.
"We industrialize agriculture and they produce what we want the most and it makes us fat," Johnson said. "We've also industrialized media, and these companies have a responsibility to create cheap popular media. These are the people who tell us what we want to hear not what we need to hear. If you're working under these guidelines the only chance you have of getting paid is to sensationalize and write as quickly as you can."
Johnson provided national scope for the importance of the work attendees and many of the other speakers do on a regular basis--producing much of the written matter of our generation, providing the narratives that we live by. Other speakers offered insights based on their experiences in the field.
Dominique Raccah took a technical, though unimaginably engaging, angle in her lecture about better publishing tactics. She cited The Lean Startup by Eric Reis as providing some of her inspiration to treat every book like its own startup venture.
"We started by thinking how to develop reader centric models developed around key verticals, which means based on your readers needs," Raccah said.
On this note, Raccah discussed several methods through which Sourcebooks is improving, including getting to know the target community of readers and developing books they want, plus creating a better (i.e. less frustrating) experience for authors. More than one speaker focused on generating online based discussion between authors and readers by posting pieces of books online before they are published to get a sense of reader response before too much time and money is invested in a project.
Though this account of the day is arguably bare bones, I hope it serves to provide some sense of the wonderful work being done in Chicago to fine tune the craft of publishing.
"Chicago gets this second city syndrome tying to compare itself to New York and it's really moot," JC Gabel said. "We deserve substance and style and there's never been a more interesting time since I've been alive, and I grew up here, than now. How can we make this different?"
— Claire Glass /
The Chicago Humanities Festival tends to attract the most passionate among us, those who cling to a chosen humanities field with vigor and the enthusiasm of a kid in front of an ice cream sundae. I am lucky that I'm not starved for the company of "book bums," the term Princeton Professor Anthony Grafton used to describe himself and the subjects of his studies at his lecture, "The Book: Past, Present, and Future." (You can listen to the full audio recording here.)
"As a book bum I often find myself wondering what my current students will look back to as they sit in our beautiful smooth libraries seamlessly downloading PDFs from websites all over the world," Grafton said. "Texts with no ink, with no smell, with no signs of use."
Grafton is a book historian, studying scholarly tendencies of generations of book bums before him, usually via the marginalia of 16th century texts. His knowledge is so exacting, so intimate, that he was even able to casually refer to one subject's bathroom habits. And in addition to delving deeply into the worlds of past readers, Grafton is busy considering what legacy the next generation--one that studies in digital libraries and seldom sets foot amongst the stacks--will leave for future scholars like himself who revel in the physicality of libraries.
"I came to know books not as texts, as we say in university, but as materials objects printed on creamy paper with type that left an actual impression, bound in solid leather or vellum and then marvelously scarred like human beings by all the bumps and rattlings inflicted by life," Grafton said. "The stigmata that meant they'd meant something to someone in the past, books that bore marginalia that wound up the sides of pages of renaissance books draped up like ivy, magnificent and old facades. Even the books that had been damaged by little animals, even they gave the sense of their rich materiality."
See, that's passion.
The Festival's springtime programming will conclude with a presentation by Etgar Keret and Nathan Englander on Thursday, April 26. On May 2, their annual international theater and performance festival Stages, Sights, and Sounds kicks off with family appropriate programming that will appeal to anyone with an interest in avant-garde and experimental performance. Looking forward some more, the Festival just announced its plans for fall program, which is America. Events and lectures will engage the topics surrounding America as a literary and cultural theme from local and global points of view. Full listing will be available in August.
— Claire Glass /
Events Fri Apr 06 2012
Have you always wanted to join a book club but haven't been able to find one that seems like a good fit? Check out Open Books' Open Book Club, where you'll meet a dynamic group of Open Books staff and other members of Chicago's amazing literary community who come to share their love of reading, enjoy thoughtful conversation and bring a little freshness to the traditional book club model.
There is no monthly commitment; it's all about great books, lively discussion and meeting new people. The book club meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6pm at 213 W. Institute Pl. and is always free. Once you go, you know! The book for April 10 is Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman by Richard Feynman.
And while you're in the area you can check out the awesome Open Books bookstore for a copy of next month's read or that title you've had on your list but haven't gotten around to. All books are really affordable and all proceeds go to the year-round literacy programs that Open Books offers to Chicago elementary and high school students.
— Emily Thornton /
Events Thu Apr 05 2012
The Poetry Foundation presents Poesía en Abril: Miguel Barnet and Ana Rossetti as part of their Poetry off the Shelf series. Barnet, known for his novel Biography of a Runaway Slave, was born in Cuba and began publishing poetry in the 1960s. He is also known for his work as an ethnographer. Barnet will be joined by Ana Rossetti, a Spanish poet who began her career in the 1980s, and whose work is noted for containing an erotic flair.
Come hear Miguel Barnet and Ana Rossetti read at the Poetry Foundation, 61 W. Superior St., Saturday, Apr 7 @ 7pm. There will be a bi-lingual reading of the poets' work. Tickets for advanced reservations are sold out, but stand by tickets will be available on a first come, first serve basis on the day of the event.
— Julie Zarlenga /
Events Wed Apr 04 2012
Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist Jules Feiffer will be in town this Saturday in honor of the 51st anniversary of The Phantom Tollboth. He will also be signing copies of his memoir, Backing Into Forward. A National Jewish Book Award finalist, Michiko Kakutani of the New York Times says "[Backing Into Forward] succeeds in sounding like the best of Mr. Feiffer's cartoons: funny, acerbic, subversive, fiercely attuned to the absurdities in his own life and in the country at large." Jean Albano Gallery, 215 W. Superior St., April 7 at noon to 3pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Apr 04 2012
This Thursday, video game designer Anna Anthropy signs Rise of the Videogame Zinesters: How Freaks, Normals, Amateurs, Artists, Dreamers, Drop-outs, Queers, Housewives, and People Like You Are Taking Back an Art Form. Ian Bogost of the Georgia Institute of Technology says "these days, everybody can make and distribute a photograph, or a video, or a book. Rise of the Videogame Zinesters shows you that everyone can make a videogame, too. But why should they? For Anna Anthropy, it's not for fame or for profit, but for the strange, aimless beauty of personal creativity." A Dorkbot Chicago event. Enemy, 1550 N. Milwaukee Ave., Thursday, April 5 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Apr 02 2012
Two literary series team up for two nights of readers, zines and cookies. Two Cookie Minimum and P Fanatics first mash up is scheduled for Tuesday, April 3. The lineup includes Dan Shapiro, Maggie Ritchie, Laura Szumowski, Dave Snyder, Kieth Rosson (Avow zine from Milwaukee), Jill Summers, and Adam Drent.
Join hosts Mason Johnson and Johnny Misfit. The event will take place at the Hungry Brain, 2319 W. Belmont Ave. at 9pm.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Mon Apr 02 2012
On Wednesday April 4, Reading Under the Influence celebrates the book release of one of it's co-founding members, Jesse Jordan. In keeping with its regular format, this month's theme is the name of Jordan's debut novel, Gospel Hollow. Along with Jordan, readers include Jamison Spencer, Joan Friedrich and RUI's most-requested-reader ever, Darwyn Jones.
RUI is always in the back room of Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave., 7pm, $3.
— John Wawrzaszek /
News Sun Apr 01 2012
April always brings spring...and National Poetry Month. Today is the first day for you to get involved, go out and celebrate, or just curl up with a chapbook--all in the name of poetry. Poets.org has a ton of ideas and activities--not to mention a national event calendar--to keep you busy with poetry all month long.
Chicago's own Poetry Foundation also has a host of happenings all over the U.S. and right here at home, such as readings, performances of music and poetry, and a Children's Poetry Day. Check it all out here.
— Emily Wong /
Events Fri Mar 30 2012
Wendy McClure's The Wilder Life is taking on new forms, of the paperback and e-book varieties. She's set to appear at Women & Children First at 7:30pm on April 4 to give a reading in honor of the paperback release.
The book is a tribute to Laura Ingalls Wilder of "Little House on the Prairie." In it, McClure writes about striving to glimpse prairie living in the midst of her utterly modern existence. She describes her experiences--churning butter, traversing South Dakota by foot in inclement weather--in search of Laura's, to get a sense of childhood, and particularly girlhood, in Laura's America.
McClure was born in Oak Park and lives in Chicago proper these days. Her writing is nothing if not prolific; her words have appeared in the likes of The New York Times Magazine, The Chicago Sun-Times, and a number of anthologies, including Love Is A Four-Letter Word (Plume), Feed Me (Ballantine) and Sleepaway: Writings on Summer Camp (Riverhead). She's been heard on radio shows, too, including Writers Block Party on WBEZ, and has spoken at literary events at The Chicago Tribune Printers Row Book Festival and StoryStudio Chicago. She has an MFA in poetry from the Iowa Writer's Workshop.
See her wednesday at 5233 N. Clark St., Women & Children First.
— Claire Glass /
Events Wed Mar 28 2012
Are books-as-physical object going the way of the dinosaur? Or is that an overly alarmist view? Come to First United Methodist Church this Saturday for the lecture "The Book: Past, Present and Future," presented by Anthony Grafton. Grafton is a professor at Princeton, a leading historian of the book, and the author of The Footnote: A Curious History. The lecture is part of the Chicago Humanities Festival. Get tickets here or call (312) 494-9409. First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington St., Saturday, March 31 at 2pm. $10; $5 for teacher and students.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Mar 28 2012
Friday night the Book Cellar welcomes Benjamin Busch. He'll be signing his new memoir, Dust to Dust, which chronicles his childhood in upstate New York, his time as a Marine in the Iraq War and the deaths of his parents (including his famous father). Author Doug Stanton says "Busch is a brilliant prose stylist for whom every pause counts, a man of three worlds - the heart, the mind, the earth. Dust to Dust is a stunning literary work about this mysterious trinity, and a return to home." Busch is also an indie film director and actor on the TV show "The Wire." The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., Friday, March 30 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Mar 28 2012
On April 1, Here's the Story will celebrate one year. If you haven't checked them out yet, their anniversary show would be the perfect time to do it! Come to Stage 773 (1225 W Belmont Ave.) Sunday, April 1 (no fooling, we promise), at 7:30 to share some food, some fun, and, of course, some stories. Admission is $5, but if you bring food to participate in the potluck, you get in free. Click here to check out the great line-up of story-tellers they have for you!
— Emily Wong /
Events Mon Mar 26 2012
Break out your calendars and save the date for the largest lit event in the city: the Printers Row Lit Fest. Sponsored by the Chicago Tribune, the event celebrating its 28th year, returns June 9-10. This free outdoor festival will span two days, and offers panel discussions, readings, children's programming and more than 200 booksellers from across the country displaying new, used and antiquarian books. Traverse Dearborn Street, from Congress to Polk, from 10am-6pm both days. Programming will be announced in the coming months.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Fri Mar 23 2012
And folk, pop, and country. On Thursday, March 29, at 6pm, the Poetry Foundation (61 W. Superior) invites you to watch a modern interpretation of William Blake's Songs of Innocence and of Experience, performed by Billy Blake and the Vagabonds. The set will run the gamut from folk, pop, country, and gospel music, so it's a must see! Especially considering attendees will receive a free edition of the April 2012 Poetry magazine and an Edie Fake print of "The Little Vagabond" by William Blake. The event will also celebrate Billy Blake and the Vagabonds release of Billy Blake and the Vagabonds Live in Concert.
Admission is free, and you can save yourself a seat here.
— Emily Wong /
Unfortunately I speak from experience when I say that it's no picnic making friends in Chicago. And I take comfort in the fact that it's not just this Windy City transplant who's found it rather challenging.
Like me, writer Rachel Bertsche moved to Chicago with an impressive friend-making track record. She discovered, however, that this sprawling city doesn't afford the friendless with easy platonic match making opportunities; you've got to be willing to put in some work. And work she did, embarking on a long line of friend dates--52 to be exact--in search of friendly connection. These stories make up the bulk of her book, MWF Seeking BFF. Berstche will appear at The Open Books Store, located at 213 W. Institute Place, on March 22 at 7pm to read from her book, and discuss her often-hilarious experiences.
— Claire Glass /
Events Fri Mar 16 2012
Chicago's literary scene has been on a nonstop bender these last few weeks. But it will be wrapping up shortly with the 16th annual celebration of the Story Week Festival of Writers. Made possible by the efforts of the Columbia College Chicago Fiction Writing Department, the week long event is packed with readings, panels and discussions from March 18 through March 23. All events are free and open to the public with a schedule available on their official website.
The festival began as an experiment by Fiction Department Chair Randy Albers. This year's theme, "Surviving the American Dream," will be represented through panels and sessions that aim to provoke discussions focused on the future of creative work. Due to Columbia's efforts to re-prioritize, the future of the festival ironically aligns with this theme.
Two publishing panels will grapple with the state of publishing, and how its future may be shaped by current creative and economic factors. "Text/Image: A Conversation on Seeing Narrative," to be held on March 22, will feature panelistHeidi W. Durrow, author of The Girl Who Fell From the Sky (recently selected as a city-wide read in Portland). Durrow loves the interaction with attendees at festivals like Story Week.
"I've written a story that has excited readers to share their stories," Durrow says. "That was really evident last week when I visited Portland. I am still buzzing from the wonderful and moving stories that people shared with me during my time there." She brings authority to this panel as an author, as well as from her work as co-founder and co-producer of the Mixed Roots Film & Literary Festival.
Continue reading this entry »
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Mar 14 2012
Chocolate and poetry--do we need to say any more? On Friday, March 16, The Sweet and Sour Poetry Hour celebrates its third edition with an open mic (starting at 7pm) and special guest performances (starting at 7:30pm), including Kevin "Bam" Smith and D-Nick the Microphone Misfit, at Andersonville's Let Them Eat Chocolate. Bring some of your own poetry, stories, or monologues at 6:30pm to sign up for the 7 open mic slots. Or come at 7pm, buy some delicious chocolate, and settle in for some seriously sweet fun. (Admission is free!)
— Emily Wong /
Events Fri Mar 09 2012
Historian and Rolling Stone magazine columnist Rick Perlstein will discuss his upcoming book, The Invisible Bridge: The 1970s and the Rise of Ronald Reagan, on Tuesday, March 13 at 7pm at the Cliff Dwellers Club (200 S. Michigan Ave.).
If you haven't heard of Perlstein from his Rolling Stone column, you may have encountered his op-eds in the New York Times; that, or his highly acclaimed Nixonland: The Rise of a President and the Fracturing of America.
The event, part of the Society of Midland Authors programming, will start off at 6pm with a social hour, with complimentary snacks and a cash bar. You don't need to register and admission is free, but the Society will appreciate donations to defray the cost of programs.
— Megan E. Doherty /
Events Thu Mar 08 2012
Having been to my share of sparsely attended poetry readings where you can hardly hear people over the classic rock blaring in the front of the bar, it's heartening to hear people do get excited about literary events. Two hot tickets this weekend are sold out, but first-come, first-serve tickets will be made available:
This Saturday is the final team competition in the Louder Than A Bomb teen poetry fest. The largest such festival in the world, it was founded in 2001 to bring teens together across racial, gang, and socioeconomic lines through self-expression and community. The Vic, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave., Saturday, March 10 at 6 pm. $20, $10 students.
The Poetry Foundation welcomes playwright Beau O'Reilly and actor John Starrs in The Boho Dance, which imagines a conversation between Walt Whitman and Allen Ginsberg; comedy and entertainment ensues. The Poetry Foundation, 61 W. Superior St., Saturday March 10 at 7pm and Sunday, March 11 at 3pm. Free.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Thu Mar 08 2012
The Chicago Way Literary Series will be featuring authors James Finn Garner, writer of Honk, Honk, My Darling: A Rex Koko Private Clown Mystery, and Christine Sneed, who wrote Portraits of a Few of the People I've Made Cry. They will be conducting a question and answer session with Don Evans, whose book, Good Money After Bad, you might be familiar with, and Randy Richardson, writer of Lost in the Ivy.
Join James Finn Garner and Christine Sneed at The Hidden Shamrock, 2723 N. Halsted St., Sunday, Mar 11 at 7pm.
— Julie Zarlenga /
Events Thu Mar 08 2012
Chicago Zine Fest returns for its third year this weekend, March 9 and 10, with a packed schedule of activities, workshops, discussions and more. The zine exhibition is the weekend's main attraction, and will be held on Saturday from 10am to 6pm in Columbia College's Conaway Center at 1104 S. Wabash Ave. The expo will showcase work from over 200 small press and independent publishers. Demand for such a festival has grown notably, as table registration sold out in 24 hours. Jen Twigg, festival organizer heading up exhibitor coordination explains, "We've had overwhelming support and enthusiasm from the zine community all over the country, from Canada, and even as far away as the UK this year!"
Friday events kick off at 1pm with a reading and panel discussion sponsored by Columbia College's Silver Tongue reading series. "Our Friday afternoon event will discuss Race, Gender and Sexuality with three amazing women in the self-publishing scene: Anne Elizabeth Moore, Mimi Thi Nguyen and Cristy Road," says Leslie Perrine, an organizer focused on event programming. "We couldn't be more excited!"
Friday night continues with help from two more festival sponsors. There will be a youth reading at 6pm, followed by a 7pm reading with zine exhibitors at 826 CHI, located at 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. Festivities are capped off with the city's first Zine Olympics (it's exactly like it sounds; there will be rounds of zine related activities such as speed stapling, precision folding, and a medal ceremony), at 9:30pm at Quimby's, located at 1854 W. North Ave.
Saturday welcomes the zine expo with ancillary activities such as a DIY film fest, kids' zine making area, workshops, and panel discussions. "This year, we are excited to offer attendees a chance to preview exhibitors' publications in our Reading / Art Room," says Heather Colby, volunteer coordinator for the festival. "It's a quiet space where they can look through some of the self-published works that are being sold at the event, and view artwork created by zine fest participants."
The festival has something for everyone. All events are free, open to the public and wheelchair accessible. All Friday readings and the panel will have ASL interpretation.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Tue Mar 06 2012
With all the literary events going on in March, it should be Chicago's unofficial Literary Awareness Month. On Wednesday, March 7, settle down with one of the city's premier reading series, Reading Under the Influence. Their March event partners with Columbia College's Story Week Festival of Writers and Chicago Public Library's One Book program.
Featured readers are all Columbia College Fiction Writing department faculty and staff. Writers showcasing original include Fiction Writing Chair Randy Albers, along with professors Eric May and Ann Hemenway. The department's secretary Nicole Chakalis will read a selection from this year's chosen "One Book" Gold Boy, Emerald Girl by Yiyun Li.
As a bonus, anyone presenting a Chicago Public Library card will receive a copy of the One Book selection. Don't have a card? Bring proof of residency and sign up for one at the event (and then get a copy of the book).
RUI is always in the back room of Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave., 7pm, $3.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Mon Mar 05 2012
Just in time for Chicago Zine Fest, the Two Cookie Minimum reading series is back, Tuesday March 6, with an all zinester reading. Zinesters will be showcasing new works, before the zine fest. Featured zinesters include Jonathon Cannon, Liz Baudler, Nicole Baiel, Carrie Colpitts, Dave Roche, and Eric Bartholomew.
As always, the event boasts free cookies for all. Stop by Hungry Brain, 2319 W. Belmont Ave. at 9pm.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Thu Mar 01 2012
As the new biannual Chicagoan magazine gains steam, editor-in-chief J. C. Gabel shuts a door: to the former Stop Smiling storefront. As founder of the late Stop Smiling magazine (and current publisher of Stop Smiling Books), Gabel hosts one last hurrah in the the space at 1371 N. Milwaukee Ave., starting at 7:30 on March 2.
Poets Jill Magi, Amaranth Borsul, and Michael Robbins; fiction writers Danielle Dutton and Justin Taylor; photographer Erica Baum; and more present work in which "they re-envision the form of 'the book' itself."
But that isn't all, promises Gabel: "Dance party afterward."
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Wed Feb 29 2012
Chicago's lit scene lets it all hang out for an AWP inspired event aptly titled the Literature Party. The event is a collaboration by multiple people, and benefits Young Chicago Authors.
"Not sure who deserves mastermind credit," says host Zach Dodson co-publisher of Featherproof books, "but the Literature Party last year was cooked up by Gene Morgan from HTMLGiant, Adam Robinson from Publishing Genius, myself, and a bunch of help from all of our sponsors."
Last year the event took place at AWP in Washington DC, and in keeping with its mission, benefited local literacy programs. "We cut a big check to 826DC, and this year Young Chicago Authors was chosen because what they do here in town for kids and literacy is just plain awesome," says Dodson.
The event is what you would expect; it's a mix of readings, performances and a huge party.
"The idea is to have fun, with awesome writers and publishers, to dance a lot, and not worry about much else," says Dodson.
There are scheduled readings by Tim Kinsella, Dorothea Lasky, Mary Miller, and a shadow puppet show by Jill Summers and Susie Kirkwood set to text by Jesse Ball. As for the party side of things, the event kicks off with an opening DJ set by James Yeh and Lincoln Michel of Gigantic, and a closing dance party by Matt Roan. Lindsay Hunter, of Quickies reading series, will share hosting duties with Dodson.
Join the party Friday March 2, 8pm at Lincoln Hall 2424 N. Lincoln Ave.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Feb 29 2012
This Saturday, Sy Safransky, founder and editor of The Sun magazine, will be reading at The Heartland Cafe in Rogers Park along with authors Poe Ballantine, Krista Bremer and Cheryl Strayed. The Sun is an independent, ad-free magazine that has been around for more than 30 years. Author Bill McKibben says, "[it] is the most real of magazines, a monthly reminder that everyone has a story to tell and a voice to tell it in;" the Utne Reader says "whether it's a lusty paean to a writer's fat lover or reflections on 21st century feminism, there's always something delightful to read in The Sun." The Heartland Cafe, 7000 N. Glenwood Ave., Saturday, March 3 at 8pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Feb 29 2012
This week the Chicago Public Library announces the latest One Book, One Chicago selection: Gold Boy, Emerald Girl by Yiyun Li. Of the collection of nine short stories set in China between the 1970s and the present, author Francine Prose says, "Yiyun Li's tenderness toward her characters, her respect for the richness of their lives, and the subtlety and gentle humor with which she portrays them make the experience of reading Gold Boy, Emerald Girl consistently heartening." One Book, One Chicago events will commence in April, so you've got plenty of time to read. Highlights include a book discussion with Li and Achy Obejas at the Harold Washington Library on April 19, a tour of Chinatown with the Chinese Cultural Institute, and an exhibit of artwork inspired by the book by Chicago area high school students. For a complete list of events, click here.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Feb 29 2012
As part of the humungous literary convergence that is AWP, local reading series Quickies teams up with Orlando, Florida based reading series There Will be Words on March 2. The "Chicago meets Orlando" connection was fostered by Quickies host and author Lindsey Hunter who is a transplant from Orlando. There Will Be Words is an outlet for Orlando's Burrow Press.
"I had participated in Burrow Press's 15 Views of Orlando," says Hunter, "a point of pride as I hail from Orlando. That's how I got to know Ryan Rivas, who runs BP. We just started planning a show with the idea that it'd be like "Chicago meets Orlando."
Quickes fosters flash fiction with its formula, allowing readers only 4 minutes to perform. The time limit is maintained by the hosts who blow a whistle to emphasis this. Mary Hamilton, the other force behind Quickies, moved to LA this past fall, but returns to reprise her roll manning the whistle. Joining them will be TWBW host Jesse Bradley.
"We chose the readers to rep Quickies by trying to select writers who make us proud to be in Chicago," Hunter says. "We also wanted to include Natalie Edwards and Jill Summers, as they are Chicagoans who hail from Central Florida."
The rest of lineup includes: Jocelyn Bartkevicius, Andy Farkas, Kirsten Holt, Samantha Irby, Jonathan Kosik, David James Poissant, Joseph Rippi, Jess Stoner, and Chris Terry.
As a supplement, Burrow Press will release a chapbook including pieces from all the readers, available at the reading for $5.
With some many other events happening, the event begins early at 3pm in School of the Art Institute Chicago Ballroom, 112 South Michigan Avenue.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Tue Feb 28 2012
In the land of Chicago, a bookstore does lie,
Where well-loved Pollans and Austens and Terkels sit by.
But of course, don't forget, Geisel lives here too,
In picture books and poetry and a Truffula or two.
Who's Geisel, you ask? The answer may surprise.
He's no gyno or derma or doc for the eyes.
But a doctor, he is! A doctor called Seuss,
And his birth we will cheer while his books go vamoose.
For wee ones and older, the bookstore will rock.
With coloring, crafts, and readings, no crock.
On Saturday, March 3, from noon to four,
Stop by Open Books bookstore, located at 213 W. Institute Pl., for the man we adore.
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Tue Feb 28 2012
Finding local flavor in any of the AWP events this weekend isn't hard. On Thursday, March 1, check out the Fiction Feed reading sponsored by Dzanc Books and Joyland Press, spotlighting local writer and 2nd Story collaborator Megan Stielstra.
Stielstra speaks on what it's like to be part of a small press (Joyland released her short story collection Everyone Remain Calm), reading in Chicago, and her thoughts and excitement surrounding the conference.
Your story collection came out on Joyland, which provides a home to short fiction. How has it been working with them?
I was a long time fan of Joyland and its mission to promote short fiction, and I love how they have an editorial staff across Northern America -- so much diverse, delicious new stuff to read that really challenges me as a writer, and as a human being, too. The best stories do that, I think.
Continue reading this entry »
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Mon Feb 27 2012
This Wednesday, February 29, on the eve of the 2012 AWP conference, come watch Monster Mags of the Midwest: Reading II, right across from Wrigley Field. Mary Biddinger, Brock Clarke, Matthew Gavin Frank, Keith Lee Morris, Michael Robins, and Laura Van den Berg will celebrate the start of AWP by doing a fiction and poetry reading at Murphy's Bleachers (3655 N. Sheffield Ave.) from 7-10pm. Admission is free, but you have to pay for your own hot dogs and beer...
— Emily Wong /
Events Mon Feb 27 2012
Challengers Comics hosts a monthly graphic novel book club called Chattingers (lending meaning to their name). On February 29, the book will be Neil Gaiman's Books of Magic. Join attendees in a discussion of the work. Stop by the store and pick up a copy before the event, then show up at 8pm to Challengers Comics + Conversation, located at 1845 N. Western Ave.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Sat Feb 25 2012
Author and historian Michael Beschloss will speak at Columbia College (Film Row Cinema, 1104 S. Wabash Ave., eighth floor) on Thursday, March 8 at 7pm. This free and public lecture will close out Columbia's Conversations in the Arts 2011-2012 series (now in its eighth year), which this season has focused on issues prevalent in the liberal arts and sciences curriculum. Previous speakers in this year's series were writer Gloria Steinem and political commentator Donna Brazile.
Beschloss, "a preeminent historian and wonderful speaker," said Eric Winston, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Columbia, will speak on presidential courage — what it is, and which presidents have made "courageous" decisions. Author of nine books on American presidents — covering topics such as Lyndon Johnson's secret tapes and JFK and the Cold War — Beschloss, a Chicago native, has also served as NBC News presidential historian and as a commentator for "PBS NewsHour."
The event will be moderated by WBEZ's Steve Edwards — journalist, interviewer and host of "Afternoon Shift," a daily conversation about news, culture and ideas.
While the event is free and open to the public, a reservation is still recommended.
— Megan E. Doherty /
Events Sat Feb 25 2012
The TallGrass Writers Guild is hosting an open mic with Charlotte Hart Tuesday, February 28, at 7:30pm at The Bourgeois Pig (738 W. Fullerton Ave., use the right-hand doorway). For $6 ($5 for students), you can captivate the audience with your poetry, fiction, non-fiction, etc.
— Emily Wong /
Events Sat Feb 25 2012
A creative influence in the African-American community, Lowell Thompson was the first African-American hired in advertising after Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968. His activism in the African-American community did not begin until the 90's when he published his first book, WHITEFOLKS: Seeing America Through Black Eyes. He is now discussing his latest novel, African Americans in Chicago.
Come see Lowell Thompson read and discuss his novel on Tuesday, Feb 28 @ 6pm at the Harold Washington Library, Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, 400 S. State St.
— Julie Zarlenga /
Events Thu Feb 23 2012
Help kick-off AWP 2012 at the official party held at the Empty Bottle (1035 W Western Ave.). Starting at 8pm, enjoy readings and music and more for free! All you have to do is RSVP: email rsvp@emptybottle.com with "AWP Party" in the subject line and your full name in the body of email. If you forget, it'll cost you $8.
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Feb 22 2012
If you haven't heard of the Association of Writers & Writers Programs (AWP), then you're going to get a big surprise as people from all over flood the city next week for the 2012 AWP annual conference. Celebrating authors, teachers, writing programs, literary centers, and small press publishers, the conference has hundreds of presentations that range from readings and lectures, to dances and informal gatherings. Registration for all AWP site events is now closed; however, there are plenty of literary off-site events to attend. Check out the off-site event schedule and start freeing up your calendar!
— Emily Wong /
Events Mon Feb 20 2012
Logan Square coffee house Nothin' Less Cafe hosts an open mic for poets and acoustic musicians, this Wednesday and every Wednesday. Jose Isael Gonzalez and resident poet Luis Tubens host. Nothin' Less Cafe, 2642 N. Milwaukee Ave., February 22, 8:30-10pm. Donations accepted.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Feb 20 2012
This Thursday at The Hideout is the Chicago release party for Baratunde Thurston's How To Be Black. Part memoir, part tongue-in-cheek self-help guide, Publisher's Weekly calls it "a hilarious blend of razor-sharp satire and memoir;" Fast Company calls it "an assault on nostalgia - a satirical, biographical attack on the idea that 'blackness' or any label should be derived from historical description." Thurston inhabited many worlds growing up. He attended D.C.'s prestigious Sidwell Friends School (whose alumnae include Chelsea Clinton and the Obama girls) while at home he watched his friends turn from delivering Domino's pizza to dealing drugs almost overnight. He later attended Harvard and is now the Onion's digital director, a standup comedian and the co-founder of Jack and Jill Politics. The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, Thursday, February 24 at 7pm. $8 cover.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Feb 20 2012
On Thursday, February 23rd, the Read/Write Library Chicago is hosting its first Open Mic Reading (hopefully an ongoing event)! Reader slot will be signed up on a first-come-first-serve basis. Prose, Essays, Poetry and the like are welcome. Time per reader is 7 minutes. The event begins at 7pm and will go through 9:30pm, depending on how many readers come out (that means you!). Light refreshments will be provided. The event is free so stop by the Read/Write Library's new space at 914 N. California.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Mon Feb 20 2012
Photo by Juliana Sohn
On Monday, Feb. 27 at 6pm, Nathan Englander (internationally acclaimed author of The Ministry of Special Cases) will discusses his latest collection of short stories, What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank, at the Harold Washington Library Center (400 S. State St.).
"These eight stories display Englander grappling with the great questions of modern life, with a command of language and the imagination that place him at the forefront of contemporary American fiction."
The event is free and no registration is required, but keep in mind that seating is on a first come, first serve basis.
— Megan E. Doherty /
Events Fri Feb 17 2012
It's been in the making for a year, and you'll probably want to see it. And hear it.
FJORDS, a multi-media collaboration between a poet, a composer, musicians and puppet artists, will premiere at Chicago's Poetry Foundation (61 W. Superior St.) on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 7pm — and tickets are only $10. The show will only be here four nights, so don't wait too long.
Kyle Vegter, the composer, tells the story of how this meeting of the minds — and mediums — came to be.
"It was basically a series of things all coming together at exactly the right time." Vegter happened to pick up a copy of one of Portland transplant, poet Zach Schomburg's, books: From the Fjords. "His poems really resonated with me. They are emotionally devastating in a beautiful and nuanced way, he fits so much into a paragraph of poetry. I couldn't put his book down."
It was already in his mind to do something with these poems when he was contacted by Ellen McSweeney, a violinist for the Chicago Q Ensemble, about collaborating with him and Manual Cinema — who, if you haven't heard, are the masterminds behind last summer's ADA/AVA, a shadow puppet show unlike anything you've ever seen.
That is, of course, until now.
The path to the finished FJORDS project turned out to be a reverse of how Vegter and Manual Cinema have collaborated in the past. This time, instead of crafting the music to accompany an already-made visual performance, the puppets came last.
Vegter wrote a series of short musical pieces for the Q Ensemble, each inspired by one of Schomburg's poems — 15 all told. The recorded music was then passed along to the puppeteers, who, on the basis of both the poems and the music based on them, created "the visual world."
By "picking out motifs and creating character maps," the puppeteers — through overhead projectors, human silhouette and manipulated video — tell the story of "a young man through haunting surrealist landscapes as he struggles with work, family, love, and what would kill him."
Each show will begin with Schomburg, who will read through the adapted poems before the cinematic shadow puppetry begins — not your standard poetry-reading fare. "The visual, musical, and experiential approaches to poetry combined to make something wholly new — something that went far beyond the typical poetry reading," said Stephanie M. Hlywak, media director for the Poetry Foundation. "These kind of creative partnerships — ones in which artists forge bold new interpretations of poetry — reinvigorate the art form and help bring it to new audiences."
If you can't wait to get one at the show, you can pre-order Schomburg's book FJORDS, which won't be officially released until March 1 at the Association of Writers and Writing Programs conference. Get the hardcover and you'll also get a CD featuring music from the performance.
— Megan E. Doherty /
Events Wed Feb 15 2012
Starting at 10am this Friday, February 17, Chicago high school students who made it to the Regional Poetry Out Loud finals will compete for a chance to go all the way to the National finals in Washington DC in May. The event is free and will be held at the Poetry Foundation (61 W Superior). It is also open to the public, with standby tickets opening up an hour before the start time. Come support the students as they flex their mental memorization and recitation muscles!
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue Feb 14 2012
If your Mr. Darcy let you down this Valentine's Day, take some solace in this Book Cellar's Jane Austen-themed evening this Thursday. The evening will feature Karen Doornebos (Definitely Not Mr. Darcy) and Mona Scheuermann (Reading Jane Austen). The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., Thursday, February 16 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Feb 14 2012
This Thursday, poets Jessica Savitz (Hunting Is Painting) and Catherine Theis (The Fraud of Good Sleep) read at Women and Children First. Both are Iowa Writers' Workshop alums; Theis' book won the 2011 Cranshaw Prize and Savitz won the Madeleine P. Plonsker Emerging Writer's Residency Prize. Women and Children First, 5233 N. Clark, Thursday, February 16 at 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Author Tue Feb 14 2012
David Ansell author of County: Life, Death and
Politics at Chicago's Public Hospital will be at Revolution Books. David Ansell is on the Board of Directors for the Cook County Health System, and was once training as a doctor at Cook County Hospital where he was exposed to the injustices of racial inequality of the uninsured. Ansell will discuss his novel about what he and other doctors witnessed at Cook County Hospital.
Listen to David Ansell on Thursday, Feb 16 @ 7pm at Revolution Books, 1103 N. Ashland Ave.
— Julie Zarlenga /
Author Tue Feb 14 2012
Activist Jay Michaelson, author of God
vs. Gay? The Religious Case for Equality will be reading and discussing his novel. Founder of Nehirim: GLBT Jewish Culture and Spirituality, Michaelson was a professor at Yale University, and is an advocate for LGBT equality in religion.
Join Jay Michaelson in a discussion and reading on Thursday, Feb 16 @ 7pm at the Center on Halsted, Hoover-Leppen Theatre, 3656 N. Halsted St. There will be a $5 suggested donation.
— Julie Zarlenga /
Events Sun Feb 12 2012
Wanna spice up your Monday? Check out the annual Erotica Exotica Poetica open mic at Weeds (1555 N. Dayton) tomorrow, February 13, starting at 10pm. Gregorio Gomez hosts as poets bring their "most sexiest, seductive, sensual, and orgasmic poetry" to read to (and turn on) the audience. Admission and parking are free, but it's 21+ only! (IDs will be checked.)
— Emily Wong /
Events Sat Feb 11 2012
Last night at the Women & Children First bookstore, Chinelo Okparanta and Nami Mun read from their work, and conducted a question & answer session afterward. Despite the wintery weather, a good sized crowd made it out to hear the authors read. The authors were reading to promote famed British magazine Granta. Chinelo Okparanta, a graduate from the Iowa Writers Workshop, and a professor at Iowa University, read from her story "America" in Granta's 2012 Winter edition titled "Exit Strategies." Nami Mun, a professor at Columbia College in Chicago, who's story, "The Anniversary" is in Granta's 2011 Spring issue titled, "Aliens." Nami decided to read from her 2008 novel Miles from Nowhere from a chapter called "At the Employment Agency."
Chinelo Okparanta
Nami Mun
Aspiring writers from Columbia College, where Nami Mun is a professor, and a few from Iowa, where Chinelo Okparanta teaches at Iowa University, asked the authors questions pertaining to plot line, inspiration, being put into a category, and how to know where to end a novel. When answering the questions, both authors showed their difference in style, and writing process. Chinelo Okparanta starts with a location first, while Nami Mun starts with the characters. But, the commonality they share is their enjoyment for writing, which is what keeps them writing.
— Julie Zarlenga /
Events Wed Feb 08 2012
This Friday is the Urban Sandbox poetry reading at Comfort Station featuring Kevin Coval, No Se (Team Westinghouse) and hosted by Dan "Sully" Sullivan. Comfort Station Logan Square, 2579 N. Milwaukee, Friday, February 10 at 7:30pm. All ages, $5 cover.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Feb 08 2012
Challengers Comics hosts yet another great event for the release party of Sarah Becan's Shuteye Saturday, February 11th. Becan's new graphic novel will be available for purchase, with the opportunity to get it signed. Challengers will provide some beer and wine for those 21 and over as well as snacks for all. Join the party 6pm, Challengers Comics + Conversation, 1845 N Western Ave.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Feb 08 2012
Prestiges British magazine Granta will be featuring it's 2012 Winter issue "Exit Strategies" at Women & Children First bookstore. Reading from their work will be Chinelo Okparanta, and Nami Mun. Chinelo Okparanta studied at the Iowa Writer's Workshop and her work is featured in Granta's Winter issue. Nami Mun is the award winning author of Miles From Nowhere, and a professor at Columbia College in Chicago.
Come see Chinelo Okparanta and Nami Mun read as part of Granta magazine's debue of their Winter issue. The event will be held at Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St., Friday, Feb 10 @ 7:30pm.
— Julie Zarlenga /
Events Mon Feb 06 2012
Iraqi novelist, and instructor at De Paul University, Mahmoud Saeed will be reading from his latest novel, The World Through the Eyes of Angels at The Book Cellar. Mahmoud Saeed has written over 20 novels, among them, Saddam City.
Join Mahmoud Saeed at The Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave, Wednesday, Feb 8 @ 7pm.
— Julie Zarlenga /
Events Mon Feb 06 2012
On Valentine's Day, the Cliff Dwellers Club (a series of discussions sponsored by the Society of Midland Authors) will have local romance novelists Jennifer Stevenson, Sherrill Bodine and Patricia Rosemoor talk about their craft.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Mon Feb 06 2012
This Tuesday February 7th, attend the the School of the Art Institute's Spring 2012 Visiting Artists Program series as they invite authors Sam Lipsyte and Ben Marcus. Both will be reading, followed by Q&A. Books will be on hand for purchase and possibly signing. The event begins at 6pm in the Columbus Auditorium, 280 South Columbus Drive.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Thu Feb 02 2012
Get some poetry in before the Super Bowl with the Myopic Poetry Series. Resident Chicagoan and author of The Fraud of Good Sleep, Catherine Theis, will be joined by Rebecca Lehmann author of Between the Crackups, to read their poetry.
Listen to Catherine Theis and Rebecca Lehmann read at Myopic Books, 1564 N. Milwaukee Ave, Saturday, Feb 4@7pm.
— Julie Zarlenga /
Events Wed Feb 01 2012
Friday night, Women and Children First welcomes local author Damian Serbu ("the Anne Rice of gay horror"). He'll be reading from his newest The Vampire's Quest: Book II in the Vampire's Angel Series. Women and Children First, 5233 N. Clark, Friday, February 3 at 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Feb 01 2012
There's still time to sign up for World Book Night! A volunteer event designed to get more people reading, World Book Night was started last year in the U.K. and has expanded this year to include the U.S. Not your typical clutter-clearing donation, the idea is to distribute specific, hand-picked books they think more people should read. To participate, you apply and agree to distribute 20 copies of your promised book (don't worry, they'll hook you up; "there is no charge for these special, not for resale editions"). Then, on April 23, 2012 (the UNESCO International Day of the Book), World Book Day ambassadors go forth in their communities to distribute the books to "non or light readers." The deadline to participate has been extended to February 6; click here to apply.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Feb 01 2012
On February 3rd, Chicago Zine Fest is holding its last fundraiser before the fest. They team up with Punk Rock Karaoke Chicago, who bring DIY music to a one of a kind karaoke experience. The co-hosts will be Johnny Misfit and Mason Johnson.
The event begins at 9pm at Beauty Bar, 1444 W. Chicago. 21+. There is a $5 cover which goes to the zine fest.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Feb 01 2012
As part of the humungous literary convergence that is AWP, on March 2nd local reading series Quickies teams up with Orlando, Florida based reading series There Will be Words. The "Chicago meets Orlando" connection was fostered by Quickies host and author Lindsey Hunter who is a transplant from Orlando. There Will Be Words is an outlet for Orlando's Burrow Press.
"I had participated in Burrow Press's 15 Views of Orlando," says Hunter," a point of pride as I hail from Orlando. That's how I got to know Ryan Rivas, who runs BP. We just started planning a show with the idea that it'd be like "Chicago meets Orlando."
The format that Quickies follows is one that fosters flash fiction, allowing readers only 4 minutes to perform. The time limit is maintained by the hosts who blow a whistle to emphasis this. Mary Hamilton, the other force behind Quickies, moved to LA this past fall, but returns to reprise her roll manning the whistle. Joining them will be TWBW host Jesse Bradley.
"We chose the readers to rep Quickies by trying to select writers who make us proud to be in Chicago. We also wanted to include Natalie Edwards and Jill Summers, as they are Chicagoans who hail from Central Florida," says Hunter.
The rest of lineup includes: Jocelyn Bartkevicius, Andy Farkas, Kirsten Holt, Samantha Irby, Jonathan Kosik, David James Poissant, Joseph Rippi, Jess Stoner, and Chris Terry.
As a supplement, Burrow Press will release a chapbook including pieces from all the readers, available at the reading for $5.
With some many other events happening, the event begins early at 3pm in School of the Art Institute Chicago Ballroom, 112 South Michigan Avenue.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Mon Jan 30 2012
Reading Under the Influence aims to celebrate Mardi Gras at their February reading (the first of 2012). On Wednesday, February 1, readings will feature Patricia Ann McNair (author of The Temple of Air), Seth Alexander (writer and religious scholar), Quinn Stephens (writer and animator of Laser Dragon University) and Kyle Chaney (a RUI co-host). The month's theme will be "carnival", just in time for Fat Tuesday.
Stop in to at the back-back room at Sheffield's, located at 3258 N. Sheffield Ave. 7pm with a $3 cover.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Sun Jan 29 2012
Lori Andrews, Professor of Law at Kent College in Chicago, and advocate for internet privacy rights, will be at the Harold Washington Library as part of their free Author Series. Andrews will be discussing and signing her book I Know Who You Are and I Saw What You Did: Social Networks and the Death of Privacy.
Come meet Lori Andrews at Harold Washington Library, Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, 400 S. State St., Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 6pm.
— Julie Zarlenga /
Events Fri Jan 27 2012
Write Club is back with its 22nd chapter, titled "Race Wars." For those who don't know, Write Club is a reading series that pits contestants against each other with competing assigned themes. There are three bouts, each seven minutes long. The audience votes on the winner. Oh, and all proceeds go to charities of winner's choosing. You're intrigued.
Race Wars bouts include Black by host Ian Belknap vs. White by Samantha Irby, Gay by Mairead Case vs. Straight by Whit Nelson, and Cat by Daniel Shapiro vs. Dog by Natalie Edwards. Write Club is on Tuesday, January 31st, at 7pm, at the Hideout 1354 W. Wabansia. $8 at the door; 21+
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Thu Jan 26 2012
Two Cookie Minimum returns in 2012 with a lineup of readers culled from the laundry list of guests that appeared at the series in 2011. There's a mix of zinesters and writers, featuring
Lara Levitan, Carrie Colpitts (my aim is true zine), Tom Lynch, Georgi Johnson (cursive zine), and Jim Joyce (or let it sink zine).
The event is back at the Hungry Brain, 2319 W. Belmont Ave., at 9pm. As always, there will be cookies.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Thu Jan 26 2012
The Chicago Way literary series is at it again Sunday, Jan. 29. They change up gears a bit, shifting from crime to romance and style. Guests include romance novelist Sherrill Bodine and woman-about-town Candace Jordan discussing writing about Chicago society.
Audience participation is encouraged during a Q&A session. Stick around after the discussion for an opportunity to purchase books and get them signed. The discussion takes place in the back room of the The Hidden Shamrock, 2723 N. Halsted St., at 7pm.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Jan 25 2012
Quimby's bookstore is celebrating the results of their 24 Hour Zine Challenge with a reading from those who participated in this momentous occasion. Zinesters and artists will read from work they completed or began during the zine challenge. Stop by the store Saturday January 28th at 7pm. Quimby's is located at 1854 W. North Ave.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Jan 25 2012
Four Monologues is an excerpt from author and poet Aram Saroyan's play, The Laws of Light, done as a staged reading. Taking place at the Poetry Foundation (61 W Superior) tonight at 7pm, the reading coincides with a letterpress book release. The artist's book edition was created by students in the Book and Paper Arts MFA program at Columbia College Chicago. Reserve your spot here or call (312) 787-7070.
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue Jan 24 2012
The University of Chicago's Poem Present Reading and Lecture Series is welcoming poet Ben Lerner. The university familiarizes students, and the community with poets and their work. Since 2001 they have been giving the students the chance to direct questions to the poets regarding their work, as well as the contemporary poetry scene.
Ben Lerner will be sharing his poetry and conducting a question and answer session. This event is free and is open to the general public. It will be held on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 4:30pm at the University of Chicago in Rosenwald Hall 405, 1101 E. 58th St.
— Julie Zarlenga /
Events Tue Jan 24 2012
Northwestern MFA graduates, poets Christine Pacyk and Lana Rakhman, will receive a grand introduction by established poets Ron Gibbons and Simone Muench at a reading and reception this Friday, January 27, at the Stop Smiling storefront (1371 N Milwaukee Ave)at 7pm. Admission is free, so come congratulate the new grads!
— Emily Wong /
Events Mon Jan 23 2012
This Wednesday, Daniel Handler (a.k.a. Lemony Snicket) signs his new young adult novel Why We Broke Up at the Skokie Barnes and Noble. Illustrator Maira Kalman will also be there. The novel tells the story of a breakup from a teenage girl's point of view. The L.A. Times says "it's easy to predict how Handler's story will conclude from the book's few pages. It's more difficult to take such an everyday tragedy with a predictable ending and elevate it to an end point of enduring, emotionally effective art." Barnes and Noble, 55 Old Orchard Center, Skokie, Wednesday, January 25 at 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Jan 23 2012
This Wednesday, Bob Riesman presents I Feel So Good: The Life and Times of Big Bill Broonzy. The Chicago Tribune says "[Broonzy] was one of the most celebrated blues artists of his era, a visionary Chicago singer-songwriter who mentored Muddy Waters, introduced the music to Europe and inspired no less than Eric Clapton, Ray Davies and Pete Townshend (as they've all acknowledged). Broonzy has been virtually forgotten by the popular culture he helped shape...which is why an important new book, I Feel So Good: The Life and Times of Big Bill Broonzy, comes not a moment too soon." Singer/songwriter Chris Walz will be on hand to play Broonzy's music. Chicago Public Library, Blackstone branch, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave., Wednesday, January 25 at 6pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Jan 23 2012
Join human rights advocate, and former U.S. Ambassador James C. Hormel as he reads from his new memoir Fit to Serve: Reflections on a Secret Life, Private Struggle, and Public Battle to Become the First Openly Gay U.S. Ambassador.
Hormel will be at The Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave, Wednesday, Jan 25 at 7pm.
— Julie Zarlenga /
Events Mon Jan 23 2012
The always interesting 2nd Story keeps going with their 2011-12 season Know Thyself with a reading January 26th themed Shhhh! Don't Tell: Stories of Secrets. That might mean skeletons in the closet, love affairs or anything that is too taboo to mention. The idea will be presented by storytellers Megan Stielstra, Margaret Marion, Rebecca Anderson, and Darwyn Jones. Get a glass of wine and settle down at 7pm at In Fine Spirits 5418-5420 N. Clark st.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Thu Jan 19 2012
Come see to the Best New Poets 2011 anthology as they release their latest edition and give readings of their work. The poets attending the event will be Brittany Cavallaro, Natalie Giarratano, Virginia Konchan, Nancy Reddy, and David Welch.
To see the release of this anthology come to The Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave, Saturday, Jan 21 @ 7pm.
— Julie Zarlenga /
Events Wed Jan 18 2012
Also tomorrow night, Gerber/Hart Library in Edgewater presents readings from the anthology Windy City Queer: LGBTQ Dispatches From the Third Coast. Editor Kathie Bergquist will be joined by contributors Karen Lee Osborne, Aldo Alvarez, Gerard Wozek, Deb Lewis and Emma Vosikey. Author Michelle Tea says "I'm so into so many of the writers in this smart collection, and at the end of it have a whole new gang of funny-deep-weird-brainy authors to get obsessed with. So many ways to be queer plus so many ways to be a writer - all are indulged and investigated against the constant hum of Chicago and its singular Midwestern urbanism." Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Granville, Ave., Thursday, January 19 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Jan 18 2012
Tomorrow night author Lori B. Andrews presents I Know Who You Are and I Saw What You Did: Social Networks and the Death of Privacy at the Book Stall at Chestnut Court. Kirkus Reviews says "Unnerving narrative about the misuse of personal online information - without our knowledge - to track, judge and harm us in innumerable aspects of our lives. ...Authoritative, important reading for policymakers and an unnerving reminder that anything you post can and will be used against you." The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, 811 Elm Street, Winnetka, Thursday, January 19 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Jan 18 2012
Two With Water reading series starts the new year focusing on the resolutions we all attempt so early in the year. Their theme on January 22nd will be Resolved. Readers include James Kennedy, JW Basilo, Maggie Ritchie, Brandon Will, Mason Johnson, and Aubrey Scheffey.
The event starts at 7pm with an open-mic sign up at the Beauty Bar 1444 W Chicago Ave.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Tue Jan 17 2012
This Thursday, January 19th, the Gumbo Fiction Salon, a multi-genre story stew (hence the name), welcomes Chicago crime fiction and thriller author Libby Fischer Hellman. There is an open mic sign up for ten minute spots.
This series meets on the third Thursday of every month, 7pm upstairs at the Galway Arms Irish Pub, at 2442 N. Clark. $4 entrance fee, $2 for students.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Mon Jan 16 2012
"Write the book that gets you out of bed to write, and keeps you up at night to write."
So advises Ben LeRoy, publisher of Tyrus Books and F+W Crime. LeRoy will be making the trip from Madison in a few short weeks to attend Chicago's third Literati event - and to hit up the Love is Murder mystery conference, to boot.
The Chicago Literati will gather once more on February 2, from 6-9pm at the Hidden Shamrock (2723 N. Halsted), thanks to Dana Kaye, who doesn't want writing to be more solitary than it has to.
LeRoy remembers meeting Kaye six or seven years ago — back when he used to run Bleak House Books — at another Love is Murder conference. "Many Chicago writers were at that conference. It was a bonding of what is now the young lions of the Chicago crime fiction scene."
And the Chicago literary scene, in general, has kept him and many others coming back. "There's a working ethic to the literary scene in Chicago, and there's a realness that's missing in much [literature and media]. Chicago is more grounded and rooted in its fiction and nonfiction. It all feels much more human and tangible to me. Chicago is the everyman."
At this next installment of Kaye's networking events, LeRoy looks forward not only to continuing the bond among his fellow creatives, but also to see what stories he can find. "I'm big on getting pockets of the country that are completely unrepresented. Part of my mission is to really capture what it is to be alive in fly-over country. There is really so much life to be lived here."
In addition to LeRoy, also in attendance will be:
— Jon and Ruth Jordan - Co-founders and editors of Crimespree Magazine, a publication dedicated to the mystery genre
— Sherrill Bodine - author of All I Want Is You and other contemporary romances set in Chicago
Details:
Thursday, February 2
6-9pm
The Hidden Shamrock, 2723 N. Halsted
$15 in advance/$20 at the door
Free appetizers, and cash bar with drink specials
And the first 30 people who register get an all-coveted swag bag.
— Megan E. Doherty /
Events Mon Jan 16 2012
This past Saturday, The Book Cellar hosted the Chicago Writers Association's first ever Book of the Year Awards. Winners of the award were Krista August for Giants in the Park: A Guide to Portrait Statues in Chicago's Lincoln Park.
Krista August
Pamela Ferdinand, Carey Goldberg, and Beth Jones won for their novel Three Wishes: A True Story of Good Friends, Crushing Heartbreak, and Astonishing Luck on our Way to Love and Motherhood.
Pamela Ferdinand
James Finn Garner won for his novel Honk, Honk, My Darling: A Rex Koko, Private Clown Mystery.
James Finn Garner
Christine Sneed won for her novel Portraits of a Few of the People I've Made Cry.
Christine Sneed
The ceremony started with a speech from the president of the Chicago Writer's Association, Randy Richardson. The awards were then presented and each author read an excerpt from their novel. Afterwards, the authors signed their books for their fans.
— Julie Zarlenga /
Events Fri Jan 13 2012
The Chicago Writers Association is holding their Book of the Year Awards featuring the award-winning authors. The books receiving awards will be Portraits of a Few of the People I've Made Cry: Stories by Christine Sneed, Honk, Honk, My Darling: A Rex Koko, Private Clown Mystery by James Finn Garner, Three Wishes: A True Story of Good Friends, Crushing Heartbreak, and Astonishing Luck on our Way to Love and Motherhood by Pamela Ferdinand, Carey Goldberg, and Beth Jones, as well as Giants in the Park: A Guide to Portrait Statues in Chicago's Lincoln Park by Krista August.
Stop by The Book Cellar @ 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave on Saturday, Jan 14 at 7pm. The event is free and will have wine and coffee afterwards.
— Julie Zarlenga /
Books Fri Jan 13 2012
James Finn Garner packs in the laughs with his new hardboiled detective novel Honk, Honk, My Darling: A Rex Koko, Private Clown Mystery. Garner will be one of the authors awarded The Book of the Year Award by the Chicago Writers Association, which will be held on Saturday, Jan 14. This punchline loaded novel follows Rex Koko, a clown with a booze-soaked past. Rex is hired by Carlozo the flying trapeze artist to track down his wife Adeline. But, as Koko trails the femme fatale through the shady parts of Top Town, he finds himself in the center of a three-ring-circus.
To see James Finn Garner awarded for his new novel, visit The Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave on Saturday, Jan 14 @ 7pm.
— Julie Zarlenga /
Events Wed Jan 11 2012
Also this Thursday, local mystery author Sara Paretsky will be appearing at Women and Children First. Her new novel, Breakdown, is the 15th novel following V. I. Warshawski, female private investigator. The Chicago Sun-Times says "Warshawski presents an irresistible combination - a cranky, vulnerable woman with
a messy life, but a superhuman willingness to put herself in harm's way for the sake of
justice." The event marks the 30th anniversary of the series. "Champagne, of course, and other refreshments will be served." Women and Children First, 5233 N. Clark, Thursday, January 12 at 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Jan 11 2012
Tomorrow night, Northwestern University law professor David Scheffer discusses his new book All the Missing Souls: A Personal History of the War Crimes Tribunals at the University of Chicago Law School. Scheffer spearheaded the war crimes tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in 1993. Luis Moreno-Ocampo, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, says "David Scheffer tells the inside story of the creation of international justice for victims of atrocity crimes. As the picture of astronauts walking on the moon embodied the evolution of technology, this book captures eight years of a controversial process that is changing humanity forever." University of Chicago Law School, 1111 E. 60th St., Thursday, January 12 at 6pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Books Mon Jan 09 2012
Weighed Words, micropublisher and imprint of Hourglass Books since 2010, will present Solace in So Many Words at the Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave., at 7:30pm Thursday, Jan. 26.
"Solace in So Many Words, featuring Wilmette writer J. Scott Smith, along with contributors Joan Corwin, Pamela Miller, Pat Rahmann D. J. Lachance and editor Ellen Wade Beals. What does solace mean? Come hear these distinguished writers share their poetry, fiction and essays on the very pertinent subject of solace."
— Megan E. Doherty /
Events Mon Jan 09 2012
For all you crime and mystery fans out there, join The Chicago Way literary series Tuesday, Jan. 10 as they bring out authors Charlie Newton (whose new novel is Start Shooting) and Chicago native Jonathan Eig. The series is hosted by local author Michael Harvey, writer of the Chicago Way crime novel series.
Audience members are encouraged to ask the authors about the research of their novels, the subject matter and writing process. Invited guests include some of the real-life people Newton based many of his characters on, as well as some members of the Chicago Police Department.
There will be interactive Chicago-crime themed games with prizes, cocktails and a book signings. Stop in at the The Hidden Shamrock (back room), 2723 N. Halsted St., at 7pm.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Thu Jan 05 2012
P. Fanatics was touted in Newcity's Top 5 of Everything 2011 as one of the city's best reading series. The theme this month is Fame; how coincidental. If you haven't checked it out, take a chance on Sunday, Jan. 8.
Performers include Daniel Shapiro, Jac Jemc, Kathleen Rooney, Benicia Blue, Vanessa Pegram, Patrick Allen Carberry, and Jason Bredle. Join host Mason Johnson at Cole's, 2338 N. Milwaukee Ave., 7:30pm.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Thu Jan 05 2012
What do the White House, cooking and mystery novels have in common? Author Julie Hyzy who has been releasing a series of mystery novels that involve the oval-office's chef. Her newest title in the series, Affairs of Steak, (they all have fun titles) is released this month. She will be holding a launch party Saturday, Jan. 7 at 1pm at Centuries and Sleuths bookstore, 7419 W. Madison St. in Forest Park. Refreshments will be served, some made from the recipes in her books. Stop on by to check it all out.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Jan 04 2012
Story Club, a monthly reading series, hits Uncommon Ground tomorrow night. "We give you a mic and 5-8 minutes. You tell us a story." They're going with a new year's theme this month (Reboot) and the featured readers are Adam Guerino and Jen Bosworth. Uncommon Ground Cafe, 3800 N. Clark. Thursday, January 5. Open mic signup at 8pm; start time 8:15pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Jan 04 2012
Did you know January is National Hobby Month? To honor the occasion, Quimby's is hosting its first 24-Hour Zine Challenge. Starting at 7pm on Saturday, January 14, and running until 7pm Sunday, January 15, Quimby's will have a sleepover at the shop. But instead of playing Light-as-a-Feather, Stiff-as-a-Board, participants will create their own zine with provided supplies. Space is limited, so RSVP before January 11, and come with "sleeping gear, ideas, stamina." Click here for more information on how to reserve your spot!
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Jan 04 2012
Tomorrow night, Sara Levine reads from her novel Treasure Island!!! at Women and Children First. Treasure Island!!! tells the tale of a disillusioned college grad who uses the Robert Louis Stevenson novel as a map for how to live her life. Library Journal says "this highly original, farcical novel will keep you entertained in spite of (or more accurately, because of) its toxic narrator." Levine is the chair of the writing program at the School of the Art Institute Chicago. Women and Children First, 5233 N. Clark, Thursday, January 5 at 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Jan 03 2012
The new year bring us a new release from prolific romance author Sherrill Bodine. To coincide with the release of her newest novel, All I Want is You, on January 5th Bodine comes to Chicago for a night of reading and discussion along with champagne and hors d'oeuvres. The event will be in the Palm Court at the Drake Hotel 140 East Walton Place, 6pm.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Mon Jan 02 2012
Watch the story of Carl Sandburg--his life and his work--at the Chicago premiere of Bonesteel Films' The Day Carl Sandburg Died. After the screening, Marc Smith, the founder of slam poetry, will discuss all things Sandburg with the filmmaker, Paul Bonesteel. Friday, January 6, at 7pm and Saturday, January 7, at 3pm at The Poetry Foundation (61 W. Superior St.). Reserve your spot for free!
— Emily Wong /
Events Mon Jan 02 2012
The Encyclopedia Show kicks off 2012 this Wednesday, January 4th. The theme will be Mesopotamia. The hosts of this over-the-top extravaganza showcase point out, "everything in your whole life probably came from Mesopotamia, including Jesus." Spoken like true wise men.
Performers and their assigned topics include: Sam Irby (Sunday Night Sex Show) - Lamassu, Chris Bower (Ray's Reading Series) - Gilgamesh and Enkidu,
Jonathan Messinger (Featherproof Books) - Babel and its Tower, Cydney Edwards (First Wave) - Ashurbanipal, Laura Berger (Visual Artist) - Cuneiform, Laura Yes Yes (How To Seduce A White Boy In Ten Easy Steps) - Enuma Elish Creation Myth.
The show goes off at 7:30pm, $8, at the Vittum Theater -- 1012 N. Noble St.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Thu Dec 29 2011
Challengers Comics hosts its annual Nerd Year's Eve celebration this weekend, Saturday, Dec 31st. Hosts will be singer/songwriter Jess Godwin and comic book writer Elliot Serrano. There's a $20 cover that includes drinks, snacks, a $10 Challengers Gift Certificate and a champagne toast. Hostess Jess Godwin will debut her new music video "Out With The Old" after the stroke of midnight. Get your comics fix in before then. Tickets are on sale now at Challengers Comics and Conversation, located at 1845 N Western Ave.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Thu Dec 29 2011
Tribune columnist Jon Yates (the "Problem Solver") has heard a lot of people's problems. Enough to fill a thrice-weekly column for the past six years.
If you've missed out on those 900-odd advice columns and could use a helpful synopsis, then you may want to check out Yates' new book — titled, appropriately enough, What's Your Problem? Cut Through Red Tape, Challenge the System and Get Your Money Back.
On Thursday, Jan. 5 at 6pm, Yates will be promoting his new advice compendium at the Billy Goat Tavern, 430 N. Michigan Ave., lower level. Go for the tips, stay for a burger.
— Megan E. Doherty /
Events Thu Dec 29 2011
Watch the story of Carl Sandburg--his life and his work--at the Chicago premiere of Bonesteel Films' The Day Carl Sandburg Died. After the screening, Marc Smith, the founder of slam poetry, will discuss all things Sandburg with the filmmaker, Paul Bonesteel. Friday, January 6, at 7pm and Saturday, January 7, at 3pm at The Poetry Foundation (61 W. Superior St.). Reserve your spot for free!
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Dec 28 2011
This Friday, Eliza Frye signs her new graphic novel, Regalia, at Challengers Comics + Conversation. Regalia is a collection of short stories, one of which was nominated for an Eisner Award. Derik Badman of COMIXTALK says "Frye has a powerful style. I had an immediate, almost visceral reaction to the images." There will be a reading, a display of Frye's paintings and baked goods for refreshments. Challengers Comics + Conversation, 1845 N. Western, Friday, December 30 at 6pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Dec 28 2011
Next Tuesday, Young Chicago Authors starts the new year off with WordPlay 2.0: A Young Chicago Authors Open Mic & Workshop. There's a writing and performing workshop at 6pm followed by an open mic and featured artist at 7pm. The series will run once a month until April, with a new featured artist each month. January's featured artist is YCA Master Teaching Artist Idris Goodwin. At the YCA office, 1180 N. Milwaukee, 2nd Floor, Tuesday, January 3 at 6pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Dec 28 2011
Looking for a literary start to the new year? 2nd Story's NYE celebration can do just that. The experimental storytelling series has a packed lineup with guests Stephanie Chavara, Julie Ganey, Deb Lewis, and Doug Whippo. The event is curated by Bobby Biedrzycki, directed by Thrisa Hodits and sound by Seeking Wonderland.
Tickets are $40 in advance ($50 at the door) which includes a drink and a champagne toast. The festivities begin Dec 31st at 9:30pm at the Morseland 1218 W. Morse Ave.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Sat Dec 24 2011
The Reading series Write Club is back in time for the holidays with an appropriate theme: The War on Christmas - Boxing Day Massacre. Like the series' name suggests, there are bouts between writers, each given an opposing idea:
GIVE (Ian Belknap) vs. RECEIVE (Jen Ellison)
NAUGHTY (Annie Kincade) vs. NICE (Bilal Dardai)
SANTA (Keith Ecker) vs. JESUS (Steve Walker)
This happens Tuesday Dec 27th, 7pm, $8 with all proceeds going to charities selected by the winner of each bout. As always its at the Hideout 1354 W. Wabansia.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Dec 21 2011
This Thursday, Richard Cahan and Michael Williams present their photo collection The Lost Panoramas: When Chicago Changed Its River and the Land Beyond at Barnes and Noble downtown. Barnes and Noble, DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., Thursday, December 22 at 12pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Fri Dec 16 2011
Chicago's punk reading series Neutron Bomb hits Saturday, December 17, with their mix of storytelling and live music. This month they welcome Lindsay Hunter (on Featherproof books), Dave Roche (On Subbing zine)
and Eliza Fogel (Columbia College Fiction Writing grad student)
There will be a stand-up comedian and live music by Daylight Robbery (male/female vox playing punk new wave).
Stroll in to Cal's Bar (400 S. Wells) at 7pm before it gets rowdy.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Thu Dec 15 2011
The Chicago Way reading series welcomes New York Times bestselling author Frank Calabrese, Jr. reading from his book Operation Family Secrets. Following this will be a conversation regarding his experiences in organized crime, his role with the FBI, working with the Zimmerman Brothers to document his story, and his current lifestyle.
The series welcomes audience interactive with a quiz, prizes and a book signing.
It all happens December 18th, 7:30pm at the Hidden Shamrock, 2723 N. Halsted.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Dec 14 2011
This Friday, check out the Dollhouse Reading Series, a "casual, salon-style, Chicago-based BYOB reading series every six to seven weeks, because who doesn't love a good party with their poetry?" Held in a private residence ("and if that weirds you out, get over it"), the Dollhouse is hosted by Dolly Lemke and Stephen Danos. This week's featured readers include James Shea, Kelly Forsythe, Susan Yount and "virtual guest" Heather Christle. It all goes down Friday, December 16 at 1850 W. Belle Plaine Ave., #3, doors open at 7:30pm, reading at 8pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Dec 13 2011
The Logan Square Literary Review drops their 9th issue in style with a reception at an art gallery in Humboldt Park (they support their neighboring communities). The cast of readers are contributors to the current issue. All past issues will be available for sale. Also, art work from the gallery will as well. Think about a one stop shop for some holiday gifts.
The event is free and open to the public Wednesday, December 14, 7pm Peanut Gallery 1000 N California ave.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Tue Dec 13 2011
A new year is here early for Untoward Magazine who celebrates their one year anniversary.
To celebrate, they offer a packed lineup of local readers, including:
A D Jameson, Russ Woods, Meghan Lamb, James Tadd Adcox, Dan Shapiro, John Thurgood, Ben Tanzer, Samantha Irby, Lindsay Hunter, Chris Bower and Joshua Young.
Hosting will be magazine staffer Matt Rowan, P. Fanatics Reading series host Mason Johnson, and Jon Mau. Come out Wednesday December 14th, 7pm at Beauty Bar 1444 W Chicago Ave.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Mon Dec 12 2011
In connection with the Poetry Foundation's Beautiful Outsiders exhibition, this event features Poetry senior editor Don Share talking about how important design is when it comes to independent presses. The exhibition itself revolves around independent presses Black Sparrow, Burning Deck, and Fulcrum and their histories and aesthetics. The talk takes place at The Poetry Foundation (61 W. Superior) on December 14 at 6pm, first-come, first-served. And free!
— Emily Wong /
Events Sat Dec 10 2011
P. Fanatics reading series leaves you hearing double as their December show offers only team ups (the kind you find in comic books).
Pairs will feature the series hosts Daniel Shapiro with Mason Johnson, Russ Woods with Christopher Kelly, Ian Belknap with Samantha Irby, a presentation by Jill Summers with Susie Kirkwood, and the Encyclopedia show's Tim Stafford with Robbie Q. Telfer.
Bring a friend so you don't feel out of place Sunday, December 11, 7:30pm at Cole's Bar 2338 N Milwaukee Ave.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Thu Dec 08 2011
This year's holiday edition of Poetry Off the Shelf will feature Nicholas Rudall reading Dylan Thomas' "A Child's Christmas in Wales." Other seasonal poems, both old and new, will be read by Chicago actors, directed by Second City founder Bernard Sahlins. After the performance, enjoy a small reception (with refreshments!). There are two performances scheduled, at the Poetry Foundation (61 W. Superior): December 11 and 12 at 7pm.
— Emily Wong /
Events Thu Dec 08 2011
Tomorrow, Columbia College's student reading series Silver Tongue welcomes author Tao Lin.
He will be lecturing on his new column "drug-related photoshop art" for Vice magazine. Afterwards, participants from the audience will be called up to take part in an interactive conversation with the author. The event is at 618 S. Michigan, 2nd floor, Stage Two, at 6pm, and is free and open to the public.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Dec 07 2011
The Encyclopedia Show returns with their December show themed Xtreme Sports. Appropriately, entertainment will feature an interview with professional mixed martial artist fighter Shonie Carter. There will be a presentation from Anne Elizabeth Moore (zinester and author of Cambodian Grrrl) on the appropriation of skateboard culture. Plus Susan McLaughlin-Karp (BoyGirlBoyGirl) on the Iditarod, Jamila Woods (National Poetry Slam Finalist) on Kobayashi's Retirement, Dominique James (Louder Than a Bomb Champion) on Murderball, Natalie Edwards (local writer on Nickelodeon Guts and Guybrush Taylor (visual artist) on Extreme Ironing!
This all happens Thursday Dec 8th, at the Theater (1012 N. Noble), 7:30pm, $8 gets you in the door.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Dec 07 2011
Reading Under the Influence returns tonight, 7pm. This historical date, "a day that will live in infamy", lends itself to this month's theme: Infamy. Featured readers are Dennis Frymire (SKALD storytelling champion), Cyn Vargas, Brandon Will (worker at The Book Cellar) and Ray Lumpp (a RUI co-host). All will read original work and then host trivia segments. Stop by RUI in the back room at Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave. $3.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Tue Dec 06 2011
Tomorrow night is the next Reading Under the Influence at Sheffield's. Featured readers are Dennis Frymire, Cyn Vargas, Brandon Will, and RUI co-host Ray Lumpp. The theme, in honor of Pearl Harbor Day, is "infamy." $3 cover. Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave., Wednesday, December 7. Readings are in the back room and begin at 7:30pm; get there early for a seat.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Dec 06 2011
This Thursday (if you can't make it to the Gapers Block book discussion 'cuz your bike has a flat), Greg Borzo and John Greenfield will be reading from their contributions to On Bicycles: 50 Ways the New Bike Culture Can Change Your Life at Cole's in Logan Square. Gary Fisher himself says "[editor] Amy Walker has that canny ability to thread the needle of safety, practicality, and looking mightily good on a bike. This book gives you some bright and clever new tools to experience the exceptional convenience a bike can bring, not to mention that big healthy smile we get riding!" Cole's, 2338 N. Milwaukee, Thursday, December 8 at 8pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Dec 06 2011
The last 2011 monthly and oh so legendary So You Think You Have Nerves of Steel happens tonight at 8pm. This edition is more musical than most. They will have a house band, Good Evening, and as always host Harold Ray will croon for your entertainment.
Writer Jac Jemc will read, enjoy some stand-up by Natalie Edwards, a pairing surprise by Mason Johnson & Daniel Shapiro, and more.
The series is always at the Hungry Brain, 2319 W. Belmont.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Mon Dec 05 2011
This theatrical performance is inspired by poet Anna Kamienska's "Notebooks" and brings together text, music, and dance to spotlight the work of making art. All Your Paths in a Single Pocket runs for three more days, December 8-10 at 7:30 at the Poetry Foundation (61 W. Superior). Admission is free but first-come, first-served!
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Nov 30 2011
This Thursday, Women and Children First hosts the authors of Chicanas of 18th Street: Narratives of a Movement from Latino Chicago. Author Mary S. Pardo calls it "a fascinating account of Latina activists during the height of the Chicano movement in Chicago. The personal testimonies allow readers to see the dynamics that transform community members into activists." Women and Children First, 5233 N. Clark, Thursday, December 1 at 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Nov 30 2011
Chicago Publishes is offering an At Work Forum on book design. The event, which will take place at the 5th floor of the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington Street) on Thursday, December 1 at 6pm, will feature:
— James Goggin, Director of Design, Print and Digital Media, Museum of Contemporary Art
— Ellen Gibson, Regional Marketing Manager, University of Chicago Press
— Annie Heckman, Artist, Book Designer, and founder of StepSister Press
RSVP to info@chicagopublishes.com.
— Megan E. Doherty /
Events Tue Nov 29 2011
Looking for a way to get ride of those Thanksgiving leftovers, stop by Chicago literary series Write Club Tuesday, November 29th, with their theme: Stuck At the Kids' Table.
Write Club is a reading duel consisting of three bouts of two competing writers (each assigned opposing ideas). Then the audience votes on a winner. All proceeds go to charities of winners' choosing.
Bouts and writers include:
LEG (Diana Slickman) vs. BREAST (Chris Bower),
HUNGRY (David Kodeski) vs. FULL (Rachel Claff),
THANKS (Edward Thomas-Herrera) vs. BUT NO THANKS (Ian Belknap).
Catch it at the Hideout 1354 W. Wabansia, $8, 7pm.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Books Wed Nov 23 2011
Stay tuned, because the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) will host its Annual Conference & Book fair at the Hilton Chicago (720 South Michigan Ave.) and the Palmer House Hilton (17 East Monroe St.) from February 29 to March 3, 2012.
Why care? Maybe because this conference is the largest literary gathering in North America. The keynote address will be given by Margaret Atwood, and it will also be an occasion for a reunion of eight Pulitzer Prize-winning writers, two Poets Laureate, six National Book Award winners, and nine recipients of the National Book Critics Circle Award — not to mention, hundreds of other readers, speakers, and panelists (including Jennifer Egan, C. K. Williams, Jane Smiley and Marilynne Robinson). There will be a mind-boggling 400 events, as well as exhibits by more than 550 presses, magazines, and literary arts organizations, so start planning now!
Preregistration details:
-From now through January 23
-Rates for the three-day conference are $155 for members and $225 for non-members -On-site registration starts February 29 at the Hilton Chicago
-On-site registration rates are $190 for members and $265 for non-members
More details, courtesy of the press release:
On Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3, the following events at Hilton Chicago will be free and open to the public: The Poetry Foundation presents Philip Levine and Carol Ann Duffy; Columbia College Chicago Poetry & Nonfiction Programs present Esmeralda Santiago and Jeanette Walls; The Academy of American Poets presents Lyn Hejinian and Edward Hirsch; Columbia College Chicago Story Week and Bath Spa University present Ronnie Baker Brooks, Aleksander Hemon, Audrey Niffenegger, and Irvine Welsh. Event locations and details can be found at awpwriter.org/conference/2012awpconf.php.
On Saturday, March 3, the AWP Bookfair at Hilton Chicago will be free and open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Exhibitors include Chicago Review, Dalkey Archive Press, Graywolf Press, Milkweed Editions, n+1, Ninth Letter, Northwestern University Press, Poetry, Tin House, and W.W. Norton.
— Megan E. Doherty /
Books Fri Nov 18 2011
This weekend marks the inaugural Chicago Book Expo, Saturday November 19th and Sunday 20th. The Chicago's Writer House, in partnership with Uptown United , delivers a festival in the vein of pop-up galleries across the city. The Book Expo in a sense is a pop-up bookstore, taking over the historic Goldblatt's building, the recent home of the bankrupt Border's bookstore in Uptown. There focus is on Chicago publishers and literary organizations celebrating the rich tradition of Chicago literature. The location is symbolic, a book event at site where one of the largest chain bookstores once was housed.
"Whether you loved them or hated them, Borders was a part of the publishing world and the local landscape," says John Rich, founder of the Chicago's Writer House and one of the Expo organizers. "Their demise has impact. With the Expo, we are relying on the history of the building as a literary destination. [T]hat the memory of the old Borders is evocative, but the compelling symbol for us is that a strong, accessible book industry does and can exist in Chicago, without Borders and beyond Borders."
Participants during the weekend include over 40 Chicago publishers of fiction and poetry. "Our focus has been on creating a support mechanism, a platform, for Chicago publishers of fiction and poetry," says Rich. This list is varied, featuring: Agate Publishing, Ampersand, Another Chicago Magazine, Curbside Splendor, Featherproof Books, Green Lantern Press, MAKE Magazine, Short Pants Press, and Zoo Mouse Key Press, to name a few. "We hope that people will come and browse, just like they would at any other store, but here they can also talk directly to publishers, learn about the mission or aesthetic of a press first hand, and hear a range of published authors read," says Rich.
Saturday will showcase a non-profit fair. Keeping with the overall theme, these are literary organizations rather than publishers. Those booked will include: 826CHI, Center for Book and Paper Arts, Chicago Architecture Foundation , Chicago Filmmakers, Chicago Public Library, Chicago Writers Association, Chicago Zine Fest, Friends of the Uptown Neighborhood, Poetry Foundation, Read/Write Library (formerly Chicago Underground Library), St. Augustine College, and Uptown United. Each will have a table staffed with members on hand, presenting more information about their group and how one can get involved.
Entertainment also includes a Saturday performance by local indie rockers Joan of Arc, commissioned to write a new soundtrack to Charlie Chaplin's first Chicago-made film His New Job (which was shot in Uptown as well). Opening the show will be poet and performer Luis Humberto Valadez. The showcase is at St. Augustine College 1345 W. Argyle Ave. Then on Sunday the Chicago Architecture Foundation will conduct walking architectural tours of the Uptown neighborhood. Both are ticketed events.
Throughout the weekend, Chicago Public Library will available to register attendees for library cards. And local bookseller Open Books will be accepting donations of gently used books for their bookstore. Any purchase from them will go to support literacy programming and events.
During the Expo there will be scheduled readings sponsored by Curbside Splendor and more, workshops sponsored by Read/Write Library and more, panels lead by writers from the Chicago Reader, TimeOut magazine and others, plus kids activities lead by Grow Books Press authors and 826 CHI.
"We want people to discover the depth of Chicago's literary publishing efforts, big and small, and find their next favorite book," exclaims Rich.
Browse the Chicago Book Expo 2011, November 19-20 at Borders Books (4720 N. Broadway), and the basement of the Uptown Broadway. Hours are Saturday, November 19th, 10am-6pm and Sunday, November 20th, 12-6pm. The book fair activities are free and open to the public.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Nov 16 2011
Graphic novelist Craig Thompson reads from Habibi at the Book Cellar on Friday. Habibi is a sprawling, 672 page tale of love in the face of adversity set in the Middle East. Zadie Smith calls it "exquisite...a remarkable feat of research, care, and black ink, and a reminder that all 'People of the book,' despite the division of their individual traditions, share a mosaic of stories." Thompson's other books include Blankets and Goodbye, Chunky Rice. Seating will be limited; the Book Cellar advises arriving a good 20 minutes early. Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln, Friday, November 18 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Nov 15 2011
Two Cookie Minimum's next reading (Tuesday, November 15th) will feature an all female line up of local zinesters and writers including: Curiouser Jane (Apple Pickers Union zine), Amy L. Hayden (writer for Time Out Chicago), Nichole Baiel (Pieces zine), Emily Witte (Chicago Way literary series organizer), Jac Jemc (forthcoming novel My Only Wife on Dzanc books), Liz Mason (Caboose zine), and Jami Sailor (Your Secretary zine). The event is at the Hungry Brain 2319 W. Belmont, 9pm, Free. As always, there will be cookies.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Winter's approaching, and as the weather becomes varying degrees of inhospitable, a cab is more and more an appealing option. There are stories behind the yellow and white vehicles that dot the city, and Russian-born cab driver, artist and writer Dmitry Samarov captures some of them in Hack: Stories from a Chicago Cab. On Dec. 8 at 7pm, come talk to the author about what goes into his mobile vision of the city -- or any other questions you might have had about the book or his experiences. Free.
Here's what you do:
1. Read the book sometime in the next few weeks.*
2. Come to The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., with your comments and questions, and share them with Dmitry Samarov and the group. Get your book signed if you feel like it.
3. Hang out with other readers, meet the the Book Club editors, feel part of a greater reading community.
Questions? Let us know in the comments. Thanks, and hope to see you there!
*You can still come if you haven't read the book, but we really, really encourage it -- discussions are way more fun when everyone's on the same page (har har).
— Rose Lannin /
Events Mon Nov 14 2011
On Saturday and Sunday, the Chicago Book Expo fills what was formerly the Uptown Borders book store. The work of Chicago Writers House and Uptown United, the event features over 40 publishers of fiction and poetry displaying their author's works, and free events such as a reading series, a non-profit book fair, author's readings, children's workshops, and more. Ticketed events include Chicago Architecture Foundations Tours and a performance by rock band Joan of Arc.
For hours, additional locations, and more, head here.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Thu Nov 10 2011
This weekend marks the grand opening of the new Read/Write Library Chicago (formerly the Chicago Underground Library). The opening of their new space and re-branding will take place this Friday (tomorrow!), November 11th.
Visitors can expect this celebration to have some live jazz (form Studio 914), Reading/Writing performances, activities, crafts and games to help you explore the stacks.
The first 50 people will receive a limited edition poster by Vida Sačić (who designed the library's new logo) and April Sheridan (who printed these at Columbia College's Center for Book and Paper Arts).
If you have something to contribute to the library's collection of self-published works, bring it on by. This night only you can SIY - Shelve It Yourself.
The event is free and open to the public (children are welcome). The Read/Write Library is located 914 N. California (use the Walton Entrance)
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Nov 09 2011
Tomorrow night, David David Katzman reads from his second novel A Greater Monster (click the link and he'll tell you all about it) at Quimby's. A psychedelic fairytale chockfull of illustrations, author Jen Knox calls it "brilliant, insane and utterly unique." Illustrator Caitlin McKay appears as well. Quimby's, 1854 W. North Ave., November 10 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Nov 09 2011
Stephanie Izard, the only female Top Chef winner and the heart and soul of Girl & the Goat restaurant, signs Girl in the Kitchen: How a Top Chef Cooks, Thinks, Shops, Eats and Drinks this week. On Thursday, November 10, she'll be at Foodease, 835 N. Michigan from 12-2pm; on Friday, November 11, she'll be at Barbara's Bookstore at Macy's, 111 N. State Street at 12 noon.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Nov 09 2011
The Encyclopedia Show is back rolling down the tracks with their theme this installment being: the Railroad! Readers will include Second City's Tim Baltz, experimental MC Emanuel Vinson, blogger Susannah Breslin, mysterious writer Abigail Vic, John "Jughead" Pierson of The Neo-Futurists and legendary punk band Screeching Weasel, plus a lecture from Jason Rothstein the author of Carless in Chicago . The train leaves the station at 7:30 at the Vittum theater 1012 N Noble, $8 (or $5 for students). All aboard.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Fri Nov 04 2011
Winter brings out the escapist impulses, and reading choices are often no exception -- let The Chicago Way reading series help you down that myth and magic-dotted road with their November edition, featuring an all-female, all-fantasy author lineup. Tina Jens (Twilight Tales and Gumbo Fiction Salon founder), Patty Templeton (Naked Girls Reading winner), and C.S.E. Cooney and Jeanine Vaughn (owners of the former Uptown bookstore, Kate the Great's Book Emporium) present readings and an interactive game, along with the opportunity for Q&A. 11/20, 7:30pm-9pm Hidden Shamrock (2723 N. Halsted St.).
— Rose Lannin /
Events Thu Nov 03 2011
"O, Dose Market,
a curated selection of food & design for self & home.
Do not forget,
as you stroll the booths, to commission an artisanal poem!"
Dave Landsberger, Eric Plattner, and Kathleen Rooney are once again taking part in Poems While You Wait. They will be composing poems on demand via vintage typewriter at Dose Market (River East Art Center, 435 East Illinois St), on Sunday, November 6, from 10am-4pm. For $5 (or whatever you have in your pocket--lint not accepted) you can command them to write on any topic you'd like. Proceeds will go to independent publisher Rose Metal Press.
— Emily Wong /
Events Thu Nov 03 2011
Tonight at the Book Cellar, join some of Columbia College's established Fiction Writing department faculty members as they read from their recently published works. Authors Patty McNair (The Temple of Air), Sam Weller (The Bradbury Chronicles), and Geoff Hyatt (Birch Hill at World's End) will be on hand to read and sign their books as well as engage in discussions on writing. The event begins at 7pm at the Book Cellar 4736-38 N Lincoln Ave.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Nov 02 2011
Emerging Ukrainian American writers Askold Melnychuk, Alexis Buryk, Roman Skaskiw, and Virlana Tkacz read at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art 11/5 (this Friday) at 7pm. $10, $5 for students. 2320 W. Chicago Ave.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Wed Nov 02 2011
Reading Under the Influence brings you the Truth (that's this month's theme). Wednesday, November 2nd the theme will be tackled by Scott Whitehair (host of This Much Is True), Jill Summers (recent winner of Literary Death Match), John Wawrzaszek (host of Two Cookie Minimum reading series) and Cortez Bryson (writer and jazz musician). For those who don't know, each reader gets to read original work and then a published work followed by trivia. RUI's home is Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave, $3, 7 p.m.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Tue Nov 01 2011
At age 13, Meghan O'Rourke tried to write a novel. It was science fiction with "many princesses," including one named Cassiopeia.
Now 35, she's since published two poetry collections and a written a memoir, The Long Goodbye, about the death of her 55-year-old mother from cancer.
"It embarrasses me," she said Thursday night at Maxim's (24 Goethe St.), an event sponsored by Chicago Publishes. Mark Bazer, host of the Interview Show, led a conversation with O'Rourke and writer Rachel DeWoskin. "I never thought I'd write a memoir."
Continue reading this entry »
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Wed Oct 26 2011
The 33 Reading Series. Composed of Columbia College Chicago's Poetry and Nonfiction graduate students, the latest reading will take place tomorrow, October 27, at 600 S Michigan (Room 205), starting at 4:30pm. Featured readers are: Toni Nealie and Colleen O'Connor from the Nonfiction program and Leif Haven and Steve Roggenbuck from the Poetry program.
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue Oct 25 2011
Do you ever miss story time at the library from the days when you were younger? Well, tomorrow, gather up some kids and take them to Poemtime at the Poetry Foundation! Every Wednesday, the library at the Poetry Foundation hosts a story time, where they teach children about poetry using readings and games. Admission is first-come, first-served, at the Poetry Foundation building (61 W. Superior St.) at 11am.
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue Oct 25 2011
The 2nd Story, Chicago's amalgamation of music, literature and performance art, will celebrate a book release of the show's longtime director Megan Stielstra tomorrow Oct. 26 at 7:30pm at the Morseland 1218 W. Morse. Her book, Everyone Remain Calm, will come to life with stories and music inspired by the book. Storytellers will include Megan Stielstra, Bobby Biedrzycki and J. Adams Oaks. Tickets are $15.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Mon Oct 24 2011
Write Club is back tomorrow, Oct. 25 and spookier than ever. Like its name sounds, Write Club is a literary bout, with words. There are three rounds of two opposing writers each with two opposing ideas. They get seven minutes apiece and after both are done, the audience selects the winner. Don't let the fact that each writer chooses a charity which benefits if they win.
The matchups are Halloween themed as follows:
• DEAD (Emily Rose) vs. UNDEAD (Samantha Irby)
• DUSK (David Isaacson) vs. DAWN (Noelle Krimm)
• TRICK (Ian Belknap) vs. TREAT (Whit Nelson)
The event is at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, 7:30pm, $8, 21+.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Mon Oct 24 2011
Chicago Zine Fest is holding its first fundraiser for their 2012 festival by holding a zine and comics reading tonight October 24th. Self-publishers reading include Ben Spies (no more coffee zine), Corinne Mucha (Is it the future yet?), Dave Roche (On Subbing), Sarah Palin/aka C-Span (Jayonce fan fiction), Marian Runk (Inbox) and Ben Bertin (MIOK). Following the DIY nature of zine fest, the cover is $3-5 and is at a house, the Moving Castle, at 3317 N. Kedzie. The event is all ages and begins at 7:30pm.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Fri Oct 21 2011
The Handshake literary magazine holds its second issue release show this Saturday the 22nd. Readers, which are published in the issue, include
Dmitry Samarov,
Lindsay Hunter,
Winter Goebel, and Wyatt Roediger-Robinette. They cap the night off with a dance party in the upstairs lounge with Wholesome Radio DJ Matt Fields. The $10 cover also includes a copy of the issue. You can't beat that. Join Handshake at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., 10pm, 21+.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Thu Oct 20 2011
If you've an itch for cartooning, scratch it at Lill Street Art Center. The next three Saturdays they're offering an intensive workshop on the art of storytelling taught by renowned local cartoonist Nicole Hollander (Sylvia). Touching on a wide range of influences from cave painting on, students will choose a significant moment from their lives and put it together with images to create their own personal story. Lill Street Art Center, 4401 N. Ravenswood Ave., October 22 and 29 and November 5 from 1-5pm. Class is $225 ($220 for LAC members); click here to register.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Oct 18 2011
Learn where to rub elbows with ectoplasm in our fair city as the Book Cellar welcomes author and parapsychologist Ursula Bielski. Bielski is the founder of Chicago Hauntings, Inc. and the author of Creepy Chicago: A Ghosthunter's Tales of the City's Scariest Sites, More Chicago Haunts: Scenes from Myth and Memory, among others. The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln, Thursday, October 20 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Oct 18 2011
Tomorrow night is Local Author Night at the Book Cellar. Laura Enright debuts her novel Vampires Most Wanted, former West Chicago police officer Ray Johnson discusses his new book Chicago's Haunt Detective, David Rocklin reads from The Luminist and Dinesh Sharma discusses Barack Obama in Hawaii and Indonesia: The Making of a Global President. The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln, Wednesday, October 19 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Oct 18 2011
Literary magazine MAKE kicks off Issue #11, "Neither/Nor" on 10/28. There'll be readings from issue contributors, an animation installation, and candy, with a special guest MC.
It all happens at Rational Park, 2557 W. North Ave. Doors open at 7pm. Suggested donation $8, free for subscribers.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Thu Oct 13 2011
The Neutron Bomb is a punk rock reading series which lives up to its name on their fifth installment Saturday, October 15th. Readers include Chris Connelly (Former member of Revolting Cocks and Ministry), Sarah Ryczek (local punk rock story teller), Anthony McBrien (comedian), and Alex Bonner (Windy City Story Slam champ). A punk reading wouldn't be anything without music, so local female-fronted hardcore band Calendar Boys plays (and it's their first show, totally punk!). Come out to Cal's Liquors 400 S. Wells, 7pm, Free, 21+, no squares allowed.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Tue Oct 11 2011
Columbia College associate professor Patricia Ann McNair reads from her short story collection The Temple of Air this Wednesday. Author John McNally says "The Temple of Air isn't just a story collection. It's a seance of dark secrets, a confesionall booth, a therapist's couch, a thin wall I press my ear up against. Often haunting, always beautiful. I can't wait to read more." Columbia College Library, 624 S. Michigan, Wednesday, October 12 at 6:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Oct 11 2011
DePaul University associate professor Rachel Shteir reads from The Steal: A Cultural History of Shoplifting on Wednesday. Women and Children First, 5233 N. Clark, Wednesday, October 12 at 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Oct 11 2011
The Tamale Hut Cafe Reading Series presents their Halloween edition this Saturday. Featured readers are Chicago State MFA student Kara Taylor and local film director and Columbia College grad Chris Hyatt. Tamale Hut Cafe, 8300 W. Cermak Road, North Riverside. Saturday, October 15 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Oct 10 2011
Heads up: The University of Chicago Press is hosting a Great Chicago Book Sale on October 13, 1pm to 6pm, and 14, from 8am to 2pm. Over 10,000 titles will be available, at bargain prices ($5 for paperbacks and hardbacks!), making you think twice about splurging on one of those e-readers. Learn more about the sale here.
— Emily Wong /
Events Sat Oct 08 2011
The Last Nerve, a High Tea Poetry Brawl, goes live Monday, October 10th. It pits two veteran female poets from coast-to-coast.
Rachel McKibbens (Pink Elephant) the 2009 Women of the World Poetry Slam Champion, VS, Mindy Nettifee (Rise Of The Trust Fall) Director of Write Now Poets.
Opening performances include Kristiana Colon, Krista Franklin, Emily Rose, and Marty McConnell. The event is the up-and-coming DIY art space West Side School For The Desperate. The poetic fisticuffs begin at 8pm, $5, 18 and over.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Thu Oct 06 2011
As part of Chicago Public Media's Off-Air series, WBEZ's Alison Cuddy will moderate a panel discussion in honor of the recent release of the famed style manual's 16th edition. The focus will be the role of The Chicago Manual of Style, which has been published since 1906, in an era of quick communication — tweets, texts, emails have encouraged expediency over accuracy.
Panelists include Anita Samen, Managing Editor books division, University of Chicago Press; Carol Saller, Senior Manuscript Editor, University of Chicago Press and editor of the Chicago Style Q+A; Jason Riggle, Assistant Professor of Linguistics and Director of the Chicago Language Modeling Lab; and Ben Zimmer, Former writer of the New York Times Magazine's "On Language" column and Executive Producer of Visual Thesaurus and Vocabulary.com.
Details:
Tuesday, 8 November at 7pm
University of Chicago International House
1414 East 59th Street
$15 general admission
$12 WBEZ members
$10 students
Tickets may be purchased here.
Alternatively, you can try to win them. The U of C will award a pair of tickets to whomever uploads the most creative photo of a copy of the CMS. Submissions will be taken through 21 October, and the winner announced on 25 October.
— Megan E. Doherty /
Events Thu Oct 06 2011
Next Wednesday the Chicago Writers Association hosts a silent auction and cocktail party fundraiser for the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame. Hosted by ABC's Janet Davies, items for auction include vacations, artwork, writing workshops and more. Cliff Dwellers Club, 200 S. Michigan, penthouse. Wednesday, October 12, 5:30-8pm. $20 admission includes open bar and appetizers 'til 6:30 and a Kovel whiskey tasting from 6:30-8pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Thu Oct 06 2011
Chicago Ideas Week starts on Monday, October 10. Great speakers and great thinkers will put their heads together to see what they can create. You can't go wrong with any of the events (all listed here) that range from an interview with former President Bill Clinton to a chef-for-a-day experience with Eli's Cheesecake. But if you go to just one, be sure to choose the Poetry Foundation's first foray into Chicago Ideas Week with speakers Ken Arkind, Tony Hoagland, J. Patrick Lewis, Agustina Woodgate, and Mary Zimmerman discussing the power and artistry of language. The talk takes place Saturday, October 15, at 4pm at the Poetry Foundation (61 W. Superior). Tickets are $15, but if you go here and use the code SJILN, your admission is free!
— Emily Wong /
Events Thu Oct 06 2011
Started by Robert Frost in 1955, Poetry Day has brought out distinguished poets (Anne Sexton, Adrienne Rich, Carl Sandburg) from around the country to be featured readers. Today is the 57th annual Poetry Day, and to celebrate, stop by Harold Washington Library, Cindy Pritzker Auditorium (400 S. State St) to hear this year's featured poet, W.S. Merwin, read. The fun begins at 6pm, and admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis.
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Oct 05 2011
Last night Myopic Books hosted Dmitry Samarov reading from his new book, Hack: Stories from a Chicago Cab.
The book launch is getting a lot of coverage, so if you're interested in reading more about Samarov, you can read from his blog by the same name or one of these recent features. He'll also be reading at a variety of other events in the next few weeks.
— David Schalliol /
Events Tue Oct 04 2011
"So You Think You Have Nerves of Steel" is a live variety show, held on the 1st Tuesday of every month. The October edition has entertainment all linked in some way to the 2nd Hand, who is the sponsor of this reading series.
Entertainment includes Live visual-art by Rob Funderburk, former 2nd Hand illustrator.
The 2nd Hand co-editor C.T. Ballentine plays with his band Young Coconut.
Editor Todd Dills will perform with writers C.T. Balletine, Matt Pine and others. Contributors Joe Meno, Marc Baez and Fred Sasaki also join the festivities.
See it all tonight, 9pm at The Hungry Brain, 2319 West Belmont Avenue.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Tue Oct 04 2011
Reading Under the Influence breaks their tradition by having five readers and celebrating three book releases with their theme this month: Undressed.
The event features local authors Gina Frangello (reads from her new "Men Undressed" anthology), Megan Stielstra (reads from her new short story e-collection "Everyone Remain Calm"), Gus Rose (author of the forthcoming "Conman"), visual artist and blogger Philip Hartigan and Curbside Splendor publisher Victor David Giron (celebrating the first anniversary of his book, "Sophomoric Philosophy". Come for readings, trivia and a good time on Wednesday October 5th, 7pm, $3 at Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Mon Oct 03 2011
Tomorrow night is Tuesday Funk at the Hopleaf with featured readers:
Hopleaf, upstairs lounge, 5148 N. Clark, October 4 at 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Oct 03 2011
The 2nd Hand literary magazine celebrates its 10th year anniversary with the book release of the anthology, All Hands On. Editor of the 2nd Hand Todd Dills hosts this book release. Featured readers who appear in the anthology include Jill Summers, Jonathon Messinger, and Kate Duva. The event is on tonight, 7pm, at Quimby's 1854 W. North Ave.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Sat Oct 01 2011
Today marks this years 24-Hour Comics Day. Join others in their attempt to create a complete 24 page comic book in 24 continuous hours. Simple right? Participants have to come in without any preconceived work and generate a story, art, layout and final copy all in the same day. You can take breaks and naps but need to complete the 24 pages in order to legitimately finish.
Take the 24-Hour Comics Day Challenge online. Or go to a local event at Graham Cracker Comics 3162 N. Broadway and Challengers Comics and Conversations 1845 N Western Ave 2R.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Thu Sep 29 2011
Indie punk legend Bob Mould (of Husker Du and Sugar fame) will be in town for a pair of shows promoting his memoir See a Little Light The Trail of Rage and Melody. The memoir (aptly titled for the hit off his first solo album Workbook) chronicles his 30-plus year career.
For this tour, Mould will be mixing in readings from his new book with solo acoustic performances from his catalog. Shows are Friday, Sept. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 1, both at 8pm, at the Montrose Room: 5300 N. River Rd. in Rosemont. The shows are 18 and over.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Sep 28 2011
This Friday, Sujatha Fernandes reads from Close to the Edge: In Search of the Global Hip Hop Generation. In conversation with Jesse De La Pena, Angela Zone, and Mike Treese. Stop Smiling Storefront, 1371 N. Milwaukee, September 30, 7pm. RSVP to rsvp@stopsmilingonline.com.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Sep 28 2011
Tomorrow night, Eric Greitens, author of Strength and Compassion andThe Heart and the Fist: The Education of a Humanitarian, the Making of a Navy SEAL makes an appearance at the Pritzker Military Library. Tom Brokaw says "if you're in despair about America's future, meet my hero, Eric Greitens. His life and [The Heart and the Fist] remind us that America remains the land of the brave and generous. The heart and fist are just the combination we need." Pritzker Military Library, 104 S. Michigan Ave., September 29, 6pm. $10.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Sep 27 2011
The Logan Square Literary review celebrates the release of their Autumn 2011 issue (number 8) tonight. They will feature live readings by contributors published in the issue, including: M. Marie Barnhart, Brenton Harper Murray, Muyassar Kurdi, Lara Levitan, Thom.M.Murt, Vincent Truman, and Emily Wilensky. Past issues of the review will be available for purchase. Join them at 7pm, Cole's Bar 2338 N. Milwaukee Ave
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Mon Sep 26 2011
Next Tuesday, Oct. 4 from 6pm to 9pm, you can join Chicago's second ever Literati event, aimed at "building a community of authors, playwrights, and literary professionals."
You'll find far more than authors and theater folks, however. Founder and host of the event, publicist Dana Kaye, aims to include anyone involved in the making (or selling) of words: from publishers to sales reps, from journalists to filmmakers, and even those from the rad world of comics.
Dana Kaye
Mingle, gab, network, collaborate, eat, drink, win. Who doesn't like that?
The basic idea is this: While writing is often a lonely, solitary endeavor, it doesn't have to be. Before hosting her first event last February, Kaye knew Chicago was chock-full of writers — but many of them didn't know each other. She wanted to create an opportunity for diverse people in the industry to come together in a relaxed, bar atmosphere where everyone could let down their guard.
Featured speaker Byron Hatfield went to the first event last February, and was a quick convert. Writing is already a "withdrawn profession," and those who devote their lives to it may tend toward the "weird" side of things. Why not get all those weird people together and see what happens?
Byron Hatfield
Essentially, this is about putting people into the same room who would otherwise have never met, in a "no wall scenario" to encourage communication and collaboration.
For those of you getting ready to polish your manuscripts in the hopes of finding an agent — put them away. The goal of this event is not to get you a book deal, or a job. But it is about building up social capital, to see what may come down the road.
While this is only the second time she's held this event, Kaye knows what she wants to do in the future. Ideally, Chicagoans will be able to schmooze and brainstorm (at least in this setting) three times each year, and she also hopes to build an increasing presence of New York-based literary professionals at the gatherings.
Details:
Featured speakers include bestselling authors Jamie Freveletti (Running Dark) and Wendy Corsi-Staub (Hell To Pay), as well as director and playwright, Byron Hatfield (Bye Bye Liver).
Left: Jamie Freveletti; Right: Wendy Corsi-Staub
The Hidden Shamrock
2723 N. Halsted
$15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Appetizers and cash bar (with drink specials!)
You'll want to get a move on, because the first 30 people who register will get a coveted swag bag.
In fact, why don't you take care of that now?
Register here.
— Megan E. Doherty /
Events Mon Sep 26 2011
As part of their Poetry Off the Shelf series, Chilean poet Raúl Zurita will read tomorrow, September 27, at the Poetry Foundation (61 W. Superior), beginning at 7pm. Admission is free!
— Emily Wong /
Events Mon Sep 26 2011
Write Club's Chapter 18 is upon us. For those who do not know, Write Club has three bouts where authors are assigned a theme which their material has to reflect. They get seven minutes to square off. Then the audience votes on a winner. The best part is that proceeds collected go to charities of winners' choosing.
This time themes and writers chosen to represent them will be:
REVENGE (Dina Walters) vs. MERCY (Scott Whitehair),
ORDER (Ian Belknap) vs. CHAOS (Don Hall), and
ROOTS (Susan Karp) vs. BRANCHES (Patrick Carberry).
Match ups begin at 7pm. Tuesday September 27th at the Hideout 1354 W. Wabansia.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Mon Sep 26 2011
Missed Anne Elizabeth Moore talk about Cambodian Grrl a couple of weeks ago? You're in luck -- this Thursday (the 29th), the current columnist for Truthout and former editor of Punk Planet and the Comics Journal talks about her Fulbright-sponsored journey teaching self-publishing to young Cambodian women. Joining Moore will be local cartoonist and writer Sara Drake, who has her own plans involving comics and Cambodia. 7pm, 1854 W. North Avenue.
— Rose Lannin /
News Mon Sep 26 2011
September 24 to October 1 is Banned Books Week all over the U.S. To celebrate here in Chicago, check out Books on the Chopping Block, an hour-long program of readings from the most challenged books of 2010. Presented by City Lit and the American Library Association's Office of Intellectual Freedom, seven readings will take place at libraries in and around Chicago, ending in a final reading in suburban Glencoe. For times and locations, click here. If you don't feel like following the banned books around, you can take part in a Virtual Read-Out instead: submit a two-minute or less reading from a banned book or a three-minute eye-witness account of a banned book challenge in your area. Videos will be posted on a special YouTube channel. Get instructions on how to participate here. Happy Banned Books Week!
— Emily Wong /
Events Fri Sep 23 2011
Black Flag member, band-creator (the Rollins Band), record maker and author Henry Rollins can add photographer to that list: his recently released book of photos, Occupants, bears witness to some of the world's starkest places, where upheaval and fear are the norm. These images are given context via his writing, and observe the inevitable bad and uncommon but very present good that occurs from Ireland to Iraq.
He'll be discussing this book at the Oak Park Public Library (834 Lake St, Oak Park) on 10/18, 7pm. Free, but space is limited -- head to the website for more detail.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Fri Sep 23 2011
Washington Irving's short story comes to the Noble Horse Theater, 10/1 through 10/29. Get your tickets to this early American tale here or call the theater..
— Rose Lannin /
Events Fri Sep 23 2011
The Tamale Hut reading series will host a special night for one of its frequent readers, Claire Suzanne Elizabeth Cooney, who will be debuting her new play. The festivities Saturday Sept 24th, 7pm at the Tamale Hut Café, located at 8300 W. Cermak Road in North Riverside, IL. Lots of tamales plus great stories.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Sep 21 2011
Tomorrow night, author Amina Gautier reads from her short story collection At Risk at Women and Children First. Centered around a group of Brooklyn teens, author David Haynes says "in these always engaging stories, Amina Gautier reminds us that behind the disturbing headlines are vibrant young people whose lives matter immeasurably. Gautier employs unflinching honesty to capture those lives, and she does so with clarity, dignity and genuine insight. At Risk will break your heart even as it leaves you full of hope. It is a truly lovely book." Women and Children First, 5233 N. Clark, September 22, 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Sep 21 2011
Friday, September 23, poet Douglas Kearney will be on hand to inaugurate the first Harriet Reading Series. Future series events will have readings and presentations by the "Craft Work" and "Open Door" writers on The Poetry Foundation's Harriet Blog. The reading starts at 7pm at The Poetry Foundation (61 W. Superior St). Admission is free, but please RSVP here.
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Sep 21 2011
Mira Bartok, SAIC alum and author of several children's books, promotes the paperback release of her memoir, The Memory Palace. Bartok will read excepts from her work this Thursday September 22, 7pm at the Book Cellar 4736 N Lincoln Ave, # 1.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Sep 21 2011
The Chicago Bar Project's Literary Pub Crawl takes you to the favorite drinking spots of authors past and present.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Wed Sep 21 2011
Wednesday September 21 Anna Solomon will read from her first novel, The Little Bride. Special guest Audrey Niffenegger will introduce the event. This begins at 7:30pm at Women and Children First 5233 North Clark Street.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Tue Sep 20 2011
Tuesday brings a double dose of local readings.
First up is the Brinksmen Press reading, Revolutions: The Gamble, part II.
There will be some emerging writers and experimental music performances with featured readers to follow. Dan Duffy (editor of The Handshake magazine) and Patricia Ann McNair (author of The Temple of Air) will close the night. This event begins at 7pm at Brando's Speakeasy, 343 S. Dearborn St.
Second is Two and a Half Cookie Minimum. Two Cookie Minimum is a reading series promoting self publishers and writers. For this event, they team up with Half Nelson press, a self-published literary journal. Readers will include contributors to Half Nelson issue two alongside Mairead Case (co-conspirator of Dil Pickle Club) and Mason Johnson (host of P. Fanatics reading series). The event begins at 9pm at at the Hungry Brain, 2319 W. Belmont Ave.
Make it a literary night of sorts, stopping early at Revolutions and end with Two Cookies. Not a bad way to spend a weeknight.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Mon Sep 19 2011
On September 20th at Harold Washington Library join Booklist's Donna Seamen moderate a conversation with award winning authors Dominic Smith (Bright and Distant Shores) and Billy Lombardo (The Man with Two Arms and How to Hold a Woman). The event is at 6pm in the
Harold Washington Library Center, Cindy Pritzker Auditorium 400 S. State Street.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Mon Sep 19 2011
Over the years, the Alternative Press (Ken and Ann Mikolowski) made and sent out to their followers "poetry postcards," written by such poetry notables as Anne Waldman, Robert Creely, and Ted Berrigan. These postcards will be exhibited as The Alternative Press Multiple Originals Project at the Poetry Foundation (61 W. Superior) from September 21 to November 4. And to celebrate, the Foundation will host an opening reception on September 22 at 6pm, where poets Bill Berkson, Andrei Codrescu, and Emily Warn talk with Ken Mikolowski about The Alternative Press's unique project. For more information on The Alternative Press Multiple Originals Project, the poets who participated, and examples of poetry postcards, check out this article by Emily Warn.
— Emily Wong /
Books Sat Sep 17 2011
On Thursday evening, bibliophiles had an opportunity to attend an informal meet & greet with two authors, both with Chicago roots: Elizabeth Berg (Once Upon a Time, There Was You), now an Oak Park denizen, and Jacquelyn Mitchard (Second Nature, a Love Story), a Chicago-to-Wisconsin transplant, dished with Tribune literary editor Elizabeth Taylor to a room full of women (and perhaps two men, give or take).
The tone of this installment of the Tribune's Author Talks, part of an effort to "extend journalism to a live format," was set from the start. In her introduction, Taylor relayed an anecdote about her husband, who apparently responded to learning who the chosen authors for this particular event were by saying, "why don't you just sit around drinking wine and talking in your pajamas?"
Although she was quick to add her husband's respect for these authors, there's much to be said for the comfort and intimacy (not to mention, honesty) of pjs and a bottle of wine. Throughout the evening, the audience (myself included) was so comfortable that I'm not sure we weren't dressed more informally than we actually were. If the Trib's goal was to hold these events as intimate "salons", where the conversation on stage feels personal, then they succeeded.
Berg and Mitchard began, obligingly, by sharing their "Oprah Stories" - both have had books chosen for the infamous book club, with Mitchard's The Deep End of the Ocean being the first ever. Mitchard, who got a testy, fourth phone message from Oprah asking her to please have the courtesy to return her call, initially thought the whole thing was a joke.
To justify juxtaposing these two stories together, they obviously need more in common than Lady O - which they most certainly do. Both books explore what happens after tragedy, and how people cope - be it the personal tragedy of a divorce and worrying about your child, or the medical risk of transplant rejection. Both, said Berg, "acknowledge sorrow, but offer comfort."
That gift of comfort, perhaps, has gotten them some stern reviews, most of which focus on writing and themes that are allegedly overly sincere and sentimental. Unsurprisingly, this sort of criticism tends to follow women authors who write about the lives of women. It is a testament to the organizers of this event that they don't succumb to the erroneous conviction that "women's literature" (aka, "chick lit") is thereby relatively uninteresting and unimportant (check out this interview with author Augusten Burroughs, who sees truthfulness and honesty where others see maudlin).
While many writers may be "deeply insecure" about bad reviews, Berg and Mitchard seem to take it in stride. "Good criticism finds places [I've] been dishonest," Mitchard admitted. Operative word being "good" - some detractors may well be railing against anything resembling a happy ending.
"Not every book ends like a Cormac McCarthy book," Mitchard continued, "with a guy eating an egg and thinking about the end of the world."
Maybe McCarthy should write in his pajamas more often.
— Megan E. Doherty /
Events Sat Sep 17 2011
CWIP will hold its fall kickoff event on Thursday, September 22nd, at the Gleacher Center (450 N. Cityfront Plaza Drive), from 6:30pm - 8:30pm.
The keynote speaker will be Jennifer Parello, director of marketing and communication for World Book. Come for her tips for successfully navigating the publishing industry today, and stay for networking and hors d'oeuvres from Wolfgang Puck. Win-win.
You can register here, or call 773-508-0351 (extension 2).
Here's the pricing breakdown:
If you register on or before September 20
• CWIP members: $30; nonmembers: $40
If you register after September 20
• CWIP members: $35; nonmembers: $45
Students with ID
• $30 for registration before September 20;
• $40 after September 20
No refunds - you have been warned.
— Megan E. Doherty /
Events Thu Sep 15 2011
If you missed the L-Vis Lives: Racemusic Poems book release party at the Metro this past Wednesday, you've still got a few more chances to catch it. L-Vis Lives is the work of Kevin Coval, the Def Poet from Northbrook and artistic director of Louder Than A Bomb: The Chicago Teen Poetry Festival. L-Vis Lives explores race, art and appropriation in American culture. Che "Rhymefest" Smith says "Kevin Coval brings artistic taboo to the light in his new book L-Vis Lives. His courage and fragility shows why he's one of Chicago's most talented writers." Further L-Vis Lives book release parties are scheduled for September 19 at the Skokie Barnes and Noble (55 Old Orchard Center, Skokie, at 7:30pm), October 5 at 57th Street Books
(1301 E. 57th 'Street at 2pm) and October 12 at Quimby's (1854 W. North Ave., 7pm).
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Thu Sep 15 2011
Join Here's the Story's Journey to the End of the Night this Saturday, September 17. Part tag, part scavenger hunt, and part race, you'll roam the streets of Chicago, following a set storyline that involves robots, maps to freedom, and safe zones. Show up at Harrison Park to sign up at 6pm, and at 7pm, let the game begin. There's no charge, and all you need to bring is yourself and your sense of direction. Running shoes might help, too. You know you're interested now...so check out all the important info here.
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue Sep 13 2011
Tonight Anne Elizabeth Moore (teacher, zinester, activist) reads from her new book:
Cambodian Grrrl: Self-Publishing in Phnom Penh. The book chronicle's Moore's travels in Cambodia teaching writing and self publishing in an all-girls' university. There will an opening dance performance by the Cambodian Association of Illinois, then Moore will be interviewed by Mara Shalhoup, editor of Chicago Reader. It all happens September 13th, 6pm, at the Claudia Cassidy Theater in the Chicago Cultural Center 78 E Washington. RSVP to info@chicagopublishes.com
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Mon Sep 12 2011
The Poetry Foundation invites you to check out a staged reading about poet William Butler Yeats, with Chicago actors performing his biography and reading his poems.
The important details, courtesy of the Poetry Foundation:
What: Meet Mr. Yeats
Who: Directed by Bernard Sahlins with Bruce Jarchow in the title role and cast members Timothy Kazurinsky, John Mohrlein, and Suzanne Petri.
When: Two performances
Sunday, September 18, 7:00pm
Monday, September 19, 7:00pm
Where: Poetry Foundation
61 West Superior Street
Best of all, admission is free! You can reserve your seats now by going here.
— Emily Wong /
Events Fri Sep 09 2011
The Chicago Way reading series focuses on Chicago authors (who can ask for more). Local authors Michael Burke (What You Don't Know About Men), Geoff Hyatt (Birch Hills at World's End), Patricia Ann McNair (The Temple of Air) and Megan Stielstra (Everyone Remain Calm) read from their new novel (Hyatt) and story collections (Burke, McNair and Stielstra) and discuss their stories, their writing processes and offer publishing advice and answer any questions the audience might have. Have your journal and pen handy when attending this Sunday, Sept. 11 at the The Hidden Shamrock, 2723 N. Halsted, at 7pm. Free admission.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Fri Sep 09 2011
TWW presents TMI: Totally, Maybe, I Don't Know at Beauty Bar (1444 W. Chicago Ave.) Sunday September 11th, 7pm. The reading series starts with a quick open mic, then moves onto stories from Gina Frangello, Lindsay Hunter, Muyassar Kurdi, Ben Tanzer, Richard Thomas, and Brandon Tietz.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Thu Sep 08 2011
Not looking forward to the cooler weather? Well, there's a silver lining: The Poetry Foundation has announced their Fall 2011 Literary Series. From readings to exhibits to Poetry on Stage, you're sure to find something to keep you warm this fall. Check out the full list of events here.
— Emily Wong /
Events Thu Sep 08 2011
Join the punk rock reading series Neutron Bomb collaborate with The Handshake (an online literary publication) for a Columbia College-centric "Back II Cool" extravaganza.
Readings by Columbia College fiction writing grad students Jessie Morrison, Noelle Hufnagel, Kevin Kane and Dan Duffy plus a college faculty member too cool to name. Throw in a Handshake contributor, Dmitry Samarov. And what would a punk rock reading be without a band, who plays after all the readings are done. Quite the back to school bash (Rodney Dangerfield would be proud). Stop by Cal's Liquors, 400 S. Wells St., Saturday, Sept. 10 at 7pm if you're cool enough (and you're 21).
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Tue Sep 06 2011
This Thursday, Max Allan Collins and Barbara Collins sign their latest Trash 'n Treasures mystery Antiques Knock-Off. (Barbara Allan is the female pen name of author Max Collins when co-writing with wife Barbara Collins). Centuries and Sleuths, 7419 W. Madison, Forest Park, Thursday, September 8, 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Sep 06 2011
Tomorrow, Neal Samors and Bernard Judge present Chicago's Lake Shore Drive: Urban America's Most Beautiful Roadway. An old school coffee table sized tome, Julia Keller of the Chicago Tribune calls it "a lavishly illustrated history of the bodacious byway that snakes around the lake [for the reader who] lives and breathes Chicago history." Oak Park Library, 834 Lake St., Oak Park, Wednesday, September 7 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Sep 06 2011
So, the @MayorEmanuel book release event is sold out, but you can still enjoy the awesome and funny poster announcing it. And/or go to the event at the MCA on 9/13.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Tue Sep 06 2011
The monthly series that marries reading and drinking is back this month with their theme being the Apocalypse. Why that theme, well Reading Under the Influence is holding this as a release party for featured reader Geoff Hyatt's book Birch Hills at World's End. Other readers will include James Finn Garner, Ilana Shabanov and Nick Delehanty. RUI lands on the first Wednesday of each month -- this month being tomorrow, Sept. 7. It's at Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave, at 7pm with a $3 cover.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Mon Sep 05 2011
Not literally, of course. But The Poetry Foundation is having another open house -- this time to showcase its library's programs and expanded hours. The library at the newly built Poetry Foundation building has around 30,000 books and is open to the public. Why not stop by and celebrate it? The open house, dubbed Collections and Cocktails, is Wednesday, September 7, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm and will feature library collection readings from local poets, poetry fortune-telling, and more. Admission is free but first-come, first-served, so make sure you're in line early at the Poetry Foundation (61 West Superior St)! RSVP here.
— Emily Wong /
Events Mon Sep 05 2011
The monthly series "So You Think You Have Nerves of Steel?" is back Tuesday, Sept. 6, with a variety of performers, including Brandon Will and Nick Bitonti with some sketch comedy of sorts, the poetic styling of Dave Snyder, literary stand-up by Daniel Shapiro, plus a screening of a short film and talk by Xan Aranda of the Chicago Short Film Brigade. Host Harold Ray may challenge you to a drinking match so come prepared. The series is on the first Tuesday of every month at the Hungry Brain, 2319 W. Belmont, at 9pm.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Thu Sep 01 2011
On Sept. 22, local author and Flannery O'Connor Short Fiction Award winner Amina Gautier will be at Women & Children First, discussing and signing At-Risk, her novel about African-American youth in Brooklyn and the not-so-stereotypical situations and choices they face. 5233 N. Clark St., 7:30pm.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Thu Sep 01 2011
The Encyclopedia Show kicks off its fourth series with the theme "saints." All featured performances of music, poetry, visual art, and spoken word will have some insanely saintly tie in. Featured contributors include Seth Dodson (The Show 'N Tell Show) as St. Elmo's Fire, Robin Gelfenbien (comedian, storyteller) as St. Vitus Dance, LeKeja Dawson (Louder Than a Bomb All Star) as Santa Muerte, Billy Lombardo (Author of The Man With Two Arms) as Maximilian Kolbe, and Marty McConnell (HBO Def Poet) as St. Anne. As always, the regular show cast members will be on hand to host. They all take the stage Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7:30pm at the Vittum Theatre, 1012 N. Noble St. Tickets are sold at the door; $8 for adults and $5 for students.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Tue Aug 30 2011
Sharpen your thinkin' bits (and dull them with drink specials) at literary trivia night this Thursday. The evening is a benefit for the Packingtown Review, a UIC literary journal. Declan's Irish Pub, 1240 N. Wells, Thursday, September 1 at 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Aug 30 2011
Tomorrow night David Ansell reads from County: Life, Death and Politics at Chicago's Public Hospital at the Roosevelt branch of the Chicago Public Library. Ansell is a Chicago based physician and health activist who currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer at Rush University Medical Center and was part of a Chicago-based effort that provided medical relief after the Haiti earthquake. The Chicago Tribune says "...the many ways in which poor patients were mistreated and devalued on its premises are the true subject of this book - a valuable addition to the historical record of Cook County and its problem-ridden health care system. Ansell takes readers behind the scenes for a look at deplorable conditions." Chicago Public Library, Roosevelt branch, 1101 W. Taylor, Wednesday, August 31 at 6pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Thu Aug 25 2011
What began 15 years ago as a single sheet circulated among friends has grown into a collection recently published by Montreal's Drawn & Quarterly. Big Questions, over 600 pages of them, are asked by a group of birds -- pondering the meaning of life and, naturally, tasty things to eat.
Nilsen's own life certainly prompted his own questioning. As he put it to the Reader, "I've lived in four different cities, in eight different houses, and had seven different day jobs. I've been engaged twice, married once, divorced, and weathered a death." If you think the melancholy evoked by the cartoons feels all too real, it probably is.
To catch some of these metaphysical musings, consider attending the book release event, sponsored by Quimby's, on Tuesday, August 30th at Lula Cafe (2537 N. Kedzie, 773-489-9554), starting at 7pm.
— Megan E. Doherty /
Events Thu Aug 25 2011
From Alphonse Mucha to Chicago's Will Bradley, art noveau artists have created curving, colorful pieces of art, often featured on book covers, that continue to inspire today. Come find out more Thursday, September 15, Second Presbyterian Church (1936 S. Michigan Ave). SAIC Professor Rolf Achilles will lead the discussion, starting at 7pm. Contact historic2ndchurch [at] yahoo [dot] com for more details.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Wed Aug 24 2011
Tomorrow night, and every last Thursday of the month, is Chattinger's, the graphic novel book club at Challengers Comics. This month's selection is A Drifting Life, Yoshihiro Tatsumi's autobiography of growing up in post World War II Japan. Purchase not required; 20% discount on featured book. Challengers Comics, 1845 N. Western, 2R, August 25 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Aug 24 2011
I just finished Children of Men, and started Oryx and Crake, so telling you about an apocalypse-themed literary event seems like a logical next step. Hosting John Yingling of Gonzo Chicago, anti-sex blogger Donny Kevin Rodriguez of Wood Sugars, columnist Andrew O'Connor, Tomasz Jurczak of The Last King of Poland, Jeff Phillips of Wood Sugars, XIII Pocket, Turban Tan and Whiskey Pike, Aaron Cynic of Diatribe Media and political writer for Chicagoist, and Liz Mason of Caboose Zine and Quimby's.
This line-up reads and talks Sunday, August 28th, at the Black Rock Pub on 3614 N. Damen. Starts 8:30pm. Head over for $3 Bloody Marys and writing about the end-times.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Mon Aug 22 2011
Columbia College Chicago's Center for Book & Paper Arts explores an old-made-new form of printing, wood type, with a display of works from Swiss designer Dafi Kühne. Kühne is currently researching modern and fresh ways to utilize wood type and letterpress, delving into materials like laser cutters and the more old-school cardboard to produce the written word. Other artists shown include David Wolske, Bethany Heck, Brad Vetter, Alex Cooper, Rose Gridneff, and David Shields.
This will run September 8 - December 10. Gallery hours are 10am-6pm, Monday-Saturday. The gallery is located at 1104 S. Wabash Avenue, Second Floor.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Thu Aug 18 2011
The monthly reading series Orange Alert is hosted by Jason Behrends, who also runs the imprint of the same name. Orange Alert Press has its August event this Sunday the 21st. Readers will include local talent: Brett E. Gallagher, Steve Roggenbuck , Jason Bredle, Keith Ecker, and AD Jameson. It all goes down at 6pm at the Whistler 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Aug 17 2011
From the creators of the reading series This Much is True, comes Story Lab, a reading series that brings new voices telling new stories. Performing this month will be: Willy Nast (a creative writing graduate from Northwestern), Marie Scatena (professor at Columbia University, NY), Rhiannon Koehler (an actress, writer, and student at Loyola Marymount University, LA) among others.
Story Labs fall on the third Wednesday of every month, which is August 17th, 7:30pm, at the Black Rock Pub (3614 N. Damen). Story Lab is interested to hear your story go to the series -- contact them, and we might be seeing you there in the future.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Aug 17 2011
Tonight! Generation Y night at Reading Under the Influence. Featured readers are Kyle Chaney, Ray Lumpp, Erin Nedero and August 3 audience winner Michelle Pretorius. Unlike most RUI readings, there's no cover tonight, and the first 20 attendees win a door prize. Sheffield's , 3258 N. Sheffield, Wednesday, August 17. Readings start at 7:30pm in the back room; get there early for a seat.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Aug 15 2011
Wind down (and maybe relive your last two days) with a Wizard World recap: photos and a play-by-play of people celebrating comics, books, and movies through dress, attendance, and purchase.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Mon Aug 15 2011
Our kind of party: Director of digital strategy and development for Chicago magazine Scott Smith talks about the female side of the cape and mask set as part of an ongoing series about comic books and his daughter. Book Cellar (4736 N Lincoln Ave), 7pm.
— Rose Lannin /
Feature Mon Aug 15 2011
If you like poetry, entertainment, and top hats, then the Chicago Poetry Brothel is for you. Tucked away in Thalia Hall, in private rooms in Ristorante al Teatro (1227 W 18th St), the basement bar has been turned into a Victorian brothel by the brothel's madam--Madam Black-eyed Susan--her "poetry whores," and the good doctor (there to supply laudanum for the poets with a case of the nerves). After paying the entrance fee ($5 if you're dressed in Victorian period clothing, $10 if your Victorian period wardrobe is at the cleaners), grab some wine or whiskey at the bar, and wait for the show to start.
The Poetry Brothel typically follows a standard format: After patrons get the chance to settle, Madam Black-eyed Susan introduces her poets with a few descriptive sentences about each, and each poet gets a chance to read a bit of their work to entice the crowd. Once everyone has gotten just a taste of the evening's finest lines, the poets mix and mingle with the crowd, peddling their poems, every so often taking the floor again to tease the patrons with more of their work. Because for a mere $5, you can purchase a token that gets you, not only the poetry whore of your choice, but an intimate reading with that poet, inside a velvet tent, complete with chairs, a table, and gold tassels. In this private space, the poet will recite anything the patron wants--be it the poet's own work or a poem the patron has in mind--on any topic. Being face-to-face and knee-to-knee with the poet is a very personal experience--ask the poet anything you want about the piece, ask for it to be read it again, ask pretty please for more than one poem. You might think that you'll get the same kind of work from each poet, which is definitely not the case. The poetry whores each have their own style that ranges from sultry jazz (Serafine LaCroix) to dark and haunting (August Rose). Plan ahead--check them all out so you can come to the next brothel prepared. And if you're interested in more than one, feel free to purchase more than one private reading!
But poetry isn't the only entertainment--the brothel also invites guests and musicians to showcase their talent. At the August 6 Poetry Brothel, Pearl Pistol performed her alluring vaudeville burlesque show, and the White City Rippers kept everyone moving with what they call their "old-timey mad-scientist steampunk music." (The October brothel will feature Karen Abbott, author of Sin in the Second City, and The Loneliest Monk, master of the electric cello.)
Intrigued? You should be. By the end of the night (the Poetry Brothel parlors are open from 8pm to midnight), you may leave with the poetry whores' books (on sale throughout the evening), and you may leave a little tipsy (the bar is open all four hours), but you certainly won't leave uninspired and unimpressed. And to tantalize you just a little bit more--see what Madam Black-eyed Susan herself has to say about the brothel, her poetry whores, and much more after the jump.
Continue reading this entry »
— Emily Wong /
Events Sat Aug 13 2011
Stop by Myopic Books (1564 North Milwaukee Avenue) tonight at 7pm for their reading series. Featured readers will be Noelle Kocot and Mike Hauser. Admission is free!
— Emily Wong /
Events Fri Aug 12 2011
The next installment of Ray's Tap Reading Series is August 12th with the theme Imaginary Birds. It is not being billed as the series' last reading of all time, but then again there's really no way to know for sure. There's a huge line up of readers featuring:
Matt Rowan, Jacob Knabb, Jayita Bhattacharya, Matt Test, Troy Martin, Dave Snyder,
Daniel Shapiro, Scott Whitehair, Natalie Edwards, Mason Johnson, Brian Nemtusak,
Mark Chrisler, and Tim Racine.
The series is named for its location, Ray's Tap 3047 N. Kimball Avenue. Bar opens at 8 and the readings commence around 9pm.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Fri Aug 12 2011
MAKE magazine will host the Chicago book release for L.C. Fiore's first novel Green Gospel (Fiore is also MAKE's associate fiction editor). Joining will be Lindsay Hunter author of Daddy on Featherproof books. Bookending the readings will be music by Steven Hendershot of the Spares. If that's not enough enjoy complimentary beer and snacks. The event is Friday August 12th, 6:30pm at the Gentner Showroom, 228 W. Kinzie.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Thu Aug 11 2011
Everyone has a story to tell, and if you come to Here's the Story, you can listen to some and even tell one of your own. Taking place every second Wednesday of the month at 7:30pm, at Stage 773 (1225 W Belmont), Here's the Story features five invited readers and holds a "story slam" for anyone who signs up. If you're selected as a "slammer," you get the floor at your designated time, share your story, and then keep your fingers crossed that the audience likes it--because they assign points to their favorites. The slammer with the most points gets to be one of the next month's featured readers. What makes Here's the Story different from tons of other readings, slams, and open mics around the city? It's also a potluck! Bring a dish to pass, fill your plate, and settle in for some serious storytelling. Get more info, see how to submit to be a featured reader, and check out past events here. Next show is September 14!
— Emily Wong /
Books Thu Aug 11 2011
This fall, the Trib offers a cracker-jack lineup of intimate conversations with authors. Helmed by Chicago Tribune Literary Editor Elizabeth Taylor, the "salons" allow you to have your burning questions answered by the writers, who will also attend a "meet & mingle" reception where you can continue the dialogue up close and personal.
While the series itself may be relatively new (having only just begun in February), the impetus behind it is not. Taylor explained that the talks are an outgrowth of the success, enthusiasm and joy of the Printer's Row Book Fair and the Tribune's literary awards, and are a way to extend that throughout the year.
Crafting the talks as "intimate salons" is a response to an increasingly electronic culture. "In this electronic age, people are yearning to come together and enjoy this communal aspect of reading." The selection of authors is made with an eye toward achieving a range and balance between fiction and non-fiction and, most importantly, to find "books and authors that we think will resonate with readers."
While you may have missed the talk Monday, August 8, with Sapphire (whose novel Push became the recent film Precious), you can still attend the rest.
The Author Talks series continues on Thursday, Sept. 15 with Elizabeth Berg (of the recent Once Upon a Time, There Was You, and before that Talk Before Sleep) and Jacquelyn Mitchard (of the upcoming Second Nature, A Love Story, and previously The Deep End of the Ocean). This installment of the series takes place at the Tribune Tower (435 N. Michigan) at 6:30pm, and costs $20 -- which includes reception and book signing.
Left: Jacquelyn Mitchard; photo by Virginia Sutherland. Right: Elizabeth Berg; photo by Curt Richter
The next installment features Pulitzer Prize winner Jeffrey Eugenides (Middlesex, The Virgin Suicides) and takes place on Friday, Oct. 21 at the Murphy Auditorium (50 E. Erie Street) at 6:30pm, and costs $30 -- which includes a copy of The Marriage Plot, his much-anticipated follow-up to Middlesex.
The final talk, in co-presentation with the 22nd annual Chicago Humanities Festival, will be with writer and philosopher Umberto Eco (of the infamous Foucault's Pendulum, and the upcoming The Prague Cemetery), who will appear at the Thorne Auditorium of Northwestern University Law School (375 E. Chicago Avenue), on Sunday, Nov. 13 at 3pm, and costs $15.
Left: Jeffrey Eugenides; right: Umberto Eco
After all this, if you're still thirsty for more (and who wouldn't be?), stay tuned to see who the Trib will bring for the spring.
— Megan E. Doherty /
Events Thu Aug 11 2011
Read 'em and Weep, an aptly titled zine reading tour consists of four Chicago zinesters, will hit the road this week. The tour includes zinesters Dave Roche (On Subbing and About my Disappearance zines), Leslie Perrine (mini-comic/fiction zine and an organizer of Chicago Zine Fest), Xavier Maldonado (poetry zine Explorers are We) and Jim Joyce (personal/nonfiction zine Or Let it Sink).
Joining them will be local zinester special guests Rosy Phinick (Bacterial Turned Viral zine) and Sara Drake (Arty Party comic zine).
The reading is Thursday, August 11, at 7pm at 826CHI, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. It's free and there will be some refreshments. How DIY!
Come by and usher these guys outta Chicago on a good note.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Aug 10 2011
Tonight! Chicago Center for Literature and Photography (CCLAP) presents their quadruple book release party at Beauty Bar, featuring readings from all four authors - Sally Weigel (Too Young To Fall Asleep), Ben Tanzer (99 Problems), Mark R. Brand (Life After Sleep) and Jason Fisk (Salt Creek Anthology). Books available for $20 each or the whole shebang for $50. Free food, cash bar, DJ and dancing afterward. Beauty Bar, 1444 W. Chicago Ave., August 10, 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Aug 10 2011
Tonight! Author Alan Goldsher (Paul Is Undead) presents "Scary Funny: The Art of Combining Horror and Humor" at Argo Tea on Broadway. It's free and you can win tickets to Comic Con. Argo Tea, 3135 N. Broadway, August 10, 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Aug 09 2011
Belmont Avenue is where it's at this week for reading and writing: just a short distance from where Britney Spears 101 takes place tonight is a reading series that delves into first times and the experiences they bring. A couple of differences: it's happening tomorrow night, it's at the Beat Kitchen (2100 W. Belmont Ave) and sponsored by CHIRP Radio, and it's not about Britney Spears. Probably. I guess it could be.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Tue Aug 09 2011
Pop diva Britney Spears is the focus of a reading, Homeroom: Britney Spears 101. All readers are fanatics of the singer in their own right.
Liz Mason self-publishes the zine Caboose, its current issue #7 is titled: Britney Spears 101," touching on topics of Brit as well as her experience undergoing treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma cancer. Next up is Christopher Smit, PhD, an Associate Professor of Media Studies at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan who authored the book The Exile of Britney Spears: A Tale of 21st Century Consumption. Last on the Brit train is Judy Hoffman, an award-winning filmmaker/cinematographer and Senior Lecturer at the University of Chicago who directed Stages: 3 Days In Mexico, about Britney Spears' 2002 concerts in Mexico City.
The not-to-be-missed event is Tuesday, Aug. 9, at 9pm at the Hungry Brain, 2319 W. Belmont.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Fri Aug 05 2011
Is at it again! This month's Poetry Brothel is once again at Thalia Hall, inside Ristorante al Teatro (1227 W 18th St), tomorrow from 8pm to midnight. Hear a private poem from one of the madam's best poetry girls; get your fortune told; and enjoy Victorian parlor songs, The White City Rippers, and burlesque beauty Pearl Pistol. Saturday is for food and drinks, celebrating Chicago's saints and sinners, and of course: poetry! (The price of admission is $5 if you come dressed Victorian, $10 if you don't!)
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Aug 03 2011
Chicago teen poetry group Louder Than A Bomb (which you may remember from such films as Louder Than A Bomb) announce a collaboration with Victory Gardens Theater. The partnership will launch new playwriting curriculum for LTAB, with courses designed to explore the intersections of poetry, hip-hop and theater. Their first show, English Class Heretics, a "best of" LTAB showcase, runs this weekend. Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln, Friday, August 5 at 7:30pm and Saturday, August 6 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Aug 03 2011
It's not until October but here's the early heads-up: actress, comedian, and singer Jane Lynch will grace Women & Children First 10/9, talking about her autobiography, Happy Accidents (available from Women & Children First on 9/13). In Happy Accidents, Lynch discusses how her career path and life have intertwined, as well as the issues of sexuality that have accompanied her on that journey.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Wed Aug 03 2011
August 14th from 1pm-3pm at the Smart Museum (5550 S. Greenwood Avenue), poet Matthias Regan presents the second of two workshops combining the sensibilities of reading and looking. Intended to "explore the relationship between figures and genres of personhood," this (free!) workshop consists of a brief lecture, tour of exhibit "Go Figure," and a conversation about related stories and poems.
This last of the two-workshop series, "Bodies Among Other Things," pairs Sylvia Sleigh's painting The Turkish Bath with passages from Lord Byron's mock epic poem Don Juan, "in order to contemplate how sexualized bodies receive, hold onto, and return the viewer's desire."
— Megan E. Doherty /
Events Wed Aug 03 2011
Over the summer, the well-known Encyclopedia Show, a variety show hosted by poet Robbie Q. Telfer, takes a break from its monthly installments and celebrates a year in review, kinda. Cue the Best of Season 3, their anthology show. The event takes place at the Vittum Theatre (1012 N Noble Street), 7pm. Get tickets at the door; $8 for adults and $5 for students.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Tue Aug 02 2011
Today, A New Road Home tour hits Chicago. The tour is a collaboration between Nomy Lamm and DavEnd, nationally know queer-core artists, who will remix notions of gender, sexuality, dis/ability, community and family. Local legends Jami Sailor, Mia Beatrice, Dalice Malice, and The Ovens are on the bill. Stop by 826CHI aka The Boring Store (1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.) at 7pm.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Mon Aug 01 2011
Gitcher ice-cold Tuesday Funk tomorrow night, upstairs at the Hopleaf. Tuesday's readers include:
Hopleaf, upstairs room, 5148 N. Clark St., Tuesday, August 2, 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Fri Jul 29 2011
Two Cookie Minimum's One Year Anniversary falls on Saturday July 30. This series showcases emerging writers and local zinesters. Plus it's at a bakery, Fritz Pastry (1408 W. Diversey).
Readers include: Carrie Colpitts (brilliant mistake zine), Cyn Vargas, Erin Nederbo (intern at Reading Under the Influence), Dan Copulsky (editor of Concisely zine), Kevin Kern,
Jill Summers, John Wawrzaszek (the Muse, the News, and the Noose zine)
The event is Free and begins at 4pm.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Thu Jul 28 2011
If you haven't had enough at Printers' Ball, here's a few post events that should sate you.
Directly following the ball on Friday, July 29 join ALARM Press, publisher of Design Bureau magazine, for an after party at Villains Chicago (649 South Clark Street). Mingle with local publishers and Ball attendees. The event is free. Come out at 11 and stay until closing.
Then wake up the next afternoon and get your costumes ready for the Slumber Party Massacre Saturday, July 30, 9pm at Beauty Bar (1444 West Chicago Avenue). RSVP to Beauty Bar.
Entertainment will include DJ sets by Gabriel Feijóo (WLUW-FM), Miles Raymer & J.R. (of the Chicago Reader), and Dark Wave Disco, a photo booth by Glitter Guts, plus costumes contests for Best Costume and Best Couple's costume.
Admission is $5. Another Chicago Magazine hosts this event with proceeds funding The Way We Sleep: An Anthology of Prose & Comics, ACM's first stab at book publishing.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Jul 27 2011
Thrilled, and maybe a little overwhelmed, by all the amazing literary wonderfulness at this year's Printers' Ball? What would it be like if you couldn't read well enough to enjoy any of it? Join Gapers Block and the Chicago Literacy Alliance Friday, July 29, from 6:30pm to 7:30 pm for a special Printers Ball Edition meetup (1104 S Wabash) to learn more about the literacy crisis in our city and the organizations that are banding together to fight it. Then head out with your new meetup friends to explore all that the Ball has to offer. Anyone and everyone with an interest in books, reading, literacy, and meeting like-minded people is welcome!
Gapers Block and Chicago Literacy Alliance will be located in a prime spot on the first floor in the Northwest corner next to the bar. Look for a banner!
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue Jul 26 2011
Men Undressed: Women Writers and the Male Sexual Experience is the theme for one of the Printers' Ball lead up events.
Susan Solomon and Gina Frangello read selections from newly published Men Undressed, a book featuring contemporary women writers taking on the point of view of male characters during their sexual experiences. Davis Schneiderman follows reading a story by Cris Mazza. All readers will be dressed up as the opposite sex.
Check it out Wednesday 27th at 6pm. The event will be located at the
Center for Book and Paper Arts at Columbia College 1104 South Wabash Avenue. Oh and it's free.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Mon Jul 25 2011
Printers Ball is annual celebration of print culture with this year's theme -- It's Alive. The Ball takes place on Friday July 29th, 6-11pm at 1104 S. Wabash. Stop by and pick up some free lit, sit in on paper making and letterpress demonstrations and enjoy live music all presented by Poetry Magazine and Columbia College Chicago.
We'll be there, too! Check us out and pick up a free pencil and sticker. We'll be next to the Chicago Literary Alliance.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Books Sun Jul 24 2011
Who doesn't like foraging through great books for even greater deals? If you count yourself among those so inclined, stop by Women & Children First next weekend for their annual used book sale. You'll find steals on "fiction, nonfiction, children's books, LGBTQ titles, CDs, DVDs, and collectables" -- all for a good cause. Proceeds from the weekend benefit the bookstore's non-profit arm, the Women's Voices Fund, which supports all the wonderful programming they make free to the public. July 30 - 31st, 10am-7pm.
— Megan E. Doherty /
Events Thu Jul 21 2011
Writer Cassie J. Snider reads from her new book Fine Fine Music, a collection of stories about the other side of rock and roll and coming of age in NYC, playfully promoting it as "Sex, Pugs, Rock and Roll." Joining her will be readers Danny "Ratso" Rathbun (author of the zine Don't Tread on Me) and local Dave Roche (author of the zine My Disappearance). Saturday July 23rd, 7pm at Quimby's 1854 W. North Ave.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Jul 20 2011
The Third Coast International Audio Festival hosts "Make 'Em Laugh" tomorrow night at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Sit back for an evening of humorous stories carefully culled from the radio waves and Internet ether, read to you by Gwen Macsai of Re:sound and Stuart Flack of the Chicago Humanities Festival. Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave., July 21, 7pm. $10 for the general public, $8 for Old Town School members, seniors and children.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Jul 20 2011
This Sunday the 24th from 1pm-3pm at the Smart Museum (5550 S. Greenwood Avenue), poet Matthias Regan will begin a series of two workshops combining the sensibilities of reading and looking. Intended to "explore the relationship between figures and genres of personhood," each (free!) workshop consists of a brief lecture, tour of exhibit "Go Figure," and a conversation about related stories and poems.
The first of the two workshops, "Bodies Among Other Things," pairs Kerry James Marshall's painting Slow Dance with a short story by detective novelist Walter Mosley.
The second workshop will be held on August 14th.
— Megan E. Doherty /
Events Wed Jul 20 2011
Palabra Pura is a bilingual poetry reading series that takes place monthly and features Chicano and Latino artists. At each reading, a local poet is paired with a visiting writer, and an open mic is thrown in to foster interaction. Tonight's reading starts at 7:30pm at La Bruquena restaurant (2726 W. Division) and is curated by Rafael Franco Steeves with Rey Andujar and Carlos Vázquez Cruz. Admission is free!
— Emily Wong /
"O Wicker Park Fest/ What souvenir should I take home?/ A hangover? A corduroy hipster vest?/ Or an original poem?"
At this Saturday's Wicker Park Fest, two of the Poetry Brothel poets, Dave Landsberger and Kathleen Rooney, will provide poetry on demand from 2pm-9pm at the Chamber of Commerce Booth. Tell them your topic of choice, and they will type out a fresh, related poem on their vintage typewriter. Donations of $5 are suggested, though pay-what-you-can is also accepted. All proceeds will benefit the after-school program 826CHI (The Boring Store) and Rose Metal Press. Read on below for sample poems from Landsberger and Rooney.
WICKER PARK by Dave Landsberger
Men cheat at chess and chug Big Gulps
as children run shirtless to stranger's puppies.
Fat guys on fat softball teams watch skinny dudes
tai-chi into Derrick Rose--the shoes are insults,
the sockless are gods here. O, to be barefoot,
eating a sandwich, under a tree, hopefully no one's Labrador
will release their morning upon me. And look, the sun,
it bombasts above the fountain as if to draw a straight line:
a pyramid, an ancient geyser of goats, gargoyles, a pizza from above .
Even hipsters cannot reappropriate such wonder.
Nor the drunken centrifuge of the Blue Line,
the sad-looking babes in leggings, the elderly who sit and watch,
holding hands. The only force that can steal it away is the winter,
and even then, the poinsettias win. Their roots, barefoot.
SIX-WAY INTERSECTION: A CINQUAIN by Kathleen Rooney
Across
The street, a girl
Just threw her cellphone at
A bus. Man--where can we get a
Taco?
— Emily Wong /
Today's Real Deal (courtesy of the Chicago Reader) gives you 50% off tickets to the Chicago Slam Works Extravaganza at the Metro, happening 7/30.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Mon Jul 18 2011
Young Chicago Authors (along with The Art Institute of Chicago, The Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, Louder Than a Bomb: The Chicago Youth Poetry Festival, New School Poetics, and The School of the Art Institute of Chicago) is proud to present Check the Method: A Summer Spoken Word Camp. In a session for young writers (ages 16-24; July 25-29) and a session for educators (classroom teachers, teaching artists, future teachers; August 1-5), these five-day camps will focus on writing techniques and practices, as well as writing education. Co-lead by Kevin Coval and Roger Bonair-Agard, both sessions take place each day from 10am-3pm and will provide lunch. Interested? Click here for more information and registration.
— Emily Wong /
Events Fri Jul 15 2011
The Chicago Way, a literary series that mixes readings and trivia, will host author Michael Harvey who penned the book The Chicago Way. He will be promoting his newest book, We All Fall Down, with copies available to sign. The event takes place on Sunday July 17th, 7pm at the Hidden Shamrock (2723 North Halsted Street).
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Wed Jul 13 2011
Way back in May, we told you about poetry slams turning 25 this year, and the big bash YCA is having to celebrate on Saturday, July 30, from 8-11pm. Haven't gotten your tickets yet? Well, we have an exciting update: Discounted student tickets are now available for $10! Go to the events page, click on the ticketing link, and enter the promotional code "student." When you pick up your tickets at will call on July 30, flash your student ID or mention "YCA." Happy slammin' poetry!
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue Jul 12 2011
Wednesday night, Columbia College assistant professor Samuel Park reads from his novel This Burns My Heart at Women and Children First. The story of a woman struggling for identity in post-war South Korea, This Burns was named one of amazon.com's Best Books of the Month for July, 2011. Audrey Niffenegger calls it "...quietly stunning - a soft, fierce story that lingers in the mind." Women and Children First, 5233 N. Clark St., Wednesday, June 13, 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Jul 11 2011
Tomorrow night! Slip into the air conditioning for the This Much Is True reading series at The Hopleaf: "Revealing the humorous, embarrassing and poignant moments that make up a life remembered." Tuesday's reading features:
Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark, Tuesday, July 12, 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
As you may have noticed on our right sidebar, we've got a new Book Club event coming up and it's full of history, revelations (both funny and serious), and many miles of prairie.
Wendy McClure will join the GB Book Club staff at Sheffield's on July 27 to discuss The Wilder Life, her story of a road trip through the land of Little House on the Prairie, and the actual events, culture (remember the TV show?) and ideas that entails -- both for the book's characters and real-life inspirations, the author, and the people that feature in her journey into the life and times of Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Sheffield's is located at 3258 N. Sheffield Avenue. The event starts at 7:30pm. There will be some sort of Little House-themed surprise for attendees. Email rl@gapersblock with any questions.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Fri Jul 08 2011
On Sunday July 10th, P. Fanatics host Mason Johnson brings another round of literary hijinks. The event is at Cole's bar (2338 N. Milwaukee), 8pm, no cover. Readers include: Jill Summers, Dan Shapiro, Lindsay Hunter, Robbie Q. Telfer and more.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Thu Jul 07 2011
But we promise, these classes will be fun: DePaul is having its Summer Writing Conference again, from July 15-17. This year's conference will feature Alex Kotlowitz, journalist and best-selling author, as opening speaker and Miles Harvey, award-winning fiction writer (and DePaul assistant professor), as closing speaker, as well as other notable poets and writers who will help you learn more about craft, publishing, and surviving as a writer. Interested? Get registration information and a schedule of classes here.
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Jul 06 2011
A group of Librarians by day and Zinesters by night are taking their talents on the road, touring around in the Fly Away Zine Mobile, a bookmobile dedicated to DIY and self-publishing.
Tour participants are Jenna Freedman (Lower East Side Librarian and Barnard Zine Collection); Jami Sailor (Your Secretary zine and Chicago Public Library Near North Branch Librarian); John Stevens (Dilettantes and Heartless Manipulators); Celia Perez (I Dreamed I Was Assertive and Atlas of Childhood); and Debbie Rasmussen (former publisher of Bitch: Feminist Response to Popular Culture) who's latest venture is the Fly Away Zine Mobile.
The tour stops by Chicago July 6th, 7pm at Quimbys 1854 W. North ave.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Tue Jul 05 2011
Sprung from the minds of Think Galactic, a science fiction-based book club out of Wicker Park, leftist sci-fi convention Galacticon happens July 8-10 at Roosevelt University. Find out more about the con in Time Out Chicago's recent article, or go straight to the website.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Mon Jul 04 2011
The monthly reading series Reading Under the Influence (RUI)offers up the theme "Poison" on Wednesday July 6th. Featured readings by Adam McOmber (fitting as he authored the book, This New and Poisonous Air), 2nd Story contributor Eileen Dougharty, Mason Johnson and Adam Wood. Join them at Sheffield's (3258 N Sheffield Ave) 7pm, 21+, $3.
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Thu Jun 30 2011
Tonight author and filmmaker Daniel Kraus will be on hand at Bucket of Blood books and records reading from and signing his new horror novel, Rotters. The event starts at 7:30pm, but get there early and check out the shop's selection of horror and science fiction books (2307 N. Milwaukee Ave).
— John Wawrzaszek /
Events Thu Jun 30 2011
Mandy Van Deven reads from Hey, Shorty! A Guide to Combating Sexual Harassment and Violence in Schools and On the Streets at Women and Children First tomorrow night. Ms. magazine says "If you want to read about some truly inspiring young feminists, pick up Hey Shorty! This book is full of great ideas for youth organizing and coalition work. [It] encouraged girls to articulate their issues and goals, and then worked with them to learn the skills they needed to achieve their goals. The result? A whole new generation of smart, knowledgeable, articulate and empowered young women. Women who will change the world." Women and Children First, 5233 N. Clark, Friday, July 1, 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Thu Jun 30 2011
If you're out in the suburbs and can't make it to the Gapers Block event tonight, David Ansell will be reading from County: Life, Death and Politics at Chicago's Public Hospital at the Oak Park Public Library. Ansell is a Chicago based physician and health activist who currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer at Rush University Medical Center and was part of a Chicago-based effort that provided medical relief after the Haiti earthquake. The Chicago Tribune says "...the many ways in which poor patients were mistreated and devalued on its premises are the true subject of this book - a valuable addition to the historical record of Cook County and its problem-ridden health care system. Ansell takes readers behind the scenes for a look at deplorable conditions." Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake Street, Thursday, June 30, 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Thu Jun 23 2011
Ivan Brunetti, Lilli Carre, Paul Nudd , Onsmith and upcoming Gapers Block book club author Paul Hornschemeier will sign the comic and essay collection Black Eye #1: Graphic Transmissions to Cause Ocular Hypertension tomorrow night at Quimby's. The jury's out on whether it actually provokes the titular medical condition, but it was badass enough to be seized at the Canadian border on obscenity charges a month ago. Quimby's, 1854 W. North Ave., Friday, June 24, 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Thu Jun 23 2011
Camille Noe Pagan reads from The Art of Forgetting tonight at the Book Cellar. A novel of female friendship and the shifting roles they entail, author Sarah Pekkanen calls it "lively, thoughtful...This book captivated me from the first page, and I couldn't bear to put it down." The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln, Thursday, June 23, 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Jun 21 2011
Way back when, we told you about the construction of The Poetry Foundation's new building. Well, the new building will open to the public this weekend, on June 25! And to celebrate, the foundation is inviting you over for a two-day open house on June 25 and 26, starting at 10am each day. Plan to not only be wowed by the beautiful new space but also by the entertainment, with readings from poets that include Billy Collins, Robert Hass, and Jack Prelutsky; a presentation by the building's architect, John Ronan; discussions; book signings; and much much more. Check out the schedule of events here, and reserve FREE tickets to any event(s) of your choice.
A visual rendering of the new building
— Emily Wong /
Events Mon Jun 20 2011
Haven't decided if you're going to attend The Poetry Foundation Open House this Saturday? How about this as an incentive: Singer-songwriter Neko Case will perform a special show at 8:30 pm on June 25, at the new building (61 W. Superior). FREE tickets will be given out through a lottery system -- 90 pairs in all. Go to The Poetry Foundation's lottery website between now and Tuesday, June 21, at 5 pm to enter and read full contest rules. After all entries have been received, winners will be drawn and then notified by email on Wednesday, June 22. Good luck!
— Emily Wong /
Events Thu Jun 16 2011
There's no guarantee you'll actually get to do those things, but the Young Chicago Authors Fundraiser & Poetry Expo (Elastic Arts, 2830 N. Milwaukee Ave.) will be fun nonetheless! Your $5 (under 25) or $10 (over 25) will get you food and drinks, as well as performances by a wide range of people, including poets, singers, DJs, and MCs. Your money will also be put to good use: it will help send YCA youth to the Allied Media Conference in Detroit. So mark Tuesday, June 21, on your calendar, because from 7-10pm, you'll be enjoying the talent at YCA's concert and expo!
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Jun 15 2011
Tomorrow is Bloomsday, where bibliophiles around the world celebrate all things James Joyce. Chicago will represent at the Galway Arms Irish Pub where Puddin'head Press and Collage Productions will host their 7th annual reading from James Joyce's Ulysses. Fifteen excerpts will be read in a two-hour presentation encapsulating the events of June 16, 1904 as experienced by Stephen Dedalus, Leopold and that saucy Molly Bloom (I read her soliloquy in a speech class ages ago and got an "is this X-rated??" comment in red pen). Chicago playwright and novelist Jeff Helgeson returns as emcee with performances by local actors and Puddin' head Press authors. Galway Arms Irish Pub, 2nd Floor, 2442 N. Clark, Thursday, June 16, 6:30pm. $5 donation.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Jun 15 2011
Chicago State University writing professor Nnedi Okorafor reads from and discusses her latest novel Who Fears Death? tomorrow night. Centering around genocide in a far-future, post-apocalyptic Saharan Africa, the book has won a number of awards and was honored as a "Best Book of 2010″ by Publishers Weekly, Library School Journal, and the Nobbie Awards. 57th Street Books, 1301 E 57th St., Thursday, June 16, 6pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Jun 13 2011
Tuesday is the final event for the 18th Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Award, and they're doing it up "American idol-style." Each of the 22 finalists will read their poem on stage, and the audience gets to decide who wins the $500 prize. Come to the Chopin Theatre (1543 W Division) tomorrow night at 7pm to watch the poets in action and cast your vote. The entrance fee is $7 ($5 for students). To get a preview of the competing poets, click here.
— Emily Wong /
Events Thu Jun 09 2011
Got some books you need to get off your hands? Donate them to the Prison Resources Foundation, whose initiative is to "provide free books to libraries in prisons and jails across the country." Like free drinks? There will be those as well. This all happens Saturday, July 2, 1pm-7pm, at 3281 W. Wrightwood Avenue. Go here for more details.
All donations accepted, but the following are in high demand:
- Contemporary bestsellers, especially mysteries and thrillers
- Love poetry and romance novels
- Self-help, especially positive thinking and anger management
- Job search and resume guides
- Latino interest and Spanish-language books
- African-American interest
- Religion, especially islam
- Dictionaries and thesauruses
— Rose Lannin /
Events Wed Jun 08 2011
Kiss of Snow is an especially sexy sounding title this time of year (what with the Unwelcome Embrace of Humidity upon walking out the door). It's also a paranormal romance ("Since the moment of her defection from the PsyNet and into the SnowDancer wolf pack, Sienna Lauren has had one weakness. Hawke. Alpha and dangerous, he compels her to madness"). Hear more at best-selling author Nalini Singh's appearance at the Book Cellar tonight. Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln, June 8 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Jun 08 2011
Greg Borzo, author of Bike It Everywhere, Chicago: Tales From The Trails shares tales of cycling adventures at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.) on June 14, 12pm.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Mon Jun 06 2011
An all-star local literary cast reads at the Chicago Cultural Center (77 E. Randolph) on June 16: Joe Meno, Bayo Ojikutu, Simone Muench, and Kathleen Rooney. Afterparty at the Stop Smiling storefront (1371 N. Milwaukee Ave.).
— Rose Lannin /
Events Thu Jun 02 2011
It's a literary debutante ball (of sorts) at Women and Children First tonight: Leslie Jamison reads from her debut novel The Gin Closet and Kiki Petrosino from her debut poetry collection Fort Red Border . Women and Children First, 5233 N. Clark St., Thursday, June 2, 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Thu Jun 02 2011
Poet Jena Osman (The Network ) reads in in the latest installment of of the University of Chicago's Poem Present series. University of Chicago, Wieboldt Hall, 1050 E 59th St., Thursday, June 2, 5pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Jun 01 2011
If you haven't been to The Dollhouse Reading Series yet, you won't want to miss this one. Friday, June 3, the series (1850 W. Belle Plaine Ave, Apt 3) has a celebrity theme: it's BYOB and bring your favorite celebrity quote (they've specifically requested no Charlie Sheen -- everyone's probably heard enough by now). Featured poets include Nick Demske, Sarah Fox, Daniel Borzutzky, and Sarah Carson. The doors open at 8pm, and the reading begins at 9pm. Admission is free.
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue May 31 2011
This edition (happening Wednesday, first day of June, 7-9pm) features writing professors Daniel Hoyt and Shawn Shiflett (Kansas State and Columbia College, respectively), local authors Rick Markley and Erin Nederbo. The theme is "Boxes." 3258 N Sheffield Ave, (773) 281-4989.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Fri May 27 2011
The lit fest is only about a week away! Next Saturday and Sunday, June 4 and 5, Printers Row (around the area of Dearborn Street, from Congress to Polk streets) will be filled with more books, authors/speakers, and book nerds than you can imagine for the 2011 Printers Row Lit Fest. Check out each day's event schedule, the full list of appearing authors, and Make Your Mark: Get Chicago Reading! The fine print: events and panel discussions are free; however, you need to reserve a free ticket for Harold Washington Library Center and University Center events to ensure entrance. So come one, come all and enjoy all sorts of special literature related events, such as Lit After Dark and Pitchapalooza!
— Emily Wong /
Events Thu May 26 2011
The Poetry Foundation's brand spankin' new building will open to the public on June 25! And to celebrate, the foundation is inviting you over for a two-day open house on June 25 and 26, starting at 10am each day. Plan to not only be wowed by the beautiful new space but also by the entertainment, with readings from poets that include Billy Collins, Robert Hass, and Jack Prelutsky; a presentation by the building's architect, John Ronan; discussions; book signings; and much much more. Check out the schedule of events here, and reserve FREE tickets to any event(s) of your choice. It's only a month away! And you know how time flies when you're...reading poetry.
A visual rendering of the new building
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed May 25 2011
Ben Tanzer (You Can Make Him Like You) and David Masciotra (Working on a Dream: The Progressive Political Vision of Bruce Springsteen) read at The Book Cellar tomorrow night. There are promises of "interpretive dance numbers and a laser light show of uncertain proportions." Book Cellar, 4736 N Lincoln Ave., Thursday, May 26 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed May 25 2011
Did you know poetry slams began right here in our fabulous city? And that they're turning 25 this year? In honor of the birth of poetry slams, Chicago Slam Works is hosting a birthday bash that will blow the top off of slams everywhere. The Poetry Slam 25th Birthday Extravaganza will take place at Cabaret Metro (3730 N. Clark) on July 30. The party will feature Slam Champions and slammers from all over the globe, including a group from Germany! And as if that isn't enough, there will also be live slam translations and music. Get your tickets now: the 6pm Pre-Show VIP reception package is $100+, and the 8pm Main Floor/General Seating is $45, with Standing Room tickets at $25. Go to the Metro website or the Chicago Slam Works website to buy. If you want to get in on some slam action early, check out the Slam History Salon at the Chopin Theater (1543 W. Division) on June 18. Just $12 gets you 3 hours with historical figures discussing their behind-the-scenes slam stories AND a "generous brunch." Call (847) 556-8679 for reservations.
— Emily Wong /
Events Fri May 20 2011
Schoooool's...out...for...summer: Share readings from your hard-earned MFA manuscript at the Tamale Hut Café Presents tomorrow night for their first-ever MFA open reading invitation. Raise a glass to Randy "Macho Man" Savage as host Jenny Seay reads from her novel-in-progress steeped in the world of wrestling. Bring your student ID and get three tamales for the price of two. BYOB. Tamale Hut Café, 8300 W. Cermak, North Riverside, May 21, 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Fri May 20 2011
A zookeeper, professor, and two shadow puppet-wielding sisters present their interpretations of black and white tonight at a gathering of the zine-based Dil Pickle Club, with a bonus return of the Dil Pickler. There will also be music, and a man in a gorilla suit. Takes place at the Original Billy Goat Tavern (430 N Michigan), Sunday May 22nd, 7pm-10pm. Free.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Wed May 18 2011
Rebecca Skloot reads from The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks tomorrow night. Henrietta Lacks was a poor Southern tobacco farmer whose cells (dubbed HeLa cells) were taken without her knowledge and were of vital use in developing the polio vaccine, in cancer research and in gene mapping, among other things. Her cells helped launch a multimillion-dollar industry that sells human biological materials, yet her family never saw any of the profits. Seed magazine says "The history of HeLa is a rare and powerful combination of race, class, gender, medicine, bioethics, and intellectual property; far more rare is the writer that can so clearly fuse those disparate threads into a personal story so rich and compelling. Rebecca Skloot has crafted a unique piece of science journalism that is impossible to put down - or to forget." Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State, May 19, 2011 at 6pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon May 16 2011
Bomb & Bird is the latest reading series taking place this Thursday, May 19, at Innertown Pub (1935 West Thomas St), starting at 7:30pm. Bring poetry, prose, what have you (the brave souls even say they'll accept your worst work as well as your best). The event is free, and you get five minutes of open-mic floor time -- first come, first-served. And the founders would like to leave you with these words...
"There you are, coy and considering, and with nothing to do but show up, sign up, and speak up."
— Emily Wong /
Events Thu May 12 2011
The Logan Square Literary Review features authors they've published tonight at Ipsento Coffee House (2035 Western): Larry O. Dean, Lara Levitan, and Kristiana Colon serve up some local talent, starting at 7:15pm.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Wed May 11 2011
Kim Barker brings to life her at times black-humored experiences as a correspondent covering the rising militancy in both Pakistan and Afghanistan in The Taliban
Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan. She was also the Tribune's South Asia bureau chief from 2004 to 2009, and on Tuesday, May 17 she'll be at After-Words (23 East Illinois
) at 7pm, telling stories, taking questions, and signing.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Wed May 11 2011
This Friday, check out the Ol' Time Mississippi Fish Fry and Hip Hop Storytelling Revival. The night will feature Grammy winning rapper and former 20th Ward alderman candidate Che "Rhymefest" Smith, spoken word by the Neighborhood Writing Alliance, food and cooking demonstrations, a West Woodlawn TIF photo gallery and more. Brought to you by Blacks In Green , a community education and trade association working to foster and sustain green, neighbor-owned businesses in African-American communities. Da Sto, 460 E. 61st. Friday, May 13, 6-10pm, $35 for dinner, show and festival; click here for tickets
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed May 11 2011
Demetri Martin, the deadpan, Beatles coiffed star of the comedy sketch show Important Things With Demetri Martin , will be in Chicago this Thursday to sign copies of his new book This Is A Book. Author Malcolm Gladwell says "When I first saw Important Things With Demetri Martin, I said to myself, 'this is the funniest thing ever.' I was wrong. This Is A Book is better." Barnes and Noble Depaul Center , 1 E. Jackson Blvd., May 12, 6pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed May 11 2011
Late night talk show host Chelsea Handler will be at Macy's (née Marshall Field's) tonight signing copies of her new book Lies That Chelsea Handler Told Me before her performance at the Chicago Theater. Contributing comedians Josh Wolf, Brad Wollack and Heather McDonald will also be appearing. Macy's , 111 N. State Street, lower level, Candy Department, May 11, 5pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Thu May 05 2011
You and the ballerina princess bookworm kid in your life are invited to Princess Aurora's tea party, a celebration of Aleksandra Efimova's new children's book, The Sleeping Beauty Ballet. Sponsored by the Joffrey Academy of Dance, the party includes treats, Lilac Fairy's creation stations, and a performance of Sleeping Beauty by Academy of Dance Trainees and students.
$40 for adults, $25 for children. This all happens May 21 at 10 East Randolph. RSVP by May 17. All this information and more here.
— Rose Lannin /
I know, I know, it's not even spring weather yet, much less beach weather. But give yourself something to look forward to in addition to warmer temps... Chicago author Jen Lancaster's (Bitter is the New Black, My Fair Lazy) latest, If You Were Here, came out on Tuesday. See her read at the Barnes and Noble on Webster (1441 W. Webster Ave.) at 6pm this Saturday, May 7, and then add the new novel to your summer reading list!
— Emily Wong /
Events Thu May 05 2011
The Next Objectivists are "a free school of poets and critics pursuing the techniques of writing poetry from outside the self" (think William Carlos Williams, not Ayn Rand). They meet the second and fourth Thursday of every month in Rogers Park. Tonight, their workshop will be held in conjunction with the Red Rover Reading Series as the Chicago Durutti Skool 2011, part of a nationwide series of workshops examining poetry as a catalyst for social change (yes, that means Marxism and anarchism). On Friday, the Chicago Durutti Skool continues with readings and discussions with
Frank Rogaczewski and Michelle Taransky at Outer Space Studio. Thursday, May 5 workshop: Mess Hall, 6932 N. Glenwood Ave., 7-9pm. Beginners always welcome; download free stories for discussion here. Friday, May 6 workshop: Outer Space Studio, 1474 N. Milwaukee Ave., 7-9pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed May 04 2011
On May 13 Open Books is holding Make the Case, their first ever bookcase decorating contest where literature-loving teams will turn ordinary bookshelves into artistic masterpieces. Tickets to the event are $35 and include appetizers, drink, a discount coupon, a chance to vote in the People's Choice winner and more. At the end of the event, judges Jonathan Messinger, Patrick Somerville, and Amy Guth will award prizes to the bookcases that best convey the theme. The week following the event, Open Books will fill the bookcases with books and donate them to other local nonprofit organizations. The event is a great chance to support the Open Books cause and watch the art and literary love fly. 6pm-9pm at Enclave, 213 W. Institute Pl. Tickets can be purchased here.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Tue May 03 2011
It's the first Tuesday of the month, time for your dose of Tuesday Funk. Tonight's readers include:
Hopleaf, upstairs lounge, 5148 N. Clark St., 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon May 02 2011
Ed Roberson, Northwestern's Distinguished Artist in Residence in the Department of English, reads tomorrow at Northwestern in The Hagstrum Room (#201), University Hall (1897 Sheridan Road, Evanston). The reading starts at 5pm and is presented by UniVerse. Admission is free!
— Emily Wong /
Events Mon May 02 2011
Local mystery writers. Literary research. Archives and libraries. These things are interesting on their own, even more so when related, as in the case of this panel discussion at Sheffield's, where Libby Fischer Hellman, Frances Dean McNamara and Michael Harvey talk about where the find the information to flesh out their tales of intrigue and suspense.
It's happening Wednesday, May 4, 6pm-8pm, 3258 N. Sheffield Avenue.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Fri Apr 29 2011
Cindy Pon (author of Silver Phoenix, named one of the Top Ten Fantasy and Science Fiction Books for Youth by the American Library Association's Booklist, and one of 2009′s best Fantasy, Science Fiction and Horror by VOYA) and Malinda Lo (author of author of Ash, a finalist for the William C. Morris YA Debut Award and named one of the Kirkus Best Young Adult Novels of 2009) want to show that Young Adult fiction is a genre of many faces, both in terms of writers and characters- it is this with this mindset that they embark on the Diversity in YA tour, which comes to Chicago on Tuesday, May 10. In addition to Pon and Lo, the presentation will feature local authors Claudia Guadalupe Martinez and Nnedi Okorafor.
The event will take place at Barbara's Books (1218 S. Halsted St), from 5:30-6:45pm.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Wed Apr 27 2011
Bonomo (author of Highway to Hell (33 1/3 Series) and Sweat: The Story of The Fleshtones, America's Garage Band) and DeRogatis (of "Sound Opinions" and Vocalo.org) will talk about rock 'n' roll writing tomorrow, April 28, at Ferguson Hall (600 S. Michigan Ave), Room 101, at 6:30pm.
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue Apr 26 2011
Tomorrow! Release party for Ben Tanzer's new book You Can Make Him Like You. Nik Korpon of The Nervous Breakdown says "You Can Make Him Like You is, I think, the book High Fidelity could've been, wanted to be."
The evening also features readings by Lindsay Hunter, Gina Frangello, Jason Fisk and Tim Jones-Yelvington. Brought to you by local publisher Curbside Splendor. Beauty Bar, 1444 W. Chicago Ave., April 27, 7-10pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Apr 26 2011
We hear more and more about saving the environment these days. What's going on? Brute Neighbors tries to answer your questions with poetry, photography, and essays. Come to the launch reading at The Book Cellar on Thursday, April 28 at 6pm for a reading by the contributors. You won't be disappointed: you'll hear from some of Chicago's finest!
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Apr 20 2011
In honor of National Poetry Month, come out to The Book Cellar (4736-38 Lincoln Ave.) tonight at 7pm to celebrate local poets Robert McDonald, Katie Phillips, Richard Fox, and Larry Dean.
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Apr 20 2011
Live erotic fiction contest readings along with silent auction to benefit Chicago Women's Health Center. At The Whistler, 2421 N. Milwaukee. Pay-what-you-can sliding scale. Thursday, April 21. Readings at 7pm, dance party follows at 9:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Apr 20 2011
Local author Wendy McClure will discuss her latest book Wilder Life: My Adventures in the Lost World of Little House on the Prairie tomorrow night. Author Julie Klam says "The Wilder Life evoked so much of an almost palpable nostalgia that I felt like I was walking into my childhood dollhouse every time I opened the book. I absolutely loved this book." The Book Cellar will be hosting a contest for the finest prairie bonnet in honor of the festivities. The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln, April 21, 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Apr 20 2011
String theory opponent and theoretical physicist Lawrence M. Krauss (The Physics of Star Trek) discusses wormholes, time loops and the possibility of parallel universes tonight. Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State, April 20 at 6pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Remember when we talked about Poetry Cram 11? Well, the poets/poems have been selected for the 11th volume. See the list here. And don't forget, you can get your free copy of the journal on Saturday, April 30, from 10am to 4pm at Harold Washington Library.
— Emily Wong /
Events Thu Apr 14 2011
This Saturday, April 16, the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian will host its first Native American Poetry Night. Kimberly Blaeser, Mark LaRoque, and Thirza Defoe -- Native American poets from the Midwest -- will read and talk about their poetry from 5 to 7pm at the museum (3001 Central St, Evanston). Admission is $8 for the public and $5 for Mitchell Museum members. For more information, visit the museum's website.
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Apr 13 2011
This Friday the Book Cellar celebrates the posthumous release of David Foster Wallace's The Pale King. Esquire calls The Pale King "the final, beautiful act of an unwilling icon...one of the saddest, most lovely books I've ever read. DFW writes sentences and sometimes whole pages that make you feel like you can't breathe." Readers at the event will include Patrick Somerville, Marcus Sakey,
Adam Levin, Kyle Beachy, and Jon Baskin. The evening will feature readings of favorite DFW pieces, original essays on his work, a brief discussion with the authors, and DFW trivia with a free drink for correct answers (yes, the Book Cellar has a bar). The Book Cellar, 4736-38 N Lincoln Ave., Friday, April 15 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Apr 13 2011
Catherynne M. Valente will be at the Book Cellar this Thursday to read from her latest novel Deathless, a retelling of the Russian folktale of Koschei the Deathless. Cory Doctorow says "romantic and blood-streaked, and infused with magic so real you can feel it on your fingertips - Deathless is beautiful." Lev Grossman says "stories, unlike people, don't stay dead forever, or not always. They can live again - but only under very special circumstances. They must be revived by the miraculous touch of a very rare class of being, a kind of multi-classed genius/scholar/saint, who can restore them to life. Catherynne Valente is such a being." The Book Cellar, 4736-38 N Lincoln Ave., Thursday, April 14 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Apr 11 2011
You may remember us reporting that One Book, One Chicago chose Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere for this year's citywide reading program. Tomorrow night, Gaiman will talk with Audrey Niffenegger about imagination and creativity at the Harold Washington Library Center auditorium (400 S. State St) at 6pm. Event is free!
— Emily Wong /
Events Sat Apr 09 2011
Reginald Gibbons and Cornelia Maude Spelman are married. They are also the authors of Slow Trains Overhead: Chicago Poems And Stories and Missing: A Memoir, respectively. On Tuesday, April 12, they will come together to present their poetry and prose in a program by the Society of Midland Authors at the Cliff Dwellers Club (200 S. Michigan Ave, 22nd floor). Complimentary snacks and a cash bar will be available starting at 6pm, with the reading beginning at 7pm. And admission is free, but the Society would be grateful for any donations to offset the cost of their programs.
— Emily Wong /
Count the ways The Poetry Foundation is celebrating!
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue Apr 05 2011
Joshua Dumas and Christy LeMaster gave brand-spankin' new rolls of 16mm film to 12 Chicago-based experimental filmmakers, and then asked these filmmakers to respond to Chicago poet Li-Young Lee's "The City in Which I Love You," while adding in their own creative experiences in Chicago. The end result is The City in Which, a Chicago cine-poem, which is a short film made from splicing all of the filmmakers' work together. The film's premiere is Friday, April 8, at 8pm, with a second showing on Saturday, April 9, at The Nightingale (1084 N. Milwaukee). Lee's poem will be read live to accompany the film, and a cine-poem program, curated by LeMaster, will follow.
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue Apr 05 2011
If you've some extra tax return money rattling around in your pocket, consider putting it to a good cause. This Thursday, April 7 is the Well Read Affair at the Chicago Cultural Center, a benefit for Literacy Chicago. The Affair features music from the
Myles Hayes Quintet and the a capella punk rock Blue Ribbon Glee Club as well as food, cocktails, a silent auction and readings from Literacy Chicago students. Emmy award winner Catie Keogh hosts. Literacy Chicago is a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals to achieve greater self sufficiency through language and literacy instruction. Their programs include ESL, adult literacy, GED and workforce literacy tutoring. They offer tuition-free classes to the greater Chicago community and are always looking for volunteers. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., (312) 744-6630. Thursday, April 7, 6-9pm. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased here.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Apr 05 2011
If you got funk, you got style (yeah, it'll be a while before I run out of P-Funk references). If you got style, you'll be at Tuesday Funk tonight. Tonight's readers include:
- Ian Belknap is a writer/performer and former comedian who's opened for the likes of Steven Wright and Dennis Miller. These days he hosts Write Club at The Hideout, is the fact checker for The Encyclopedia Show, and semi-regular Dean of Mean at The Paper Machete. He is author of the live memoir show Wide Open Beaver Shot of My Heart: A Comedy With a Body Count.
- Lisa Chalem runs the blog Feel The Love, Eat The Food and is a member of The Writers Workspace.
- Robert K. Elder is the author of Last Words of the Executed and The Film That Changed My Life: 30 Directors On Their Epiphanies In The Dark. Studs Terkel called Elder "a journalist in the noblest tradition." A former staff writer at the Chicago Tribune, Elder's work has appeared in The New York Times, MSNBC.com, The Los Angeles Times, salon.com, and many other publications.
- J. H. Palmer is a Gapers Block contributor, is the winner of the February Moth Story Slam, and runs the blog Buttered Noodles.
- William Shunn is the co-host of Tuesday Funk A Chicagoan since 2007, he's the author of The Accidental Terrorist: My Adventures as a Foot Soldier in the Mormon Army as well as the novella Inclination, which was nominated for the Hugo, the Nebula and the Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Awards. Catch up with him here.
Hopleaf, upstairs lounge, 5148 N. Clark St., Tuesday, April 5, 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Apr 04 2011
If the words "spelling bee" bring to mind grade school grudges (you purposely misheard me, Sister Ann!), here's your chance for a do-over amongst friends and well-crafted beer. Head out to the Rocking Horse in Logan Square this Wednesday for the Spleling Be, brought to you by the Louisville, Kentucky-based Idea Festival. You can compete in teams of up to three people; if one team member wears a bee suit, you get a round of immunity, meaning you can misspell one word and remain in the competition. The winner(s) get handmade trophies and all-access passes to the Idea Festival (worth $400 each) held this September. Similar to TED Talks, The Idea Festival has been bringing together leading thinkers in science, the arts, business, design, technology, education, medicine and more in a heady cocktail of ideas since 2000. Yes, redeeming the passes will involve travel to the Bluegrass State (road trip!). Rocking Horse, 2535 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647 (773) 486-0011. Wednesday, April 6. Sign-up starts at 7:30, spelling bee starts at 8:30. Free.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Apr 04 2011
Story Club's show this Thursday, April 7, at Wrigleyville's Uncommon Ground (3800 N Clark St) will feature Rites of Passage stories by Jen Bosworth (Stories at the Store) and JT Berg. There are also 5 open mic spots -- get there for open mic sign-up from 8 to 8:15pm. The event is free, but if you want to make sure you get a seat, call for dinner reservations (773/929.3680).
— Emily Wong /
Events Fri Apr 01 2011
The Poetry Foundation's Poetry Off the Shelf welcomes Mary Karr to the Art Institute of Chicago, Rubloff Auditorium (230 S Columbus Dr) on Tuesday, April 5 at 6pm. Karr is an accomplished poet and memoirist (you may have heard of The Liars' Club), not to mention a winner of various awards and fellowships. Admission is free and first-come, first-served, so don't be late!
— Emily Wong /
Events Thu Mar 31 2011
Tonight at 6pm, Michael Moreci (author of the zombie graphic novel Quarantined, profiled last year) kicks off his class at the Newberry Library; "Writing for Comics," designed to give a better sense of the creative process, industry, and scripting behind authoring comics and graphic novels. It's not too late to sign up.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Tue Mar 29 2011
It's budding author night in Forest Park tomorrow: Victor David Giron (Sophomoric Philosphy), Ben Tanzer (Most Likely You Go Your Way And I Go Mine), Mark Brand (Red Ivy Afternoon) and Jason Behrends, managing editor of Orange Alert Press will be at Centuries and Sleuths Bookstore, 7419 W. Madison, Forest Park, (708) 771-7243, Wednesday, March 30, 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Mar 28 2011
If you missed him at Bookman's Alley last weekend, Josh Alan Friedman (Black Cracker) will also be at Quimby's tomorrow night. Black Cracker is the story of Friedman's childhood at New York's last segregated school in the early '60s. L.A. Weekly says "Friedman splits sides, breaks hearts and always remains ruthlessly honest about the real world, a place that doesn't conform to the politically correct wishes of liberals or conservatives." Friedman will also be performing on acoustic guitar. Quimby's, 1854 W. North Ave., March 29, 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Mar 22 2011
Are you Good, Giving and Game? Do you know It Gets Better or could you use some proof? Author and Savage Love advice columnist Dan Savage will be in Chicago tomorrow. He and his husband Terry Miller will be discussing It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying and Creating a Life Worth Living. In response to news reports of the suicides of bullied LGBT teens several months ago, Savage and Miller uploaded a short YouTube video about their lives. The aim was to reach vulnerable gay teens, encourage them to accept themselves and provide living proof that with determination they can design happy lives of their choosing. The video sparked the It Gets Better project, in which over 6000 people uploaded similar videos about their own lives. It Gets Better distills the videos into essay form. Sponsored by Unabridged Bookstore, the reading will be held at Nettelhorst School, 3252 N. Broadway, March 23 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Mar 22 2011
This Thursday at the UIC Student Center East Building, Cardinal Room (750 S. Halsted St), join bestselling author David Sirota and The Onion A.V. Club's Nathan Rabin at 7pm for a 1980s themed evening. Sirota just published Back to Our Future: How the 1980s Explain The World We Live In Now, and he and Rabin will try to stump you with '80s trivia and get you talking about how '80s culture still affects us today. Event is free, and a book signing will follow.
— Emily Wong /
Events Mon Mar 21 2011
The Oak Park Public Library is getting in on the graphic novel scene! Their new From the Gutters series will meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month to discuss a particular graphic novel. The series kicks off March 23 at 7:30pm at the Main Library (834 Lake St, Oak Park) with Persepolis I & II by Marjane Satrapi. From the Gutters is open to anyone interested in reading and talking about books (and refreshments will be served!). Future graphic novels to be covered include Maus I & II by Art Spiegelman, Watchmen by Alan Moore, and The Dark Knight by Frank Miller.
— Emily Wong /
Events Mon Mar 21 2011
This Friday, poster artist Brad Klausen (whose resume includes many Pearl Jam covers, gig posters, and prints) presents From a Basement in Seattle: The Poster Art of Brad Klausen, a collection of his posters, stories, and sketches. Joining him will be local legend Jay Ryan with 100 Posters, 134 Squirrels: A Decade of Hot Dogs, Large Mammals, and Independent Rock, an updated treasure trove reflecting the Chicago music scene, and the artists (both visual and aural) that make it up. 4736-38 N Lincoln Ave, 7pm. Free!
— Rose Lannin /
Events Tue Mar 15 2011
On Sunday, March 27th, the Wicker Park institution hosts Erika Jo Brown (founder of the Chinatown reading series Floetry at 169, author of the chapbook, What a Lark!), Matthew Klane (editor and co-founder of Flim Forum Press), BJ Love (Michigander, the upcoming We are Two Bastards), and Adam Roberts (author of the chapbook Poem in Four Parts). All connected to University of Iowa by being prospective MFAs, post-graduate fellows, and more, they come to 1564 N. Milwaukee Ave at 7pm. Free!
— Rose Lannin /
Events Tue Mar 15 2011
Just a reminder -- it's not too late to catch various literary talent at venues throughout the city.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Tue Mar 15 2011
What is Dzanc Day? Is it celebrated with folded pastries? No, but feel free to bring some and make new friends at this writing workshop sponsored by Dzanc Books. On April 9, Dzanc Books is sponsoring dozens of workshops throughout the country. These two-to-four hour sessions in fiction, poetry and nonfiction are led by professional writers, authors, and editors. Workshop fees partially go toward charitable endeavors, including the Dzanc Prize and their Writer in Residence Program, which places professional writers into classrooms to provide creative writing instructions in underserved communities. The workshop being held in Chicago is "Spontaneous and Anonymous," a short fiction workshop led by author and editor Charles Blackstone. May Street Cafe, 1146 W. Cermak, April 9, 3-5pm. $30.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Fri Mar 11 2011
Fans of fly fishing, mysteries, and stories set up in the Upper Midwest take note: John Galligan's series of books (The Nail Knot, The Blood Knot, The Clinch Knot, and most recently the soon to be released The Wind Knot) centers around Ned Ogilvie, or "Dog", an unwilling detective who keeps himself going with a potent cocktail of fly-fishing, mystery-solving, and vodka-Tang. Galligan will be signing books at the 10th anniversary of Chicago Fly Fishing Outfitters (1279 N Clybourn) on Saturday, March 12, from 12pm-4pm.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Fri Mar 11 2011
If words with pictures are more your thing than a Joe Meno reading and discussion, we respect that -- and have a cool event for you. On Thursday, March 24th the School of the Art Institute Chicago hosts the Small Press & Comics Symposium, featuring local small press and comics panelists aplenty: Chris Ware, Caroline Picard, Corrine Mucha and many more.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Thu Mar 10 2011
A reading and release party for the latest issue of the Journal of Ordinary Thought will take place March 15 from 6 to 8pm at Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, Residents' Dining Hall (800 S. Halsted). This season's JOT, "I Always Like Plenty of Napkins," features reflections on food in poetry and prose, with photography by students at DePaul University. Admission is free and complimentary copies of the journal will be available!
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Mar 09 2011
On March 16, Poetry Off the Shelf presents Luis J. Rodriguez at a reception and reading at Jane Addams Hull-House Museum (800 S. Halsted St). Rodriguez helped start Tia Chucha Press, a poetry publisher, that began in Chicago in 1989. He has since moved to L.A., and, as an activist in gang intervention, he published a 1993 memoir of gang life, Always Running: La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A., and is set to release It Calls You Back: An Odyssey through Love, Addiction, Revolutions, and Healing this fall. The reception will begin at 5:30pm, with Rodriguez doing a reading of his work at 6pm. Admission is free, but it's first-come, first-served, so don't be late!
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Mar 09 2011
On Saturday, March 12, come see teen poets in action, the finalists in a citywide Olympic-style competition. 6pm, 3145 North Sheffield Avenue. For more information about the organization, go here. Tickets $20.
The finalists are Northside College Prep, Kenwood Academy, Oak Park-River Forest HS, and YOUmedia Chicago. Judges will be Rhymefest, Haki Madhubuti, Executive Director of Jane Addams Hull House Dr. Lisa Lee, and the hip-hop group BBU (Bin Laden Blowin' Up).
— Rose Lannin /
Events Wed Mar 09 2011
Get a chance to see the new film version of Jane Eyre (happening next Wednesday, March 16 at AMC River East) by e-mailing your full name and address to full name and address JaneEyreChicago[at]43Kix.com. Find out more information on the Chicago Public Library's Facebook page.
A Q&A session with Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips, cultural critic Julia Keller and movie and theater reporter Nina Metz will follow.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Tue Mar 08 2011
Louder Than a Bomb 2011: The Chicago Youth Poetry Festival, the phenomenon recently made into a feature film, has been booming live on stage since February 19 and wraps up this week. There's still time to catch the final two events. Individual poetry finals will be held at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln, March 9 at 7pm, $10 adults and $5 students. Team finals will be held at The Vic Theater, 3145 N. Sheffield, Saturday, March 12 at 6pm, $20 adults and $10 students. Tickets available here.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Mar 08 2011
Author and social worker Zak Mucha presents Heart Transplant , a graphic novel about bullying by Andrew Vachss and illustrated by Frank Caruso (Mucha contributed an essay). Lozano Branch Library, 1805 S Loomis St., Thursday, March 10, 6pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Mar 08 2011
On March 10, author and UIC professor, Luis Alberto Urrea, will be presented with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences distinguished professorship. At this time, Urrea will also give a presentation entitled, "Awakening to the World: From Tijuana to Here." Urrea is a UIC professor of English who teaches creative writing. He was born in Tijuana, Mexico, and has won awards for his writing, including the Lannan Literary Award and the Kiriyama Prize in fiction. Urrea's presentation will begin at 3pm in Student Center East, Room 302. Admission is free!
— Emily Wong /
Bernadette Jones recently spoke at West Chicago Library about Choices, a novel of 2 African-American girls growing up in Chicago's Austin neighborhood, their 20-year friendship, and the decisions, both good and bad, that make up their relationships and lives. Listen to her here.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Mon Mar 07 2011
On March 10, at Barbara's Bookstore - UIC, Jeffrey Rasley will be discussing his trek to a village in Nepal and his philanthropy there. For 15 years, Rasley has led Himalayan mountaineering treks, and he's in charge of fund raising for Basa Village Foundation, a Nepal-based non-governmental organization. He also wrote a book about his experiences, published in October: Bringing Progress to Paradise. Come to Barbara's at 7pm to see Rasley's slide show and hear about his good deeds in Basa village, which include finishing a school and a hydroelectric system.
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Mar 02 2011
Last month their intrepid plans were foiled by the weather, so tonight is the re-boot of the Reading Under the Influence lineup originally scheduled for February. Featured readers are Christine Sneed, Geoff Hyatt, Scott Miles (editor of The Best Underground Fiction: Volume One), and Sean Rohwedder. The reading is a tribute to Ric Hess, the owner of Sheffield's, who passed away on January 17. There will be readings of his original work and trivia questions centered around the people and things Ric loved. Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave., $3 cover, readings begin at 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Mar 01 2011
It's the first Tuesday of the month, time for another edition of Tuesday Funk. Unlike last month's show, you shouldn't need arctic survival gear just to walk in the door.
This month's readers are:
Tuesday, March 1. Hopleaf, upstairs lounge, 5148 N. Clark St, 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Feb 28 2011
From Sunday, March 13 through Friday, March 18, Columbia College celebrates stories and the people who tell them through a series of events and activities, courtesy of their Fiction Department. It's a week of readings, conversations with authors, panels, performances, and book signings throughout Chicago -- all free and open to you, me, and everyone. Coming up on its 15th year, authors featured include Irvine Welsh (Trainspotting), Jennifer Egan (A Visit from the Goon Squad), National Book Award Finalist Karen Tei Yamashita (I Hotel), Audrey Niffenegger (The Time Traveler's Wife) and more. Go here for the full schedule of events.
— Rose Lannin /
As we mentioned awhile back, the physical Book Club is not gone but changing forms: from a monthly, more traditional book club to a quarterly author discussion. We're excited to be kicking off this new format with local and national favorite Joe Meno and his latest novel, The Great Perhaps! There will be an author discussion and signing March 24, 7:30pm-9pm, at Sheffield's (3258 North Sheffield Avenue). Free!
Here's what you do:
1. Read the book sometime in the next month.*
2. Come to Sheffield's with your comments and questions, and share them with Joe Meno and the group. Get your book signed if you feel like it.
3. Hang out with other readers, meet the the Book Club editors, feel part of a greater reading community.
Questions? Let us know in the comments. Thanks, and hope to see you there!
*You can still come if you haven't read the book, but we really, really encourage it -- discussions are way more fun when everyone's on the same page (har har).
— Rose Lannin /
Events Tue Feb 22 2011
Put the Oscars on DVR and head out to the Double Door this Sunday for the 2011 Windy City Story Slam Championships. Columbia College instructor and Reading Under the Influence co-host Julia Borcherts breaks down the contestants in Metromix. Featured readers not duking it out are Joe Meno and Tony Fitzpatrick. Tickets are $7 or $25 for the "premium section" and are available here. Double Door, 1572 N Milwaukee, Sunday, February 27 at 8pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Feb 22 2011
Tomorrow night the popular 2nd Story reading series takes it up a notch with their Wine Tasting Series. In addition to storytellers (Jennifer Shin and Doug Whippo), the price of admission gets you a ticket to Laura Eason's play Sex With Strangers. A break-out hit at Steppenwolf's 2009 First Look Repertory, Sex with Strangers explores what happens when our online and offline identities intersect. Tomorrow's event is the third of five performances in conjuction with each of the five Steppenwolf Subscription Series plays in their 2010-2011 season. Wednesday, February 23, Steppenwolf Theater, 1650 N. Halsted Street, 6pm, play begins at 7:30pm. Tickets are $55, available online.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Feb 21 2011
The Chicago premiere of PostSecret: Confessions on Life, Death and God hits Loyola University Chicago's Department of Fine and Performing Arts on Thursday, February 24th, at the Ralph Arnold Fine Arts Annex (1131 W. Sheridan Rd.). This opening reception will run 4pm-7pm, and the exhibit stays up until April 10.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Fri Feb 18 2011
A desire to support reading programs for Chicago's disadvantaged populations through the artistic community has created Required Reading Presents, a series of literary events at local venues. The last one was hosted at the Whistler, and covered the genres known as Young Adult, Teen, and Children's Literature. Find out about future events (and more) here.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Fri Feb 18 2011
Next installment of Tamale Hut Cafe Presents is this Saturday. Featured reader is Scott Blackwood, Director of Roosevelt University's MFA Creative Writing Program. His novel We Agreed To Meet Just Here is the winner of the 2007 AWP Award for the Novel. Contest judge Robert Eversz calls it "...a lyrical mystery about disappearance, told in precise and luminous prose. The absences are so keenly felt, in the drifting lucidity of the author's sentences, that every reappearance reads like a small miracle." Tamale Hut Cafe, 8300 W. Cermak Road (between 10th and 11th Ave.), North Riverside, IL, (708) 442-0948, February 19 at 7pm. BYOB. Reading is free, but you'll want to bring money for Jaime's tamales. There's also an open mic, so bring stories, poems, essays or songs.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Feb 16 2011
Local lit mag Two With Water hosts a fundraising party this Saturday, featuring booze, literary games, and a live show by Chicago band Helicopters. $5 cover.
Beauty Bar, 1444 W. Chicago Ave., February 19, 7-10pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Feb 15 2011
On Sunday 2/27, the the Historic Pullman Garden Club and the Pullman State Historic Site host an author discussion featuring Joan Naper (Beautiful Dreamer) and Frances McNamara (Death at Pullman), and Allium Press Publisher, Emily Victorson. Their works focus on Chicago women who lived, thought, and acted during a period of incredible and often tumultuous social and industrial change, and will be available for purchase.
The event takes place at the Hotel Florence (11111 S. Forrestville Ave) at 3pm and is free of charge. For more information, call (773) 868-8377.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Mon Feb 14 2011
To celebrate Elizabeth Bishop's 100th birthday, Thursday, Feb 17, at 6pm, actors will read letters between Bishop and her New Yorker editors at the University of Chicago, Home Room, International House (1414 East 59th Street). As an added bonus, Joelle Biele, editor of Elizabeth Bishop and The New Yorker: The Complete Correspondence will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. Admission is free, but space is first-come, first-served, so make sure to get there early!
— Emily Wong /
Events Thu Feb 10 2011
Red Rover Series, a series of readings that play with reading, has been going since 2005, featuring artists, writers, and performers from Chicago and beyond. This month's experiment, happening February 19, is "Restrictive Andragogies & Ex-Citation", and hosts local writers and educators Jen Besemer and Nicholas Alexander Hayes. Outer Space Studio, 1474 N. Milwaukee Ave, 3rd floor. $4 suggested donation.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Wed Feb 09 2011
UX, or User Experience Design, concerns a person's interaction with a design or system. UX Book Club Chicago is all about reading and talking about this, and on February 15, they feature Nick Disabato, the local Kickstarter-backed author of Cadence & Slang, a book about "a series of rules that advocate simplicity, consistency, and humanity in technology". More information here.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Tue Feb 08 2011
This Thursday Pulitzer Prize winning author Tracy Kidder will discuss his book Mountains Beyond Mountains, this year's One Book One Northwestern selection. Mountains tells the story of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Harvard-trained physician and infectious disease specialist. Farmer founded a hospital in Haiti and helped bring treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis to Peru and Siberia, achieving cure rates comparable to those in the United States. The book gets its title from the Haitian proverb "beyond mountains there are mountains;" as you solve one problem, another problem presents itself, and so you go on and try to solve that one too. Author Stacey Schiff says "is there anything Tracy Kidder can't do? This is a beautiful book, and a masterful one. Even better, Mountains Beyond Mountains is a page-turner that will crack your conscience open." Northwestern University, Harris Hall, room 107, 1881 Sheridan Road, Evanston. Thursday, February 10 at 4:30pm. Please RSVP on Facebook or at onebook@northwestern.edu. Please note that an RSVP does not guarantee admission.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Feb 08 2011
Elizabeth's Crazy Little Thing brings poetry, music, comedy, performance art, "and whatever you can come up with" to Phyllis' Musical Inn the second Wednesday of every month. This months' feature is Kate Cullan (The Demented Kewpie Doll Manifesto), a fixture in the Chicago performance community for ten years. This month's theme is Love Sucks. Phyllis' Musical Inn, 1800 West Division Street. Wednesday, February 9, 10pm. Phyllis' is near the Division Blue Line stop and the #70 Division, #9 Ashland, and #50 Damen bus stops.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Feb 08 2011
Entertainer extraordinaire Patton Oswalt will be signing his book, Zombie Spaceship Wasteland, at Reckless Records (Wicker Park location) on February 18th, 3pm. Lie to get out of work early -- it's how he would want it.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Mon Feb 07 2011
The reading series this Friday will feature K. Bradford, whose poems dabble in "the spectacle of drag, pageantry & disco balls." Sound intriguing? Come to Mess Hall (6932 N. Glenwood Ave. in Rogers Park) at 7:45pm to take it all in. If you wanna read your own stuff, come early for the open mic that starts at 7pm. And it's all free!
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue Feb 01 2011
This Friday is the Naked Girls Reading Series featuring Michelle L'Amour and a rotating cast of burlesque performers. The February theme is (naturally) Love Stinks. The evening will feature readings from Harper Perennial's new book Great Philosophers Who Failed at Love by Andrew Shaffer. Martha Stewart Whole Living magazine (who knew they did book reviews?) says "if you're in Dutch with your valentine, give him Andrew Shaffer's book, which recounts the tortured love lives of 37 thinkers. Compared to them, you'll look as saintly as St. Thomas himself - who, Shaffer tells us, once chased a prostitute out of his room with a hot poker." Throw a live reading from naked girls into the deal and you'll be "out of Dutch" and in running for girlfriend of the year. Everleigh Social Club, 939 W. Randolph. Tickets are $20 or two for $35; available here. February 4, doors open at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Feb 01 2011
As Old Man Winter's fixin' to throw a hell of a fit, you probably aren't going anywhere but home tonight. If you're a hardy soul and Andersonville isn't too far, the monthly Tuesday Funk reading series is going on the Hopleaf. Tonight's readers include musicians, dildo slingers and accidental terrorists, oh my! The lineup: Jerry Schwartz (Pixels of a Young Mueller), Eden Robins (co-founder and co-editor of Brain Harvest magazine), UIC Ph.D. candidate Brooke Wonders, Karen Skalitzky (A Recipe For Hope: Stories of Transformation by People Struggling with Homelessness) and William Shunn (The Accidental Terrorist). Hopleaf, upstairs lounge, 5148 N. Clark St., Tuesday, February 1, 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Jan 31 2011
Reading Under the Influence, "because everyone needs a literary hangover," takes place at 7pm on Wednesday, February 2 (also know as Groundhog Day), at Sheffield's (3258 N. Sheffield). This month's theme is "Love, Baby!" Stop by to hear readings by Chicago writers, along with readings of the late Ric Hess's original works. Admission is $3.
ETA: From an RUI mass e-mail:
"Due to hazardous weather and travel conditions, RUI is canceled tonight and tentatively rescheduled for Wednesday, February 16th. But Sheffield's is open, so if you're in the neighborhood, stop by and say hello to the friendly bartenders."
— Emily Wong /
Events Sat Jan 29 2011
The Chicago Tribune adds a new element to its Literary Series in the form of Author Talks, a monthly series of authors discussing their newest work, classics, and more. It kicks off with Amy Chua and her controversial Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother. Tribune Tower event space, 435 N. Michigan Avenue, Thursday, February 17. Free.
Other upcoming authors include Joyce Carol Oates, Kathryn Stockett, and more.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Fri Jan 28 2011
Louder Than A Bomb (LTAB): The Chicago Youth Poetry Festival rolls into its 11th year, celebrating the poetry skills of 650 teens in a competition of slam preliminaries and semi-final bouts running from February 19 - March 7.
The award-winning documentary of the same name will also be shown at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State Street, February 4-10.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Tue Jan 25 2011
The Chicago Independent Radio Project (a.k.a. CHIRP Radio) presents their First Time reading series at Schuba's. Combining the written word with music, each piece read will reference a specific artist or piece of music followed by a live band performing the song. Tonight's theme is First Car. Featured readers are Josh Caterer, Susan Messing, Erin Shea, Jim DeRogatis, Matt Spiegel, James VanOsdol and Robbie Fulks. Tickets are $10; proceeds to benefit the CHIRP. Schuba's, 3159 N. Southport, January 26, 8pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Jan 25 2011
Get your tickets now for 826CHI's annual prom fundraiser. This year's theme is Keep Promme and Carry On. The dress is second-hand formal and/or dress as a person, landmark or theme from England. Tickets include open beer bar, snacks, performance by Rod Stewart impersonator Steve Bobbitt (wow, he's a dead ringer), silent auction, music and dancing. Must be 21+, tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door. All proceeds go to 826CHI, which tutors students aged 6 to 18 in creative and expository writing skills. You can check out pics from prior years' proms here and order tickets here. Pulsaki Park Fieldhouse, 1419 W. Blackhawk, March 5, 8pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Jan 25 2011
Haymarket Pub and Brewery (737 W. Randolph) wants to teach you how to get through your hangovers with their latest Drinking & Writing Theater -- Volume III: To Cure a Hangover. The show runs Saturdays at 4pm until February 5, so buy your ticket and join Sean Benjamin and Steve Mosqueda as they talk about some good ol' drinker-writers (John Cheever and Charles Bukowski anyone?) and possibly even provide you with some morning-after cures.
— Emily Wong /
Events Sun Jan 23 2011
Ric Hess, owner of Sheffield's, died unexpectedly last Monday, January 17. A memorial service will be held tomorrow, January 24. Doors open at 3pm, service at 6:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Jan 18 2011
Come listen to three distinct Chicago authors at the Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Avenue, in Lincoln Square on Wednesday, January 19 at 7pm.
Victor David Giron, founder of a new online and print literary press called Curbside Splendor, will read from his debut coming-of-age novel Sophomoric Philosophy.
Libby Fischer Hellmann reads from her latest mystery and stand-alone thriller Set the Night on Fire.
And David Royko shares his famous father's letters to his mother in Royko in Love: Mike's Letters to Carol.
— Amy Ganser /
Events Thu Jan 13 2011
This Monday, on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE) presents a free wine and chocolate tasting, a silent art auction, and a presentation by author Julian Sher. Sher is an award-winning investigative journalist and the author of Somebody's Daughter: The Hidden Story of America's Prostituted Children. Rachel Durchslag, executive director of the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation, calls Somebody's Daughter "a brutally honest look into the hidden world of prostituted children in the United States. A compelling book that will touch hearts and minds and inspire people to take action." Norma Ramos, executive director of the Coalition Against Trafficking of Women, calls the book "masterful, absorbing...to date the most definitive account of sex trafficking of children in the United States and the culture that supports it." All the evening's proceeds will benefit work to help victims of sexual exploitation in Chicago. Free. 1130 W. Adams, Monday, January 17th, 6pm-9pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Jan 12 2011
Have a New Year's resolution to write more? Try Story Studio Chicago's Write-A-Thon this Saturday. Come and go as you please, caffeine, food and fellowship provided. Registration not required but recommended. $12 for non-members, $7 for members. Story Studio Chicago, 4043 N. Ravenswood, #222. Saturday, January 15, 9am-7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Fri Jan 07 2011
Celebrate Printworks Gallery's 30th anniversary throughout January and a little of February (ends February 12) with 68 artists' vision of the book jacket, that outer covering that presents the contents to the world. 311 W Superior St, Tuesdays-Saturdays (11am-5pm).
— Rose Lannin /
Events Wed Jan 05 2011
Diane Torr will be at Women and Children First this Thursday to talk about Sex, Drag and Male Roles: Investigating Gender as Performance, co-written with Stephen J. Bottoms. Torr is a pioneer in the drag king scene and has been performing since 1976. She's been featured on HBO, BBC, and NPR and runs "Man for a Day" workshops internationally. Anna Burnside of living.scotsman.com says Torr "pok[es] a sharp feminist stick into issues of gender and identity, showing women that male superiority was as much of a construct as a fake willy." Women and Children First, 5233 North Clark Street,Thursday, January 6 at 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Jan 04 2011
First Tuesday Funk of the new year tonight. Come up to the second floor lab and see what's on the slab. Tonight's featured readers are:
- Suzanne Clores is a fiction/memoir writer from New Jersey. Her book Memoirs of a Spiritual Outsider has just celebrated its ten-year anniversary with a Kindle edition re-release. She teaches writing and yoga and is working on a novel.
- Mare Swallow is a writer and former actress. A business communication consultant, she's working on a book, tentatively titled Stop Whining, Start Speaking.
- Cesar Torres is the author of the short story collection The 12 Burning Wheels. He's currently at work on a new novel.
- Christopher Sweet "has one foot in the nineteenth century and the other in the twenty-first. By this he means: his grandmother, who helped to guide him through his childhood and adolescence, was born in 1875. His iMac was born last year."
- Alyson Lyon is a makeup artist and co-producer of the popular Essay Fiesta reading series at the Book Cellar.
- Native Texan and shutterbug Valerie Jupe has worked as a video editor in TV for over seven years. She lived in New York City for several years and has been featured at various poetry readings throughout the country.
Hopleaf, upstairs lounge, 5148 N. Clark St., January 4 at 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Thu Dec 30 2010
For a low-key, literary New Year's Eve, join 2nd Story at Morseland (1218 W. Morse Avenue), to hear holiday tales from storytellers Molly Each, Bobby Biedrzycki, Andrew Reilly and Megan Stielstra. Doors open at 9:30, and stories start at 10. With the $40 ticket ($35 in advance), you get a complimentary drink ticket, buffet, and live music -- plus a post-performance DJ until 2am.
If you want to party hard on the Eve but calm your aching head with some good writing, head over to the Haymarket Pub & Brewery (737 W. Randolph St.) for Drinking & Writing Theater's first show of 2011. They promise that "Drinking & Writing Volume III: To Cure A Hangover will cure what ales you...yes, ales." Tickets are $15, and brunch (and booze, if you can handle it) will be available for purchase. Hair of the dog, folks, hair of the dog.
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Wed Dec 29 2010
The life and work of Ted Kooser, 2004-2006 Poet Laureate, takes to the stage with song in the Chicago Dramatists production of the musical Local Wonders. The Chicago Tribune calls Kooser "a clear-eyed, populist poet of the prairie" and says "if you hail from Iowa or Nebraska, especially the southeastern reaches (what Kooser calls "The Bohemian Alps"), and you find yourself missing home this holiday time, then Local Wonders should offer some balm." Prairie Home Companion fans would probably dig it, too. Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Ave. The remainder of show runs December 30 through January 9, Thursday through Sunday. Click here or here for tickets.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Dec 29 2010
For their Jan 5 production, The Encyclopedia Show is taking on the word BRAINS and featuring writers, composers, and even a special interview with a professional neurologist! The show starts at 7:30pm at The Vittum Theatre (1012 N Noble St), with tickets at the door ($8 adults, $5 students).
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue Dec 28 2010
Still on holiday vacation? Fantasy author Hilary Wagner will be in Beverly tomorrow for an Author Afternoon. She'll be reading from her debut young adult novel Nightshade City, which tells the tale of an underground city of anthropomorphized rats living under a brutal dictatorship and the ragtag heroes that stage a coup. Author Medeia Sharif said "When I was reading it I thought to myself, 'if Dickens wrote about rats, he would have written Nightshade City.'" Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, (773) 445-3838. $5 admission, $4 for center members. Wednesday, December 29 at 2pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Dec 22 2010
In the suburbs for the holidays (or year-round)? Brewed Awakening in Westmont, in conjunction with the Illinois State Poetry Society and the Westmont Area Friends of the Arts, hosts their last Sunday of the month poetry reading this weekend. Poetry from noon to 1:30pm, music from 1:30 to 2pm. Cover charge of $5 includes refreshments. Bring a few poems to share at the open mic. Brewed Awakening, 19 W. Quincy, Westmont. Sunday, December 26, noon.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Dec 21 2010
Write Club pits two opposing writers against each other, each given 7 minutes to argue their side, winner chosen by audience. This Wednesday is the first ever holiday-themed installment. Featured readings include Jesus (Ian Belknap) vs. Santa (Mike O'Connell), Naughty (Edward Thomas-Herrera) vs. Nice (John Pierson), and Give (Bilal Dardai) vs. Receive (Shannon Maney-Magnuson). The Hideout, 1354 W Wabansia, (773) 227-4433. Wednesday, December 22 at 7pm. $8.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Dec 15 2010
Wind down after shopping and bring your kids down from their gingerbread highs at Story Time with Santa. Come in your jammies! The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln, Friday, December 17, 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Dec 15 2010
Green Lantern Gallery presents We Can Still Chill: Light Vibrations, an evening of poetry and prose. Green Lantern Gallery, 2542 Chicago Ave., December 18, 2010, 7-9:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Dec 14 2010
Joanna Wilson is a TV junkie. The author admitted as much during a pleasant interview with Gapers Block, but you'd probably realize it from the titles of her two published books: The Christmas TV Companion: A Guide to Cult Classics, Strange Specials and Outrageous Oddities and Tis the Season TV: The Encyclopedia of Christmas-Themed Episodes, Specials and Made-For-TV Movies.
The Companion is designed for fellow TV aficionados. And while it might be helpful if readers liked Christmas at least a little, the book documents television programs that "broke the rules" of holiday entertainment. "The Companion is divided into 50% cult shows and 50% weird and unusual takes on the holiday tradition," Wilson explained. How weird can Christmas be on TV? Wilson devotes an entire chapter to Christmas-themed, macabre horror shows, Sci-Fi, and other unique and irreverent TV takes on Christmas, like the Native American tradition of the raven explored in Northern Exposure's 1991 episode "Seoul Mates."
Continue reading this entry »
— Amy Ganser /
Events Wed Dec 08 2010
On Saturday, Dec. 11, from 2 to 4pm, Chicago Publisher's Gallery (78 E. Washington) will host the Cricket Magazine Holiday Fair. The writers, editors, and artists of Cricket will be on hand to help kids make their own magazines, read stories, write poetry, and even check out science experiments and take-home tricks. Admission is free!
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Dec 08 2010
Tonight, head to 1371 N. Milwaukee and celebrate Travis Nichols' latest collection of poetry. 6:30pm-9:30pm. Free!
— Rose Lannin /
Events Wed Dec 08 2010
Did you miss The Second City founder Bernard Sahlins directing The Misanthrope in October? Don't despair, he's directing again! This time it's a staged reading of Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood (the radio play written by Thomas just a month before his death). Presented by Poetry Foundation at Victory Gardens Richard Christiansen Theater (2433 N. Lincoln), there will be two performances: Dec. 12 and 13, both at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10 ($5 for students) and can be purchased here.
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue Dec 07 2010
It's the first Tuesday of the month, time to warm up with Tuesday Funk at the Hopleaf. Tonight's featured readers are Johanna Stein, Anne Calcagno, Jotham Burrello, Fraser Coffeen, and Naomi Buck Palagi.
- Johanna Stein is a writer/director/comedian, the brains behind this PG-13 porn bloopers spoof and a contributor to Afterbirth: Stories You Won't Read in a Parenting Magazine.
- Anne Calcagno teaches in the School of the Art Institute's MFA in writing program. She is the author of the short story collection Pray For Yourself, editor of Travelers' Tales: Italy, and a novel about dog fighting in Chicago called Love Like a Dog. Calcagno is a dual national of Italy and the U.S.
- Jotham Burrello teaches in the Fiction Writing Department at Columbia College Chicago where he directs the Publishing Lab. He runs the multimedia company Elephant Rock Productions. When not teaching he lives in Ashford, Connecticut, with his wife and three sons. You can read his essay about moving to New England here.
- Fraser Coffeen is a theatrical blood effects artist (will these talents be unleashed tonight?). He is one of the founding editors of and a regular contributor to HeadKickLegend, dedicated to the world of kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Mixed Martial Arts. Coffeen has worked with numerous Chicago theaters and is the creator of the two-person sideshow act Numbskull, the Human Blockhead.
- Country girl Naomi Buck Palagi now makes her home in northwest Indiana. Her work has been published or is soon to appear in Otoliths, Moria, Spoon River Review, Blue Fifth Review and Wicked Alice, among others. Her chapbook silver roof tantrum is recently out from dancing girl press.
Hopleaf, upstairs lounge, 5148 N. Clark St., December 7 at 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Dec 07 2010
— Emily Wong /
Events Mon Dec 06 2010
You don't know about the Indie Lit Roadshow? Well, read up! The best indie lit comes together all over the nation this weekend, and the Chicago roadshow will be held on Dec. 12 at The Green Lantern Gallery (2542 W. Chicago) from 10am to 10pm. Come on over to experience the best Midwest indie lit, random performances, AND a papier-mâché cave.
— Emily Wong /
Events Mon Dec 06 2010
 |
| The original entrance to the Dil Pickle Club, from wbez.org |
No, it's not a club for vinegary cucumber fans. In the 1900s, the Dill Pickle Club was a speakeasy/caberet/theatre that became the center of the "Chicago Renaissance." Formed by Wobbly Jack Jones, and located in Tooker Alley (now Tooker Place), off of Dearborn downtown, the Dil Pickle Club was frequented by many activists, writers, and speakers, such as Clarence Darrow, Elizabeth Davis, Upton Sinclair, and Carl Sandburg. These "Dil Pickle Artisans" convened to promote arts, crafts, science, and literature, the club was a place for debates and sharing ideas, as well as a spot for plays, opera, poetry readings, and jazz. Once the Great Depression hit, the club began to decline, and finally shut down in 1934.
Well, on Thursday, Dec. 9, the Dil Pickle Club is coming back! From 7 to 11pm at the Nightingale (1084 N. Milwaukee), join a discussion group rife with prominent speakers and be prepared to delve into controversial, off-beat, and intellectual topics. The Dec. 9 club emphasis will be on FIGHT/FLIGHT, which will include:
- How to Take a Punch by Bill Hillmann, with an interlude about Chicago Park District Boxers by Fred Sasaki and Jacob S. Knabb
- Flight Painting by Peggy Macnamara and notes on Nathan Leopold's Warblers by Paul Genesius Durica
- Rocket Launch by Nat Ward and Kenneth Morrison
- And much, much more!
The Dil Pickle Club Revival is free and open to the public, and beverages will be available for sale. (Because you can't have the revival of a controversial club without beverages!)
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Dec 01 2010
Tune into Channel 11 December 14th to see nationally-syndicated cartoonist Nicole Hollander, creator of feminist icon Sylvia and the self-titled strip she populates.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Wed Dec 01 2010
The Pilot Light reading series at Green Lantern Gallery brings together writers at varying stages of their career, each reading from their own work, then engaging in discussion. Tomorrow night's reading features Vanessa Place and Jennifer Karmin.
Vanessa Place is a writer, a lawyer who works with sex offenders, and co-director of
Les Figues Press. Place is the author of several books, including The Guilt Project: Rape, Morality and Law. Kirkus Reviews says "...in richly allusive, frequently witty prose, [The Guilt Project] asks important questions about what it is exactly we want from our criminal laws. A sophisticated, brave look at a topic that too often provokes merely panic, prejudice and posturing." Poet Kenneth Goldsmith has called Statement of Facts, Place's book of conceptual poetry, "arguably the most challenging, complex and controversial literature being written today."
Jennifer Karmin co-curates the Red Rover Reading Series and is a founding member of the public art group Anti Gravity Surprise. She teaches creative writing to immigrants at Truman College and works as a Poet-in-Residence for the Chicago Public Schools. She is the author of Aaaaaaaaaaalice, a book of poetry.
Green Lantern Gallery, 2542 Chicago Ave., Thursday, December 2 at 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Dec 01 2010
Poets square off: boys vs. girls!
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue Nov 30 2010
Sulzer Regional Library (4455 N. Lincoln) hosts The Poets' Club of Chicago's Poetry Wheel tonight at 7pm. An impulsive, collaborative effort, the Poetry Wheel starts with a kick-off poem, and then other Club readers chime in with poems related by image, theme, subject, or form. After the first finished rotation by the Club, audience members are welcome to join in with their related works. Stop by and watch the wheel go 'round and 'round.
— Emily Wong /
Events Mon Nov 29 2010
On Sunday, December 5, Kenning Editions, Oracle Productions, and The Poetry Foundation are proud to present an evening where six poets will present their work -- which they've come up with just one day prior. The poets will meet for the first time, conceive their brilliant ideas, and rehearse on December 4 and then perform for you the next day at Oracle Theatre (3809 N. Broadway) starting at 6pm with a round table discussion, followed by the performance at 7:30pm. Admission is free but reservations are strongly recommended. Reserve your seat here.
— Emily Wong /
Events Mon Nov 29 2010
New reading material is as close as Damen and Division: every Monday from 4pm-8pm, popular hole-in-the-wall bar Rainbo Club (1150 North Damen Avenue) and MAKE Literary Productions team up to sponsor a no-cover book swap.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Mon Nov 29 2010
Get ready for the Festival of Lights with stories, stiff drinks, and prizes this Wednesday: December's Reading Under the Influence features local horror author Jeff Jacobson, the Columbia Fiction department's own Ann Hemenway, and Robyn Pennacchia, one half of The Burlington's popular "Sunday Night Sex Show". 3258 N Sheffield Ave, 7pm-9pm.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Thu Nov 25 2010
Shake off the Thanksgiving coma, summon some ambition, and head to Columbia College's Film Row Cinema (1104 S. Wabash Ave.) Tuesday to see National Book Award winner and "Godmother of Punk" Patti Smith talk about Just Kids, a reflection on her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Be aware: the event is full, though walk-up registration will be provided.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Wed Nov 24 2010
The next installation of 2nd Story is tonight at the Morseland Tavern. 2nd Story is produced by the Serendipity Theater Collective and features well-rehearsed tales with musical accompaniment for maximum dramatic impact and audience engagement.Tonight's reading is a night of pre-holiday catharsis. The theme? Family. Tonight's featured storytellers are C. P. Chang, Whitney Dibo, and Aimee Perkins. Morseland Tavern, 1218 W. Morse Ave. Wednesday, November 24. Doors open at 7pm, music starts at 7:30pm, stories start at 8pm. Tickets are $10, available at the door or here.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Fri Nov 19 2010
Ever paid a two drink minimum for mediocre stand-up "comedy?" Fritz Pastry, a European-style bakery in Lakeview, offers a sweeter spin on the standard entertainment fee. The price is two cookies for an evening of readings by top-notch literary pupils from Columbia College's Fiction Writing Program.
Featured readers include:
Jenele Anderson (Grad Advanced Fiction)
Liz Baudler (Advanced Fiction/editor of the Toucan Magazine)
Kate Kirk (Arts, Entertainment and Media Management/writer of Glass Sea zine)
Benny Kumming (Grad Advanced Fiction)
Lauryn Allison Lewis (Advanced Fiction)
Frank Migacz (Advanced Fiction)
John Wawrzaszek (Advanced Fiction/writer of the Muse, the News, and the Noose zine)
Two Cookie Minimum promotes self publishers, new writers, and the Chicago zine scene. While the event is free, donations will be accepted towards the upcoming 2011 Chicago Zine Fest. There should be plenty of opportunity to exchange zines and ideas with other self-published writers and artists who just can't wait until the March fest.
Fritz Pastry is located at 1408 W. Diversey Pkwy (between Southport Ave & Janssen Ave). Two Cookie Minimum Reading starts at 4pm on Saturday, November 27.
— Amy Ganser /
Events Fri Nov 19 2010
What're you doing Saturday night? What you should be doing is heading to Challengers Comics to meet Jeremy Bastian, who draws the charming and whimsical Cursed Pirate Girl, an epic story of nautical adventures, mythical creatures, and a seafaring young lady trying to overcome all forms of adversity. 1845 N. Western Avenue, 6pm-7pm. Free!
— Rose Lannin /
Events Thu Nov 18 2010
Friday night, Columbia College professor Joe Meno presents the new paperback edition of his story collection Demons in the Spring. Booklist says of Demons, "Intriguing and eccentric, Meno's stories never distract with their surreal flights of fancy but instead draw the reader in deeper to their magical reconfiguration of the modern world." Each of the 20 stories, including the tale of a girl who discovers she is dying from the mysterious construction of a miniature city inside of her chest cavity, features an illustration from a prominent artist. Proceeds benefit tutoring center 826CHI. Free event. Book Cellar, 4736 N Lincoln Ave (773) 293-2665, Friday, November 19, 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Nov 17 2010
Evanstonian and DePaul assistant professor Christine Sneed reads from her debut story collection tonight. Portraits of a Few of the People I've Made Cry is the winner of the Grace Paley Prize in Short Fiction. Publishers Weekly calls Portraits "ten finely delineated tales featuring protagonists entangled in less-than-ideal romantic scenarios." Steve Almond says "I can't recall a time I tore through a story collection with such unbridled gratitude. Christine Sneed is fearless." Women and Children First, 5233 N Clark St., (773) 769-9299, Wednesday, November 17, 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Nov 15 2010
Patrick Somerville's latest, The Universe in Miniature in Miniature, is out now from featherproof Books. And to celebrate, featherproof is hosting a release party at The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) on Thursday, November 18 from 8 to 11:30pm. Entrance is free, and if you come dressed as your favorite alien, the first 15 aliens will receive a copy of the book! Other fun stuff: featherproof authors Benjamin Nugent and Hannah Pittard will put in an appearance, along with DJ Fabulette. There will also be an alien costume contest, judged by a surprise guest.
— Emily Wong /
Events Fri Nov 12 2010
Go to the Chicago Art Department (1837 S. Halsted) tonight from 6 to 10pm to see works of art by the youth at the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center. The art was created as part of the Free Write Jail Arts and Literacy Program, which offers writing and poetry workshops to incarcerated youth.
— Emily Wong /
Events Thu Nov 11 2010
Saturday night, the ever-adorable and hilarious Amy Sedaris comes to Borders (830 N. Michigan) to talk about her new book, her new book Simple Times: Crafts For Poor People.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Wed Nov 10 2010
The Guild Literary Complex, a community-based organization that aims to represent literary excellence in diverse, divergent, and emerging voices, has announced the winners of its Annual Prose Awards in Short Fiction and Non-Fiction. Come hear them read in a few hours at a bar that serves Purple Martins (Goose Island grape soda, coconut rum, lemon), a host of other less diabetes-inducing cocktails, and tonight, award-winning words. 1002 N. California Ave., 8:30pm. Free!
— Rose Lannin /
Events Wed Nov 10 2010
Tomorrow night, writer and anthropologist Will Fellows reads from Gay Bar: The Fabulous True Story of a Daring Woman and Her Boys in the 1950s. Helen P. Branson, a savvy and tender mother hen type, owned and operated a gay bar in the 1950s, providing a rare safe haven for a marginalized community. Gay Bar is a meld of her true memoir (she notes she didn't use parentheses because her typewriter didn't have any) with Fellows' contemporary analysis. Windy City Times calls Gay Bar "a major contribution to gay history." Publishers Weekly says "this stimulating account of support for gay rights pre-Stonewall is an eye-opener." Women and Children First, 5233 N Clark St., (773) 769-9299. Thursday, November 11, 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Nov 10 2010
The Neighborhood Writing Alliance is launching a new blog, "Every Person is a Philosopher," tonight at Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art. Meet some of the writer-philosophers behind it (and maybe win some prizes) while Veronda Pitchford of the Urban Libraries Council emcees.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Tue Nov 09 2010
The renowned Moth StorySLAM gets crowded fast. Still haven't been able to see it? Me neither. Let's both try to make one before the end of the year. They're happening:
Tuesday, November 30 and Tuesday, December 28
Martyr's
3855 North Lincoln Avenue
8pm, $8 at the door
Check back on their site for updates.
— Rose Lannin /
Tomorrow, Krista Franklin will teach you how to channel your dreams into insightful, beautiful (and perhaps nightmarish) poems. Bring paper, a pen, and your creativity to Near North (310 W. Division) at 6:30pm. Free!
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Nov 03 2010
On Saturday, Nov. 20, Chicago journalist and radio personality Rick Kogan will emcee the inaugural induction ceremony for the fledgling Chicago Literary Hall of Fame.
The ceremony will be honoring notable writers Nelson Algren, Saul Bellow, Gwendolyn Brooks, Lorraine Hansberry, Studs Terkel and Richard Wright for their contributions to local literature. Among those accepting the posthumous honors of their famous writer relatives will be Greg Bellow, Nora Brooks Blakely, Dan Terkell, Dana Smith (grandniece of Richard Wright) and Taye Hansberry (grandniece of Lorraine).
This special event takes place at Northeastern University auditorium at 3701 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. in Chicago and starts at 6pm. Tickets are $45 and can be ordered online here.
For more information, visit the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame website or contact the Chicago Writers Association.
— Alice Maggio /
Events Wed Nov 03 2010
It's the first Wednesday of the month, time once again for Reading Under the Influence. This month's theme seems especially cathartic: "I Hate My Family" (just in time for Thanksgiving). Featured readers are Robert McDonald (A Field Guide to Gay and Lesbian Chicago), Two Cookie Minimum reading series founder John Wawrzaszek, local writer Kristen Fiore and RUI's own Jesse Jordan. All read original short stories and host trivia segments related to this month's theme. In the back room at Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave., $3 cover. Wednesday, November 3. Get there by 7 for a seat (or earlier; it's popular show and seats are scarce). Readings begin at 7:30.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Nov 03 2010
Yes please!
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Nov 03 2010
First of all, what's wrong with you? Secondly, you better get a move on -- Friday, Nov. 5 is the last Chicago Poetry Brothel of the year. Come to the House of Blues Foundation Room (329 N. Dearborn) at 8pm to see the them take a burlesque twist, featuring Columbia College's recent MFAs, as well as Chicago favorites such as Kathleen Rooney and Susan Slaviero. As always, admission is $5 if you're dressed Victorian and $10 if you're not. Don't miss out this time!
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue Nov 02 2010
The Society of Midland Authors hosts a great monthly lecture series, all open to the public. Next Tuesday, November 9, journalist Jonathan Eig, author of Get Capone, will speak about Chicago's most famous gangster. (Capone has recently been brought back to life thanks to the HBO series Boardwalk Empire -- played by Stephen Graham, he's what Eig says is "maybe the best Capone I've ever seen," including De Niro!)
Some other Society of Midland Authors highlights for the next year include:
- A discussion of the history of Chicago's mayoral race (Tuesday, January 11).
- John Hagedorn, UIC criminal-justice professor and author of A World of Gangs: Armed Young Men and Gangsta Culture, will discuss gangs in Chicago and other cities (Tuesday, February 8).
- A talk by Audrey Niffenegger, author of novels Her Fearful Symmetry and The Time Traveler's Wife and the graphic novel The Night Bookmobile (Tuesday, March 8).
All programs are held at 7pm at the Cliff Dwellers Club, 200 S. Michigan Ave., 22nd floor, free. Complimentary snacks are served at 6pm, with a cash bar.
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Tue Nov 02 2010
After you vote, grab a drink and take a break from election updates at November's installment of Tuesday Funk. Tonight's featured readers are novelist Lori Ann Stephens, novelist-in-progress Lauryn Allison Lewis , poet Kristin Lueke, poet Sondra Morin, and poet/Huffington Post blogger/rooftop gardener Dave Snyder. Upstairs at the Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., November 2, 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
News Tue Nov 02 2010
On Nov. 9, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) is launching a new website dedicated to the publishing world: chicagopublishes.com. In a show of support for the creative industries, the site will play host to industry news, Chicago Publishers Gallery featured books and periodicals, and a calendar of area literary events. It will also provide readers with a database of Chicago publishers, as well as the usual social media stuff (Twitter, Facebook, etc.). Read more about the site and what you can get out of it here. Then attend the Nov. 9 public launch event at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.) from 4 - 5:30pm.
— Emily Wong /
Events Mon Nov 01 2010
Award-winning literacy non-profit Open Books presents The Revelry: A
Night Fair this Friday, a gala celebrating the organization's expansion and mission. Featuring music from The Flat Cats and entertainers like a magician, juggler, stilt-walker, and caricature artist, it's sure to be a night to remember. Drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and a silent auction are also included in the ticket price of $100, which can be purchased here. 11/5, 7pm -10:30pm, 1840 West Hubbard Street.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Fri Oct 29 2010
Marked by Guy Fawkes' Night, increasingly frigid temperatures, and Thanksgiving, November has a new meaning for Chicago's literary-minded: Starting Wednesday, November 3, Richard Louv kicks off Chicago Public Library's Free November Authors Series, a number of free events heldat the Harold Washington Library Center (400 S. State St.), and at several branch locations throughout Chicago. Authors and speakres include Mexican-born cellist Carlos Prieto (The Adventures of a Cello), Max Grinnell (24 Great Walks in Chicago), and Dr. Regina M. Benjamin, the 18th Surgeon General of the United States Public Health Service. More information and full schedule here.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Wed Oct 27 2010
Remember that mammoth, 1000+ page book about the 10-year-old who forms an army of misfits, by the Chicago author now being compared to David Foster Wallace? Yeah, he's reading from it tonight. Oak Park Library, 834 Lake Street, Oak Park. Wednesday, October 27, 7-9pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Oct 27 2010
Got creative stuff you're fiddling around with - comics, zines, poetry, screenplays? Need some input or just tired of toiling in silence? Head out to Works In Progress at Quimby's tonight, or any last Wednesday of the month. They'll bring the snacks! Quimby's, 1854 W. North Ave. Wednesday, October 27, 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Oct 26 2010
Though he dislikes the term "classical music," 20th Century classical music likely has no greater champion than New Yorker music critic Alex Ross. Stop Smiling magazine calls him "perhaps the best music critic this nation has ever produced." Ross will be at the Stop Smiling storefront this Wednesday to discuss his new book, Listen To This. The Chicago Reader says "[Listen To This] ping-pongs around from Mozart to Björk, recording technology to the history of a bass line. Ross offers a master class in music writing that will likely sell you not only on some music you never thought you'd like but on the importance of criticism to the form." Ross will be joined onstage in conversation with Chicago Sun-Times and WFMT music critic Andrew Patner. Stop Smiling storefront, 1371 N. Milwaukee. Wednesday, October 27, 6:30pm. RSVP to rsvp@stopsmiling.com.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Oct 26 2010
The Revolving Door reading series is turning one year old. Stop by Red Kiva (1108 W. Randolph) at 7:30pm tomorrow to help them celebrate with poet Kevin Coval, soul-singer Candice Marie, and FathomDJ. Word is, there's also going to be goodie bags and balloons!
— Emily Wong /
Events Thu Oct 21 2010
Head to the Stop Smiling storefront tonight for an evening with Chris Lehmann. The Baffler and Book Forum editor will be discussing his new book Rich People Things,
a critical and witty look into the overburndened lives of the well-to-do. Not a mere listing of ridiculous trinkets, the titular "Things" are defined very broadly - he mentions the iPad, sure, but also Malcolm Gladwell, Ayn Rand, and the Democratic Party ("One can think of many descriptors for a party that plods so relentlessly down a path of upward-tending, corporate-driven economic aims - but 'populist' and 'socialist' are definitely not among them"). The book is available exclusively from the publisher's website, Lehmann says, "since my publisher has his own separate anti-Amazon crusade, which most definitely should prevent me from joining the ranks of the Rich People." Journalist Tom Frank says "Chris Lehmann gives the mountebanks and plutocrats of this world the drubbing they deserve. His scoffing is a tonic." Nickel and Dimed author Barabara Ehrenreich calls the book "social criticism at its scorching-hot best." Stop Smiling, 1371 N. Milwaukee. Thursday, October 21, 6:30pm. RSVP to rsvp@stopsmilingonline.com.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Oct 20 2010
Just like cupcakes and bacon, zombies are trendy (and, also like cupcakes and bacon, some might argue that it's not just a trend). But cult favorites like Dawn of the Dead, World War Z, and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies all feature the brain-eaters as the antagonists. Scott Kenemore, zombie enthusiast, takes a different route with his books, which look to zombie behavior for ways to better our lives.
His recent manual, The Art of Zombie Warfare: How to Kick Ass Like the Walking Dead, for example, offers advice like, "If you want to fight like a zombie, you need to begin by thinking of ways to withstand massive amounts of damage." And "A zombie army is always moving." My personal favorite -- and one I'm going to heed tonight, probably: "Fight like you're already dead."
On October 21 the rather prolific Kenemore -- he's published five books in four years -- reads from his new-new book, which combines two of everybody's favorite villains: The Code of the Zombie Pirate: How to Become an Undead Master of the High Seas. Join him at the DePaul Center Barnes and Noble, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., 6pm.
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Wed Oct 20 2010
Yep, the founder of The Second City is directing two performances of The Misanthrope by Molière, presented by the Poetry Foundation. Intrigued? Then come see Chicago actors do a staged reading of the French satire, as translated by Richard Wilbur. Performances are Sunday, Oct. 24, at 7:30pm and Monday, Oct. 25, at 7:30pm at the Richard Christiansen Studio, Victory Gardens (2433 N. Lincoln). Tickets can be purchased here for $20 ($10 for students).
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Oct 20 2010
The Red Rover series is back with Experiment #40, and this time they're doing Poetry TV. Come to the Outer Space Studio (1474 N. Milwaukee) at 7pm on Saturday, Oct. 23 to watch Red Rover do what it does best -- host a "reading that plays with reading." Participants include Carrie Olivia Adams, Justin Cabrillos, Laura Goldstein, Amira Hanafi, Kurt Heintz, Mark Jeffery, Judd Morrissey, and Marissa Plumb. (Donations suggested.)
— Emily Wong /
Events Mon Oct 18 2010
The Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies' Feinberg Theater audience was pin-drop silent last Thursday during a talk by scholar and writer Daniel Goldhagen. He was speaking on his 2009 book and documentary Worse than War, a product of his nearly 30 years of research on genocide. Goldhagen, who lives in Boston, was in Chicago thanks to Facing History and Ourselves, an organization that educates teachers, and, through them, generations of students, to understand the civic responsibility needed to prevent human-rights violations.
I'd had experience with Facing History -- just after graduating from college, I taught seventh-grade English at a small private school outside of Boston, and we used Facing History resources in our Holocaust unit. We'd brought students to listen to Holocaust survivors speak at local temples, and there were there were students from local schools at Goldhagen's talk, listening rapt as he spoke about our world's history of genocide and the ways we can prevent it from happening in the future. Both Goldhagen and Facing History senior program associate Chuck Meyers made clear that the post-Holocaust mantra, "Never again," has failed. Since World War II, there have been millions killed in Communist China and Cambodia, and hundreds of thousands killed in Darfur and Rwanda.
Goldhagen is not a Holocaust survivor, but his father, retired Harvard historian Erich Goldhagen, is -- and his research on genocide was what inspired the younger Goldhagen to follow his path. Starting with his 1996 book Hitler's Willing Executioners: Ordinary Germans and the Holocaust, which claims that ordinary Germans not only knew what Hitler and the Nazis were doing but also that they supported their actions, Daniel Goldhagen has been controversial. That doesn't change with Worse Than War, in which he argues that more people have been murdered by genocidal killers than by regular military operations during war: "And almost no one knows it."
Looking at genocide from our position, he said on Thursday, it's hard to imagine being able to help in Darfur or in Rwanda, where people were murdered with machetes every day. We're struck with "emotional helplessness," and our leaders don't consider it a matter of national interest. But, Goldhagen argued, it is in the interest of humanity, and it's not beyond our control. The decision of one leader or group to eradicate a whole group of people is a political choice, and the international community "can change that decision-making moment." One way to do that: put a bounty on the heads of genocidal leaders, Goldhagen suggested, declaring genocide a "war against humanity." A bounty program for terrorists already exist, and both Democratic and Republican administrations have used it. It may sound radical, he said, but, really, "what's radical is the status quo -- standing by while millions of people are being slaughtered."
You can watch the Worse Than War documentary on PBS.com or on YouTube. And Facing History also recommends many other books on genocide, including David Kherdian's The Road from Home, a collection of poetry about his family's experience with the Armenian genocide; Don Cheadle and John Prendergast's Not on Our Watch: The Mission to End Genocide in Darfur and Beyond, strategies to shape political change regarding genocide policies; and Bernard Gotfryd's Anton the Dove Fancier: and Other Tales of the Holocaust, a collection of autobiographical true stories.
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Mon Oct 18 2010
It's the third Monday of the month and that means you need to be at the Mental Graffiti poetry slam at Butterfly Social Club. Tonight's feature is two-time National Poetry Slam champ Kyle "El Guante" Myhre from St. Paul, MN. A quick Google search tells me "guante" means "glove or gauntlet." They'll be ready to throw down - will you? $5 cover, 21 and over. Butterfly Social Club, 722 W. Grand. Monday, October 18, 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Oct 18 2010
When poet Arielle Greenberg says "Gurlesque," she means "an emerging Third Wave feminist aesthetic that foregrounds the girly in work that is subversive, carnal, performative, grotesque, and brash." And Greenberg, along with poet-critic Lara Glenum, have edited an anthology of Gurlesque work for everyone to enjoy. On October 20, hear them tell you what it's all about -- for free! -- at Hokin Hall, Room 109 (623 S. Wabash), at 5pm. Catherine Wagner will also be on hand to read some Gurlesque poems.
— Emily Wong /
Events Sun Oct 17 2010
If you like pizza, or zines, or both, this event is for you: ŒZa the Pizza Zine makes its saucy debut at Quimby's on 11/10. Created by Nicki Yowell, the Chicago part of its bi-coastal contributors include Ramsey Everydaypants of List, gore
poet Mason Pierce and Dining with Words' Caroline Liebman. 1854 W North Ave. Actual pizza will be served.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Fri Oct 15 2010
Go hear some poetry tonight!
- An Evening With Dancing Girl Press @ Potbelly Sandwich Shop (55 E. Jackson), 7pm: Brainchild of Kristy Bowen, Dancing Girl Press strives to promote and publish work by women. (DGP also has a studio/Etsy shop with lovely items for sale. Check them out!)
- Luis Humberto Valadez @ Barnes & Noble, DePaul University Loop Campus Bookstore (1 E. Jackson), 6pm: Valadez performs some of his new work, followed by a book signing of his March '09 release, "what i'm on."
— Emily Wong /
Events Fri Oct 15 2010
This Saturday, October 16, the Unity Temple in Oak Park (875 Lake St., Oak Park, Il.) will host Madison, Wis., poet Robin Chapman. Open mic starts at 8pm (7:30pm sign-up) and Chapman goes on at 9pm. A $3-5 donation is suggested.
— Emily Wong /
Events Thu Oct 14 2010
Book Club selection author James Kennedy (The Order of Odd-Fish) is once again joining forces with Collaboraction to present a Dome of Doom Dance Party on Saturday at Pritzker Park. Yes, in front of the giant eye. The Dome of Doom brings to life the memorable Odd-Fish scene in which the protagonist and her foe dress up as Eldritch City deities, hurl insults at each other, and fight their battle atop flying ostriches. There will be no ostriches at the park, but there will be a large geodesic dome and people of all ages are invited to come in costume and duke it out Odd-Fish style. (If you can't come up with a costume last minute, don't worry--extra costumes will be handily provided.) The picture at the right is from this summer's Dance Party in Logan Square. Free and open to everyone on October 16, 2pm-5pm, at the Northwest corner of State and Van Buren.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Tue Oct 12 2010
Bike on down to Quimby's this Thursday for readings from two of Chicago's "active transportation" experts. Jason Rothstein will read from and sign copies of Carless in Chicago. Greg Borzo, author of The Chicago L calls it "very timely, practical not preachy, up-to-date advice about thriving in the Windy City without owning a car. Rothstein coolly lays out some real benefits of selling your car: More cash and better health; more free time and less stress; a cleaner environment and a more human-scale city. This book that will change the way you think about cars. It might even change your life." Local journalist and occasional Gapers Block contributor John Greenfield will read from and sign copies of Bars Across America. It's the story of his 5,000-mile bike journey from Oregon to Maine and the 48 taverns visited along the way. Dave Glowacz, author of Urban Bikers' Tips and Tricks, says "as John spins his yarn across the U.S., you'll wish you'd gone along." As if that's not enough, John will also perform a few songs about cycling at this event. Ride on! Free. Quimby's, 1854 W. North, Thursday, October 14, 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Oct 12 2010
Started by Robert Frost, the Poetry Day reading series has been around for 56 years. This year, spend your Poetry Day with poet Frank Bidart this Thursday, October 14, at the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium in Harold Washington Library Center (400 S. State St.) starting at 6pm -- for free!
— Emily Wong /
Events Sun Oct 10 2010
Rumored to be an "authentic alternative reading series," POW-WOW runs every Tuesday at Jeffrey Pub (7104 S. Jeffrey). For the $5 cover, you get food served at 7:30pm with an open mic at 8:30pm. Tuesday, Oct. 12, POW-WOW will celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Week with African drumming (with Yaounde Olu) + poetry readings. Come out in support of boobs! And poetry!
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Oct 06 2010
If you'd be an Olympic athlete, were laughing at yourself (or others) a sport, then find "personal redemption through public humiliation" this Thursday at the nationwide phenomenon Mortified. Since 2002, countless participants have willingly shared writing, art or media created before the age of 21 to exorcise their demons for laughs. The concept is such a hit they're making a movie and they've already published two books. Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, Thursday, October 7 at 8:30pm. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door and can be purchased here.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Oct 06 2010
The next installment of the lively Reading Under the Influence series is tonight. The theme? An offer you can't refuse: Gangsters. Featured readers are Get Capone author Jonathan Eig, Felipe Briceno, Jon Gugala, crime writer Ric Hess and RUI host Rob Duffer. As always the readings are interspersed with trivia questions and prizes. $3 cover. Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave., in the back room. Wednesday, October 6. Readings begin at 7:30pm. It gets pretty crowded so get there early for a seat.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Oct 06 2010
Roadtrip out to the 'burbs and take in The Madness of Edgar Allan Poe at First Folio Theatre (in residence at the Mayslake Peabody Estate Forest Preserve in Oak Brook, Ill.). Watch Poe's stories and poetry come to life as you're guided through Mayslake Hall and "deep into the madness of Edgar Allan Poe." The show previews tonight and runs through Nov. 7; check for tickets and pricing here. What a way to start celebrating Halloween, right?
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue Oct 05 2010
Ready or not, here it comes: It's the first Tuesday of the month, which means Tuesday Funk at the Hopleaf. Tonight's featured readers are Connor Coyne, William Shunn and Jackie Adamski. Connor Coyne is a former Tuesday Funk host and author of the newly-published Hungry Rats, the story of a high school girl on the trail of a serial killer. Mostly Good Girls author Leila Sales says of Hungry Rats: "In confident, purposeful, evocative prose, Connor Coyne places you in a family where no one is watching out for you, and you had better watch your back." William Shunn's short fiction, essays, and poetry have appeared in Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine and Salon.com. He is the author of a memoir, The Accidental Terrorist, and co-author of the novella Cast a Cold Eye. Jackie Adamski holds a degree in Religious Studies and is a short story author and Reading Under the Influence contributor. Free. Hopleaf, upstairs room, 5148 N. Clark St., Tuesday, October 5, 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Oct 05 2010
Get your dark elf on: renowned fantasy writer R.A. Salvatore will be signing Gauntlgrym, the latest book in the in the Legend of Drizzt saga, at Chicago Comics (3244 N. Clark St.) from 7-9pm.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Sat Oct 02 2010
Help Switchback Books promote women and poetry! Come to their salon and fundraiser at 4745 N Beacon St. #3S at 7pm -- salon starts at 8pm. $10 will get you a Switchback Book, but $20 will get you a book and all-you-can-drink! Enjoy some music, some lit, some food, and oh yeah -- some readings by Arielle Greenberg, Becca Klaver, Dolly Lemke, and Sarah Carson. (And there's talk of an 18-liter bottle of wine!)
— Emily Wong /
Events Thu Sep 30 2010
The Third Coast International Audio Festival has been celebrating audio documentary work of all styles since 2000. Their work can be heard weekly on Re:sound on NPR. They also host Listening Room events, a bit like a pre-recorded reading (not because anyone has stage fright, but to take full advantage of the audio possibilities). This Friday's Listening Room features winners from the Book Odds challenge, in which participants were asked to produce a short audio story (up to three minutes) inspired by (and named after) song titles from The Books' newly-released record The Way Out. There will also be "guest doodlers" on hand to see how radio inspires art. Hosted by Third Coast Festival's Julie Shapiro and WBEZ's Alison Cuddy. Free. Chicago Urban Art Society, 2229 S. Halsted, Friday, October 1, 8:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Sep 29 2010
The Encyclopedia Show is a variety show that has its participants perform pieces on encyclopedia topics. Silver Tongue is Columbia College Chicago's student-run reading series. Watch them come together tonight at The Conway Center (1104 S Wabash) at 7pm and define the topic "bears" with poetry, film, music, and anything else they can think of. Admission is free!
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Sep 29 2010
NaNoWriMo. The Three Day Novel Contest. The 48 Hour Film Project. If camaraderie and ridiculously demanding deadlines get your creative fires burning, this week there's one for comic book artists. This Saturday is Twenty Four Hour Comics Day, which challenges participants to produce 24 consecutive comic book pages in 24 hours. Three Chicago stores are participating: Challengers Comics at 1845 N. Western Ave. 2R, The Comic Vault at 1530 W. Montrose and Graham Crackers Comics at 5443 N. Broadway. Saturday, October 2, 11 am-11pm. Event is free; contact individual stores for registration information.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Sep 28 2010
Chicago's longest running open mic for youth is in play again! Run by Young Chicago Authors every Tuesday at their headquarters (1180 N. Milwaukee, 2nd floor), WordPlay gives teens a chance to show their friends -- and the public -- what they've got. The night starts at 6pm with a writing workshop, moves into an open mic at 7pm, and then ends with a performance by a featured poet at 8:30pm. WordPlay runs now until mid-June, so come early and come often!
— Emily Wong /
Events Mon Sep 27 2010
Literally. Leaves of Grass, a Nude Choral Reading is coming to Chicago. And yes, you read that right, "a Nude Choral Reading." Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass, once considered immoral, is transformed by naked performers rhythmically chanting poems from the collection in an adaptation by Jeremy Bloom. You can see it all (yes, all) this Friday, October 1 at Links Hall in Lakeview (3435 N. Sheffield) at 7:30pm or 10pm. Admission is $15 ($10 for students or seniors) online or at the door.
— Emily Wong /
Events Mon Sep 27 2010
If asked to name as many Polish novelists as I can think of, I might only be able to come up with one. But the University of Illinois at Chicago can help save me from my ignorance: they've hired world-renowned scholar of Polish literature and culture Michal Pawel Markowski as the inaugural Stefan and Lucy Hejna family chair in Polish language and literature.
Tonight at UIC, join Markowski as he answers the question "What is Polish Literature?" Room 302 in Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St., 5pm-7pm.
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Sun Sep 26 2010
It's where Robbie Q. Telfer and students from Young Chicago Authors will join forces with Anis Mojgani, Derrick Brown, and Buddy Wakefield to bring you "the ultimate uplift spoken word party experience"! Come to the Chopin Theatre (1543 W Division) on Saturday, October 2 at 4pm for the Poetry Revival's latest and greatest tour. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students at the door.
— Emily Wong /
Events Fri Sep 24 2010
Its first event over the summer was a success (really, poetry + brothel -- who wouldn't love it?!), so the Chicago Poetry Brothel is here to stay. Check out their second costume party/poetry reading/performance art tonight in the Foundation Room at the House of Blues (329 N. Dearborn), starting at 8pm. Tickets at the door are $10, unless you "come dressed Victorian" -- then you only have to shell out $5.
— Emily Wong /
Events Thu Sep 23 2010
Criminal Class Press is a literary collective founded in 2008. Publishers of the literary journal Criminal Class Review, they sum up their aesthetic as "where the scumbag's voice is making a genre for itself" and "real life in the trenches. The punks and broads that the rest of us are. And if it's not you, it's looking for you, so watch out." Watch out, indeed: they're kicking off a five city East Coast tour on October 19. If you don't care 'cuz you read Gapers Block to find Chicago hell to raise, then listen up, punk: this Saturday they'll be hosting NOIR, An Anti-Gala, to raise funds for the tour. Featured readers are Jim Goad, Gint Aras, Deb Lewis, Nicollette Kittinger, Brian Murphy, Julia Borcherts, and Windy City Story Slam's Bill Hillman. There will be featured artwork by Ricardo Cozzolino, Tim Piggott, Jansen Sterba, Joe Chavez, Jason Adams and more. $15 gets you all that raucous entertainment, plus drinks and food by Big Bite Catering. Tickets can be purchased here. NOIR will be held at Joone Studios, 1372 N. Ashland. September 25 at 6pm; readings start at 8pm. $15 cover. Afterparty at Cobra Lounge, 235 N. Ashland.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Sep 22 2010
Celebrate your freedom to read this year from September 25 to October 2, with Banned Books Week! What can you do to participate? Attend the Banned Books Week Readout at Bughouse Square on September 25. You can also check out more planned events and ideas for creating your own events on the Banned Books Week website.
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue Sep 21 2010
So much poetry, so little time!
- September 22: Danny's Reading Series at Danny's Tavern (1951 W. Dickens), 7:30pm, featuring Adam Novy and Roddy Lumsden
- September 23: Ponce @nite hosts open mic night (Ponce Restaurant, 4322 W. Fullerton), 7:30pm, with special guests Roberto Plena Irizarry and Nikki Patin
- September 23: Without a Mic! Poetry Showcase at Let Them Eat Chocolate (5306 N. Damen), 6:30pm
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue Sep 21 2010
Well, I don't know, but I bet a tired movie quote earns a metaphoric sock to the kisser. Write Club takes the concept of a slam competition and makes it more personal, pitting two people head to head. Tonight there will be three bouts: Rock vs. Roll (improvOlympian Katie Rich vs. New Colony's Whit Nelson), Work vs. Play (Write Club host Ian Belknap vs. Neo-Futurist alum Chloe Johnston) and Land vs. Sea (performance poet John Paul Davis vs. Gapers Block's own Lindsay Muscato). Each contestant has seven minutes, winner chosen by the audience. $8 donation; proceeds go to charity of winner's choice. The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, September 21, 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Sep 20 2010
This fall's Chicago Humanities Festival delves into all disciplines -- anthropology, medicine, human rights -- with its 2010 theme: the body. Running from Sunday, October 24, with the CHF Hyde Park Day, through Sunday, November 14, the events range from a special viewing of rare medical texts at the University of Chicago's Regenstein Library to a lecture about the history of the condom. And, as always, literary events abound:
- On Saturday, November 6, British author Lady Antonia Fraser discusses her 2010 memoir, Must You Go?, about her life with her late husband, Nobel Prize-winning author Harold Pinter.
- Also on November 6, two University of Wisconsin-Madison scholars examine the medieval idea of body as a metaphor for book, which has continued to the present -- for example, we describe manuscripts and books as having spines, headers, and footers.
- On Sunday, November 7, medical doctor Cheryl Kinney and University of Chicago comparative literature and philosophy scholar Elisabeth Lenckos explore how the body is represented in Jane Austen's literature.
- On Saturday, November 13, playwright, author, and poet Sam Shepard -- who won the 1979 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his play Buried Child -- accepts the 2010 Chicago Tribune Literary Prize.
Ticket prices vary depending on the event. Check the CHF website for more information.
(And just a tip, if you're a fan of Dan Savage and his hilariously candid "Savage Love" column, I suggest you buy your tickets to his November 12, live podcast soon -- it's bound to sell out fast.)
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Mon Sep 20 2010
It's the third Monday of the month, which means Essay Fiesta time as the Book Cellar. Featured readers are Write Club host Ian Belknap, Neo-Futurist alum Noelle Krimm, 2nd Story ensemble member Andrew Reilly, Comedian/author/teacher Rebecca Rine-Stone and former Playboy.com editor Scott Smith. Raffle to benefit Howard Brown Health Center. The Book Cellar, 4736-38 N Lincoln Ave., September 20, 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Sep 20 2010
Cafe Ballou hosts Waiting 4 the Bus's open mic night, featuring Bob Lawrence. Stop by and showcase your stuff!
— Emily Wong /
Events Thu Sep 16 2010
If you love art, poetry and a good writing prompt, check out an evening of poetry "in conversation with" the exhibit Mano/Mundo/Corazón: Artists Interpret La Lotería. Featured reader is Roddy Lumsden; two dozen Chicago-based writers will also perform. Presented by Poetry magazine, contratiempo, and the Center for the Book & Paper Arts at Columbia College (where the reading is held). Ludington Building, 1104 South Wabash Street, September 16, 6pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Sep 15 2010
How do poetry slam champs spend their down time? Why, they keep the fires burning with salons, darling. Real Talk Live is a monthly reading series featuring poetry, music, comedy and dance. This Friday, September 17 they bid adieu to their current home (it's literally in someone's home). Featured performers are poet Krista Franklin, co-founder of the artists' collective Tres Colony and 2nd Sun Salon; and The Gringo Choir, a championship squad of performance poets from New England. Also featured is the artwork of Angela Davis Fegan. Will you really be welcome in a strangers' home? Well, they fully intend to keep the show going at a new (TBD) location, there's a $5 door charge and cash bar that goes toward paying features and keeping the show going, so hell yes, you will! (Plus, I asked). Real Talk Live at "Real Talk Avenue," a.k.a. 4520 N. Monticello, $5 cover, 18+, Friday, September 17, 7pm-midnight.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Sep 14 2010
Newish independent literary journal Two With Water holds the latest installment of their Rx Reading Series within the shimmering teal splendor of Beauty Bar on Sunday, September 19. Open mic starts at 7pm, and the theme is orientation. 1444 W. Chicago.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Mon Sep 13 2010
Otherwise known as Women & Children First's (5233 N. Clark St.) monthly Sappho's Salon. This Saturday, September 18, your $7-10 (sliding scale fee), will get you wine, food, and the spoken work of Nikki Patin, the comedy and overall punk-rockishness of Sissy Van Dyke, and Sappho's house DJ SpinNikki's tracks. The "diversions" start at 7:30pm!
— Emily Wong /
Events Thu Sep 09 2010
Got a budding Stan Lee in your family? Head out to the Sulzer Regional Library this Saturday for a Reading With Pictures workshop. Comic writer Trevor Mueller, marketing director of Reading With Pictures and author of the webcomic series "The Temple of a Thousand Tears" will teach kids the basics of storytelling, how to write dialogue, and how to make their own comics. There will also be a reading from his latest all-ages story "Albert the Alien is New in School," published in the Reading with Pictures anthology (copies will be available for purchase). For children ages 6 and up. It's the same weekend as Lincoln Square's German American Fest, so public transportation is recommended (by this local, anyway). Sulzer Regional Public Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave., Saturday, September 11, 11am-11:45am. Free. Call (312) 744-7616, extension 3 to register.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Thu Sep 09 2010
What do Gwendolyn Brooks, Carl Sandburg, and The Green Mill have in common? They're on the Chicago Poetry Tour! Take the tour and learn all about Chicago while getting a good dose of poetry. Just download the Downtown Chicago Poetry Tour mp3 onto your mp3 player, lace up your walking shoes, and get out there!
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Sep 08 2010
William "Upski" Wimsatt first got his name out in the world as a graffiti tagger on the South Side. Growing up in Hyde Park he was entranced by African-American hip hop culture from an early age. As he told the New York Times, "I saw it as my job to get white people to talk about race." In 1993 he published an influential article on "wiggers" in The Source. His books include 1994's Bomb The Suburbs and 2000's No More Prisons. Tupac Shakur declared Bomb The Suburbs "the best book I read in prison" and No More Prisons won the 2000 Firecracker Alternative Book Award for Politics. (Incidentally, "bomb" is slang for "to cover a surface with graffiti"). Wimsatt puts his activist money where his mouth is: In 2003 he founded the League of Young Voters, and he's the Chief Executive Officer of All Hands On Deck, a political, organizational and communications consulting firm designed to organize unlikely voters. His latest book, Please Don't Bomb The Suburbs, comes out this October. If you missed his Wednesday night reading at Quimby's, you can still catch two Chicago stops on his book tour. He'll be at 57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th Street, Thursday, September 9, 6:30pm. and at Chicago Urban Art Society, 2229 South Halsted Street, Friday, September 10, 6-11pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Sep 06 2010
Tomorrow night is Tuesday Funk at Hopleaf. Featured readers are Gina Frangello, Shannon Morley Milliken and Zoe Zolbrod. Hear some great stories, make a dent in the extensive beer list and welcome new host Sara Ross. Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark Street, upstairs room. September 7, 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Sun Sep 05 2010
He wrote his own press release to promote his fourth novel, The Price of Liberty, and now he wants to help you, too.
Make use of your lunch break and attend the senior editor of Booklist Online's presentation, "How I kept my day job and became a published author, and you can, too!", which happens September 22nd, 12pm-1pm, at Harold Washington Library. 400 S State St, call (312) 747-4050 for more information.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Wed Sep 01 2010
Next edition of RUI: Reading Under the Influence is at Sheffield's tonight, September 1. Featured readers include JD Adamski, Brandon Will, John Flaherty and RUI's most frequent guest reader, Darwyn Jones. An evening of original short stories and trivia questions with prizes for you! Food menu available as well as drinks. This month's theme is "Sloth." So overcome your inertia and head on out to RUI at Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave, 7pm, $3 cover.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Aug 31 2010
Eastern cuisine is not a new territory for local food writer Colleen Taylor Sen: in Curry, put out by University of Chicago press, she explores the history and culture of the often misunderstood dish. Her new book, Pakoras, Paneer, Pappadums: A Guide to Indian Restaurant Menus (available on Amazon and at Patel Brothers Handicrafts at 2600 W. Devon), helps diners expand their knowledge of Indian food and the culture behind it.
Find out more about this and how to get published on Saturday, September 18, when Sen presents at the Chicago Foodways Roundtable. 10am-12pm, Kendall College, 900 N. Branch. $3, free to Kendall students and faculty with ID.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Thu Aug 26 2010
Lose yourself in the "outsidereal" with The Next Objectivists at Mess Hall (6932 North Glenwood) in Rogers Park. Starting at 7pm, you'll talk about your dreams, poems about dreams, and do a bit of writing together. The workshop is free and open to the public.
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Aug 25 2010
featherproof books and Lindsay Hunter of Quickies! are having a party for the release of her book, Daddy's. Described as "sweet as pie, but she's got one mean dirty mouth", Lindsay's presentation includes featherproofers Blake Butler and Amelia Gray, Lindsey's Dad, and more. $10 gets you admission and your very own copy of Daddy's -- find out what's going down at 1354 West Wabansia, August 30th, 7:30pm.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Tue Aug 24 2010
Who doesn't love a sexy librarian with soul? Come on out this Friday to the Stacks! Soul Library Dance Party to benefit Chicago Underground Library. Featuring DJs John Ciba, Lady J, MLE, and JJ, and prizes for "best '60s/soul/mod librarian style." Tickets are $7 in advance, $10 at the door. Late Bar, 3534 W Belmont Ave., (773) 267-5283, Friday, August 27, 9pm-midnight (true to their name, bar's open 'til 4am).
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Aug 24 2010
This Friday, August 27, Knee-Jerk magazine hosts a one year anniversary party in north Lincoln Square. Featured readers of the evening include contributors
Billy Lombardo, Zoe Zolbrod and Michael Czyzniejewski. Free beer, raffles, music and a chance to win dinner and a movie with Knee-Jerk's editors. Proceeds benefit debut print issue. Suggested donation: $5. Fill In the Blank Gallery, 5038 N. Lincoln Ave., (773) 878-1750, Friday, August 27, 8-11pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Fri Aug 20 2010
This Saturday, August 21, Women and Children First hosts Sappho's Salon: A Provocative Night of Lesbian Diversions. This month's installement features humorist Fay Jacobs, author of As I Lay Frying and Fried and True: Tales from Rehoboth Beach, collections of newspaper columns chronicling life in the gay-friendly resort town of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Singer Ellen Rosner brings the voice Windy City Times describes as "a young Chrissie Hynde, Chris Isaak or Melissa Etheridge." DJ SpinNikki plays eclectic music between sets to keep things rollin'. Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St., August 21 at 7:30pm. Cost is $7-$10 sliding scale, food and wine included. Door proceeds to benefit the artists and the Women's Voices Fund.
— Rebecca Hyland /
I receive dozens of press releases a day at my job, so I got a laugh out of this mock release from author and senior editor of Booklist Online Keir Graff, to promote his fourth novel, The Price of Liberty. Highlights:
Misspellings and grammatical errors throughout are should contributing to this effect.
As is customary, key information has been set in boldface.
"For my fourth novel, I wanted to try something different," Graff quotes himself as saying.
The Price of Liberty's launch party will be Thursday, September 9, 5:30-7:30pm. After Words Books, 23 E. Illinois St., 312-464-1110.
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Thu Aug 19 2010
Head on out to the near west suburbs this Saturday for the Tamale Hut Reading Series. Columbia MFA candidate Jenny Seay hosts this always welcoming, roughly monthly event. This Saturday's featured reader is Andrew Reilly, an ensemble member of 2nd Story. Visitors encouraged to get scribblin' and participate in the open mic. Tamales are buy two, get one free, and the event is BYOB, making for a cheap date. About three miles from Brookfield Zoo, so make a day of it. Tamale Hut Cafe, 8300 W. Cermak Road, North Riverside, August 21 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Aug 18 2010
Tonight is the 9th anniversary of the Danny's Tavern Reading Series. Featured readers are Patrick Culliton, Devin King, and Caroline Picard. Danny's Tavern, 1951 W. Dickens, 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Aug 16 2010
It's Essay Fiesta night at The Book Cellar, a night of first-person essays including a raffle to benefit the Howard Brown Health Center. Tonight's readers include Paper Machete host Christopher Piatt, improvisor and puppeteer Kristen Studard, actor and Second Story contributor John Wilson, Impress These Apes producer Paul Luikart and stand-up comedian John Barry. The Book Cellar, 4736 North Lincoln Avenue, (773) 293-2665, Monday, August 16 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Aug 11 2010
Celebrate the life of the late Carlos Cortez (1923 - 2005) this Friday the 13th! Carlos & Dominguez Fine Arts in Pilsen is hosting his 87th birthday party with readings, speakers, and a book and poetry sale.
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue Aug 10 2010
Head to the upstairs lounge at the Hopleaf tonight, August 10, for an evening of "the humorous, embarrassing and poignant moments that make up a life remembered" with This Much Is True Chicago. A monthly series, August's edition features regulars Dorrie Ferguson, Deanna Moffitt, and Scott Whitehair, with special guests Jennifer Bosworth, Don Hall, Jessica McCloud, and Jill Summers. The Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark, 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Aug 10 2010
This Friday and Saturday, August 13 and 14, is the Chicago Antiquarian Book Fair. Hunt for what's missing from your collection or bring your own first edition family heirlooms. Over 40 dealers from the United States, Canada and the UK will be displaying portions of their stock and many will be delighted to answer questions and make arrangements to appraise or even purchase collections of books (especially if signed!). Prices seldom fall under $20, but there will be a few bargain book tables as well as author readings and glimpses of rare books seldom seen outside academic libraries. Sponsored by the Midwest Antiquarian Booksellers Association. Plumbers Union Hall, 1340 W. Washington, August 13 from 3-8pm and August 14 from 10am-4pm. Admission is $6.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Aug 04 2010
Not going to Lollapalooza on Sunday? Try a little Challapalooza! Los Angeles author and singles columnist for the the Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles Carin Davis comes to Evanston on Sunday to talk about her 2010 book Life, Love, Lox: Real-World Advice for the Modern Jewish Girl. Now, I'm a modern Jewish girl, I guess--I love bacon, I don't go to temple, I've dated my fair share of atheists--but I worry that this book would implant in my head some of that Jewish guilt I try to avoid. Here's an excerpt, from a chapter about a date with a Jewish movie executive:
As I enjoyed my last morsel of cheesy perfection, Jeff took a bite of meatloaf, slid my way, and stole a kiss. Or at least he started to until I ducked. Yes, ducked. No, I'm not a big tease, I'm a big Jew, and technically a mid-bite kiss would have meant mixing milk and meat. When Jeff 's mouth touched mine, I didn't see fireworks, I didn't hear wedding bells: I heard the great rabbis reminding me not to seethe a calf in its mother's milk.
I would never (I mean, never) have thought of that (and don't really even want to think about it). But for those of you modern gals who want to know "how to put together Shabbat dinner for the real world, how to meet the (observant) parents, and how to embrace the high holy days with style," go see Davis read from her book August 8 at 1pm. Evanston's BooCoo Cafe & Cultural Center, 1823 Church St., 773-362-4760.
Update: There's also a Lakeview reading at 4pm. Uncommon Ground, 3800 N. Clark St., 773-362-4760.
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Wed Aug 04 2010
This Friday, John Presta discusses and signs his book Mr. and Mrs. Grassroots: How Barack Obama, Two Bookstore Owners and 300 Volunteers Did It at the Evanston Borders. A first-person account of the early days of Obama's political career, the "Mr. and Mrs." of the title refers to Presta and his wife, owners of the (now closed) Reading on Walden bookstore in Beverly, whom Obama called his "Southwest Side powerhouses." Dan Shomon, former campaign manager and political director for Senator Barack Obama says "Michelle and John Presta were really there at the beginning. They were true grassroots organizers, and John's memory and the intimate details of this book provide a true picture of the real story of Barack Obama's meteoric rise. It was people like Michelle and John who really made it happen and stuck their neck out for the skinny guy with the funny name. There are many Michelle and Johns out there, and I hope they all decide to write their stories like John did." Borders, 1700 Maple Ave., Evanston, Friday, August 6 at 5pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Aug 04 2010
Next weekend, the air fills with majestic Blue Angels aerobatics as the 52nd annual Chicago Air and Water Show comes to the lakefront. Learn more about the history of the show this Thursday, August 5, when aviation buffs Gerry and Janet Souter visit the downtown Barnes and Noble to discuss their book The Chicago Air and Water Show: A History of Wings Above the Waves. Barnes and Noble, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., (312) 362-8792, Thursday, August 5, 6-7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Aug 04 2010
Come see Chicago translated through literature at Chicago Translation: Lit, Music, and Dance Party at The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) on August 13 at 10pm. Artists work to reinterpret the city through sound, syntax, and image, while Magical Beautiful provides the tunes, and DJ Kevin Smith gets the dance party going. Featured writers include James Tadd Adcox, Kathleen Rooney, Kristin Orser, and Nell Taylor.
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Aug 04 2010
Nothing goes together like bbq and helping children read through comic books: this Saturday, Challengers Comics hosts a cookout benefiting Reading With Pictures, a nonprofit organization that uses sequential art to help kids become more literate. Saturday, August 5th, 1-5pm at 1845 N. Western. Stop by and enjoy a range of $1 foodstuffs, pick up the latest Avengers, and help a good cause.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Thu Jul 29 2010
"Wheels, wheels, feet, feet, all day."
"Spoke-thin rungs poked in the side plotted a dizzying ascent, and the thought of climbing that far skyward made my knees weak."
"The expressway ramps soar above, residents hunker underneath, and in the soot and debris, St. Jude was wrapped in a blue cloak both brilliant and stern, with the words 'Pray for Us' painted on a golden background."
The Silver-Colored Yesterday, a blog written by Joseph Drogos, is one of the online features for Make, a Chicago-based literary magazine. A "commentary on the real and imagined social, cultural, and literary heritage of Make's hometown," TSCY tells Chicago's story through beautiful, haunting imagery and explores hidden facets about the city that only a true Chicagoan would even know to look for: neglected spaces between warehouses and factories, the final days of baseball at Comiskey, the essence of Bridgeport .
Of course, this blog is only a small part of Make's nine-issue history -- the magazine, started in 2005, delivers short stories, essays, poetry, reviews, and interviews, as well as art and photography, in a biannual package, with themes like "Truthiness" and "Property Lines."
Tomorrow, after the sixth annual Printers' Ball (of which Gapers Block is a proud sponsor), Make is throwing itself a party: the Printers' Ball After-Party and Make Five-Year Anniversary Fiesta. Musical comedy game show Shame That Tune and bands like Magical Beautiful and Coupleskate make an appearance, but what really makes it a party are the candy, $5 shots of Templeton Rye, and (hell yes) piñatas.
Friday, July 30, 9pm, Reggie's Music Joint, 2105 S. State St., 21+
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Tue Jul 27 2010
TallGrass Writers Guild is an independent, largely self-supporting arts guild that's been around since 1980, open to all who write seriously at any level. Since 1996 they've published annual anthologies in conjunction with Outrider Press. They host readings and events throughout the year across Chicagoland. Tonight, as they do the fourth Tuesday of every month, they host an open mic at the Bourgeois Pig. Featured reader is Catherine Fitzpatrick. Bourgeois Pig, 738 W. Fullerton Ave., July 27, 7:30pm, $6.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Jul 26 2010
Local, recently profiled illustrator Aaron Renier brings his seafaring graphic novel to Quimby's August 26, celebrating a tale that's appealing to young and old alike. 1854 W. North Ave, 7pm.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Fri Jul 23 2010
Time Traveler's Wife author Audrey Niffeneger will be at Women and Children First tonight. She'll be reading from her latest, Her Fearful Symmetry, just out in paperback. A story of ghosts, twins, London cemeteries and OCD, The New York Times calls it "mature, complex and convincing - a dreamy yet visceral tale of loves both familial and erotic, a search for Self in the midst of obsession with an Other." Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St., July 23, 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Thu Jul 22 2010
On July 22, Onion AV Club head writer Nathan Rabin reads from The Big Rewind: A Memoir Brought to You by Pop Culture, just out in paperback. It's a confessional bio told through the lens of the pop culture that kept him sane through a childhood of parental abandonment and mental institutions. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, for example, taught him "if you're going to be stuck in this movie, the point is to be Jack Nicholson, not one of the gargoyle-faced character actors stumbling around in a Klonopin haze." The New York Times says "Rabin has packed [The Big Rewind], like a cannon, full of caustic wit and bruised feelings. The result is a lo-fi, sometimes crude book that is nonetheless more effective (and affecting) than it has any right to be." Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St., July 22 at 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Jul 20 2010
July 21 is Ernest Hemingway's 101st birthday. To celebrate, the Ernest Hemingway Museum is having an open house at 3:30pm, then at 7:30pm Thomas J. Putnam, Director of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum will present the lecture Treasures from Hemingway's Trunk: Highlights from the Ernest Hemingway Collection at the John F. Kennedy Library. Ernest Hemingway Museum, 200 N. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park. Admission is $20; $10 for Foundation members, seniors and students. Phone: (708) 848-2222 or email to ehfop@sbcglobal.net for reservations.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Jul 14 2010
I can still remember blasting Born To Run in my sister's bedroom, the room filling with blue collar poetry and soaring, bittersweet optimism. David Masciotra must have similar memories. Thursday, July 15, he'll be at Revolution Books reading from Working on a Dream: The Progressive Political Vision of Bruce Springsteen. "What really draws me to his music and makes me come back to it from a political perspective is, [in] his (lyrical) world, he places everyday people at the front and center," Masciotra said. "He views the world through their lens, and that's a very powerful and important message in a democracy." Revolution Books, 1103 N. Ashland Ave., 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Jul 12 2010
Tuesday, July 13, hie thee to the Innertown Pub for a quickie. Several, actually. Mary Hamilton and Lindsay Hunter host the monthly Quickies! flash fiction reading series. Each reader has four minutes to read a complete work of prose. "No poetry. No excerpts. No cheating." This month's series features readings by James Tadd Adcox, Alex Bonner, Chris Bower, Jason Bredle (Standing In Line for the Beast), Barry Graham (The National Virginity Pledge: Short Stories and Other Lies), Allison Gruber, Elizabeth Ellen (Before You She Was A Pitbull), Devin King (Clops), Davis Schneiderman (Drain), Rebekah Silverman and Jill Summers. The Innertown Pub, 1935 W. Thomas; free, 21 and over, 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Jul 07 2010
Thursday, July 8, The Book Stall welcomes poet and memoirist extraordinaire Mary Karr. She'll be reading from Lit, her memoir of recovery from alcoholism and conversion to Catholicism. The Washington Post says "her acute self-awareness conquers any hint that hers is the only version of this story." Susan Cheever of the New York Times says "in a gravelly, ground-glass-under-your-heel voice that can take you from laughter to awe in a few sentences, Karr has written the best book about being a woman in America I have read in years." Lit was just released in paperback this month. The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, 811 E. Elm, Winnetka, (847) 847-446-8880, Thursday, July 8 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Jul 06 2010
Wednesday, July 7, The Book Cellar welcomes Sam Weller, reading from his recently released Listen to the Echoes: The Ray Bradbury Interviews.
Weller's The Bradbury Chronicles was the winner of the Society of Midland Authors award for best biography in 2005. Weller is a local journalist, Columbia College professor and highly sought after lecturer on the life and works of celebrated science fiction author Ray Bradbury. Julia Keller of The Chicago Tribune calls Listen "a book that's feisty and that charges full-speed ahead, a book that practically levitates out of your hands as you turn the pages - there is that much energy in it, that much love for life and for books and for the people who make and read them." Ray Bradbury himself says "Sam Weller knows more about my life than I do." The Book Cellar, 4736 North Lincoln Avenue, (773) 293-2665, Wednesday, July 7 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Jun 29 2010
Tuesday, June 29, welcomes the next edition of the Moth Story Slam, held the last Tuesday of every month. Tonight's theme is "Scars." Martyr's, 3855 North Lincoln Avenue. Stories start at 8pm (get there early to ensure seating). Cost: $7 at the door.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Jun 29 2010
Tuesday, June 29, Quimby's features Alan Goldsher & Jeffrey Brown, the writer and artist who collaborated on Paul Is UnDead - The British Zombie Invasion. Publishers Weekly says "are readers ready for a world in which the Beatles just wanna eat your brains? Roughly paralleling the real-world career of the Beatles, this alternate history reimagines successes, failures, and rivalries with over-the-top bizarro charm." Quimby's Bookstore, 1854 W North Ave., (773) 342-0910, 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Jun 29 2010
Don't worry, it's The Poetry Brothel! The poets/artists/designers organization is coming to the House of Blues Foundation Room (329 N. Dearborn) on July 10 from 8pm to midnight. This event series incorporates a bit of performance art as the showcased poets...well...seduce you. Tickets are $15 at the door, $10 if you bring along the flier. Stop by and enjoy poetry + absinthe + music + anything else you may expect at a brothel.
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue Jun 29 2010
Tomorrow -- learn about radical social movements in the U.S. through Uses of a Whirlwind: Movement, Movements, and Contemporary Radical Currents in the United States, a joint effort from Team Colors Collective recently released by AK Press. The 30+ contributors make up "a snapshot of current activity, organizing, ideas, and questions circulating among today's radicals", and their pieces cover such topics as community organizing, movement building, and all levels of revolution.
7pm, Biblioteca Popular del Barrio -- 1921 South Blue Island Ave.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Thu Jun 24 2010
This Sunday is the Orange Alert Reading Series. Orange Alert is a blog and book publisher whose mission is "to support the independent arts and to introduce, inform, interact, and instigate ideas." Sunday's reading features John Cotter,
Martin Seay, Kathleen Rooney and Stephen Markley. The Whistler, 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave., (773) 227-3530, Sunday, June 27 at 6pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Thu Jun 24 2010
The ladies who run Switchback Books will be bartending at Irish Eyes Pub (2519 N Lincoln Ave) tonight, with all tips to benefit Switchback. Stop by at 7:30pm to not only grab a drink, but get your custom erasure poem, put some change in the coin-operated poetry machine, and receive an "unprofessional" tarot reading. No cover charge!
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed Jun 23 2010
I am torn: three exciting literary events, all on Thursday, June 24, between 6pm and 8pm:
*Anthony Bourdain and his sweet, dimpled chin (and not-so-sweet vocabulary) will be at Harold Washington Library at 6pm, talking about his new book, Medium Raw: A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook. For free.
*Jonathan Alter speaks at his alma mater, the Francis W. Parker School (330 W. Webster) as part of the Chicago Humanities Festival at 7pm. A senior editor at Newsweek, Alter will talk about his book The Promise: President Obama, Year One, which Chicago Magazine says, "is just as much a profile of Obama's behind-the-curtain personality as it is a recap of his triumphs, failures, and other pivotal moments thus far." Tickets are $5 for CHF members, $10 for the general public.
*Interior designer and founder of ApartmentTherapy.com Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan hosts a signing party for his new book, Apartment Therapy's Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces, which gives tips on how make small spaces feel bigger and more comfortable (this will definitely come in handy with my impending move into a new apartment). The party is at furniture and home-decor store Ligne Rose, 440 N. Wells, at 6pm.
Alas, because I can only go to one, I would love to hear from anyone who goes to any of these events. It'll be a game-time decision for me, I guess.
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Mon Jun 21 2010
It's the third Monday of the month, which means Essay Fiesta time at the Book Cellar. Essay Fiesta brings together a cross-section of Chicago's art and writing communities for a night of first-person, non-fiction essays and charity. Tonight features 2nd Story literary director Megan Stielstra, Neo-Futurist alum and playwright Andy Bayiates, stand-up comic Kelsie Huff, Story Club host and producer Dana Norris, and author and humorist Tom Wolferman. A representative from Howard Brown Health Center, one of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) organizations, will be present to speak about the organization's critical service offerings. Book Cellar, 4736 North Lincoln Avenue, (773) 293-2665. Monday, June 21, 7pm. Free; charitable donations accepted.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Jun 16 2010
This Saturday is the Learnapalooza festival, held at various spots around Wicker Park from 10am to 5pm. The event is a community skill exchange chock full of free workshops: yoga, cooking, self-defense, swing dancing, poker, and more. Complete at-a-glance schedule of events here. Quimby's Bookstore is getting in on the action with three free 45 minute workshops on how to get involved in independent publishing. RSVP not necessary but appreciated. Quimby's Bookstore, 1854 West North Avenue, (773) 342-0910. Saturday, June 19, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Jun 16 2010
Tonight is a packed Local Author Night at Lincoln Square's Book Cellar. Zoe Zolbrod reads from her novel Currency, where an American woman in Thailand gets drawn into a smuggling operation and romantic entanglements with a local man. Davis Schneiderman reads from his forthcoming novel Drain, a post-apocalyptic novel about a dried-out Lake Michigan and the struggle for political control of the strange new landscape. Author Steve Tomasula calls Drain "the Clockwork Orange of our age." UIC professor Cris Mazza reads from her forthcoming novel Various Men Who Knew Us as Girls, a novel about the border sex trade in Southern California. Last but not least, Gina Frangello reads from Slut Lullabies. Frangello ranked #19 on New City's Lit 50: Who Really Books in Chicago list for 2010. The Chicago Reader says "[Frangello] articulates truths about the selfishness of love in a way few people would admit but everyone has likely felt." The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., Wednesday, June 16 at 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Jun 15 2010
Windy City Story Slam's first ever National Story Slam Competition was held at the Harold Washington Library as part of the Printer's Row Lit Fest on Sunday. Ten storytellers from around the country had five minutes each to wow an audience of avid listeners and a panel of judges that included the Chicago Tribune's Rick Kogan; playwright Alexis Pride; writer James Finn Garner; StoryCorps booster Whitney Henry-Lester; diversity speaker Susan O'Halloran; curator of Serendipity Theater's 2nd Story J. Adams Oaks; and an audience member known simply as "Mike from the crowd."
Storytellers from seven states and the District of Columbia told tales as various as the home towns they represented. Phil Kasitz from West Chester PA's West Chester Story Slam started the evening off with a story of love and loss, followed by Philadelphia's Michael McCarry of First Person Arts, who spoke of a condition no insurance company would ever cover. Massmouth's Jim Stahl followed with an eye-opening story of things seen and unseen, Porchlight's Anthony Bedard went all the way back to junior high school, local favorite Alex Bonner recalled an old friend, and Portland Story Theater's Lynne Duddy told the audience what she once bought for just $20. Nancy Donoval from Story Slam Twin Cities picked up the pace with the shifting tectonic plates in her head, SpeakeasyDC's Regie Cabico taught the audience a whole new way to pronounce "Oprah", Anderson Story Slam's Michelle Buscher explained exactly how not to stop a rushing goat, and The Stoop Storytelling Series' Ab Logan rounded out the event by explaining the relative importance of mashed potatoes and gravy.
At the end of the slam two winners were declared: Nancy Donoval, who lived up to her reputation as "the Michael Jordan of storytelling," won first place from the judges, and Alex Bonner won the audience favorite award, which was measured in applause. If you missed Sunday's event, it will soon be available for your listening pleasure on Chicago Amplified.
— J.H. Palmer /
Events Mon Jun 14 2010
Deb Lewis tells a story at Lit After Dark, photo by J.H. Palmer
Windy City Story Slam, 2nd Story, and Reading Under the Influence converged at the Printers Row Lit fest Saturday night for three hours of nonstop storytelling at Lit After Dark. The three organizations have different styles, but the love of a good story binds them together. In case you missed it, below are snippets from the twelve stories told that night, which make a kind of short, nonsensical story:
Like they couldn't just stick a little lime in the coffin. He forgot the Korean word for hope and began screaming in English. He figures out that the situation in Eastern Europe is much worse than the situation in Berwyn. Ingrown hairs can look like herpes, and that's just bad for business. She is fuckin' laughing, and I'm about to crap my pants. Satan's minion, in my back yard, pooping. With the exception of two butches, me being one, every butch dyke we knew was taking male hormones and making surgical dates to get their tits cut off. I can't smoke pot before class, Megan talks too damn fast. Motherfucker breaks into my house and thinks he can judge me? Do you want to go to the cemetery when your nails are finished? The voice believes inspirational quotes and cries at the end of Rudy. I saw Tony Bennett in a pharmacy buying Laxatone and nasal spray.
— J.H. Palmer /
Events Wed Jun 09 2010
You have two chances to check out Ghost World author/artist Daniel Clowes this weekend. He'll be at Quimby's Saturday for a book signing and appearing at the Printers Row Lit Fest on Sunday. His latest book is Wilson, the story of a middle-aged misanthrope searching to reconnect with the ex-wife who's become a prostitute since leaving him, and their daughter, put up for adoption years earlier. The New York Times says "[Clowes has] explored the tedium and mystery of contemporary American life with more wit and insight than most novelists or filmmakers." Author signing at Quimby's, 1854 W. North Ave., Saturday, June 12 at 7pm; in conversation with film critic Ray Pride at the Printers Row Lit Fest, Center Stage, Sunday, June 13 at 11am.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Jun 09 2010
This weekend is the 26th annual Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest, the largest free outdoor literary event in the Midwest. The event features more than 100 free literary programs and nearly 140 new, used and antiquarian booksellers. Author programs take place at 10 locations throughout the festival, including a Good Eating stage featuring appearances by Chef Rick Tramonto, executive chef at Tru. Approximately 200 authors are scheduled to appear, including Daniel Clowes, Barbara Ehrenreich, Anne Lamott, and Christopher Hitchens. An exhaustive list of readers and performers can be found here. Printers Row Lit Fest is located on historic Printers Row, on and around the area of Dearborn Street, from Congress to Polk streets in Chicago. Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13. Free. Some events require pre-registration.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Thu Jun 03 2010
This Saturday is the next installment of the Windy City Story Slam, now held the first Saturday of every month at Empty Bottle. Bill Hillman, Columbia College student and 2002 Golden Gloves boxing champ, started the Slam in 2007 after being inspired by a trip to the legendary Uptown Poetry Slam at the Green Mill. Windy City Story Slam employs similar tactics - adrenaline-fueled competition, audience heckling and cheering encouraged. Past performances have included Marc Smith of the Uptown Poetry Slam and Ernest Hemingway's grandson John, author of Strange Tribe: A Family Memoir, whom Hillmann met - where else? - while running with the bulls in Pamplona. The Onion calls Windy City Story Slam "Chicago's best kept secret" and salon.com calls it "The hippest literary event this un-hip correspondent has ever attended." This Saturday's event is a fundraiser for the National Story Slam Championships on June 13, part of the Printer's Row Lit Fest. Readers TBA. June 5, Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave. at 7:30pm. Admission is $5 donation, 21+.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Jun 02 2010
If you missed David Sedaris' April reading at the Auditorium Theatre, you'll have an opportunity to see him June 8-13 at Steppenwolf's Upstairs Theatre, where he'll be sharing excerpts from his book (to be released in October) Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary. But considering all but two of the performances are sold out (you can still get $35 tickets for the 3:30pm, June 12, and the 7:30pm, June 13, shows), you need to act fast.
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Wed Jun 02 2010
This Thursday, Northwestern University professor Reginald Gibbons reads from
Slow Trains Overhead: Chicago Poems and Stories. Author Rosellen Brown says "The poems and stories in Slow Trains Overhead are a constantly surprising tour through the loveliness and desperation of Chicago. By their attentive listening, they pay homage to the city's uncountable souls wherever they are to be found -- on the map, on the street, at home, in the solitary mind's eye. This is a necessary, enlivening book by a keen observer with an open spirit who makes impassioned music out of the most ordinary encounters, without cynicism or sentimentality." Release party hosted by Make Magazine, Stop Smiling Books and the University of Chicago Press. There will be beer, appetizers and music. Gapers Block's own Ramsin Canon will be there with a multimedia presentation on "The Chicago Ward Primer: Celebrities, Scandals and Snacks," followed by the reading. Stop Smiling Storefront, 1371 N. Milwaukee Avenue, (773) 342-1124. Thursday, June 3 at 7:30pm. Free.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Jun 02 2010
On June 12 and 13, the one of the Midwest's largest literary festivals will once again descend on Printers Row in the South Loop. You'll find tons of books for sale (old, new, rare -- you name it, they've got it), author readings, panel discussions, and much much more. They even have special events just for kids. Admission is free, but some events may require pre-registration. Check out the daily schedule of events and all that Printers Row Lit Fest has to offer here.
— Emily Wong /
Events Thu May 27 2010
We are a city that loves our tours: architecture tours (by land and by sea), gangster tours, guides to the World's Columbian Exposition -- why not one that centers on booze? The creator of the Chicago Bar Project and author of 2010 book Historic Bars of Chicago Sean Parnell offers three summer pub crawls (June 24, July 15, and August 19, each from 6-10pm) that take participants around to five different historic bars and giving them some fun facts to impress that cute hipster girl at the bar.
(Here's how that dialogue will go:
You: Hey there. Did you know that Hunter S. Thompson smashed a urinal in this bar?
HG: Oh my god, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is my favorite movie.
You: I'd like to buy you a PBR.
HG: [says nothing because she's too busy making out with you])
$40 buys entry to the crawl, a copy of the book, and trolley transportation (you'll have to purchase the beverages on your own). Itinerary will come via email after ticket purchase.
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Thu May 27 2010
The Chicago Underground Library welcomes proposals for their second annual "Science of Obscurity" event: a science-themed book/literary project/zine/publication fair. Last year's festivities saw giant slugs, junk drawer personal effects, homemade cookies, awards, and much, much more.
Confused? Think of the fair as an opportunity to promote your own literary projects- new, unpublished, or works-in-progress- in 3D form. The Underground Library folks highly encourage dioramas, backboard displays, posters, and sixth grade chemistry sets to visually enhance your work's scientific significance.Table space is limited, so send a brief explanation of your display to info@underground-library.org by June 1.
Not to be missed is the literal "book launcher" trebuchet. Last year participants kicked their all-too-commonly-received rejection letters into the almighty heavens. This year, catapult your own anxiety-inducing text, be it your first novel, mind-numbing master's thesis, or notebook full of prosaic love sonnets.
Remember to keep July 10 open for the "Son of Science of Obscurity" at Jupiter Outpost, 1139 W. Fulton Market. RSVP on Facebook!
— Amy Ganser /
Events Thu May 27 2010
Founded in 2005, the Red Rover Series is an experiment in reading, with writers, artists, and performers from all over the city, the United States, and the world as participants. Experiment #37, Part One will take place June 3, from 2pm to 8pm, at the intersection of North, Damen, and Milwaukee Ave. Be there to ask Jen Hofer to type up a Spanish or English letter for you (letters are $2, with $3 for a love letter and $5 for an "illicit" love letter). Part two will follow on June 5, from 7pm to 9pm at the Outer Space Studio (1474 N. Milwaukee Ave., 3rd floor). With a suggested donation of $4, David Emanuel will lead you in writing letters in the pages of your very own hand-assembled chapbook or zine (materials provided).
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed May 26 2010
This Friday 2nd Story will be at Strawdog Theater. 2nd Story is a hybrid performance event combining storytelling, wine, and music that is produced by the Serendipity Theater Collective. It's got the polished, dynamic feel of a theatrical event in a relaxed atmosphere. Megan Stielstra, Director of Story Development, sums up their M.O. as "the best stories I've ever heard come from hanging out with friends over a good bottle of wine. That's when people really start talking, really get to the meat of their experiences - the wild beauty of it all, the destruction and the hope. That's the feeling we're going for: the intimacy of my own living room and the crazy secrets that have been told there." Friday's theme is Body Movin'. Featured readers are Nick Kawahara, Johanna Stein, Jen Shin and Byron Flitsch. Strawdog Theater, 3829 N. Broadway. Tickets are $10. Friday, May 28. Doors open at 10:30pm, stories at 11pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue May 25 2010
On Wednesday, Robert K. Elder will talk about his forthcoming book Last Words of the Executed. Rob Warden, executive director of the Center on Wrongful Convictions, says "this is a powerful, haunting book. Whether you favor or oppose the death penalty, you won't think about it the same way after reading the last words of the condemned - some remorseful, some spiteful, some humorous, all tragic. Most horrifying is the realization that some of those who claimed innocence until the end probably were telling the truth." Actors will be performing dramatic readings of some of the more famous cases. Wednesday's reading is part of the Leon Despres Memorial Lectures series. Blackstone Library, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave., (312) 747-1105, May 26, 6pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon May 24 2010
On Wednesday, May 26, the Guild Complex hosts their first BYOP (Bring Your Own People) party of the year at the fabulous California Clipper, home of The Clipper Ghost. Held three or four times a year, BYOP is "a 90-minute literary cocktail party which gathers writers and presenters with different styles and artistic practices into a kind of sampler...a fast track to learning the broader spectrum of literary offerings around Chicago." The May 2010 BYOP show features The Encyclopedia Show, The Reconstruction Room and Rhino Reads! Co-hosted by Kimberly Dixon and Kurt Heintz. The California Clipper, 1002 N. California, May 26, 8:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon May 24 2010
On Tuesday, DePaul professor Daniel Stolar (who, incidentally, gets a red chili pepper for "hot professor" on ratemyprofessors.com), reads from new fiction tonight. His previous work includes the 2003 short story collection The Middle of the Night. Set in his hometown of St. Louis, where his mother was an alderman for eight years, Publishers Weekly says of The Middle of the Night: "it revolves around the continual surprises life springs on us when we are least expecting them...these stories are intelligently written, thoughtful, precise and memorable." DePaul University, Richardson Library, Room 300, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave., May 25, 2010 at 6pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Fri May 21 2010
Anita Diamant reads at the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies this Sunday. Diamant, author of the word-of-mouth book club sensation The Red Tent, will be reading from her latest book, Day After Night. Her newest tells the story of refugees at a British-run internment camp set up in Palestine after WWII. The Washington Post says Day After Night "offers all the satisfactions found in [Diamant's} previous works: Rich portraits of female friendship, unflinching acknowledgment of life's cruelty and resolute assertion of hope, enfolded in a strong story line developed in lucid prose." Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, 610 S. Michigan Ave., $18, $8 for students. Sunday, May 23 at 2pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Thu May 20 2010
For those of you who love free literature, Printers' Ball is the place to be. The annual party for all things print, produced again this year by Poetry magazine and Columbia College Chicago, will take place on July 30 from 6 to 11 p.m. and will be held at the 1104 South Wabash building on Columbia's campus. This year's theme is Print Loves Digital, so not only can you stock up on the printed word, but you can check out how print and digital media can actually be quite good companions.
— Emily Wong /
Events Wed May 19 2010
I didn't grow up with dogs. In fact, I was kind of scared of them, like some people are scared of lizards or children -- I knew they were harmless, but they were so alien to me that I didn't really know what to do with them. I didn't even know the proper way to pet a dog, so I'd just kind of pat it on the back and avoid any contact with its tongue.
But then I met Max. The day my roommate brought him back to our Chicago apartment, I fell in love. An all-black mini schnauzer with huge dark eyes, he was the size of my roommate's foot and excited by everything. He's bigger now (11 pounds at his most recent vet appointment), but he hasn't lost his puppy personality: searching through the trash for tissues to rip apart and eat, jumping up and down when he knows he's going for a walk, hiding in his carrying bag when he knows he's done something bad. He's not even my dog, but I can't imagine my life without the tiny pup.
Fellow dog lover W. Bruce Cameron (who's written such books as 8 Simple Rules For Dating My Teenage Daughter and How to Remodel a Man) shows the influence a dog can have on his humans with Cameron's first foray into fiction, A Dog's Purpose (coming out in July 2010). Told from a dog's point of view, the book shows the animal on a very human quest: to figure out why he's here.
Through July 6 Women & Children First Bookstore (5233 N. Clark St.) is running an advanced book sales promotion for A Dog's Purpose. Ten percent of the proceeds will be donated to New Leash on Life, a local no-kill shelter.
Note: I haven't actually read the book yet -- I am currently in the middle of about five other books, and I just got this one. But when I do, I promise a review from a true canophile.
Photo by Jeana Abboud.
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Wed May 19 2010
This Thursday Erica Johnson-Debeljak reads from her memoir Forbidden Bread. The book details her adventures moving from America to Slovenia to live with her husband, esteemed poet Ales Debeljak. Critics call it "a tribute to the lengths people go for love" and "a book of wit and fascinating observations [that] says as much about the United States as it does about Slovenia. Informative and often funny, it opens a window onto a world of drastic differences and surprising similarities." The book's title comes from a Slovene saying, roughly translated as "you always eat the bread that you've forbidden yourself." Women and Children First, 5233 N. Clark St., (773) 769-9299, Thursday, May 20 at 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Fri May 14 2010
It's not too late to sign-up for the Cabrini Green Tutoring Program's Legs for Literacy 5K run and walk this Sunday, May 16 at 9am. The course takes you through scenic Lincoln Park near Diversey Harbor and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. The entry fee is $25 pre-race or $30 on race day, plus a new or gently used children's book. All proceeds benefit this 43-year-old, after-school tutoring program.
— Amy Ganser /
Events Thu May 13 2010
Local author, illustrator, and self-described "eco-chick" Alexandra Gnoske celebrates the release of her children's book Loui Saves the Earth, about a little boy in Chicago and his dog, who try to clean up the planet one discarded bottle or plastic bag at a time. Founder of organic-cotton clothing company Recycle Me, Gnoske plans to give free signed copies to the first 15 people and distribute free passes to the Chicago Green Festival. Readings Saturday, May 15th, 3:30 and 4:30pm; Drew's Eatery, 2207 W. Montrose Ave.
— Ruthie Kott /
News Thu May 13 2010
The Brookfield Zoo is opening a Language of Conservation exhibit that will permanently display poems throughout their Great Bear Wilderness sanctuary. The official opening is May 22 at 10am and will feature Chicago Zoological Society's poet-in-residence Sandra Alcosser, as well as other poets and guest speakers. Go for the poetry, stay for the bears.
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue May 11 2010
Poetry is like love, hard to define, often badly imitated, but you know the real thing when you find it by how hard it is to forget and how uncomfortable it makes you. That's how I felt hearing about the 1700% Project on NPR the other day. The title refers to the rise in hate crimes against Arabs, Muslims (and those perceived as such) since September 11, 2001. The poem is a Cento, which is 100 lines of found writings, comprised of some of the individual news stories that fill out that percentage. It's an ingenious technique that's all the more arresting for its simplicity and straightforwardness. The brainchild of "artist/writer/agitator" Anida Yoeu Ali, "1700% Project: Otherance" was "conceived as a collaborative project utilizing art not just as a means to address critical issues but also as strategic intervention." Check out the last two performances, which include the poem, video, dance, audio recording and performance-installation, at Sullivan Galleries, 33 S. State Street, 7th Floor, (312) 629-6635, Saturday, May 15 at 12:30pm and Friday, May 21 at 4:30pm.
Update, 05/13/2010: Ali's project was vandalized some time between May 6 and May 11.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Science fiction novelist, co-editor of Boing Boing Cory Doctorow is also a Young Adult author: Thursday, May 13th, he comes to Harold Washington Library to talk about For the Win, a tale of online gaming and international political intrigue. 5pm, 400 S. State St. Preregistration required.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Fri May 07 2010
Head to Hungry Brain (2319 W Belmont Ave) on Monday to hear Anne Elizabeth Moore, author of Unmarketable: Brandalism, Copyfighting, Mocketing, and the Erosion of Integrity (The New Press, 2007), and Hey Kidz, Buy This Book: A Radical Primer on Corporate and Governmental Propaganda and Artistic Activism for Short People talk about "the Thrilling World of Female Cartoonists and the Underthings They Are Expected to Draw". 9pm. Free with suggested donation.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Thu May 06 2010
DePaul University, along with the Chicago Public Library, is hosting a Summer Writing Conference July 16-18 at DePaul's Loop Campus. This year's conference will feature: craft classes in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as classes on playwriting and writing for children and teenagers; panel topics such as "Why Writers Should Blog" and "What Publishers Want", and keynote speaker Michele Rubin, literary agent with Writers House in NYC. It's pre-registration only and registration is limited! So check out each day's schedule and register for one day o' writing-related fun ($110) or for the whole conference ($260) here.
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue May 04 2010
What do the Styx song "Mr. Roboto" and the Pentagon have in common? Why, use of the vocoder, of course. Invented by Bell Labs in 1928, the vocoder was originally designed to guard phones from eavesdroppers, and has expanded beyond its original purpose to become a widely used voice-altering tool for musicians.This Thursday, Stop Smiling magazine hosts Dave Tompkins, reading from his years-in-the-making book How to Wreck a Nice Beach: The Vocoder From World War II To Hip-Hop, The Machine Speaks. Tompkins is hailed by American Book Award winners and NPR commentators as "one of the best hip hop writers ever born" and "one of the most bugged, brilliant guys I know." There will be a slide show and discussion moderated by editor James Hughes at Stop Smiling Storefront, 1371 N. Milwaukee Ave., Thursday, May 6, 7-9pm. Book release afterparty with DJ sets by Dante Carfagna, Courtland Green and Dave Tompkins at The Charleston, 2076 N. Hoyne. Both events are free. Books sold at a discount throughout the night.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue May 04 2010
Tonight Daniel Okrent, former public editor of the New York Times, reads from his new book, Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition. Critics call it "a fascinating look at a fantastically complex battle that was fought out over decades - no easy feat." Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., May 4, 7pm. $10 public, $8 museum members; cash bar available prior to the program.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue May 04 2010
The Lambda Literary Foundation, which "nurtures, celebrates, and preserves LGBT literature through programs that honor excellence, promote visibility and encourage development of emerging writers," is hosting their 22nd annual Lambda Literary Awards ceremony May 27 in New York. Tonight there's some hometown love for local nominees. The Gerber/Hart Library in Edgewater will be hosting a reading by Chicago and Midwestern finalists, including Deborah B. Gould (nominated in the LGBT Studies category), J. E. Knowles (Bisexual Fiction), Kristin Naca (Lesbian Poetry) and Trace Richardson (Lesbian Romance). Books will be available for purchase and refreshments will be served. Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 West Granville, Tuesday, May 4, 7pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon May 03 2010
Author and Columbia University professor James Shapiro speaks at the Newberry Library this Wednesday, May 5, at 6pm. Shapiro's latest book Contested Will: Who Wrote Shakespeare examines the centuries-old hypothesis of some historians and critics (including Mark Twain and Sigmund Freud) who argued multiple writers or more affluent, well-educated authors penned the Bard's works. After all, William Shakespeare, the son of a glove maker, could not have experienced personally the regal storylines of many of his most famous plays. Shapiro reveals not only his own perspective on the literary controversy, but why the skeptics' persistent significance continues to shape our notions of art-making, creativity, and life. Free and Open to the public. The Newberry Library is at 60 West Walton Street.
— Amy Ganser /
News Mon May 03 2010
The Poetry Center of Chicago has announced seven finalists for their 16th Annual Juried Reading Competition -- read about them here. The first through third place winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on May 19, 7:30pm at the SAIC Ballroom (112 S. Michigan). Admission is free.
— Emily Wong /
Events Fri Apr 30 2010
Columbia College's urban arts festival, Manifest, starts May 14 on Columbia's Loop campus. It will feature graduate and undergraduate poetry showcases, a creative nonfiction showcase, and readings from Columbia's fiction writers. It's free and open to the public, so check out the schedule of events here. This year, the festival will include the Po-Tent (at Balbo and Wabash): Columbia poetry students at typewriters will create verses right in front of you, and/or you can use provided materials to compose your own found poems. You may even get to meet Allen Ginsberg or Alexander Pope! Or...their impersonators.
— Emily Wong /
Events Fri Apr 30 2010
University of Chicago grad Cheeni Rao reads from In Hanuman's Hands on May 4. A memoir of Rao's addiction and the spiritual awakening that led to his recovery, In Hanuman's Hands is the the 2009 winner of the Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Award for Fiction. The title is a cultural idiom which roughly means "God help you." University of Chicago Bookstore, 970 E. 58th St., (773) 702-7712. 2-4pm. Free.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Apr 28 2010
Author James Kennedy's Apr. 17 Dome of Doom party started off calmly enough with a gallery show, featuring fan art inspired by Kennedy's 2008 book The Order of Odd-Fish (the May Gapers Block Book Club selection).
But the event later transformed into a costumed dance-off -- those brave enough to enter the PVC-pipe Dome of Doom as dance-fighters got in for free. See Time Out Chicago for a photo gallery.
If you missed the insanity, there's a possibility that there will be a repeat next year. If Chicago theater group Collaboraction -- who helped organize the event -- has its way, says Kennedy, "I think it will become an annual thing (though not always Order of Odd-Fish themed). They've even kept the Dome!"
Photo courtesy jameskennedy.com, and thanks to designer Erick Delgado for photo resizing.
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Wed Apr 28 2010
Spoken word performers Michelle Renae and Sondra Morin read at Transistor, 5045 N. Clark, as part of "Friday Night Live," April 30 at 8pm. The event is BYOB with a suggested donation of $5. Transistor is an eclectic, "arty" space, selling quality, well-chosen books, music, and electronics, and encourages community interaction through classes, performances, podcasts, and more.
— Amy Ganser /
Events Wed Apr 28 2010
Otherwise known as Columbia Poetry Review, the student-edited poetry magazine published annually by Columbia College Chicago's English Department. CPR's issue no. 23 is being released April 29 at a reading/release party at Columbia College's Ferguson Hall. Contributors to the issue, along with special guest Zachary Schomburg, will be there to read their work.
— Emily Wong /
Events Tue Apr 27 2010
Saturday, May 1 marks the 10th annual "Honor Thy Mother" literary event and luncheon sponsored by Literature for All of Us, a 501(c)(3) organization which connects young people to their strengths through literature, engaging them in book groups where they read and discuss literature and write poetry. Event includes lunch, poetry readings by teen LFAOU poets, and keynote speech from author Elizabeth Berg. Doubletree Hotel, 9599 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie. Begins at 11:30am. Tickets are $100 per person. Registration details available on the LFAOU website or contact Maria Ballantyne at (847) 869-2249.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Apr 27 2010
Wednesday marks the release of the Not For Tourists Guide To Chicago 2010 iPhone app. Attendees of the launch party who print a voucher from the NFT site can pick up a free NFT Guide to Chicago 2010 and enjoy a 312 Urban Wheat Ale while supplies last. Sheffield's Beer Garden and BBQ Restaurant, 3258 N. Sheffield, Wednesday, April 28, 2010, 7-10pm, FREE, 21+.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Mon Apr 26 2010
Poet/actor S.A. Griffin is touring the country on his Poetry Bomb Tour of Words, and the Chicago Slam Works is hosting the launch party on May 26! CSW strives to promote performance poetry through events, and this event in particular will benefit OUTSPOKEN: Chicago's Poetry & Spoken Arts Festival in September 2010.
— Emily Wong /
Events Sun Apr 25 2010
Are you determined to read more but can't seem to find the time? Is that stack of books you promised to read slowly collecting a thin layer of dust? Perhaps you just need some motivation--apart from your personal desire to be more literate. How about raising money for a good cause? Starting May 1, Open Books is hosting their first annual read-a-thon. So clean off those shelves, gather a group of friends and get reading!
Open Books' Read On 2010 raises funds for their literacy programs, helping children and adults from around Chicago and the world learn to read and write. Readers of all ages can sign up for the event. Youth readers under the age of 13 must commit to raise $50, adults 13 or older must commit to raise $100. All readers will keep track of their pledges gathered from friends, family and sponsors, and monitor the number of pages or books they have read between May 1 and May 26.
Throughout the month, readers will be invited to events at Open Books to celebrate the read-a-thon and the noteworthy efforts of all who participate. Events will include the Open Books Birthday celebration on May 1, Saturday read-ins and book discussion, and a wrap-up party where prizes will be awarded. Yes, there are prizes, it wouldn't be complete without them.
So if you want to join in the fun, check some books off your reading list and raise some money for Open Books, then sign-up today!
— Vanessa Day /
Events Sun Apr 25 2010
April is National Poetry Month, which means you have about a week left to celebrate. Mindful Metropolis has a great list of Chicago poetry events -- go out and get your poetry fix!
— Emily Wong /
Events Sat Apr 24 2010
The first Saturday in May (this year it falls on May 1st) means free comic books for all, Chicago stores are celebrating with celebrity appearances (Mike Norten and Katie Cook , local artist group Trubble Club), music, and most importantly free comics!
— Rose Lannin /
Events Fri Apr 23 2010
Stop by Cafe Con Leche, 2714 N. Milwaukee Ave, tonight between 7pm and 9pm to purchase a copy of the latest Logan Square Literary Review. Mingle with contributors, supporters, and the folks who publish the eclectic compilation of works submitted by the general public. Find out how to contribute to their upcoming Summer Issue and ask about the Tim Tam Slam, coming to Logan Square this September...
— Amy Ganser /
Events Thu Apr 22 2010
How cool is it that William Shakespeare decided to spend his 446th birthday in Chicago? Friday, April 23 (the Bard's birthday), is Talk Like Shakespeare Day, and the man himself will be hanging around city landmarks, just waiting for you to approach him and say, "Good morrow to thee, cousin." Just remember: Rhymed couplets are all the rage.
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Thu Apr 22 2010
Silver Tongue, Columbia College's word-based reading series, presents a jammed packed lineup of literary insight and entertainment next Tuesday, April 27. At 2pm Opium Magazine's founding editor, Todd Zuniga, will lead the free Workshop: How to Start a Literary Publication offering way more useful advice than "post on Craig's List."
Opium's Literary Death Match will follow at 7pm featuring emerging Columbia College writers. A panel of judges including local Chicago writers Lindsay Hunter, Chris Bower, Robbie Q.Telfer and Jason Bredle provides witty commentary, critiquing the short (7 minutes or less) stories down to the merciful, final two contestants guaranteed to make you laugh...or else. Zuniga hosts the hilarity. To close the night, Speak Easy Ensemble, a comedic word performance group, takes the stage.
All events take place April 27 and are free and open to the public. Todd Zuniga's Workshop: How to Start a Literary Publication starts at 2pm in the Film Row Cinema, 1104 S. Wabash, 8th Floor.
Literary Death Match begins at 7pm in the Conaway Center, 1104 S. Wabash, 1st Floor, with Speak Easy Ensemble to follow.
— Amy Ganser /
News Thu Apr 22 2010
Wednesday night's Colm Tóibín talk was way full, to the point of overflow. Thanks to the tip from reader Julie at Publish Chicago.
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Tue Apr 20 2010
David Sedaris's cousin Nancy is principal of an elementary school for troubled children in Florida. One time, Sedaris recalled in a Jan. 29, 2010, diary entry, she showed him a photo of a "certified therapy horse" wearing sneakers that was brought to the school for the children to read to. His first question: "Why is he wearing sneakers?"
At a Saturday night reading at Roosevelt University's Auditorium Theatre, Sedaris, best-selling author of seven personal-essay collections, delivered excerpts from his personal diary and from unpublished pieces to a sold-out audience, commenting with his inimitable, dry wit on the world we live in. From the theater's sixth floor (row B), it was impossible to make out Sedaris's facial features, but his high-pitched voice with a hint of a Southern accent -- often heard on public-radio shows like This American Life -- was unmistakable.
This deceptively sweet voice, with its mischievous tone and perfectly timed pauses, made each snarky blow hit harder. Reading from an unpublished essay about issues that befall airline passengers, which he "may have read a few pages [from] the last time he was here," he told a story of being in line at a Colorado airport's customer-service desk, waiting to reschedule a connecting flight to Portland. He noticed a family in line in front of him, with two 50-ish parents, two teenage boys, and a teenage girl holding a baby. One of the boys -- the one wearing the "freaky mothafucka T-shirt," of course -- was the father. When a woman in line commented to Sedaris about how the ones having babies are the ones who shouldn't, the humorist wanted to agree with her, as long as her opinion wasn't "tied to a conservative agenda" and instead came from a "petty and judgmental" place, like his. Just to be safe, he simply responded, "What gets me is that they couldn't even spell 'motherfucker' right."
On a tour of 36 cities in 36 days, Sedaris also read stories from his forthcoming book, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary (Little Brown & Company), set to come out in October. Illustrated by Ian Falconer, best known for the Olivia series, the book includes fable-like stories about "animals that do things that people do." In "Faithful Setter," for example, a purebred Irish setter tells the story of his marriage to a "mixed-breed country girl," who is one-quarter spaniel and cusses like a sailor. Even when she cheats on him with the bull terrier that lives across the street, the setter remains loyal because he can't imagine loving anyone else (if that description sounds cheesy, don't fear--there is definitely some classic Sedaris raunch in there -- at one point, our narrator wonders what his wife's hysterectomy tastes like).
According to Brian Babylon, host of Chicago Moth StorySLAM, who introduced Sedaris, you've really made it when you have at least seven Facebook pages with your name on them.
Sedaris's next stop is Akron, OH, on Apr. 21. For a full schedule of his appearances, go here.
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Tue Apr 20 2010
Irish writer, gay writer -- bald writer? In a 2009 interview with Boldtype, Colm Tóibín discusses his identity and his novel Brooklyn, the 2010 One Book, One Chicago selection. Tóibín will be speaking Wednesday, April 21, 6pm, at Harold Washington Library.
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Tue Apr 20 2010
Next Monday author Christian TeBordo reads from his new short story collection, The Awful Possibilities, which Jeff Parker, author of Ovenman, calls "Quentin Tarantino on short story juice. The violence and depravity ride the surface, where I like them, and the heart is a lyrical heart. Add to that creepy postcards with cryptic messages and this collection attacks from all sides." Published by local Featherproof Books, this is a book release party including special guests Jeff Parker, Lindsay Hunter, Adam Levin, and Tim Kinsella, with music by DJ Baby Sloth. Free, 21+. At The Whistler, 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave., (773) 227-3530, Monday, April 26 at 8 p.m.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Apr 20 2010
This Thursday and Friday, author Lisa Shannon reads from
A Thousand Sisters: My Journey into the Worst Place on Earth to Be a Woman. The book tells of her 2007 and 2008 trips to the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo, a region in which "rape is the norm. It is a weapon of war," according to the group Human Rights Watch. John Prendergast, co-founder of The Enough Project, says A Thousand Sisters "shines a spotlight on the hope that emanates so stubbornly from this complex country, primarily through [Shannon's] loving portrayal of her Congolese sisters. Instead of victims, these women are determined survivors, three-dimensional human beings who deserve our respect and solidarity." Lisa Shannon is the founder of the fundraising group Run For Congo Women and an ambassador for Women for Women International. She'll be appearing at Barbara's Bookstore, 1218 S. Halsted, on Thursday, April 22 at 7:30pm. and at Women & Children First Bookstore, 5233 N. Clark, on Friday, April 23 at 7:30pm.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Tue Apr 20 2010
This Thursday author Peter Carey will be at the downtown Chicago Public Library. He'll be reading from Olivier and Parrot in America, an historical novel about a spoiled aristocrat fleeing the 1830 July Revolution in France, the ex-con sent along as his servant, and their impressions of "The New World." Chicago Public Library, 400 S. State Street, Thursday, April 22, 6 p.m.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Thu Apr 15 2010
The Pan Dulces Work Session, a new collaborative writing workshop hosted by the Chicago Underground Library, argues writers can receive the benefits of a traditional writing seminar and more from a free, self-directed, open workshop. The Pan Dulces experiment establishes two key tenets.
1. "All writers really need is to read and to know some good readers."
2. "Writing can be practiced with strong roots in the city."
Denise Dooley, the creator of Pan Dulces, has dabbled in all sorts of writing and creative forums such as zine-making, theater, and slam. Her inspiration to organize this new approach came first from studying in the United Kingdom where she found academic writing programs (or lack thereof), the editing process, and creative collaboration dramatically different from the writing practices in the United States. "My sense was that when I met writers there, they would give you stuff to read, and you could just kick back and enjoy it. While here people exchange stuff with the expectation that you will have your pen out, and you will tear stuff up," Denise explains.
In Chicago Denise credits the Next Objectivists poetry workshop at Mess Hall in Rogers Park with additional inspiration, focusing more on writing and reading poetry than on "the scramble to get published." To put it simply she says, "The main idea [behind Pan Dulces] is trading work and getting to know each other."
To give you a better idea of what may happen and entice you to show up this Sunday at the Chicago Underground Library, Denise graciously answered a few questions about what she expects Pan Dulces to offer.
First off, how is this kind of workshop different from a "paid" writing seminar or an academic course? Why is that important?
If something is free, it doesn't take up as much of your time, it's self directed, it's totally open. You don't have to pretend you're an expert. You don't have to move to another state to do it. You will have access to all these people and resources if you want them.
Writing classes are really generous, they give you a lot of what writers are looking for: specific advice, a pre-set group of writers to interact with, a list of things to read. And that's so simplified, and it works so well that we've forgotten how to do it without that framework. You can debate "are writing programs good or bad for literature?" forever. We already know there are limits, but it's a sweet hustle if you can make it work for you. It seems more interesting to come up with a third option- remembering how it went before that setting was so dominant.
There's also another layer of advantage; innovation is challenging. Formulating new activities for writers to do together is going to force us to go back to a lot of basic questions about the process. It's going to be harder to come up with our own materials than to follow someone's canon, and we will learn a lot from the process of figuring it out together. The "do" in DIY is lots of work, and work is a good way to learn.
Continue reading this entry »
— Amy Ganser /
Events Thu Apr 15 2010
If you're in need of some calm this tax day, Barnes and Noble downtown is hosting Columbia College professor Stephen T. Asma
tonight. He'll be reading from his new book Why I Am a Buddhist: No-Nonsense Buddhism With Red Meat and Whiskey. As the title suggests, Asma's aim is to "take the humorless brown rice eaters...the California, out of Buddhism. If a guy like me can be a Buddhist...trust me, there's room for you." In addition to personal anecdotes about his own spiritual journey, there are down-to-earth explanations of reincarnation, karma, the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and how Buddhism differs from Hinduism. Barnes and Noble, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., (312) 362-8792, April 15 at 6pm. Free.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Events Wed Apr 14 2010
High school reunions: a chance to bring that hot new girlfriend to show off to those classmates who used to make fun of you for actually reading in study hall. To hear your sophomore-year crush Steve Feldman whisper softly in your ear that he's actually been in love with you since he first laid eyes on you. To tell people all about your successful patent for small papers that stick to surfaces. Ah, the latent possibilities!
Of course, none of that happened to me when I went to my five-year a few years ago, but I did learn some things that amused me: a surprising amount of my former classmates still lived in New Jersey (and thus made me feel superior), and being able to drink with Señor Gomez and Doc Schaffler was kind of awesome.
Chicago author Elizabeth Berg wants to hear your reunion stories for a Tuesday, April 20, event, sponsored by the Book Table. Berg, who publishes The Last Time I Saw You (Random House) this month, will read from her new book, told from the perspectives of five former classmates attending their 40th reunion, and will also read an essay about a fan's high-school reunion experience.
Below are essay-submission instructions from the Book Table:
Write a one-page essay about your own experience at a high-school reunion.
Submit it to the Book Table no later than Friday, April 16, either in person (at 1045 Lake Street in Oak Park) or e-mailed to mail@booktable.net.
Plan on attending the event on April 20 to find out the winner. (You must be in attendance to win.)
Elizabeth will read aloud the winning story at the event. The winner will also be presented with a bottle of champagne and a box of chocolates.
The reading will be held at Unity Temple, 875 Lake St. in Oak Park, April 20 at 7:30pm.
— Ruthie Kott /
Events Wed Apr 14 2010
Local author Jenny Seay has been bringing art and culture to the Near West suburbs for over three years hosting Tamale Hut Cafe Presents. Next installment of this roughly monthly reading is this Saturday, April 17. Featured reader of the night is born and raised Chicago author Billy Lombardo. He'll be reading from his new book, The Man With Two Arms, the story of ambidextrous baseball star Danny Granville, which his website calls "more than a baseball novel, it is an exploration of friendship, marriage, and philosophy; of balance, art, and love. It is a story of the ways in which we protect, betray, forgive, love, and shape each other as we attempt to find our way through life." Tamale Hut Cafe, 8300 W. Cermak Road (between 10th and 11th Ave.), North Riverside, IL, (708) 442-0948, April 17 at 7 p.m. BYOB. Reading is free, but you'll want to bring money for Jaime's tamales. There's also an open mic, so bring stories, poems, essays or songs.
— Rebecca Hyland /
Our May Book Club selection is the wonderfully imaginative The Order of Odd-Fish by James Kennedy. The young adult novel follows protagonist Jo on her fantastical journey into Eldritch City where three-foot cockroaches serve as uppity butlers, knights persue studies as varied as esoteric weaponry and bizarre smells and Jo must come to terms with the horrible legend surrounding her birth. It's a great read and I hope you all enjoy it. In a stroke of good timing, Saturday, April 17, also sees the opening of The Dome of Doom, a combination art show, dance party and fight inspired by the Odd-Fish fan art James has received. The opening gallery show is free and lasts from 7pm-9pm, while the costumed dance party and fight are $20 for general admission ($25 if you purchase your tickets after April 15). The show is put on in partnership with Collaboraction and will be held at 437 N. Wolcott. Get an idea of what the fighting will be like here and check out some of the great art that will be on display here.
As a special offer to Book Club members, James will give a tour of the gallery, discuss the book and give a short reading on Monday, April 19, at 7:30pm. Just tell them you're with the Gapers Block Book Club and you'll be admitted. Can't make it on Monday? Fret not, as James will also join us at our meeting on May 10 when we discuss The Order of Odd-Fish. New members to the Book Club are always welcome to join--no special actions needed other than showing up and stating your affiliation with us. I hope to see many of you at both the gallery show and our discussion!
To get a feel of the novel, read my original review and check out my interview with the author.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Sun Apr 11 2010
Columbia College graduate and accomplished author Joe Meno brings it back to Chicago with his latest novel The Great Perhaps. Come see him read from this at Quimby's Books: Tuesday, April 13th, 7pm.
— Rose Lannin /
Feature Tue Apr 06 2010
In a little over a week, Chicago's going to explode in a burst of comics, toys, and all manner of pop culture excitement. The source of this KAPOW is C2E2, the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, a new convention packed with panels, merchandise, celebrities (Alex Ross! Colleen Doran! Anya from Buffy!) and more. I had the chance to talk to Lance Fensterman, the man behind the booths and exhibitions. Lance has had an interesting career in his own right, and shared his perspective on conventions, fans, and the details and methodology that make up planning a big event.
Name: Lance Fensterman
Job: Vice President of Pop Culture for Reed Exhibitions
Age: 32
Education: Just enough.
Location: Norwalk, CT, 35 miles outside of NYC
Hometown: Fargo, ND
Website: http://www.mediumatlarge.net/
Favorite place in Chicago: The Blue Frog? Or maybe Gino's East Pizza.
Portrait by Andrea Topalian
How did you get into running comic book conventions? Did it stem out of a love of comics, or something else?
I was a ward of the state and Reed adopted me and put me to work...actually, I was an independent bookseller for many years and hired by Reed to run the publishing industry's annual gathering. From there I took over New York Comic Con and the New York Anime Fest. As our group of events grew, so did my role, and I now oversee ReedPop our group of pop culture shows, including Penny Arcade Expo (PAX,) PAX East, UFC Fan Expo, New York Comic Con, Star Wars Celebration, and of course C2E2.
Continue reading this entry »
— Rose Lannin /
Events Mon Apr 05 2010
Louisa May Alcott is well-known for her novel Little Women, and the romance and heartbreak it entails. Less is known about her own romances (or lack thereof?), something Kelly O'Connor McNees explores in her latest novel, The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott. McNees will be reading this Thursday at Barnes & Noble (1441 West Webster Ave), 7:30pm.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Mon Apr 05 2010
The first six writers to be inducted into the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame will be announced Saturday, May 1, during a special benefit presentation and concert at the magnificent Sanfilippo Estate in Barrington Hills.
This special evening of words and music, hosted by the Chicago Writers Association, will feature appearances by acclaimed local authors Elizabeth Berg, Joe Meno, Sara Paretsky, Rosellen Brown and Achy Obejas. Marc Kelly Smith, creator and founder of the poetry slam movement, will emcee.
The night will also feature a concert at the Estate's Music Theater by Jelani Eddington, performing on the world's largest restored theater pipe organ. The original theater organ, a 1927 Wurlitzer from the Omaha Theater, has been expanded and now controls 8,000 pipes, percussions and sound effects.
The Sanfilippo Estate, nicknamed the Place de la Musique, is a 44,000-square-foot private residence filled with magnificent collections of beautifully restored antique music machines, chandeliers, art glass, the world's largest restored theater pipe organ, the most spectacular European salon carousel in existence, street and clock towers, steam engines and other functional mechanical antiques. The Estate, owned by Jasper Sanfilippo, former CEO of the parent company of Fisher Nut, hosts charities holding fundraisers through the Sanfilippo Foundation. View a picture gallery of the Sanfilippo Estate or watch the WTTW Chicago Tonight video featuring the Sanfilippo Estate.
Doors will open at 6pm, at which time guests will be able to tour the Residence and its collections. The announcement ceremony will begin at 7:15, followed by the concert at 8 pm. Attire is business casual.
Tickets must be purchased in advance, and are available online now: $55 for CWA members; $65 for non-members. Tickets WILL NOT be available at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame, a project of the nonprofit Chicago Writers Association.
Directions to the Sanfilippo Estate will be included with your ticket purchase. The Estate is about 45 minutes from Downtown Chicago.
— Alice Maggio /
Events Sun Mar 28 2010
Chicago Desk Set, a group of bibliophiles, librarians, archivists, information professionals, and friends of libraries, kicks off National Library Week with a book drive for incarcerated teens in the Chicago area, April 10th at The Grafton. 4530 North Lincoln Avenue, 3pm-5pm.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Fri Mar 26 2010
We've talked about it before, but it's worth mentioning again: the Chicago chapter of The Moth StorySLAMs meets on the last Tuesday of each month at Martyr's (3855 N. Lincoln Ave.) at 8pm. Tell your story or just show up. The week's theme is "Busted," and since I was nice enough to remind you, save me a seat.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Wed Mar 10 2010
Columbia College celebrates The International Edible Book Festival, which takes place annually on the first of April, by asking chefs who like books, book-lovers who like food, and anyone in-between to create a piece of literature good enough to eat.
Want to try your hand? Contact contact Gina Ordaz at (312) 369-6630 by 5pm, March 26. Just want to attend? Buy tickets in advance or at the door.
Last year's toothsome tomes can be seen here.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Mon Mar 08 2010
Comics have found a home in Chicago. The Second City has an abundant amount of artists, working hard to get their material seen. These experts will present their ideas, opinions and techniques at the first-ever Comic Symposium of Chicago, hosted by The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). For two days, panels of comic creators will discuss Chicago's influence on this art form.
Starting Thursday, March 11 and continuing until Friday, March 12, the symposium will feature four panel discussions with numerous artists answering questions from attendees. The panelists will investigate not only the trials of self-publication, film and education, but also the difficulties of maintaining independent comic shops around the city. The event will bring all fans of the comic world together to listen to local comic makers discuss their passion, their art.
The event is free and open to the public. It will take place from 4:30 to 7 p.m. this Thursday and Friday at the SAIC Ballroom: 112 S. Michigan Ave.
— Vanessa Day /
Events Fri Feb 12 2010
Feel beats and rhythm as Chicago youths perform their inspirational poetry and spoken-word hip-hop. Next week, February 19, one of the largest festivals of its kind will begin. Presented by Young Chicago Authors, Louder Than A Bomb is a teen poetry festival aimed at bringing kids together from across all racial, gang, and socio-economic lines. Inspired by their own lives, teens will present their written works to a crowd of over 6,500.
Since it began working with students across the city 10 years ago, LTAB has boasted an 85% high school graduation rate and has had no incidents of violence. With this being the 10th Anniversary of the slam poetry festival, the event is expected to be even bigger, with 60 teams and over 650 Chicago-area participants. Because of the program's success, even Hollywood caught on to the phenomenon. Emmy award-winning filmmakers Jon Siskel and Greg Jacobs are finalizing a documentary, aptly named "Louder Than A Bomb," which followed students in the year leading up to the 2008 festival.
Continue reading this entry »
— Vanessa Day /
Events Tue Jan 19 2010
Dueling book readings give you two options at 6pm tonight.
At the Washington Library, Dr. Temple Grandin, an expert in animal behavior and humane animal slaughter as well as an autism activist, reads from and discusses her latest book, Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals.
Meanwhile, down at 57th Street Books, Alexander Aciman and Emmett Rensin, authors of Twitterature, read their distillations of literary classics boiled down to 140-character tweets.
— Andrew Huff
Events Thu Jan 14 2010
Contributors of the quarterly Broadsheets and online literary magazine, THE2NDHAND, are calling you out. Tonight they beg the question, so you think you have nerves of steel? In the first installment of what will soon become a monthly Monday series, host "Harold Ray" (better known as coeditor Jacob Knabb) along with playwright Chris Bower, writer and performer Jill Summers, and literary addict Amanda Marbais, will present a performance ready to deliver verbal fireworks.
The idea behind the series is to feature one writer every month--tonight there will be two--who will comment on the question in the reading's title in any manner he or she sees fit. To witness the literary witticisms of these authors, head over to Quimby's Bookstore at 1854 W. North Ave. in Wicker Park. The festivities begin at 7 p.m. and--another bonus--admission is free.
— Vanessa Day /
Events Wed Jan 06 2010
The Chicago Writers Association (CWA) is celebrating the latest authors nominated for the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame. The Deck the Hall party will feature local acclaimed authors Bayo Ojikutu, Marcus Sakey and Don De Grazia as special guests of honor. Also a silent auction will take place featuring autographed books, gift certificates, manuscript editing services, and much more. Tickets are available for sale online, $25 for members, $30 for non-members. The ticket allows entry to the event as well as unlimited specialty beers and appetizers. If tickets are purchased at the door, the price is $5 more.
So celebrate the end of the holiday season with good food, cold beer, and a bustling literary crowd. Deck the Hall is Thursday, January 7, at Sheffields 3258 N Sheffield Ave. from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
— Vanessa Day /
Events Mon Nov 16 2009
On Saturday and Sunday, non-profit literacy organization Open Books will celebrate the grand opening of their used bookstore and literacy center. Come by from 10am-7pm on both days to get some new (to you) reads and learn more about the programs the organization is using to combat illiteracy in Chicago. There will also be a series of special programs throughout the weekend. Saturday will include a children's storytime and fairy tale puppet show, a discussion with Underground Railroad Historian Glenette Tilley Turney, bookmaking and crafts for children and two author panels. The first author panel will feature local young adult authors Daniel Kraus, Adam Selzer, FoGB Claire Zulkey and May 2010 Book Club selection author James Kennedy. The second author panel will feature local mystery/crime authors Marcus Sakey, Libby Fischer Hellmann and November 2006 Book Club selection author Kevin Guilfoile. (Full disclosure: yours truly will moderate both panels, so come say hi and bring along all the questions you've ever wanted to ask these authors about their work.)
On Sunday, you can take part in more bookmaking and crafts, a discussion with Ilene Fine and rescue dogs Brandy and Val, a WeWrite open mic performance, a reading and Q&A with inaugural Book Club selection author Joe Meno, and a poetry panel with local poets Kristy Bowen, Michael Kadela and Kathleeen Rooney. You can check out the full schedule of events here. The weekend promises to be a rousing celebration of all things literary and will provide a valiant introduction into all the work needed to make the city as literate as it can be. 213 W. Institute Pl.; email info[at]open-books[dot]org for questions and information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Oct 26 2009
On Thursday, Rick Kogan and Charles Osgood celebrate the release of Sidewalks (Volume II), the second volume of their collected Tribune columns and photographs. This book will be of particular interest to regular Book Club attendees as you might recall, several months ago, finding yourself on the business end of Osgood's exacting lens. No confirmation on whether we made it into the final cut, but regardless the book is sure to be a wonderful compendium of all things Chicago told in Kogan's inimitable voice and accompanied by Osgood's fine photography. Free at 7pm at the Lincoln-Belmont Branch Library, 1659 W. Melrose. Call 312-744-0166 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Oct 12 2009
As the recipient of the 2009 Chicago Public Library Foundation Carl Sandburg Literary Award, notable and much lauded author Salman Rushide will be at the Harold Washington Library on Thursday to read from and discuss his work. This is a great opportunity to see one of literature's greatest living authors, so if you have the opportunity to attend this talk I highly suggest you do so (I'd also recommend you get there early because these talks tend to fill up quickly). The talk is free and will be moderated by Booklist's Donna Seaman; 12pm in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium at 400 S. State St. Call 312-747-4300 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Oct 05 2009
Join Book Club selection author Sara Paretsky as she celebrates the relese of her latest book, Hardball, on Wednesday. The book is the next installment in Paretsky's popular V.I. Warshawski series. Free at 6pm at 57th St. Books, 1301 E. 57th St. Call 773-684-1300 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Wed Sep 30 2009
If you're a fan of Audrey Niffenegger and didn't get the chance to see her at the Newberry Library yesterday, I highly recommend you make the effort to see her at the Swedish American Museum, presented by Women & Children First, tonight. Audrey was very welcoming and encouraged all audience questions last night, answering everything from whether there will be a Time Traveler's Wife sequel (not for the foreseeable future) to how she thinks e-books will affect reading and publishing (she does not believe they will replace paper books but is optimistic that they will find a place for themselves in art and literature). Most impressive, Audrey took a few moments to talk with each person who stood in line to have their books signed. While this did make the line move slowly - and several people near me quite vociferously expressed their displeasure at this (though I couldn't help but notice that they also took their sweet time getting a picture of themselves with Audrey) - it was very heartening to see how much she clearly still values her readers.
Meanwhile, today you can read this interview with Audrey in Newcity where she talks about the wild success of The Time Traveler's Wife and how Her Fearful Symmetry came to fruition. Says Audrey on how she thinks the new book will be received by fans: "There's really nothing I can do about it. I have a feeling people who liked the first book will probably like the new book, but some of them might not, because it's not producing the same effect. This is a much more astringent book. Who knows if the book clubs will embrace it, and all that other crazy stuff that happened with the first one."
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Sep 28 2009
In celebration of the release of her second book, Her Fearful Symmetry, Audrey Niffenegger is making two appearances this week. The first is on Tuesday at the Newberry Library where she will read from and discuss the book. Free at 6pm at 60 W. Walton. For questions, call 312-255-3520. The second appearance will be on Wednesday where she will read from and discuss the book at the Swedish American Museum. This event is presented by Women & Children First and, though free with the purchase of the book ($26.99 without tax), is ticketed. Call 773-769-9299 to reserve your spot to the 7:30pm reading. The Swedish American Museum is located at 5211 N. Clark St.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Sep 21 2009
On Saturday, take a moment to celebrate all those books that have been banned or challenged last year and in years past by coming to the American Library Association's Banned Books Read-Out. Author Chris Crutcher will host the authors of six of the most challenged books of 2008 and City Lit Theatre Company with Chicago Public Library Readers' Theatre will perform work from frequently challenged authors. This celebration of banned books is as important as ever as books continue to be challenged in schools and libraries and children run the risk of not being exposed to some of literature's greatest works. Show your support for the right to read at 12pm in Bughouse Square, across from the Newberry Library at 60 W. Walton. Call 800-545-2433 for questions and information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Tue Sep 15 2009
Robert Duffer of the Chicago Examiner gives a lukewarm review of last night's Granta kick-off discussion with Audrey Niffenegger and Aleksandar Hemon, saying, "As much as I love this city and as excited and oddly flattered as I was that Granta devoted an issue to our broken-nosed lovely, there's only so much that three writers can say about the influence of their figurative home. It helps to have good acoustics to say it." I admit, I was a bit regretful that I wasn't going to be able to see this discussion due to our Book Club meeting, but I guess I didn't miss much after all. (And I'm not at all regretful that I got to be part of our very vibrant discussion of varied opinions on The Echo Maker. The books that some people love and some people hate quite often make for the best discussions.) Hopefully the rest of Granta's celebration week will be on par with the excellence of the magazine.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Sep 14 2009
The literary magazine Granta is in Chicago this week to celebrate the release of their all Chicago issue. Here's a roundup of of their celebratory events, all of which are free and open to the public:
• Monday - Audrey Niffenegger and Aleksandar Hemon discuss "how artists and writers from around the world represent Chicago in their work." A reception will follow. 6pm in Preston Bradley Hall, Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. Reservations are required. RSVP to Emily Long at emily.long[at]cityofchicago[dot]org or 312-742-0821.
• Tuesday - The Poetry Foundation joins Granta to present Poetry Night. Anne Winters, Reginald Gibbons and Diego Baez will read a selection of their poems and David Trinidad will read a selection of James Schuyler poems. 7pm at Stop Smiling Storefront, 1371 N. Milwaukee Ave.
• Wednesday - Camilo Vergara will be at the Dining Hall of Hull House to show his photo essay on Chicago Public Housing. A discussion with Tim Samuelson and Peter Hales will follow. 6pm at 800 S. Halsted St. Also, the Hideout will join Granta for an Evening of Jazz and Improvised Music. Performers include Nicole Mittchell, Artur Majewski, Nate McBride, Wojciech Romanowski and DJ Jeb Bishop. 9:30pm at 1354 W. Wabansia.
• Thursday - Alex Kotlowitz, Maria Venegas and Stuart Dybek will be at the Harold Washington Library to read from their pieces published in the magazine. 6pm at 400 S. State St. in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium.
• Friday - Granta invites all to celebrate the Chicago issue with a party at Women and Children First. 7pm-9pm at 5233 N. Clark St.
• Sunday - Art Shay will show photos and discuss the life of Nelson Algren at the Rainbo Club. 6pm at 1150 N. Damen.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Tue Sep 08 2009
Catch the latest rising local literary star Nami Mun when she comes to Women & Children First on Wednesday to read from her first novel Miles from Nowhere. The book, about a runaway teenager in New York, is getting some serious press and praise, so the reading will likely be well worth your time. Free at 7:30pm at 5233 N. Clark St. Call 773-769-9299 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Fri Sep 04 2009
I fear bringing on more competition for myself, but I must bring some attention to the fact that Unabridged Bookstore in Lakeview is giving away free Advance Review Copies of as-yet unpublished books with the purchase of one book on Saturday. Free copies of new titles? You can bet I'll be there in the morning, waiting to take first pick. Unabridged is already one of my most favorite bookstores in the city, so I need little incentive to visit them, but perhaps you'll be tempted to check them out, too. You can find them at 3251 N. Broadway; the store opens at 10am.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Aug 31 2009
This month marks the 50th installment of RUI: Reading Under the Influence, the theme of which will be "Fighting Words." On hand to help celebrate will be 2nd Story ensemble members J. Adams Oaks, author of Why I Fight, and Nadine Warner, as well as GB's own Mechanics editor Ramsin Canon, and local writer Kyle Chaney. Come see Ramsin get down and dirty with words on Wednesday, 7:30pm, at Sheffield's 3258 N. Sheffield Ave. $3 admission; email info[at]readingundertheinfluence[dot]com for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Aug 24 2009
Local music journalist Jessica Hopper comes to the Hideout on Saturday to read from her debut book, The Girls' Guide to Rocking. The book is a how-to guide for girls (or anyone, really) who wans to start a band, get on stage, write songs and further their love of music. Hopper will be joined by music acts Katie Stelmanis and Ghost Bees. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for kids; 1pm-4pm at 1354 W. Wabansia. Call 773-227-4433 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Aug 17 2009
Local author Jen Lancaster, known for her biting wit in chick-lit type novels, comes to the Hopleaf on Wednesday to read from her new work Pretty in Plaid: A Life, a Witch, and a Wardrobe, or, the Wonder Years Before the Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smart Ass Phase. The great thing about this reading is not only that you'll get to hear Lancaster talk about her work, but you'll also help Literacy Works in the process. All proceeds from the reading's $10 suggested donation will go toward helping fund this local literacy non-profit and that's always a good place to send your money. The reading will take place at 7:30pm at 5148 N. Clark St. Email info[at]litworks[dot]org for questions and information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Aug 10 2009
Just caught this in the Reader: Audrey Niffenegger's illustrated story "The Night Bookmobile" (published in the Guardian and collected here) is up on exhibit at Printworks. Go read the original story through August 22 at 311 W. Superior, #105.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Aug 03 2009
In celebration of their current One Book, One Chicago selection, the Harold Washington Library is presenting a panel discussion on Tuesday titled "Chicago Visionaries: From Burnham to Today and Beyond." The panelists include Carl Smith, author of the current One Book, One Chicago selection Plan of Chicago: Daniel Burnham and the Remaking of the American City, Nichole Pinkard of the University of Chicago's Urban Education Institute, architects Sarah Dunn and Martin Felsen, and Angela Hulock of Claretian Associates, developers of green and affordable housing on the Southeast side. MarySue Barrett, President of the Metropolitan Planning Council, will moderate. Free at 6pm in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, 400 S. State St. Call 312-747-4300 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Jul 27 2009
For the fifth year in a row, all of Chicago's print types are getting together to showcase their wares on Friday at the Printers' Ball. Come celebrate local magazines, books and broadsides and listen to readings, live music and live interviews. The list of scheduled organizations and guests is too great to list here, so take a look at the website and see if your favorite printmakers will be there (and, be assured, you'll find some new ones to enjoy as well). Word has it that some GB folk will be there as well. Admission is free and open to the public, 5pm-11pm at 1104 S. Wabash on the 1st and 8th floors. For more information, email editors[at]poetrymagazine[dot]org.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Jul 20 2009
What's a Blogathon, you ask? Essentially, it's a marathon of blogging during which time bloggers will update their websites every 30 minutes for 24 hours straight. For this effort, sponsorships are collected and the money goes to the charity or organization of each blogger's choice. It's not just blogging for fun, but blogging for a cause. This year the local non-profit Open Books is joining in the race on July 25 and asking your help to get them to their goal of $2,500. You can simply be one of their readers, checking in throughout the day, you can sign up to offer your blogging talents, or you can offer monetary aid and be a sponsor. During the blogathon, Open Books looks forward to presenting their readers with Mad Libs drawn from classic fiction pieces, a contest, jokes, quotes and prizes. All of the hard work is going toward providing a class of elementary school students with an entire semester of Open Books Buddies. All of Open Books's effort go to increasing literacy in our city and this is a fun way to support their cause. I can't wait to tune in to their blog on Saturday and see what they come up with.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Jul 20 2009
The weekend all us used-book-lovers wait for in rapt anticipation is upon us -- that of the Newberry Library Book Fair. With four days and 110,000 donated used books in 70 categories to go through, it'll be a task not to come home with arms sore from carrying loads of cheaply priced books (most are under $2!). The Fair will run Thursday-Sunday with varying hours; check the website for hours on the specific day you'd like to visit. On Saturday there will also be a round of Bughouse Square debates in the nearby Washington Square Park where you can celerate the city's long history of promoting free speech. And don't overlook that Sunday is Half Price Day, so if you can stand to wait until then your patience will likely be rewarded. The Newberry Library is located at 60 W. Walton and admission is free. Call 312-255-3510 for questions and information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Jul 13 2009
Book Club selection author Achy Obejas (Memory Mambo) makes two appearances this week. The first is at the Harold Washington Library on Friday where she will present the keynote address, "Writing and Responsibility," for DePaul's Summer Writing Conference. The address is free and occurs at 12pm in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, 400 S. State St. Call 312-362-8916 for information.
Obejas's second appearance will be at the Book Cellar on Saturday, where she will be joined by authors Derek McCormack (The Show That Smells) and Patrick Somerville (The Cradle) for a reading and discussion of their work. Free at 7pm at 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-293-2665 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Wed Jul 08 2009
Quick event mention here:
Bill Ott has been Editor and Publisher of Booklist for 25 years and his Back Page column has been a great source of literary humor, anecdotes, stories, quizzes and much more. Those columns have been compiled into a book, aptly titled The Back Page, and on Sunday there will be a release party celebrating Ott's work. The party is free from 5pm-7pm at Pritzker Park, just north of the Harold Washington Library at State and Van Buren. You'll get to see Ott interviewed by Frank Sennett, Editor-in-Chief of Time Out Chicago, and he'll also sign copies of his book which will be available for purchase at the party at a discounted price. It'll be a great way to celebrate both the book's release and bibliophilia in general.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Jul 06 2009
Two of our brightest literary stars are meeting at Quimby's on Friday. James Kennedy, author of The Order of Odd-Fish, and Jonathan Messinger, of Time Out Chicago and Featherproof Books, join forces for what will surely be an entertaining and enlightening discussion of their works. Free at 7pm at 1854 W. North Ave. Call 773-342-0910 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Jun 29 2009
One of the preeminent scholars of our time, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American Research at Harvard University, will be at the Harold Washington Library tonight for a discussion on "Our Histories, Our Stories," a look at how the way we tell stories shapes our history and how our history shapes the way we tell stories. Joining him will be Chicago Tribune columnist, author, and FoBC (Friend of the Book Club) Rick Kogan. For some time now Gates has been an influential and important voice in the academic study of literature and the African American experience, so if the idea of either of those interests you, this is not a talk you'll want to miss. Free at 6pm (doors open at 5pm) in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, 400 S. State St. Call 312-747-4300 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Jun 22 2009
The Dollar Store is going on tour! Of course, with Chicago being the show's home, you've been lucky enough to see the show whenever it's on. Fittingly, this Sunday the show kicks off their tour right here with a huge party at the Hideout featuring readings from Tobias Amadon Benglesdorf, Elizabeth Crane, Amelia Gray, Patrick Somerville, Caroline Picard, and Zach Dodson and Jonathan Messinger of Featherproof, among others. Come eat some barbeque (vegetarian desires will be kept in mind), enjoy improv by 1,2, Fag and Hag! and An Oak and enter into a raffle for which the prize is a custom-built, Featherproof-themed bike. 1pm-6pm at 1354 W. Wabansia. $8 admission; purchase your tickets here.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Jun 15 2009
Literacy Works is holding their 7th annual June Jamboree Benefit, a night filled with live music, silent auctions, food, drink and children's activities. Tickets are $25 if purchased in advance and $30 at the door. Literacy Works's mission is to promote adult and family literacy in Chicago, helping to fulfill everyone's basic rights "to read, write, and interpret the world." By attending the Jamboree, your money will go toward working to achieve that goal and creating a richer community engaged in literature. Purchase your tickets by calling 773-543-2784 or emailing colleen[at]litworks[dot]org. The Jamborbee will take place at the North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd., from 6pm-9pm.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Jun 08 2009
I met comic book artist Gene Ha through his brother Donn, not longer after I'd connected "my brother Gene" to the name I'd seen on some of my favorite titles. When he e-mailed asking if another friend and I wanted to be photo models for the upcoming DC title JSA vs. Kobra: Engines of Faith, I tried not to reply too eagerly. As I wrote him back, I started to think: while it's become increasingly apparent that comic books aren't just for white guys in basements, I feel that as a female loving cape and cowl set -- as Michael Chabon put it in The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, "fictional characters of unprecedented powers dedicated to acts of derring-do in the public interest," -- I'm still in somewhat of a minority. I gravitate towards Batman and Superman (or Prince Namor or Kitty Pride) as easily as (though differently than) Heraclio and Carmen, Chunky Rice, or Jimmy Corrigan. There is much speculation regarding why traditional superheroes don't appeal to a largely female demographic, or anyone who takes issue with the following tropes: they tend to be action-, not plot- and emotion-oriented, concerned more with punches and epithets than feelings and nuance. Morality is more black and white than shades of gray. Female characters in superhero tales tend to be passive or she-devils, serving as eye candy or villain but not much in between. And there's the obligatory gravity-defying boobs. There are some excellent exceptions to these rules, but they're still that- exceptions.
Basketball-sized breasts are kind of ridiculous, Mary Jane doesn't get too many great lines, and there's the Women in Refrigerators Syndrome (it seems that every female or female superheroine has been killed, raped, depowered, crippled, turned evil, maimed, tortured, contracted a disease or had other life-derailing tragedies befall her). In spite of this, I love the genre, flawed and sexist as it can (but doesn't have to) be. I want good guys and bad guys, the glorification of power and vengeance, the satisfaction of seeing evil beat down in a fantastical scenario. All these reasons, coupled with Gene Ha's exceptional artistic talent, made the choice to be drawn as Power Girl an easy one.
Continue reading this entry »
— Rose Lannin /
Events Mon Jun 08 2009
No comic lover will want to miss the wonderful and talented Adrian Tomine and Seth at Quimby's on Wednesday. The two will talk about their new books, both of their own work and their efforts editing others' works. Tomine will discuss his new editions of Shortcomings and 32 Stories and his editing work on Yoshihiro Tatsumi's A Drifting Life, while Seth will discuss his new graphic novel George Sprott 1894-1975 and his work on The Collected Doug Wright: Canada's Master Cartoonist. Free at 7pm, but I'd make sure to get there early if you want to get nice and closer. Quimby's is located at 1854 W. North Ave. Call 773-342-0910 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Wed Jun 03 2009
It's time once again for the Printers Row Lit Fest, that annual event that features authors from all over the country and booksellers as far as the eye can see. If you've been to the Fest in the past, you know what you're in for, but if not, here is a guide to help direct you to some authors that will be of particular interest to Book Club members.
Luis Alberto Urrea - Saturday, 11:30am in the University Center/Loop Room
Luis Alberto Urrea speaks with Carolyn Alessio about his latest book Into the Beautiful North, a story about a young woman in a Mexican village who dreams about her father who crossed the US border to find work, only to realize that almost all the men in her village have done the same. Urrea's The Hummingbird's Daughter, about a girl's struggles on her rise to fame as a faith healer in Mexico, was our March 2007 selection.
Billy Lombardo, Joe Meno and Peter Ferry - Saturday, 11:45am in the Hotel Blake Burnham Room
The three authors speak with Donna Seaman of NPR's Eight Forty-Eight. Joe Meno's latest work, The Great Perhaps, follows a Chicago family on the brink of dissolution as they struggle to find something to keep them together. Meno's Hairstyles of the Damned was the inaugural Book Club selection. Peter Ferry's Travel Writing is this English teacher's debut, semi-autobiographical novel about a mysterious car accident and the beautiful woman who, as a result, is killed. We will read Travel Writing in November of this year. Billy Lombardo's first collection of stories, The Logic of a Rose, focuses on a young boy living in Bridgeport and the everyday life of boyhood and adolescence.
Aleksander Hemon and Joseph O'Neill - Saturday 2:30pm in the Harold Washington Library Center Multi-Purpose Room
Aleksander Hemon's Nowhere Man was our October 2005 selection. His latest collection of stories, Love and Obstacles, is a starkly realistic portrait of a life as a Bosnian living in America. Hemon is joined by Joseph O'Neill, author of Netherland, a book about a man left alone in New York after 9/11 who shares his immigrant experience with a Trinidadian through the subculture of cricket. This is a ticketed event.
Continue reading this entry »
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Jun 01 2009
It's time once again for the premier literary event in Chicago: the Printers Row Lit Fest. Stretching over both Saturday and Sunday, the Fest will feature numerous publishers and book sellers, both local and throughout the country, featuring their wares and a wealth of authors reading from and discussing their works. This year's Fest will feature the likes of Dave Eggers, Neil Gaiman, Chris Ware and Elizabeth Berg, just to name a few. You can view the full schedule of events here. Keep in mind that some of the big name author events are ticketed (admission is free) and while some of the events have sold out, there's always the possibility that they'll have some last minute empty seats, so it never hurts to stake out the venue if you weren't able to get a ticket to see an author you love. Come check back with us later this week when we'll have our full Book Club guide to the Fest, highlighting some of the notable local authors, sellers and organizations. For questions about the Fest, call 312-222-3986 or email ctc-events[at]tribune[dot]com.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Tue May 26 2009
The great independent publisher Switchback Books will hold a fundraiser on Thursday to help the production of their latest book, The Haunted House by Marisa Crawford. The book is the 2008 winner for the Gatewood Prize for a debut book of poems by a woman. The fundraiser will take place at Irish Eyes, 2519 N. Lincoln Ave., where your tips will go toward Switchback. With beers at only $2.50 for the night, you'll have plenty leftover in your wallet to donate. The event starts at 7pm; call 773-348-9548 or email editors[at]switchbackbooks[dot]com for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Thu May 21 2009
Focus Features is offering Book Club members the opportunity to attend a free screening of Away We Go, a film written by local literary superstar Dave Eggers and his wife, author Vendela Vida. The film stars John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph as a couple traveling the country in search of a place to plant their roots and raise a family. The screening will be on Wednesday, May 27th, at 7pm at AMC 600 N. Michigan Ave. and each person is invited to bring one guest. To reserve your spot, send an email to rsvpchicago[at]43kix[dot]com. Keep in mind, however, that even with the reservation, seating is first come, first served, so getting there early is probably a good idea. Thank you to Focus Features for presenting us with this great offer!
— Veronica Bond /
Events Sun May 17 2009
Join Challengers Comics 6/18 for their ongoing monthly book club, Chattingers, which really emphasizes the "conversation" in their motto. The must-read book for June is The Filth , described as "vicious counter-pop erosion revolution 101" by Grant Morrison, author of The Invisibles, New X-men, and much much more. 1845 N. Western Ave, (773)-278-0155.
— Rose Lannin /
Events Mon May 11 2009
Just a reminder that on Thursday we're holding our very first Book Swap & Drive with Open Books, a local non-profit literacy organization. Get cracking on your shelves and bring as many books as you want and leave with as many books as you want. Any books left over will be donated to Open Books who will sell them and use the proceeds to fund their literacy programs. 6pm-9pm at Black Rock, 3614 N. Damen. Email us at bookclub[at]gapersblock[dot]com for any questions. Hope to see you there!
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon May 04 2009
On Thursday, Quimby's welcomes Joe Meno to celebrate the release of his new book The Great Perhaps. Joining Joe will be Featherproof's Jonathan Messinger and author Jon Resh, along with music by The Astronomer. Free at 7pm, 1854 W. North Ave. Call 773-342-0910 for questions and information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Sat May 02 2009
Or, more free comics. Challengers Comics welcomes Erik Larsen, creator of (Chicago cop) "Savage Dragon" in celebration of Free Comic Book Day. He will be signing books from 12pm to 3pm.
— Rose Lannin
Events Thu Apr 30 2009
Saturday is Free Comic Book Day, which means that you can go into any participating comic shop and choose from a selection of comics that you'll get to take home for free. Chicago Comics, at 3244 N. Clark St., is getting in the game not only by offering free comics from 11am-9pm, but also offering 20% off anything in the store for anyone who comes in dressed as a superhero. And they don't mean just a Superman logo T-shirt either - they mean the whole she-bang. I know I've got two costumes from Halloweens past hanging in my closet (Clark Kent becoming Superman and The Cheerleader from Heroes)...who will you be?
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Apr 27 2009
I'm torn between shining the spotlight on the continuing Big Read Fahrenheit 451 events and the One Book, One Chicago events, but I'll be democratic and not lean towards my Bradbury preference and just point you to the list of events on the right side where you can find more about this Big Read selection.
Instead, let's give some attention to two One Book, One Chicago events: today Steppenwolf Theatre will present a staged reading of Sandra Cisnero's classic novel The House on Mango Street (also one of our past Book Club selections). The reading will surely bring some light to some already vibrant characters and I'm sure that it'll be a great way to spend a Monday night. The reading is free, but reservations are required. Call 312-335-1650 to save your spot. 7pm at 1650 N. Halsted.
On Wednesday, distinguished faculty from DePaul University will hold a panel discussion about the importance of The House on Mango Street, chiefly the representation of Latino communities in Chicago and the portrayal of challenges faced by immigrants. This would be a great event for you if you've read the book and want to learn more about it from an academic standpoint. Free and open to the public at 6pm in DePaul's Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield, Room 120. Call 773-325-7485 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Apr 13 2009
First, just a quick note to say Happy 4th Birthday to us! The Book Club turns four years old today - that's 44 books about Chicago or written by Chicago authors that we've read together with many more that we're just waiting to dig into. Tonight we'll celebrate with some treats during our discussion of Joshua Ferris's Then We Came to the End, a book that I think many of us are very eager to start discussing. Thank you to everyone who keeps up with us on the mailing list, reads the blog and comes to the meetings - whether you've been to just one meeting or you've become a regular and familiar face - to indulge us in our love of literature. It would be so much less fun without all of you.
Normally I highlight one great event that's happening during the week, but this week there's a slew of exceptional literary happenings that I can't help but mention them all.
First: Today is Drop Everything and Read Day and Open Books is celebrating by opening their office to anyone who wants to come by and have a nice quite place to spend some time reading. They'll also be dropping off books throughout the city for unsuspecting readers to find, so let them know if you come across one of their tagged books. Stop by their office at 213 W. Institute Pl, Suite 305, between 9am-5pm to delve into your current read. Email info[at]open-books[dot]org for questions.
Second: If you're unable to get to the Book Cellar to join us tonight or if you didn't read this month's book but still want to partake in something literary, the wonderful and talented Michael Chabon will be at Northwestern University to give a lecture on Edgar Allan Poe as part of the University's "Great Authors" lecture series. Yes, I am jealous that I won't be able to make it...I love Michael Chabon. Free and open to the public, 7:30pm-10pm, at the Owen L. Coon Forum Jacobs Center, Leverone Hall, 2001 Sheridan Rd. Call 847-491-3525 for more information.
Third: The Big Read continues at Columbia College on Tuesday with a lecture on this year's celebrated author Ray Bradbury by his biographer, Columbia faculty member Sam Weller. I've had the pleasure of hearing Sam talk about Bradbury's work in the past and, trust me, it is an experience not to be missed by any Bradbury fan. Free from 7pm-9pm at 1104 S. Wabash in Columbia College's Film Row Center, 8th floor. For questions, email Kim Hale at khale[at]colum[dot]edu.
Finally: Not one, but two Book Club authors will be giving talks this Tuesday. Sandra Cisneros, author of The House on Mango Street which is also the current One Book, One Chicago selection, will be at the Harold Washington Library to discuss her work and career. Free and open to the public at 6pm at 400 S. State St. in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium. Call 312-747-8191 for questions and information. And, Karen Abbott, author of Sin in the Second City, will be at the Chicago History Museum to discuss her research and book. 7pm at 1601 N. Clark St. $10 for the general public and $8 for members; tickets can be purchased online. Call 312-642-4600 for more information.
With such a wealth of literary things happening this week, you're sure to find at least one thing that will pique your interest. Enjoy!
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Mar 30 2009
This April, Columbia College is joining the National Endowment for the Arts in their Big Read literacy endeavor. If you haven't heard of it before, the Big Read is an initiative "designed to restore reading to the center of American culture...[providing] citizens with the opportunity to read and discuss a single book within their communities." On Thursday, Columbia celebrates Chicago's particiation in the endeavor with their Big Read selection -- local author Ray Bradbury's seminal work on censorship and intellectual freedom, Fahrenheit 451. The event will feature a documentary about Bradbury's works and librarian, teacher and literacy advocate Esme Raji Codell will serve as the keynote speaker. Haven't read the book before? Come to the reception where copies of the book in English and in Spanish will be passed out. Free and open to the public, 6pm-8pm, at 1104 S. Wabash in Columbia College's Film Row Center, 8th floor. For questions, email Kim Hale at khale[at]colum[dot]edu. And be sure to check our events sidebar for upcoming Big Read events throughout the month.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Feb 09 2009
There are a couple good events to tell you about this week. The first is Orange Alert Press's special reading series in honor of the AWP conference, held at the Book Cellar on Wednesday. You'll get a number of local authors, including Blake Butler, Barry Graham, S. Craig Renfroe, Jason Jordan, John Domini, Peter Schwartz and Ben Tanzer, reading their works all for free. 7:30pm at 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave.
The second great happening is Thursday's Polyphony H.S. benefit at the School of the Art Institute. Local authors Stuart Dybek, Aleksander Hemon (both of whom are authors of past Book Club selections) and Gina Nahai will read and sign their books as part of a fundraiser for this nonprofit organization that provices writing and editing opportunities to high school students throughout the country. The reading is from 7-8pm at an admission price of $10; admission to the subsequent reception is a donation of $50 or more. Purchase your tickets here, then come to the SAIC's Sullivan Galleries at 33 S. State St. It's not only a good chance to hear some great local talent, but also a particularly good cause that you'll help at the same time.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Jan 26 2009
The good people over at Open Books have cooked up another great offering for adults in the Chicago community. February 3 - March 5, free writing workshops will be held every Tuesday and Thursday and will cover all manner of topics. Tuesdays will focus on creative writing and Thursdays will focus on career-related writing (think resumes and job applications) with Open Books volunteers serving as writing coaches. It's bound be a good time to get some free advice on how to improve your writing skills without the committment and cost of joining a formal class. The workshops will be located at Mitchell Elementary School at 2233 W. Ohio. Email info[at]open-books[dot]org for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Jan 19 2009
On Wednesday, the Book Cellar continues their Local Author Night series. I'm particularly looking forward to this month's installment as they feature the great James Kenney, the author of The Order of Odd-Fish. Joining him will be Laura Benedict (Calling Mr. Lonely Hearts), Bryan W. Alaspa (Rig), Joe Kilgore (The Blunder) and Travis Thrasher (Isolation). The readings are, as always, free. 7pm at 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-293-2665 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Jan 12 2009
The humor reading series Funny Ha-Ha is back and this Friday they'll be at their usual haunt, the Hideout, for another round of great funny readings. Featured authors include Jen Lancaster, Steve Heisler, Mark Bazer and members of the AV Club. Joining them will be comedian Robert Buscemi, Steve Delahoyde and your lovely host Claire Zulkey. Your $5 admission benefits the Neighborhood Writing Alliance. Call 773-227-4433 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Jan 05 2009
Interested in learning more about the exploitation of American workers? Kim Bobo will be at Women & Children First on Friday to discuss Wage Theft in America, her handbook for activists, workers and concered people of all types who want to learn how to prevent such exploitation. The book includes an analysis of this crisis along with statistics and moving first-person accounts. Free at 7:30pm at 5233 N. Clark St. Call 773-769-9299 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Dec 15 2008
Orange Alert Press continues their brand spankin' new reading series tonight with presentations from Jac Jemc, Mary Hamilton, Amy Guth and Tim Hall. It's free at 7pm at the Whistler, 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave. Not only does it provide the chance to hear some fresh new readings, but it'll be a great way to get exposed to some new local talent as well.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Dec 08 2008
Come to Chicago Comics on Saturday to help comic book lovers and comic book creators celebrate the release of the 7th volume of the comic anthology Kramers Ergot. Not only will drinks be served, but you'll get the opportunity to meet several comic authors and have them sign your books, including locals Ivan Brunetti, Chris Ware and Anders Nilsen. Free at 3244 N. Clark St. from 5pm-9pm. Call 773-528-1983 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Dec 01 2008
Book Club author Joe Meno comes to the Book Cellar tonight to read from his latest work Demons in the Spring. Joining him will be will be Chris Connelly reading from his memoir Concrete, Bulletproof, Invisible + Fried: My Life as a Revoling C*ck, Stephanie Kuehnert reading from her novel I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone and Jolene Siana reading from her collection of published letters Go Ask Ogre: Letters from a Deathrock Cutter. Free at 7pm at 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-293-2665 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Tue Nov 25 2008
The holidays are almost here and local literary organization Open Books is offering the chance to pick up some unique gifts. Starting December 2, Open Books will open up bidding for their holiday auction where they've collected some great literary paraphernalia and other goodies. Auction items include memberships to Fitness Formula Clubs; a 7-night stay at a resort in Maui; a private Beauty-Bash party at Benefit Cosmetics; tickets to the Neo-Futurists, Steppenwolf, Zanies, and more; autographed John Updike novels; autographed novels by some great local authors; a "Get Your Book Published" package and much more. Proceeds from the auction will go directly to Open Books and will help promote their mission to improve literacy throughout the city. It's cliché, I know, but these really are the gifts that keep on giving. Check back here soon to start getting ideas on what you'll get your friends and family and place your bids next week once the auction opens up.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Nov 24 2008
Have you been working studiously all month on your National Novel Writing Month novel? Do you need a slew of hours at the last minute to get it all done? If so, Open Books is hosting a 15-Hour You Can Do It Yay Yay Writefest and Cookie Swap this Sunday to enourage all of you who need that final push. And at the end of the night, you can celebrate with your fellow writers with tons of cookies. Free from 9am-midnight, 213 W. Institute Pl, Suite 305. Email info[at]open-books[dot]org for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Nov 17 2008
Admittedly, tickets to this event may no longer be available (it's free, but you have to have reservations), but I couldn't help but draw attention to what will surely be a touching show. Tonight at the Steppenwolf Theatre, a whole host of notable performers will offer a tribute to the late Studs Terkel. The cast includes Tribune reporter and author Rick Kogan, Steppenwolf artistic director Martha Lavey, director Joyce Piven, a number of Steppenwolf ensemble members and David Schwimmer. (Yes, that David Schwimmer.) Call 312-322-1650 to see if there's still a chance to go the 7:30pm show; 1650 N. Halsted St.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Nov 10 2008
Graphic novelist Alison Bechdel, author of Fun Home and Dykes to Watch Out For, will be at Women & Children First on Thursday to discuss her newly published anthology The Essential Dykes to Watch Out For. The book contains Bechdel's own selection of her best comics and 60 more strips that have never been published. Free at 7:30pm at 5233 N. Clark St. Call 773-769-9299 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Nov 03 2008
Whichever way the election goes, everyone is sure to still be talking about it the next day. On Wednesday, Reading Under the Influence will provide some literary diversion on the topic of "Red States, Blue States." Published and well-known pieces on the theme will be read, with trivia questions posed to the audience and prizes given for correct answers, and original pieces keeping with the theme will also be presented. This month's special guests will be Bill Hillman of the Windy City Story Slam and Ben Tanzer, author of Most Likely You Go Your Way and I'll Go Mine. RUI regulars will be Jesse Jordan and Amada Snyder, along with guests Cynthia Vargas and Simon Smith. $3 at the door at Sheffiel's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave. 7-10pm. Email info[at]readingundertheinfluence[dot]com.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Oct 27 2008
It's Halloween! And what better way to celebrate it than to discuss one of the darkest, most macabre writers in American history? Come to the Sulzer Regional Library on Thursday for a discussion of Edgar Allan Poe's poems and prose. The discussion is part of the library's Great Books Discussion Group. Free at 7pm at 4455 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 312-744-7616 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Thu Oct 23 2008
Don't forget that on Sunday you can bring all your used and unwanted books to Open Books's Great American Book Drive. The drive will take place from 10am-4pm at their office, 213 W. Institute Pl.
If you can't make it downtown this weekend, The House Theatre is offering another chance for you to donate books. Today through Sunday you can bring used science fiction books to one of their shows and you'll get a $10 gift certificate to use on future House Theatre ticket purchases. The Theatre will then turn those books over to Open Books. House Theatre shows take place at the Chopin Theatre at 1543 W. Division St.; call 773-251-2195 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Tue Oct 21 2008
Chicago holds its first ever Comicon this Saturday. Come to the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., where a slew of comic book artists, publishers and vendors will be on site to share their work. Events include writing workshops, drawing workshops, gaming tournaments and an after-party at Villains Bar & Grill (649 S. Clark St.), complete with a Halloween costume contest. Featured guests are Jeffrey Brown, Gail Potocki, Chris Burnham, Gene Ha, Sarah Becan and many more. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online. 10am-6pm. Go here to enter your questions and get more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Oct 13 2008
First, just a quick note that tickets are still available for tonight's David Sedaris reading at the Auditorium Theatre. It's a bit pricey, but probably worth it.
On Wednesday, an interesting and diverse group of writers and cartoonists will gather together to hold a fundraiser for Barack Obama's Presidential campaign and watch the last debate with John McCain. S.L. Wisenberg will host and featured authors include Sara Paretsky, Libby Hellman, Jonathan Messinger, Haki Madhubuti and many more. There will be a silent auction of signed books during the 5:30pm-6:30pm reception, after which authors will read from their works and a number of political cartoons will be auctioned off. At 8pm, everyone will watch the debate. Tickets are $50 if you purchase them now and $60 if you purchase them at the door; people under 25 may pay their ages with all proceeds of ticket sales going to Obama for America. The fundraiser will take place at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. Email oct15obama[at]gmail[dot]com for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Tue Oct 07 2008
Coming up in a few weeks on October 26, Open Books is hosting their Great American Book Drive. All day, the non-profit bookstore is accepting donations of used books from everyone, so if you've been wondering how to clear out some space on your shelves this would be a really great time to get those books together and get them out of your house. All you have to do is get them to Open Books - volunteers will take them off your hands or out of your car for sorting and boxing. And if you can't get them there, you can sign up to have Open Books make a house call to pick up your books from you. All the proceeds of used book sales go to funding literacy programs throughout the city.
More importantly, Open Books is still in need of volunteers for the Drive. If you've got a few hours to spare on that Sunday, fill out their volunteer form and pick a morning or afternoon shift to donate your time. Tasks include everything from greeting to sorting to boxing and loading. Then spread the word to your friends (you can print out flyers and postcards) and bring your own books along to take part in what will surely be a great Drive. Have questions? Call 312-239-6649 or email info[at]open-books[dot]org to get more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Oct 06 2008
For everyone that's been following along with this season's One Book, One Chicago pick, Steppenwolf Theatre offers a treat. Tonight, the actors from Steppenwolf will perform a dramatic reading of selections from Tom Wolfe's The Right Stuff using archival footage NASA to show how the media covered the Project Mercury launches. The reading is free, but reservations are required and can be had by calling 312-335-1650. 7pm-8:30pm in the Upstairs Theatre at 1650 N. Halsted St.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Sep 29 2008
On Thursday, the Harold Washington Library welcomes a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. Richard Russo, author of Empire Falls, will read from and sign his latest book Bridge of Sighs. The reading is free at 6pm in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, 400 S. State St. Call 312-747-4300 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Fri Sep 26 2008
The good people over at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater is offering GB Book Club readers a discount on tickets to their latest work, a production of Christopher Marlowe's The Troublesome Reign and Lamentable Death of Edward II, King of England, with the Tragical Fall of Proud Mortimer. Here's what the CST has to say:
Now's your chance to come face-to-face with the action at CST! Director Sean Graney brings Christopher Marlowe's vicious exploration of power and persuasion to the stage in this innovative promenade production where audiences are able and encouraged to move freely about the playing area. This is theater like you've never seen it before! Gapers Block readers can become part of the action for only $15. Visit www.chicagoshakes.com/edward and enter promo code: GAPERS to access your exclusive discount.
The show starts October 1 and runs through November 9 at Navy Pier. Contact the box office at 312-595-5600 for questions on purchasing tickets. Thank you to the CST offering us this great discount!
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Sep 22 2008
Saturday marks the start the annual celebration of all books that have been banned or challenged and you can take part in the celebration by joining the American Library Assocation, Chicago Tribune, and the Freedom Museum for a Read-Out. Authors will read from popular banned books as well as from some of their own that have been challenged - well-known authors Judy Blume and Stephen Chbosky will be there as well as a number of local literary celebrities. For an interesting twist, City Lit Theatre will perform theatrical readings of some challenged works. The Read-Out is free at Pioneer Plaza from 12pm-4:30pm. You can contact the ALA at 800-545-2433 for more information and learn more about their efforts to preserve Intellectual Freedom on their website.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Sep 15 2008
There are several events this week that will be of particular interest to Book Club members. First, Achy Obejas, whose Memory Mambo we read in April 2006 will be at Radio Arte on Monday as part of their Proyecto Latina open mic. The reading is free at 7pm at 1401 W. 18th St. (773-492-8350 for more info.)
Next, on Wednesday, Kevin Guilfoile, author of November 2006's Cast of Shadows, will take the spotlight at the Downers Grove Public Library to read from and discuss his work. This reading is also free at 7pm at 1050 Curtiss. (630-960-1200 for more info.)
Finally, Friday brings us to Ana Castillo, author of our September 2007 selection Peel My Love Like an Onion, who will discuss and sign her new novel The Guardians at Tianguis. You can also read Alice's review of the book here. Free at 7pm at 2003 S. Damen. (312-492-8350 for more info.)
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Sep 08 2008
This week there are two great events for you to attend. The first is Writers on the Record, which is hosted by Victoria Lautman and this month features Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Junot Diaz, author of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. The talk is free and takes place on Friday at 6pm at the Harold Washington Library.
The second event is a Book Swap put on by the great people at Open Books. It's a great way to get rid of some of the books that are cluttering up your shelves and to pick up some new reads to take their places. The Swap takes place on Saturday from 10am-2pm at the North Lakeside Cultural Center, 6219 N. Sheridan Rd. Email info[at]open-books[dot]org for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Thu Sep 04 2008
New kid on the block Orange Alert Press, founded by Gapers Block staffer Jason Behrends, is celebrating the release of its first novel, Most Likely You Go Your Way and I'll Go Mine by Ben Tanzer, this Saturday, Sept. 6, at DvA Gallery. The event begins at 6pm and is scheduled to include music by various artists and readings by writers Jill Summers, Tim Hall, Jason Fisk, Nick Ostdick and, of course, Ben Tanzer. DvA Gallery is located at 2568 N. Lincoln Ave. For more information, visit the Orange Alert Press website.
— Alice Maggio /
Events Mon Aug 25 2008
A while back I read and reviewed several of Featherproof's mini-books and found them to be, actually, quite delightful. If you've taken some time to peruse what is quickly becoming a large and diverse collection of writings, you'll be interested to know that you can meet some of these writers at the Book Cellar on Thursday. Authors will include Lindsay Hunter, Caroline Picard and Scott Stealy. Free at 8pm at 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave. You can call 773-293-2665 for more information. And if you haven't checked out the mini-books -- they're free, downloadable, printable, foldable and pocket-sizable! Get to it!
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Aug 18 2008
Whether you're just getting into local publications or you've been reading them for a while and are interested in finding what else is out there, the Printers' Ball is the best place for you to go. Completely free, the Ball features tons of local magazines, posters, broadsides and journals from great publishers like Featherproof Books, Lake Claremont Press, Other Voices, the Neigborhood Writing Alliance and more, all with samples of their work for you to take. This year the Ball will be held at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., and will feature live music and DJs. 5:30-10pm; call Fred Sasaki at 312-787-7070x8005 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Aug 04 2008
I don't know whether this really kind of cool or really kind of sad. On the one hand, while the idea of people from all over the world gathering together to discuss a series of books and the impact they've made on our culture speaks to my literature-loving, sociology-enthused heart, the fact that the subject matter is Harry Potter remains a little disappointing. Nevertheless, this five day conference will take place on August 7-11 at the Hilton Chicago Hotel and even though it's only a few days away, you can still purchase tickets at the door for $60 per day or $200 for the whole she-bang. Programming includes presentations, roundtable discussions, fanfiction readings, art and writing challenges, Quidditch matches (though I doubt the organization was able to get the insurance coverage for real flying brooms, so don't get your hopes up too high) and much more. All of this information can be found by perusing the website. Lest you think this would be a great venture for your children, keep in mind that the conference is designed for adults and any children under 18 must be accompanied by a chaperone over 21. Email help[at]terminus2008[dot]org for any questions. (And next time we decide to have a worldwide conference on a series of books, maybe we could focus it on something with a bit more depth? Please?)
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Jul 28 2008
Funny Ha-Ha's back with an all new installment of hilarious readings by talented writers. On Wednesday, Wendy McClure, Mimi Smartypants, Megan Stielstra of 2nd Story, Margaret Lyons of Time Out Chicago, author Amy Shearn, Lincoln Lodge regular Cameron Esposit and filmmaker Steve Delahoyde provide the laughgs. Hosted, as always, by very funny lady Claire Zulkey. $5 is the suggested donation for admission, all of which benefits the Neighborhood Writing Alliance. 7pm at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia. Call 773-227-4433 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Jul 21 2008
The Newberry Library Book Fair is simply a book lover's dream. Lasting four days (Thursday-Sunday) and offering over 100,000 donated books in more than 60 categories for prices averaging below $2, you just can't go wrong by stopping over for an hour or two of browsing. Admission to the fair is free - check the website for the scheduled hours on each day. On Satuday, there will also be bughouse music and soapbox debates across the street in Washington Square Park. 60 W. Walton. Call 312-943-9090 for general information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Jul 14 2008
The Book Cellar continues their great monthly series spotlighting local authors this Wednesday. This time four new authors join the ranks - Libby Hellman (Easy Innocence), Margot Justes (A Hotel in Paris), Francince Friedman (MatchDotBomb) and Jess Riley (Driving Sideways). Free at 7pm at 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-293-2665 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Jul 07 2008
Here's a chance to see one of the greatest novelists of our time in the flesh: Salman Rushdie. Come to the Harold Washington Library on Thursday to read from and discuss his newest work The Enchantress of Florence. He'll also be available to sign books, but only two per person so if you're a big fan you'll unfortunately have to leave your personal Rushide library at home. Free at 6pm. Call 312-747-4300 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Jun 23 2008
Join graphic novelists/artists Jessica Abel and Matt Madden as they stop by 57th St. Books on Thursday to discuss their latest publication Drawing Words & Writing Pictures: Making Comics from Manga to Graphic Novels. This might be a good one to go to if you've got graphic novel aspirations of your own. Free at 6pm, 1301 E. 57th St. Call 773-684-1300 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
News Fri Jun 20 2008
The Lovable Losers Literary Revue is hosting an essay contest for fans of Chicago's lovable losers (a.k.a. the Cubs). Tune in this Sunday to "Memories of the Game" on WRMN, 1410-AM, scheduled to air from Noon to 5pm, to hear some of the best entries received so far. The contest continues through the summer and will conclude with at the Revue's September event with Rick Kogan. If you want to share your favorite story about life as a Cub's fan, visit the website to find out how to enter.
— Alice Maggio /
Events Mon Jun 16 2008
June 16 is known to James Joyce fans as Bloomsday, the day that is chronicled in his massive novel Ulysses. If you feel like celebrating, drop by the Irish American Heritage Center for its Bloomsday Celebration, starting tonight at 8pm. The event will include readings, music and performances. Tickets are $10. 4626 N. Knox Ave. Call 773-282-7035 for more information.
— Alice Maggio /
Events Mon Jun 16 2008
This Saturday, join non-profit organization Literacy Works for a June Jamboree Benefit and help them continue in their efforts to support Chicago-area literacy agencies. The family-friendly event will include live music from the Northside Southpaws, a caricature artist, Henna tattoos, and a silent auction. Tickets are $25 if purchased in advance, $30 at the door; tickets for children 12 and under are $5. Advance tickets can be bought by calling 773-334-8255 or emailing christine[at]litworks[dot]org. 6-9pm at North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Jun 09 2008
Tonight we're meeting to discuss David Sedaris's Naked at the Book Cellar, but Sedaris will also be in town this week for readings from his latest book of essays When You Are Engulfed in Flames. Catch him at Borders in Evanston on Wednesday (7:30pm, 1700 Maple Ave., 847-733-8852) and at Barbara's UIC on Thursday (7:30pm, 1218 S. Halsted St., 312-413-2665). Both events are free, although the Barbara's event is ticketed and tickets can be had by purchasing the book at their store. I'd suggest getting to either one early - Sedaris draws a huge crowd and there is a great risk of being shut out of the reading (I speak from personal experience).
— Veronica Bond /
Feature Thu Jun 05 2008
The 24th annual Printers Row Book Fair takes place this weekend in the South Loop, on Dearborn, between Congress and Polk. It is the biggest literary extravaganza in the city, and admission to all the events is free. More than 200 authors and 150 booksellers are scheduled to participate in this year's fair, so we've put together this guide to highlight the best of the best of the fair, pointing out authors of current and past Book Club selections appearing at the fair, don't-miss events and our favorite local booksellers and publishers.
Tell Them You Read It for the Book Club
How many of these books did you read along with us? Meet the writers of some of our past (and future) book club picks. You might even get your books signed.
Achy Obejas – Saturday at 11am at the Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Stage
Memory Mambo by Achy Obejas was our April 2006 selection, and the novel's unforgettable climax still gives me the willies. But in addition to writing award-winning novels, Obejas is also an accomplished poet. She will be giving a poetry reading this morning as the fair gets underway.
Alex Kotlowitz – Saturday at Noon at the Heartland Stage
Kotlowitz talks to author Nancy Horan during this event about her debut novel Loving Frank, which tells the true story of the affair between architect Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick Chesney. We just read Never a City So Real by Kotlowitz for our January 2008 book.
Studs Terkel and Rick Kogan – Saturday at 3pm at the Harold Washington Library Center Cindy Pritzker Auditorium [Ticketed Event]
The venerable Studs Terkel holds court at the Chicago Public Library Saturday afternoon. His most recent book is his long-awaited memoir Touch and Go, but we read his first book, Division Street: America, in February 2006. Terkel never fails to entertain, and his wit is still sharp as a tack at 96 years old. He'll be talking to another favorite Chicagoan, Tribune journalist and WGN radio personality Rick Kogan. We read his book A Chicago Tavern: A Goat, a Curse, and the American Dream for our April 2007 meeting, and Kogan's appearance at and participation in our discussion was one of our most memorable book club meetings. This event will draw a big crowd, so be sure to reserve your free tickets ASAP.
Kevin Guilfoile – Saturday at 4pm at Grace Place, Sanctuary, 2nd Floor
Kevin Guilfoile moderates a discussion titled "Murder Most Foul," featuring a panel of fellow local crime writers, including Libby Fischer Hellman, Marcus Sakey, Sean Chercover and Michael Dymmoch. Guilfoile joined the book club for a highly memorable meeting when we read his first novel Cast of Shadows in November 2006.
Elizabeth Berg, Elizabeth Crane and Amy Krouse Rosenthal – Sunday at 11am at the Heartland Stage
Three – yes, three – book club authors in one great event! Don't miss this one as Amy Krouse Rosenthal moderates a discussion with Elizabeth Berg and Elizabeth Crane. Bestselling author Elizabeth Berg's new book is Dream When You're Feeling Blue, and we read her novel The Year of Pleasures in May 2007. Crane is promoting her new story collection titled You Must Be This Happy to Enter. We read her previous book All This Heavenly Glory for our February 2007 meeting. And Rosenthal's unconventional memoir Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life was our June 2006 selection.
Karen Abbott in conversation with Rick Kogan – Sunday at 3pm at the Heartland Stage
Abbott will be talking to Rick Kogan about her best-selling nonfiction work Sin in the Second City about Chicago's infamous Everleigh Club. The book is coming out in paperback now, and we'll be reading Sin in the Second City for our November 2008 meeting.
Aleksandar Hemon – Sunday at 3:30pm at the Harold Washington Library Center Multi-Purpose Room [Ticketed Event]
Hemon is the author of the critically acclaimed novels The Question of Bruno and Nowhere Man, which was our October 2005 selection. Now he's due to repeat that success with his new book The Lazarus Project. Reserve your free tickets for a chance to see this still-rising local literary star.
Audrey Niffenegger and Elizabeth Crane – Sunday at 4pm at the Heartland Stage
If you go to see Karen Abbott at 3pm, don't get out of your seat, because Audrey Niffenegger and Elizabeth Crane are up next, participating in the Other Voices finale reading along with fellow local writers Billy Lombardo and Gina Frangello. Niffenegger is the author of the best-selling novel The Time Traveler's Wife, our June 2005 book club book, and this is your second chance to see Crane at the fair (see above).
More Local Authors and Don't-Miss Events
Scott Turow – Saturday at 10am at the Harold Washington Library Center Cindy Pritzker Auditorium [Ticketed Event]
Turow is a prominent Chicago lawyer and author of such wildly popular novels as Presumed Innocent and Reversible Errors. This year he is receiving the Harold Washington Literary Award.
S.E. Hinton – Saturday at Noon at the Harold Washington Library Center Cindy Pritzker Auditorium [Ticketed Event]
This is the event not to miss. The S.E. Hinton, author of the modern classics The Outsiders and That Was Then, This Is Now, will be at the book fair to receive the 2008 Chicago Tribune Young Adult Book Prize. Get tickets now if you still can, otherwise you'll be left standing outside, clutching your dog-eared copy of The Outsiders and telling complete strangers how Pony Boy was your favorite character ever when you were 12.
Chris Ware, Ivan Brunetti and Chris Oliveros – Saturday at 1pm at the Heartland Stage
Well-known local comics artist Chris Ware will be appearing with fellow cartoonist Ivan Brunetti and Drawn & Quarterly publisher Chris Oliveros to talk about "Cartoonists Editing Comics." This event is another don't-miss in my book.
Augusten Burroughs – Sunday at 1:30pm at the Harold Washington Library Center Cindy Pritzker Auditorium [Ticketed Event]
Burroughs is the author of the best-selling books Running with Scissors and Dry. His most recent memoir is A Wolf at the Table. Reserve your tickets now for a chance to see him at the fair.
Alpana Singh and Charles Blackstone – Sunday at 3pm at the Good Eating Stage
Alpana Singh is the host of the popular local PBS series "Check Please!" and the author of Alpana Pours. In this event she talks with hubby Charles Blackstone, author of the novel The Week You Weren't Here.
Local Booksellers, Publishers and Other Friends of the Book Club
Be sure to stop by these booths, and tell them Gapers Block sent you (results may vary).
The Book Cellar – OO
The Book Cellar has been generously hosting the GB Book Club's monthly meetings since our group's inception. Not only is The Book Cellar a great local bookshop (and not a bad place for lunch, either), but the staff also works tirelessly to support and promote local authors through the store's monthly Local Author Night series and other events on its typically packed schedule.
Chicago Writers Association – 245, 247
The Chicago Writers Association is a creative community of hardworking up-and-coming local writers. Members will be manning the tables at the fair. Check out the CWA website to see which writers will be appearing at the fair.
Featherproof Books – 327, 329
Local indie publisher Featherproof Books is gaining a respectable track record for publishing some pretty cool novels by some pretty cool new writers, including its latest, the typographical graphic novel boring boring boring boring boring boring boring by Zach Plague. We read the Featherproof's first publishing effort, The Enchanters Vs. Sprawlburg Springs by Brian Costello, for our February 2008 book.
Lake Claremont Press – DD
We love local publisher Lake Claremont Press because they publish book about our favorite topic — Chicago. From the city's food to its history, ghosts, culture, music, geography and more, the books from Lake Claremont Press all read like love letters to our city.
The Newberry Library – 142
What is The Newberry Library? Besides being one of the world's leading independent research libraries, it is also host to dozens of events throughout the year, including musical and theatrical performances, exhibits, lectures, workshops and seminars in the humanities. And, best of all, this incredible resource is free and open to the public. The Newberry also holds an annual book fair in July that should not be missed.
The Poetry Center of Chicago – PBP2
The Poetry Center of Chicago is dedicated to supporting and promoting poets and their work throughout the city through regular events, readings and its successful Hands on Stanzas program which places Chicago poets in public school classrooms to encourage students to read and write poetry.
TallGrass Writers Guild – 225
The TallGrass Writers Guild is an active community of local writers that holds regular readings and literary events at venues around the city. The group also publishes an annual anthology of writings in association with Outrider Press.
Third World Press – F
Local publisher Third World Press is one of the country's "oldest and well-respected independent publishers of Black thought and literature." It was founded in 1967 and the publisher's extensive catalog includes works by Gwendolyn Brooks, press founder and author Haki R. Madhubuti, Sterling Plumpp, Tavis Smiley and more.
Women & Children First – PP
Women & Children First is one of the largest feminist bookstores in the country and has been one of Chicago's best-loved indie bookstores since it first opened in 1979. Although the store carries titles on every topic imaginable, its real strengths are in its excellent stock of books by and about women, children's books, and lesbian and gay fiction and nonfiction.
~*~
For complete information about the fair, including the full schedule, maps and ticket information for the special events, visit the official Printers Row Book Fair website.
— Alice Maggio /
Events Tue Jun 03 2008
David Sedaris, author of our June book, Naked, is going to be at the UIC location of Barbara's Bookstore on June 12 to discuss his latest collection of essays, When You are Engulfed in Flames, which comes out today. The audience for the reading will be very limited: only 100 seats, and you'll need a ticket to attend, which you can only get by purchasing the new book at the bookstore starting today.
If you don't land one of the 100 tickets, don't fret -- there will also be a book-signing that's open for all. Expect a long, long line for it, though. In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you at our Naked discussion on Monday at the Book Cellar.
— Andrew Huff /
Events Mon Jun 02 2008
It's that time again...time to head down to Dearborn and Polk and walk through bookseller-lined blocks, checking out all the wonderful literary ware our fine city has to offer at the Printer's Row Book Fair. Don't forget to check the schedule of readings, too. Notable authors such as Studs Terkel, Ivan Brunetti, Aleksander Hemon and Chris Ware will be there, along with other local authors of particular interest to Book Club members. You can find the full schedule of readings here and the full list of vendors here. The Fair runs Saturday and Sunday, 10am-6pm.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon May 26 2008
Who among us doesn't have books that we either bought and didn't like or simply no longer have room for? Bring your excess literature to Cobra Lounge on Wednesday for the Reader's annual Book Swap. Not only will you get to unload your used books, but you may find some treasures to take home with you. The Janes go-go dance troupe will provide entertainment and door prizes will be given away. Free from 6-9pm at 235 N. Ashland Ave. Call 312-226-6300 for mroe information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon May 19 2008
The Dollar Store's been on hiatus for the past few months, but on Friday it comes out of retirement as part of the Pilcrow Lit Fest. Join host Jonathan Messinger and special guests Kevin Sampsell and Diana Slickman for all the dollar-inspired short literature you've been missing. 7pm at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia. $1 gets you in. Call 773-227-4433 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon May 12 2008
Chip Kidd, who has created some of the greatest book covers you've seen, among other graphic design projects, comes to Quimby's on Wednesday to talk about his new book The Learners. The novel is about a college graduate who lands his first job as a graphic designer at an ad agency that leads him to participate in an experiment in the Yale psychology department, forcing him to reexamine "his past, his soul, and the nature of human cruelty." Free at 7pm at 1854 W. North Ave. Call 773-342-0910 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon May 05 2008
We've all the theories that it was Bacon or Marlowe that penned the great works we attribute to William Shakespeare, but what if it was really a woman? On Wednesday, Robin P. Williams will be at the Newberry Library to discuss her book, Sweet Swan of Avon, that addresses that very question. Through eight years of research, the book speculates on the possibility that it was Mary Sidney, Countess of Pembroke, that wrote the sonnets and plays, thus developing the English language and publishing the first play in English written by a woman. Admission to the lecture is $9 and can be had by calling 312-255-3556. Doors open at 5:30pm and the lecture starts at 6:15pm at 60 W. Walton.
— Veronica Bond /
News Thu May 01 2008
Yes, Free Comic Book Day is here again. Stop by participating stores this Saturday, May 3, to get your fee comic book. Use the official store locater to find a retailer near you.
But, there are two great reasons to make Chicago Comics your stop for Free Comic Book Day on Saturday: local comics artist Jeffrey Brown and former Disney animator Christian Slade will be in-store signing books and comics from noon to 4pm.
Chicago Comics is located at 3244 N. Clark St. Call them at 773-528-1983 or visit the website for more info.
— Alice Maggio /
Events Mon Apr 28 2008
Critically acclaimed local author Aleksandar Hemon will be at Barnes & Noble in Evanston on Thursday to promote the release of his third novel, The Lazarus Project. Hemon's last book, Nowhere Man, was the book club's October 2005 selection. The event is free, and it begins at 7pm. The Evanston Barnes & Noble is located at 1630 Sherman Avenue. See Slowdown for more.
— Alice Maggio /
Events Mon Apr 21 2008
Pulitzer Prize winning author Marilynne Robinson (Gilead, Housekeeping) comes to DePaul on Thursday to discuss her works as part of their "Writing and the Catholic Imagination" series. Free and open to the public at 7pm in the Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield. Call 773-325-7346 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Apr 14 2008
This week I'm going to take a moment to toot our own horn - tonight's Book Club meeting marks three years since we first started getting together to discuss the wealth of local literature our city provides. From angsty punk adolescents to cyborg bounty hunters to a depression-era circus, we've had some interesting and exciting travels. To celebrate the past three years and to thank all of you who have joined and supported us, both online and in real life, we welcome you to enjoy some desserts and beverages with us as we discuss our current book, Middlesex. We look forward to discovering more local classic and emerging work with you in the years to come. 7:30pm tonight at the Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Apr 07 2008
This week Women & Children First offers you the opportunity to see two renowned women writers at the Swedish American Museum. On Tuesday you can see Pulitzer Prize-winner Jhumpa Lahiri, who will read from her new book Unaccustomed Earth. On Wednesday, Isabel Allende reads from her new memoir The Sum of Our Days. Tickets to both events are free with the purchase of the respective books at W&CF (you can request an additional ticket for $5 with your purchase). Both readings start at 7:30pm at 5211 N. Clark St. Call 773-769-9299 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Mar 31 2008
On Wednesday, Julie Klam comes to the Standard Club to read from and discuss her memoir Please Excuse My Daughter, an account of her experiences growing up in a traditional and privileged family in New York. Klam also writes about raising her own daughter with the self-reliance and indepedence she developed despite her family's lack of encouragement. Anyone who's had their own experience dealing with class issues and marriage will surely find this interesting. 11:30am at 320 S. Plymouth Ct. Tickets are $30 and include a reception, lunch and a book signing. Call 847-446-8880 for reservations and information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Mar 24 2008
Rock for Reading and Open Books are holding their second Sort-A-Thon on Saturday. They have 15,000 children's books to go through and they need your help to get them sorted for distribution to local schools and reading programs. The Sort-A-Thon will start at 10:30am and go until 1:30pm. If you can't stay and sort, but still want to help, drop off your own books to donate, or bring food and drink to keep all the hard workers going. The event takes place at the Open Books Warehouse at 600 N. Albany Ave. Email Becca Keaty at bkeaty[at]open-books[dot]org for more information or to sign up.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Mar 17 2008
It's a little bit lit, it's a little bit rock 'n roll at the Metro's Literary Rock & Roll night this Thursday. Part of Columbia College's Story Week 2008, authors Junot Diaz, ZZ Packer, Colin Channer and Hillary Carlip come to the Metro along with punk marching band Mucca Pazza to do readings and book signings. The show is all ages and it's free, so it's a good opportunity to get the not-yet-21 kids out for some literary fun. 6pm at 3830 N. Clark St. Call 773-549-0203 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Fri Mar 14 2008
Since we just read a mystery for the book club, members might like to know that the 16th Annual Mystery and More Book Fair is taking place this weekend at the Newberry Library. The huge selection usually includes not only mysteries, but also fantasy, science fiction, true crime and romance novels. Admission is free, and the event takes place from 9am-2pm on Saturday, March 15.
— Alice Maggio /
Events Mon Mar 10 2008
It's Women's History Month and what better way to celebrate than learn more about local heroines? The new book Ida: A Sword Among Lions takes an in depth look at life of Ida B. Wells, famed Chicago civil rights activist. Biographer Paula J. Giddings will be at Women & Children First on Tuesday to discuss Wells and the research that went into the biography. Free at 7:30pm at 5233 N. Clark St. Call 773-768-9299 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Thu Mar 06 2008
The wonderful folks at local publisher Lake Claremont Press have started a monthly get-together that takes place on the first Friday of the month. This month's "First Fridays for Family, Friends, and Fans" (FFFFFF) will take place at Stanley's Kitchen & Tap on Racine on Friday, March 7, beginning at 5:30pm. Meet cool people, network and make new friends. Visit the publisher's blog for more information.
— Alice Maggio /
Events Mon Mar 03 2008
Acclaimed Antiguan author Jamaica Kincaid (I read a couple of her books in college - did you?) comes to Northwestern on Thursday for the 2008 Leon Forrest Lecutre "On Writing." Having left her home country at 17 to comes to the US, Kincaid has been a staff writer at the New Yorker and is now teaching at Harvard. If you get the chance, check out her memoir My Brother for a very interesting and raw account of her family and the way she does and does not fit in. If you're interested in seeing her talk, head to Harris Hall 107 at 1181 Sheridan Rd. in Evanston for her 5pm lecture (free and open to the public). Call 847-467-3005 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Feb 25 2008
Tonight the stage version of Eric Klinenberg's sociological study Heat Wave officially opens at Pegasus Players. The show is a recreation of the choas that occurred between medical examiners, health officials, reporters, politicians and citizens when hundreds of people died owing to the extreme heat in the summer of 1995. Tickets for tonight's 8pm show are $17 and can be purchased online or by calling 773-878-9761. Pegasus Players is located at 1145 W. Wilson Ave. in the O'Rourke Center at Truman College.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Feb 18 2008
Author of our July selection, Free Burning, Bayo Ojikutu joins the Friends of the Blackstone Library on Thursday for their reading series Voices From Home: Local Authors Speak. The story is about a young black man who leaves the crime of the south side for a corporate job, only to lose the job and find himself back in his old neighborhood. The reading is free and starts at 7pm at 4904 S. Lake Park Ave. Call 312-747-0511 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Feb 11 2008
Get to know Mayor Harold Washington as the contributors to Harold! Photographs from the Harold Washington Years stop by Women & Children First first on Wednesday to share and discuss their work. Free at 7:30pm, 5233 N. Clark St. Call 773-769-9299 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Feb 04 2008
Friendly small press co-publisher of featherproof Books and Time Out Chicago editor Jonathan Messinger gives everyone an opportunity to hear a bit about his latest work. Messinger will read from his novel-in-progress Take Your Own Advice on Tuesday at the Parlor. The event is free at 7pm at the Green Latern, 1511 N. Milwaukee Ave. Call 773-235-0936 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Jan 28 2008
Larry Lockwood and Florence Dunham return to the Newberry Library, along with students from Audubon Elementary School, for an evening of traditional (and not-so-traditional) Native American storytelling. This free event begins at 6:30pm and takes place on Thursday, Jan. 31 at the Newberry Library. Visit the website for more details.
— Alice Maggio
Events Mon Jan 21 2008
If you're a writer who needs a little help getting your work out to the people, the Uptown Writers Space might have the perfect workshop for you. Saturday's "Make Readings Work for You" focuses on teaching you the essentials of public reading, a skill necessary for all writers wishing to build their audience. The workshop is a bit pricey at $70 for members and $75 for non-members, but the money will likely be worth it. Taught by performer and author Marianna Swallow. Call 312-391-8554 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Jan 07 2008
In March we'll discuss Sara Paretsky's mystery novel Fire Sale, but tonight you can get a taste of the author early as she visits Women & Children First. She'll discuss her latest novel, Bleeding Kansas, but if you're ahead of the Book Club schedule, I bet she'll answer any questions you have on her previous works too. Free at 7:30pm, 5233 N. Clark St. Call 773-769-9299 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Wed Dec 19 2007
Feeling uninspired? Want to get away for a couple days and meet with other local writers? Local author Laura Mazzuca Toops (we reviewed her novel Hudson Lake here) is organizing a writing workshop, tenatively scheduled for February 22-24, 2008, to take place at the Lakeside Inn near New Buffalo, Michigan. If a little creative retreat sounds like just the thing you need this winter, visit the author's website for all the details.
— Alice Maggio
Events Wed Dec 19 2007
• Photographer Pat Graham, who is best known for his photos of indie bands such as Modest Mouse, Bikini Kill and Fugazi, will be at The Book Cellar on Thursday, December 20, to talk about his new book, Silent Pictures: Living Music Photography 1990-2005. This free event begins at 7pm. The Book Cellar is located at 4736-8 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-293-2665 for more information.
• This week is also your last chance to catch "Drinking & Writing Vol. IV: The 12 Steps of X-Mas" at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, starring Neo-Futurists Sean Benjamin and Steve Mosqueda and exploring "the connection between creativity and alcohol." And, yes, the theater bar will be open throughout the performance. The show ends December 21, and tickets are just $15, so get one now at victorygardens.org or by calling 773-871-3000.
— Alice Maggio
Events Mon Dec 17 2007
The Museum of Contemporary Art is continuing their Literary Gangs of Chicago series with a show from 2nd Story, a performance event that uses wine and music to present great stories. Produced by Serendipity Theater Collective, 2nd Story can usually be found at Webster's Wine Bar for their monthly series and annual festival. The event is free from 6:30-8pm at Cafe Puck in the MCA, 220 E. Chicago Ave. Call 312-280-2660 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Dec 03 2007
On Saturday, Rock for Reading and Open Books are holding their inagural Grand Sort-A-Thon. Rock for Reading is a non-profit organization that fights the rising trend of illiteracy by providing communities with the tools and incentives needed to promote the love of reading. They raise awareness through concernts and benefits and award grants, among other activities. Open Books is Chicago's first non-profit literarcy bookstore -- the proceeds of the store go toward funding adult and family literacy programs. Together, the two have over 10,000 children's books that need to be sorted for distribution and they need your help to get it done. If you can't stay to sort, you can also donate your own books or donate food and drink to keep the hardworking sorters going. The sorting starts at 10am at the Open Books Warehouse, 600 N. Albany Ave. Call 773-209-6878 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Nov 26 2007
Punk Planet editor and publisher, contributor to Bitch Magazine, editor of the Best American Comics series (and GB's own Sky in Five columnist) Anne Elizabeth Moore is stopping by Women & Children First on Thursday to discuss her latest book Unmarketable: Brandalism, Copyfighting, Mocketing, and the Erosion of Integrity. As always, the event is free, and if you've ever had the chance to hear Moore speak, you know it'll be a good one. 7:30pm at 5233 N. Clark St. Call 773-769-9299 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Nov 19 2007
It's a short week for most of us, but there are still interesting literary things to see. Tonight (Monday), Jonathan Messinger takes part in Funky Buddha's poetry slam/open mic, reading from his debut book of short stories Hiding Out. Slam poet Chesko will be at the lounge to perform some of his work as well. $5 admission and 21+ at 728 W. Grand. 7:30pm.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Nov 12 2007
If you missed the chance to meet all your favorite local mystery/crime fiction writers at the Chicago Blues debut in October, the Book Cellar is offering you another opportunity. Come by on Thursday at 7pm where many of the authors will be on site to discuss their contributions and sign your books. Free at 4736 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-293-2665 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Oct 29 2007
Okay, so it's not the most literary of events, but it's bound to be amusing, right? Former Nsync member Lance Bass has a book out, titled (most uncreatively) Out of Sync, in which he details what it's like to be gay while in a band adored by millions of teenybopper girls. As if his homosexuality were ever a secret (I think we're more surprised that he's the only one). Don't miss your chance to see him tonight and ask all of your burning, boy band questions at Borders Lakeview, 2817 N. Clark St, 7:30pm. Free, of course.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Oct 22 2007
Whether you're tentative about the idea of feminism and want to learn a little bit more or you've long considered yourself a feminist and want to take in all the history you can, the new anthology The Essential Feminist Reader will provide you with decades-worth of feminist ideas and texts. On Thursday, the book's editor Estelle B. Freedman will come to Women & Children First to discuss where feminism has been and where it's going now. It promises to be a good learning experience for feminists of all kinds. Free at 7:30pm at 5233 N. Clark St. Call 773-769-9299 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Oct 15 2007
Achy Obejas, author of book club selection Memory Mambo, comes to Women & Children First on Thursday to celebrate the release of her latest work, Havana Noir. The free event will also include Cuban food, cocktails and music and should prove to be a great time to get to know of the authors we've read. 7:30pm at 5233 N. Clark St. Call 773-769-9299 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Oct 08 2007
Come celebrate the release of the new crime fiction anthology Chicago Blues on Friday at Buddy Guy's Legends. The book is packed full of local authors, including the likes of Sara Paretsky, Sean Chercover, Barbara D'Amato, Marcus Sakey, Brian Pinkerton, editor Libby Fischer Hellman and more, with contributions from Book Club authors Kevin Guilfoile and Rick Kogan. Many of the authors will be at the party to discuss their work in person, making this a great opportunity to get to know some of the faces behind the pages you read. Free at 754 S. Wabash from 5pm-8pm. Call 312-427-0333 for more information. (To get an idea of what the book is about, check out our review here.)
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Oct 01 2007
You've got to go to Aurora for this one, but my guess is it'll be worth it. The Midwest Literary Festival runs this entire weekend, with appearances from authors such as Sean Chercover, Karen Abbott, Daniel Wallace and even chef Rocco DiSpirito. You'll get to hear what it's like for an author when their novel is transformed into a hit movie, female perspectives on becoming a writer, writing great cookbooks, general writing career advice and much more. There are even workshops especially geared toward children. Workshops and discussions go throughout Saturday and Sunday, so be sure to check the schedule of events to ensure you see who and what you want to see. Call 630-844-4731 for more specific information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Tue Sep 25 2007
• Jonathan Katz, co-creator of "Dr. Katz: Professional Therapist" on Comedy Central, will be at Quimby's today to promote his first comedy CD, Caffeinated. Free. 7pm. 1854 W. North Ave.
• Free Shakespeare at Victory Gardens Theater. For one night only, tomorrow, Sept. 26, Victory Gardens Theater will be performing The Completely Inaccurate and Adventurous Adventures of Young William Shakespeare, a new comedic play by Kyle More. And it's FREE. Show starts at 7pm. 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-871-3000 for complete information.
— Alice Maggio
Events Mon Sep 24 2007
Jonathan Messinger of Dollar Store and featherproof fame has just put out his first book of short stories and on Thursday you can join him and his friends at the Hideout to celebrate its release. In addition to Messinger, featured guests include comedian Kumail Nanjiani, shadow puppeteer Jill Summers and music from DJ Nathan Keay and His Seven Inches of Love. $5 admission to the 8pm party at 1354 W. Wabansia. Call 773-227-4433 for more information.
If you're interested in learning more about Hiding Out, come back later in the week when we'll post our pre-release review of Messinger's debut.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Tue Sep 18 2007
Author of our March selection, The Hummingbird's Daughter, Luis Alberto Urrea stops by the Lozano Branch Library on Thursday to discuss his works. The discussion is sponsored by the Chicago Matters: Beyond Borders program which explores the affect immigration has on political, economic and cultural life in Chicago. With his books focusing on his Mexican heritage, Urrea is a perfect speaker for the program. Free at 6:30pm at 1805 S. Loomis St. Call 312-746-4329 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Sep 10 2007
If you missed our April book club meeting during which we had the pleasure of listening to Tribune columnist Rick Kogan enlighten us with his memories and love of Chicago and the journalists whose legacies are entwined with the city, here's your second chance. On Wednesday the Book Cellar welcomes Kogan and photographer Charles Osgood for a discussion of their book Sidewalks, a collection of the Kogan/Osgood weekly column. The 7pm event is free and is sure to draw a crowd, so you'd do well to get there a little early. 4736 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-293-2665 for more information.
— Veronica Bond
Events Mon Sep 03 2007
Perhaps having a bit more to do with music than with literature, on Wednesday the Newberry Library is offering an interesting look at how much the famous British foursome has influenced popular culture both then and now. The literary connection is that this talk stems from June Skinner's work Read the Beatles which looks at the band's careers together and separately. Skinner will be at the Newberry to carry the discussion forth and singer-songwriter Bucky Halker will perform his own interpretations of Beatles classics. Admission is $9 and the 6:15pm talk will be preceded by a 5:30pm reception. The Newberry Library is located at 60 W. Walton; call 312-255-3556 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Events Mon Aug 27 2007
The ability to tell a good story is certainly different from the ability to write a good piece of fiction, but the two often go hand in hand. The art of storytelling has firm roots in the propogation of cultural history and on Wednesday the Chicago Public Library welcomes Ramon Lopez for a discussion on the value of storytelling in cultural identity. In addition to being a storytelling himself, Lopez is also an anthropologist and textile artist whose expertise lies in Afro-Caribbean and Puerto Rican cultural history. His books include Puerto Rican Popular Cultural in the US and A History of Puerto Rican Artisanry, among others. Lopez not only employs storytelling for its entertainment value, but also to preserve memories, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. The free discussion will take place at the Humbolt Park Library, 1605 N. Troy, from 6pm-9pm and the audience will be invited to share their thoughts.
— Veronica Bond
Events Mon Aug 20 2007
There are not one, but two literary events worth mentioning this week, although they're on the same night so you will be forced to choose between the two.
If you're in the mood for a single-author sort of thing, stop by the Silver Cloud Bar & Grill where Elizabeth Crane will discuss When the Messenger is Hot, her debut collection of short stories. (We read her second book, All This Heavenly Glory earlier in the year.) The event is free and will take place at 6:30pm at 1700 N. Damen.
On the other hand, if you're looking for more of a group thing, head on over to the Hideout where a host of local authors will gather for another installment of Funny Ha-Ha. Claire Zulkey hosts the collection of humorous readings and short films and notables such as Wendy McClure, Mark Bazer, Steve Delahoyde and Alpana Singh will provide their talents. Your $5 admission benefits the Neighborhood Writing Alliance, so you get the funny and a good deed all in one deal. 7pm at 1354 W. Wabansia.
— Veronica Bond
Events Mon Aug 13 2007
MAKE Magazine is all about telling stories. Filled with fiction, poetry, essays and art, MAKE's goal is to "expand on the Chicago tradition to entertain and to inform." The magazine publishes quarterly and can be found at Quimby's, Women and Children First, the Seminary Co-op Bookstore, the Book Cellar, Reckless Records, Laurie's Planet of Sound and at many of the literary festivals that occur throughout the year. Past issues have included interviews with notable locals Aleksandar Hemon, Alex Kotlowitz and Adam Langer, as well as numerous pieces by emerging local writers. On Saturday, MAKE celebrates the release of their fifth issue, "City in Biography" at the Hideout with readings from contributors, musical performances and a Hideout Dance Party with DJ Matt Fields.
8:30pm at 1354 W. Wabansia. Admission is $8. Call 773-227-4433 or email info[at]makemag[dot]com for more information.
— Veronica Bond
Events Mon Aug 06 2007
My Slowdown literary event of the week is the appearance of The Outfit Collective at the Harold Washington Library Center on Tuesday. The Outfit is comprised of seven outstanding local authors — Sara Paretsky, Sean Chercover, Barbara D'Amato, Michael Dymmoch, Libby Hellman, Kevin Guilfoile and Marcus Sakey, and they are all scheduled to attend this discussion to talk about their work. You can also read their thoughts about writing, Chicago and many other topics on The Outfit Collective blog.
Tuesday, August 7. 6pm. Cindy Pritzker Auditorium at the Harold Washington Library Center (400 S. State St.). Free.
— Alice Maggio
Events Wed Jun 06 2007
What's the Printers Row Book Fair, you ask, and why are we at the Book Club so excited about it? Founded in 1985 for the purpose of attracting people to the Printers Row neighborhood, the Book Fair is the largest free outdoor literary event in the city, and quite possibly in the entire Midwest. The fair spans two days and five city blocks, bringing in more than 190 sellers of new, used and antiquarian books, and offering over 90 free literary programs. Author readings and panel discussions are held over eleven stages, and each author stays after the event to offer visitors the chance to have their books signed. This is a great place to get acquainted with the city's numerous independent booksellers as well as local publishers and literacy and cultural organizations that make the Chicago literary scene as vibrant as it is. But the best part is that it's all free, accessible to anyone and everyone. That's exactly the way literature should be.
With so many author events and book tents, navigating the Printers Row Book Fair can be a daunting task. Below we've created a guide to the fair, highlighting authors of past Book Club selections, other notable local author events and booksellers we've come to know and love. By no means exhaustive, we hope this will provide a little guidance to Printers Row newcomers or to anyone revisiting the fair who just needs a little help deciding where to go.
* * *
If you've been keeping up with the Book Club picks, Printers Row offers a great chance to see some of these authors in person.
Erik Larson – Saturday at 12pm in the University Center River Room/Loop Room
Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City was a huge hit and it was nearly impossible to avoid seeing someone reading it wherever you went. Based on the two true stories of America's first serial killer, H.H. Holmes, and Daniel Burnham's struggle to build the 1893 World's Fair, the book is steeped in mystery and suspense, made even more so by the knowledge that everything actually transpired. Lessons on Chicago history that would otherwise be boring are vibrant and convincing in Larson's hands. Larson is also the author of Isaac's Storm, about a massive hurricane that hit Galveston, Texas, and more recently Thunderstruck, which revisits the dichotomy between a killer and a genius. You can read our August 2006 introduction to The Devil in White City here.
Amy Krouse Rosenthal – Saturday at 12pm in the Chicago Tribune Kids Alley
Amy Krouse Rosenthal's Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life put the traditional idea of a memoir on its head. Less about the big, important events that shape a life, Rosenthal focuses on the minute and sometimes mundane details that come together to truly make us who we are. Krouse's work can also be found in the children's section, with Little Pea making an appearance in a well-seen Banana Republic ad. Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life made for an excellent June 2006 selection.
Audrey Niffenegger – Saturday at 1:20pm in the University Center/Private Dining Room
What can you say about a man who travels through time to ensure that he ends up with the love of his life? If you've read The Time Traveler's Wife, you can say that you've probably fallen a little bit in love with the story of Henry and Clare, the former of whom is afflicted with a genetic disorder that causes him to fall through time. It's the perfect combination of science fiction and romance that leans just far enough to each side to create a cohesive and captivating story. The Time Traveler's Wife was Audrey Niffenegger's debut and she's since authored the illustrated novels The Three Incestuous Sisters and The Adventuress. The Time Traveler's Wife was one of our earliest picks, coming in at number three in June 2005.
Studs Terkel in conversation with Rick Kogan – Saturday at 3:15pm in the Harold Washington Library Center Cindy Pritzker Auditorium
It's impossible to go wrong with Studs Terkel. One of the most influential figures in sociology and the practice of oral histories, Terkel has written numerous books on race, war, economic divides and social structures and hosted his own radio show. He has been a film narrator, movie actor, playwright, sportscaster, civil service employee and winner of the Pulitzer Prize. At 95 he is still an engaging speaker. This event is ticketed so be sure to reserve your spot as chairs are likely to fill up fast. Many of us made our introduction to Terkel with Division Street: America in February 2006. Rick Kogan is an award-winning Chicago journalist and host of "Sunday Papers with Rick Kogan" on WGN radio. Kogan is also the author of A Chicago Tavern: A Goat, a Curse, and the American Dream, which was a big hit when he joined us to discuss his book at our April 2007 book club meeting.
Elizabeth Berg – Sunday at 4pm in the Heartland Stage presented by Barnes & Noble
Elizabeth Berg is the author of ten novels, all of which have become national bestsellers and one of which was chosen to be a part of Oprah's book club. Her debut novel, Durable Goods, was named Best Book of the Year by the American Library Association in 1993. Berg's attention to detail and focus on emotions make her novels – which often focus on the minutiae of family and everyday life – realistic and touching. The Year of Pleasures follows a woman who has just lost her husband as she struggles to regain some normalcy and was our May 2007 book club selection.
* * *
Though all the author events at the fair will be worth attending, below are a few events with local authors that are sure to inspire.
Sara Paretsky
Saturday, 12pm in the Harold Washington Library Cindy Pritzker Auditorium
Sara Paretsky is one of the city's most notable and noticed mystery writers. Her series of books focusing on female private eye V.I. Warshawski has been translated into nearly thirty languages. Her latest book, Writing in an Age of Silence, takes a look at the repression of free speech in the U.S. and the traditions of political and literary dissent that have influenced her life and work.
Criminal Minds: C.J. Box, Marcus Sakey & Sean Chercover moderated by Kevin Guilfoile
Saturday, 2:30pm in the University Center/Private Dining Room
Book Club author Kevin Guilfoile leads three local writers in a discussion of the mystery and crime genre. C.J. Box is the author of eight novels and has won numerous awards, including an Edgar Award, and has been featured in the Best American Mystery Stories series. Marcus Sakey's debut novel, The Blade Itself, led the author to shadow homicide detectives in the name of research and was a New York Times Book Review Editor's Choice. Sean Chercover was once a private investigator in Chicago and New Orleans and has written for film, television and print. His debut novel is Big City, Bad Blood.
Drawings on a Page – Anne Elizabeth Moore & Anders Nilsen in conversation with Julia Keller
Saturday, 3:30pm at Hotel Blake in the Burnham Room
Punk Planet editor, Best American Comics series editor and contributor to Bitch magazine, the Chicago Reader and the Journal of Popular Culture and more, Anne Elizabeth Moore joins comic artist Anders Nilsen, who has been published by Drawn & Quarterly, Fantagraphics and McSweeney's.
Murder Most Foul – Jeffery Deaver & Lori Andrews moderated by Kevin Guilfoile
Sunday, 11am at the Nelson Algren Stage
Kevin Guilfoile returns for a conversation with two more local mystery writers. Jeffrey Deaver has been a poet, a journalist, a lawyer and, since 1990, an author of mystery and suspense. With twenty-two books to his name, Deaver's novels have been translated into 35 languages and have been international bestsellers. In addition to being an award-winning writer, Lori Andrews is also a law professor and the director of the Institute for Science, Law and Technology at the Illinois Institute of Technology. An expert on genetics and law, Andrews was chosen to chair the federal advisory committee for legal, ethical and social implications of the Human Genome Project.
American Heritage Dictionary Define-A-Thon
Sunday, 2pm at the Nelson Algren Stage
This just sounds like fun. A word-based competition, the American Heritage Dictionary Define-A-Thon goes way beyond the spelling bee to test the intimate knowledge of English word use. The game will give each contestant a definition and several possible answers, with each contestant picking the right one to progress to the next round. For the first time ever, it may be fun to read the dictionary.
* * *
Below are booksellers and publishers who work tirelessly to keep Chicago literature dynamic and exciting through the publication of commendable books and the support they offer to local authors, both established and unknown. They are simply the ones we have come to know and love. (Sidewalk/tent placement is listed next to each name.)
Barbara's Bookstore – PP4
Barbara's Bookstore opened its doors in 1963 and has grown to occupy several stores throughout Chicago, from Macy's on State St. to UIC to Oak Park. Though wholly independent, Barbara's has since expanded to New York, Minneapolis, Boston and Philadelphia. They feature a great array of fiction, nonfiction and local writings as well as playing host to numerous up and coming and established writers. Multiple locations; call 312-666-3161 for information.
Bookworks – 152, 154
This Lakeview used bookstore offers not only contemporary reads and literary classics, but also out-of-print and rare books and used and rare recordings. Genres include cookbooks, philosophy, science fiction, children's books, humor, pop culture and more. Their online store provides a useful tool for out of town fans of the store or anyone who wants to avoid ordering from the big chain sellers. 3444 N. Clark St.; call 773-871-5318 for information.
Chicago Rare Book Center – C4
Located in Evanston, this used bookstore is for the serious rare book collector. Focusing on children's books, modern literature, jazz and blues, art, Chicago, Americana and bindings and sets, the store also gives the opportunity to search for and purchase rare books online. They'll also buy your rare books from you, offering their own appraisal service. 703 W. Washington St. in Evanston; call 847-328-2132 for information.
Featherproof Books – 333
A local, independent publisher, Featherproof's most unique aspect is the free mini-books they feature on their website. They're downloadable, foldable, staple-able and ready to carry in your back pocket everywhere. This young publisher has also put out three full-size books, with one more to come out in the fall. In the world of independent publishing, these guys are ones to watch.
Illinois Women's Press Association – FF
Founded in 1185, the Illinois Women's Press Association is an organization of professionals who work to maintain and improve the standards of mass communication in the state. Members are privy to job announcements, regular newsletters and valuable networking opportunities. The IWPA's own book fair occurs every fall. Call 312-458-9151 for information.
Kate the Great's Book Emporium – G2
Named for the Russian Empress Katherine the Great, Kate the Great's houses new books as well as used, out-of-print and rare collectibles. They even offer a Recycle & Save special, allowing visitors to bring in up to 15 books to be evaluated and traded in for store credit. With plenty of free readings and literary events, Kate is an Edgewater must-stop. 5550 N. Broadway; call 773-561-1932 for information.
Lake Claremont Press – DD1
Lake Claremont Press publishes some of the most in-depth and well-researched books about the city. Learn about Chicago ghostlore and graveyards, brush on the great Chicago fires, take in a drink and a burger at the infamous Billy Goat Tavern or pick up one of their guidebooks, such as those catering to foodies, blues fans and gays and lesbians. Lake Claremont celebrates Chicago in a way that only a true lover of the city can.
McSweeney's Publishing – PP2
Although McSweeney's doesn't publish in Chicago, we're all too happy to play up the connection between Chicago-born, Lake Forest-bred Dave Eggers, founder of McSweeney's the literary magazine and its publishing counterpart. McSweeney's has published several unknown authors who have gone on to literary success, proving that independent literature should be both great and accessible.
Powell's Bookstore – U
Everyone knows Powell's from their massive Portland location, but few know that it started right here in Hyde Park. With two other locations – one in Printers Row and the other in Lakeview – Powell's has some of the greatest used and remained books for impossible to beat prices. Each store has its own feel and focuses on slightly different genres, meaning that everyone favors one particular store and will go out of their way to visit it. The Powell's North location also holds a monthly reading series, matching established writers with rising local talent. 2850 N. Lincoln Ave; 773-248-1444. 828 S. Wabash, 312-341-0748. 1501 E. 57th St., 773-955-7780.
The Book Cellar – HH3
Home to the Gapers Block Book Club, the Book Cellar holds some of the greatest free literary events in the city. They've held readings from many authors, including Studs Terkel and Alpana Singh, hold their own monthly book club discussion group, encourage romance with their Date and Dash nights and every month give a platform to emerging writers with their Local Author Night. Their events schedule alone is a must-read and the welcoming staff makes an everyday visit a great time. 4736 N. Lincoln Ave.; call 773-293-2665 for information.
The Newberry Library – 142
The Newberry Library has always been free and open to public and is one of the leading independent research libraries in the nation. With classes, lectures, exhibits, concerts and other public programming, the Newberry holds treasures for everyone interested in the humanities. The Newberry also holds its own book fair every July, accompanied by music, poetry and debates in the neighboring square. 60 W. Walton St.; call 312-255-3510 for information.
Women & Children First – PP1
In addition to being a general fiction bookstore, Women & Children First is also one the best places to pick up literature on feminism and gender studies. The women-owned store offers its own book club, free events with everyone from Erica Jong to the women of Bitch magazine, and the Women's Voices Fund, which works to preserve the discussion of feminist issues and culture and nurture children's interest in books. 5233 N. Clark St.; call 773-769-9299 for information.
* * *
The Printers Row Book Fair is held in the Printers Row neighborhood, in the blocks surrounding the intersection of Dearborn and Polk streets. Call 312-222-3986 for more information or visit their website at www.chicagotribune.com/about/custom/events/printersrow/.
— Veronica Bond
Events Wed May 23 2007
Sara Gruen is appearing tonight at 7:30pm at Women & Children First (5233 N Clark St.). Gruen is the author of our upcoming August book club selection, Water for Elephants, which quickly became a surprise indie bestseller when it was published last year.
— Alice Maggio
Events Thu Feb 22 2007
Last minute event alert: Bob Skilnik, the author of Beer: The History of Beer and Brewing in Chicago, 1833–1978, is appearing tonight at the Newberry Library (60 W. Walton St.) to talk about researching "Chicago’s beer-soaked past." The lecture is part of the library's genealogy events series. It is a free event, and it starts at 6pm.
— Alice Maggio
Events Mon Feb 19 2007
Biographer Julian Rubenstein's already got an interesting idea in his non-fiction book, Ballad of the Whiskey Robber, in which he follows a Transylvanian bank robber named Attila Ambrus who makes his way over to Hungary and ends up on a hockey team. But Rubenstein steps it up a bit with the release of the book's accompaniment CD, a special audio performance featuring the talents of Jonathan Ames, Eric Bogosian, Gary Shteyngart, Tommy Ramone, Demetri Martin, Mary Birdsong and more. The CD also includes musical performances from five bands around the world who have composed tributes to Attila, who now resides in a Hungarian prison. It's not quite your usual audio adaptation -- more like a well-thought out audio enhancement. The CD is not for sale in stores (you can purchase it at audible[dot]com or iTunes), but you can pick one up for free at Rubenstein's Barbara's Bookstore Oak Park reading on Tuesday (details in Slowdown) or listen to samples on Rubenstein's home page.
— Veronica Bond
Events Sat Jan 27 2007
The Love is Murder conference returns next weekend, Feb. 2-4, at the Wyndham O'Hare hotel in Rosemont. The conference, which is now in its ninth year, is for "fans, authors, and aspiring writers of mysteries, romantic suspense, horror and thrillers." This year's event is scheduled to include appearances by Anne Perry, Nancy Pickard, Max Allan Collins and many others. Check out the website for full conference details.
— Alice Maggio
Events Mon Jul 31 2006
Stay cool this week by checking out some of these great literary events happening around town.
Monday: 7/31
Twilight Tales @ Red Lion Pub
The long-running Twilight Tales reading series takes place tonight at the Red Lion Pub (2446 N. Lincoln Ave.). This week's open mike event will be dedicated to writer Mickey Spillane, who recently passed away. 7:30pm. $4 suggested donation.
Tuesday: 8/1
Funny Ha-Ha @ Hideout
Funny Ha-Ha returns! Claire Zulkey, Eric Spitznagel, Mimi Smartypants, John Green and many others are scheduled to appear for this reading event at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia). 7pm. $5 suggested donation. See Slowdown for details.
Wednesday: 8/2
Reading Under the Influence @ Sheffield's
RUI also returns this week with another full night of alcohol-fueled readings. This month's event at Sheffield's (3258 N. Sheffield) is scheduled to include writers Jotham Burrello, Drew Bazini, Darwyn Jones and Allison Spangenberg, among others. 7pm. $3. [Slowdown]
Thursday: 8/3
Lip @ The Spot
Lip is a new reading series from the Poetry Center of Chicago "dedicated to emerging writers and performers." Tonight Lip takes place at The Spot (4437 N. Broadway). Participants will include Dave Awl and Mike Kadela. 8pm. $5 admission.
Saturday: 8/5
God Does Not Eat Meat @ Quimby's
Arthur Poletti, the author of God Does Not Eat Meat, a novel that envisions a future in which Americans no longer eat meat, will be appearing at Quimby's (1854 W. North Ave.) to talk about his controversial book. 7pm. Free.
Sunday: 8/6
Used Book Sale @ Women & Children First
Women & Children First (5233 N. Clark St.) is having its first used book sale this weekend. Saturday and Sunday, 10am-6pm. [Slowdown]
— Alice Maggio
Events Fri Jul 28 2006
It's that time of the year again — time to run, not walk, to the Newberry Library Book Fair. The fair has thousands and thousands of books, organized by category, and spread over the entire main floor. Most of the books are only $2 or less — including hardcover books in near mint condition! Admission to the book fair is free, and it runs today from noon to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am-6pm. Also, on Sunday all the remaining books are half-price. Visit the Newberry website for more information.
— Alice Maggio
Events Wed Jul 19 2006
There are a couple more interesting events that have popped up that I thought you might enjoying having brought to your attention. The first is a special Dollar Store reading held at the Rudy Lozano Branch Library in Pilsen. What makes it special is that this reading will be bilingual, with authors Tanya Saracho and Ignacio de Alba and a translated reading of a Jonathan Messinger original. 7pm at 1805 S. Loomis on Thursday. (And after that you can catch a bus with the Dollar Store crew to head to the Double Door for the Printers' Ball. Thursday's just chock full of literary things to do.)
The second is the opening of the Bucktown/Wicker Park Branch of the Chicago Public Library, situated at 1701 N. Milwaukee. Maylor Daley and others will be there for the dedication ceremony and the reception that follows, starting at 10:30am on Friday. The opening is free and open to the public, so if you've got the morning free go and celebrate the city bringing the books to the people.
— Veronica Bond
Events Sun Jul 16 2006
Monday: 7/17
"Brokeback Locker Room" @ Harold Washington Library
In celebration of the Gay Games, author and NY Times columnist Robert Lipsyte moderates a discussion of gays and lesbians in sports. Free at 6:30pm. [Slowdown]
Tuesday: 7/18
"The Commercial Closet" @ Harold Washington Library
Also in acknowledgement of the Gay Games, the Harold Washington Library is holding a talk on the history of queer representation in marketing media through the past 30 years. Free at 6pm. [Slowdown]
Wednesday: 7/19
Local Author Night @ Book Cellar
Elizabeth Crane, Melissa Fraterrigo, David Case and Iris Waichler stop at the Book Cellar for their regular local authors series. Free at 7pm. [Slowdown]
Thursday: 7/20
Voices from Home: Local Authors Speak
The Friends of the Blackstone Branch Library host Elizabeth Fama for their regular series of local author readings. 4909 S. Lake Park Ave at 3pm. [Slowdown]
2nd Annual Printers' Ball
Local prints abound at the Double Door tonight. Come check out publications from Punk Planet, Make Magazine, Newcity, Featherproof Books and more and get to know the great people who keep local, independent publishing alive. Free at 8pm. [Slowdown]
Powell's North Reading Series
This month Powell's hosts Kathy Regina, Amanda Traxler and feature poet Srikanth Reddy. Free at 7pm. [Slowdown]
Friday: 7/21
Saturation Series: Youth, Innocence & Doubt
Featuring new writing, film, music and thought, this month's series focuses on the "joys and troubles of childhood." 8pm at South Union Arts, 1352 S. Union. [Slowdown]
Saturday: 7/22
Dragon Boat Race for Literacy
Magnificent races in dragon boats along the Chicago River in China Town. Admission is free to the races and the food, games, crafts and performances throughout the day. 9am-4pm. [Slowdown]
— Veronica Bond
Events Sun Jul 02 2006
Monday: 7/3
Jello Biafra @ Lakeshore Theater
Jello Biafra, former lead singer of the Dead Kennedys does the spoken word thing at The Lakeshore Theater tonight at 7pm. Tickets are $12. [Slowdown]
Tuesday: 7/4
Poetry Wheel Night @ The Café
Participants are encourage to bring "lots of poems" because each poem read must link with the poem that came before. The Café is at 5115 N. Lincoln Ave., and the event begins at 8pm. Free. Call 773-275-5025 for more information.
Wednesday: 7/5
RUI: Reading Under the Influence @ Sheffield's
Special guest Sam Weller joins Frank Crist, Jenny Seay, Charlie Vlahogiannis, Nicholas Ladendorf and more for a night of alcohol-fueled readings. 7pm at Sheffield's (3258 N. Sheffield Ave.). $3 cover. [Slowdown]
Thursday: 7/6
Melissa Fraterrigo @ Women & Children First
Local writer Melissa Fraterrigo reads from her new collection of short stories, The Longest Pregnancy, at Women & Children First (5233 N. Clark St.). 7:30pm. Free. [Slowdown]
Friday: 7/7
First Friday Lecture @ Chicago Cultural Center
University of Chicago instructor Claudia Traudt will be discussing pain and love in the works of William Faulkner today at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.) in the Cassidy Theater. 12:15pm. Free. Visit the Cultural Center website for more information.
Saturday: 7/8
Millennium Park: Creating a Chicago Landmark @ Newberry Library
Author Timothy Gilfoyle talks about his critcally acclaimed new book which traces the history of the Millennium Park area from the 19th century to the present. This free event takes place at the Newberry Library (60 W. Walton St.). 11am. [Slowdown]
Sunday: 7/9
Alison Bechdel @ Women & Children First
Cartoonist Alison Bechdel reads from her new "tragicomic," Fun Home, at Women & Children First (5233 N. Clark St.). 4:30pm. Free. [Slowdown]
— Alice Maggio
Events Sun Jun 25 2006
Running through the entire summer, the University of Chicago's Regenstein Library is holding a book sale, offering their used volumes for insanely cheap prices. Head down to Hyde Park and start your personal academic library today.
As always, more information on these events can be found in the lovely and amazing Slowdown. Click on the provided links to get there.
Tuesday: 6/27
Richard Brookhiser @ Harold Washington Library
Brookhiser discusses and signs his latest book What Would the Founders Do?: Our Questions, Their Answers. Free and open to the public at 6pm in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium. [Slowdown]
Julius Rosenwald Biographer @ Newberry Library
Peter M. Ascoli, Rosenwald's grandson, discusses his new biography profiling one of the major architects and philanthropists in Chicago history. Free at 6pm at the Newberry Library. [Slowdown]
Wednesday: 6/28
Lori Andrews @ Chicago Public Library
Combining thrillers with biotechnology, Lori Andrews reads and signs her latest novel, Sequence, at 5:30pm at the Harold Washington Library. Free. [Slowdown]
Thursday: 6/29
Field Guide to Gay and Lesbian Chicago @ Women & Children First
The authors of this latest Chicago guide will be at Women & Children First to celebrate and read from their new release. Join them for the wine and cheese and question and answer sessions. Free from 7:30-9pm. [Slowdown]
Audrey Niffenegger & Sam Weller @ Book Cellar
Not only do we love us some Book Cellar, but we're also pretty big fans of past Book Club author Audrey Niffenegger and Ray Bradbury biographer Sam Weller. Head to our meeting spot to listen to the two discuss their works, both past and future. Free at 7:30pm. [Slowdown]
Saturday: 7/1
Drinking & Writing III @ Edgewater Lounge
Got a little Hemmingway in ya? Join Neo-Futurist alums for the latest version of Drinking and Writing, a look at how the two practices help each other. $10 at Edgewater Lounge, 7pm. [Slowdown]
— Veronica Bond
Events Sun Jun 18 2006
Every Sunday Booked in Chicago will highlight some of the literary and books related events happening around the city in the coming week. For a more complete list of area events, see the Slowdown calendar on the Gapers Block homepage.
Monday: 6/19
Music with Meaning 7 @ Quimby's
Readings from Brian Costello (author of The Enchanters vs. Sprawlburg Springs), Jim Derogatis (Chicago Sun-Times music critic), Jessica Hopper (Punk Planet columnist), blogger J.R. Nelson and Amy Phillips (Pitchfork Media editor). 7pm. See Slowdown for details.
Tuesday: 6/20
Wine and Words benefit @ Heartland Cafe
Meet "Check Please!" host Alpana Singh, plus local authors Charles Blackstone, Gina Frangello and Cris Mazza at this benefit event for 826CHI. See Slowdown for details.
Wednesday: 6/21
Local Author Night @ The Book Cellar
Meet Amy Krouse Rosenthal, author of our June book club pick The Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life, tonight at The Book Cellar as she joins fellow authors Sean Callahan, Esme Raji Codell and Aaron Reynold to talk about their children's books. This free event begins at 7pm. Visit Slowdown for more information.
Thursday: 6/22
Midwestern Ladies Auxiliary Love Revue @ The Hideout
Join authors Jami Attenberg, Emily Flake, Hana Schank and Wendy McClure, author of our November 2005 book club pick I'm Not the New Me, for an evening of readings at the Hideout. Admission is $5 and proceeds benefit the Rainbow House. The event begins at 7pm, and you can visit Slowdown for more details.
Friday: 6/23
River Forest Public Library Book Sale
The Friends of the River Forest Public Library kick off their biennial book sale tonight from 6-9pm at the River Forest Public Library. There is a $5 entrance fee, and all proceeds from the sale go to benefit the library. So, stock up on your summer reading. The library is located at 735 Lathrop Ave. in suburban River Forest. Visit the library website for complete book sale details.
Saturday: 6/24
A Celebration of the Life and Times of Barney Ross @ Barbara's Bookstore
Meet Douglas Century, author of a new biography about local boxer Barney Ross, as part of a full day of events paying tribute to the life of the boxer on Chicago's Near West Side. See Slowdown for details.
Sunday: 6/25
Sunday Salon @ Charleston
Writers Charles Blackstone, Paul Jones and Ted Grossman are the participants in this month's Sunday Salon series at the Charleston bar in Bucktown. The event begins at 7:30pm, and you can get the details in Slowdown.
— Alice Maggio
