Literary Gangs of Chicago features Danny's Series @ MCA

The Literary Gangs of Chicago presents The Danny's Reading Series at the MCA's Puck's Cafe tonight beginning at 6:30 pm. Cole Swenson and Ed Roberson will read. Cole Swenson's 10 books of poetry include The Book of a Hundred Hands; Goest, published by Alice James Books in 2004; Noon, from Sun & Moon press in 1997; and New Math, from William Morrow & Co. in 1988. Her awards include a PEN Literary Award for Translation, a Pushcart Prize, an Iowa Prize for Poetry, and a San Francisco State Poetry Center Book Award. She is an associate professor at the Iowa Writers Workshop and previously taught at the University of Denver. Ed Roberson was described in the American
Book Review as "one of those deeply skilled poets—like William Bronk, Jack Spicer, and Gustaf Sobin—who have worked far outside that matrix of professional critics and reviewers where literary reputations are determined." He is part of an astonishingly fertile generation of artists produced by the Black cutlture of Pittsburgh, where he was born and raised. His study of Limnology (the study of the phenomena of lakes, ponds and streams) has led him to Alaska, Afognak Island and Bermuda.

Early to Bed's Sex Salon

Chicago women-owned sex shop Early to Bed is hosting a series of facilitated, yet casual, group discussions about different topics related to sex. They'll start with some wine and cheese and informal mingling, then sit down to talk about that night's topic. It might be philosophical, cultural, political or even spiritual. No lectures, no demonstrations. There will be some good questions posed, and the conversation will flow from there. No experience or special knowledge is necessary. Just curiosity and a willingness to share your ideas and listen to others. The salons are open to everyone over 18. For more information, call 773-271-1219. Early to Bed is located at 5232 N. Sheridan Road, just north of Foster Ave.

Tonight's topic is Terms of Endearment and from 7-8:30pm, you can discuss any of the following:

What do we call breasts, penises, vulvas, buttocks? What terms do we use to describe sexual acts? What are the slang terms? The polite terms? The technical terms? How do we react to hearing these words or saying these words? How do they influence our ability to talk about sex? Or our ability to communicate our sexual needs to our partners?

Spank Rock @ the Empty Bottle

If you missed Spank Rock when he came through in the winter, now's your springtime chance to get down to his illy beats at the Empty Bottle. Check out the artist's website for some free downloads, etc. The bottle describes him as putting out "bangin’ booty house and ghetto rap joints" which gets me to the show, no problem. There's $8 tickets on a limited basis, and it'll be $10 at the door, show starts at 9:30pm. The Empty Bottle is located at 1035 N. Western Ave.