Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
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Tonight Uncharted Books, 2620 N. Milwaukee Ave., hosts monthly poetry open mic from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Poets are invited to read 3 poems or for 5 minutes. The show is free, donations requested to pay the featured poets.
The Marrow returns to The Whistler, 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave., tonight at 6pm with essays by Dave Reidy, Megan Kirby, Ted Wesenberg and Britt Julious. Leah Pickett and Naomi Huffman host. No cover, 21+
Author and ghost folklorist Ursula Bielski presents a talk on "Ghosts of Chicago Christmas Past" at the Chicago Public Library's Bezazian branch, 1226 W. Ainslie St., tonight at 6:30pm. Come hear holiday ghost stories that'll put a chill down your spine. Free.
Louder than a Mom, the motherly storytelling series, returns to Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 8pm -- but come early and shop their holiday market from 5 to 8! The theme of the show is "house of lies." Admission is $8; the holiday market is free. 21+
The monthly live lit series That's All She Wrote is back at Great Lakes Tattoo, 1148 W. Grand Ave., for the last show of the year. This month's lineup includes Eileen Tull, Willy Nast, Brenna Kearney and Carla Jay. Co-hosted by J.H. Palmer and Angela Benander. Doors open at 7:30, stories begin at 8pm. Free and BYOB.
You're Being Ridiculous, the sassy, funny and fun storytelling show created by Jeremy Owens, is back tonight at Mayne Stage in Rogers Park. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "Beauty" from Mandy Aguilar, Robert Cornelius, Sarah Follmer, Dennis Frymire,
Maggie Jenkins, Carly Oishi, Jeremy Owens, Catharine Savage, and Julie Starbird . Doors open at 6:30pm and stories start at 7:30pm at Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave.Tickets are $15 online. There is no better way to celebrate Thanksgiving!
You're Being Ridiculous, the sassy, funny and fun storytelling show created by Jeremy Owens, is back tonight at Mayne Stage in Rogers Park. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "Beauty" from Kathleen Gibson, Clayton Guse, Kevin Lambert, Jeremy Owens, Adam Polak, Steven Strafford, and Malic White. Doors open at 6:30pm and stories start at 7:30pm at Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave. Tickets are $15 online. There is no better way to celebrate Thanksgiving!
You're Being Ridiculous, the sassy, funny and fun storytelling show created by Jeremy Owens, is back tonight at Mayne Stage in Rogers Park. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "Beauty" from Brooke Allen, Lily Be, Eileen Dougharty, Keith Ecker, Kate Harding, Jeremy Owens, Karen Shimmin, Megan Stielstra, and Natasha Tsoutsouris. Doors open at 6:30pm and stories start at 7:30pm at Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave.Tickets are $15 online. There is no better way to celebrate Thanksgiving!
The Stoop is back at Rosa's Lounge, 3420 W. Armitage Ave., tonight at 7pm. The theme this month is "Like a Boss," and cohosts Lily Be and Clarence Browley welcome Tim Stafford, Ricardo Gamboa, Peter S. Kim, Elizabeth Gomez, Nestor Gomez, Jeremy Schaefer and Erica Nicole Clark. No cover, 21+
Story Club South Side is back at the Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., tonight with the theme "Superpowers." Featured storytellers include James T. Green, Liz Baudler and Courtney Abbott, and there will be a few open-mic slots too. Andrew Marikis hosts. Open-mic signup starts at 7:30, show starts at 8pm. $10 suggested admission, BYO.
The monthly live lit series That's All She Wrote is back at Great Lakes Tattoo, 1148 W. Grand Ave for another show. This month's lineup includes: Amy Bernhard, Byron Roussin, Duke Harrist, and Tricia Miller Hewson. Co-hosted by J.H. Palmer and Angela Benander. Doors open at 7:30, stories begin at 8pm. Free and BYOB.
Story Club is at Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Rd., tonight, with the theme of "Feast." Featured storytellers are Elizabeth Cambridge, Claire Zulkey and Ines Bellina, and there will be several open mic slots for folks with feast-y stories to tell. Ali Kelley hosts. Open mic sign-up starts at 7:30, show starts at 8pm. $10 suggested donation. 21+
The Stoop storytelling show is back at Rosa's Lounge, 3420 W. Armitage Ave., tonight. The theme this month is "Treated," and featured storytellers are Don Hall, Tori Rosin Szekeres, Elizabeth Cambridge and Jennifer Peepas, plus open mic slots from 7:30 to 8:30. Lily Be and Clarence Browley host. Doors open at 7pm. No cover, 21+
Story Club South Side is back at the Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., tonight. The theme this month is "Turning," and featured stortellers include Elizabeth Gomez, Kevin Gladish and Maura Clement, plus a couple of open mic slots. Andrew Marikis hosts. Doors are at 7:30pm, show's at 8. $10 suggested donation. BYOB.
Flick Lit, a new movie-themed storytelling series, debuts tonight at the Logan Theatre, 2646 N. Milwaukee Ave., at 7:30pm. Featured readers include Sharon Glissy, Eileen Tull, Jake Scruggs, and special musical guest Tirzah Manley. The show also features musical guests, a short Siskel & Ebert-style film debate segment, and film trivia with prizes for the audience. Kirk Kicklighter, Laura Scruggs, Greg Ledger and Cameren Rau host. Free; donations accepted.
The monthly live lit series That's All She Wrote turns 3 tonight at Great Lakes Tattoo, 1148 W. Grand Ave. This month's show is part of Chicago Artists Month and includes readings by: Coya Paz, Diane Kastiel, Izzy Libmann, Stephanie Douglass, and a rare reading by AV guy Ray Teresi. Co-hosted by J.H. Palmer and Angela Benander. Doors open at 7:30, stories begin at 8pm. Free, BYOB, and there will be cannolis from D'Amatos Bakery!
The Paper Machete live magazine this week features Brian Babylon, Dominizuelan, Katie McVay, Daniel Sharr and Ike Holder, plus Chad the Bird, burlesque dancing by Sarah O'Dwyer, and musical guests The Wabash Cannonballs. Christopher Piatt hosts. It all goes down at 3pm at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway. Free, 21+
Story Sessions comes back from summer break with stories around a campfire at The Little House of Glencoe (690 Birch Road in Glencoe) tonight at 6:30pm. Featured storytellers include Doug Reed, Diane Kastiel, Dan Sheehan, Kristin Clifford, Andrew Huff and Jennifer Peepas! Tonight's show is hosted by Story Sessions co-producers Jill Howe and Rachael Smith, with pre-show music from Andy Miller and Karl Neurauter. Hot chocolate and s'mores will be provided tickets are $12.
Story Lab Chicago celebrates new stories from fresh storytellers. Tonight Story Lab features: Hallie Rosen, Jordan Blythe, Steve Coombs, Paul Conrad, Sean Ewert, and Anna Besmann! Come to Black Rock Pub & Kitchen, 3614 N. Damen, to hear some great stories. Doors open at 6:30pm, stories start at 7:30pm. Free!
Chicago's monthly task-based storytelling gathering and potluck is tonight at 7:30pm at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. This month is A Month Of...Dreams: Find the stuff fiction is made of. Admission is $10 or free with a shared potluck dish.
You're Being Ridiculous, the sassy, funny and fun storytelling show created by Jeremy Owens, returns to Mary's Attic. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear funny & touching stories on the theme "Rites of Passage" from Kat Barker, Mike Blumberg, Kristin Davis, Kelly Duff, Jennie Ellman, James Finn Garner, Willy Nast, Jeremy Owens AND Elsa Perez. Doors open at 7:00pm and stories start at 7:30pm at Mary's Attic, 5400 North Clark. Tickets are $15 online.
The Stoop returns to Rosa's Lounge, 3420 W. Armitage Ave., tonight at 7pm. The theme is "Don't Go There or I Had To Go There," and the featured storytellers are Mikey Manker, Roberta Miles and Moran Cerf, plus open mic slots. Lily Be and Clarence Browley host. No cover, 21+
You're Being Ridiculous, the sassy, funny and fun storytelling show created by Jeremy Owens, returns to Mary's Attic. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear funny & touching stories on the theme "Rites of Passage" from Eileen Dougharty, Drew Durfee, Marina Murphy, Karen O'Donnell, Jeremy Owens, Jason Smith, Eileen Tull and Gina Watters. Doors open at 7:00pm and stories start at 7:30pm at Mary's Attic, 5400 North Clark. Tickets are $15 online.
As part of the Vernacular Photo Festival, noted curator Shari Wilkins of the Cleveland Print Room will be giving a talk at Comfort Station Gallery in Logan Square 2579 N Milwaukee. A wonderful insight into the collecting and discovery of vernacular photography. Totally free. 7:00pm
Chicago's monthly task-based storytelling show and potluck is tonight at 7:30pm at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. This month is A Month Of...Boundaries. Admission is $10 or free with a shared potluck dish.
Here, Chicago potluck and storytelling show returns to Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., tonight. at 7:30pm. The show begins with potluck dinner at 7:30pm, followed by stories at 8pm from Landmarks Illinois President Bonnie McDonald, Second City company Member John Thibodeaux, AIDS Foundation Manager Matthew Williamson, and college sophomore and storytelling phenom Xavier Jordan -- plus five open-mic slots. Hosted by Janna Sobel and Nnamdi Ngwe. Tickets are $8, or free with prepared potluck dish.
The Stoop is back at Rosa's Lounge, 3420 W. Armitage Ave., tonight at 7pm, with stories on the theme of "What Has Happened Was..." Featured readers include Mike Gifford, Eva Green and Simeon Norfleet Sr., aka SHADOWMASTER. Lily Be and Clarence Browley host. No cover, 21+
The Moth story slam series holds its Chicago GrandSLAM Championship tonight at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave. Come hear the best storytellers from the past several months, and vote on who told it best. Doors open at 6pm, show's at 8pm. Tickets are $25.
Poetic Pilgrimagewill be performing at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 8:30pm as a part of the school's World Music Wednesday Series. Poetic Pilgrimage is a rare act, being a Muslim female hip hop and spoken word duo. They deliver lively and engaging performances that challenge audiences to think deeply on their messages of peace, unity, and freedom. Admission is free, but you can reserve tickets here.
The Moth brings its story slam to Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave., tonight at 8pm. Go hear five minute true stories and vote on your favorites. Tickets are $8 general admission or $16 for guaranteed seating. Doors open at 7pm.
Manifest Urban Art Festival is an all-day event (noon to 9pm) hosted by Columbia College and its students. With live performances, gallery exhibitions, fashion shows, original game design and literary readings, it's a don't-miss event. If you can't make the free event in the South Loop, log into FrequencyTV for exciting all day coverage!
You're Being Ridiculous, the sassy, funny and fun storytelling show created by Jeremy Owens, is back tonight in its new home at Mayne Stage. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "Appetite" from Samantha Bailey, Kelly Duff, Elizabeth Gomez, Dana Norris, Jeremy Owens, Allison Shoemaker, and Parker Stockman. Doors open at 6:30pm and stories start at 7:30pm at Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave.Tickets are $15 online. There is no better way to celebrate spring!
Storyteller Shannon Cason brings his WBEZ podcast "Homemade Stories" to the stage at Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave., for a live taping tonight at 7pm. Tickets are $15, or $12 for WBEZ members. Doors open at 6:30pm.
The Stoop storytelling series returns to Rosa's Lounge, 3420 W. Armitage Ave., tonight with the theme "I got the hookup." Readers include Andrew Marikis, Elizabeth Gomez, Amy Sumpter and Richard Aspell. Lily Be and Clarence Browley host. Doors open at 7pm, open mic begins at 7:30pm and the featured readers go on at 8:30pm. No cover, 21+.
You're Being Ridiculous, the sassy, funny and fun storytelling show created by Jeremy Owens, is back tonight in its new home at Mayne Stage. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "Appetite" from Blair Chavis, Randall Colburn, Shannon Cason, Jennie Ellman, Mary Lorenz, Jeremy Owens, Adam Polak, and Jeremy Schaefer. Doors open at 6:30pm and stories start at 7:30pm at Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave.Tickets are $15 online. There is no better way to celebrate spring!.
You're Being Ridiculous, the sassy, funny and fun storytelling show created by Jeremy Owens, is back tonight in its new home at Mayne Stage. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "Appetite" from Brooke Allen, Molly Brennan, Erin Diamond, Amanda Drenth, Katie Liesener, Ruth McCormack, and Jeremy Owens. Doors open at 6:30pm and stories start at 7:30pm at Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave.Tickets are $15 online. There is no better way to celebrate spring!
OUTspoken! holds performances the first Tuesday every month and that tell LGBTQ stories. With no cover, there is no excuse why you shouldn't come! Doors open at 6 p.m., but the performances don't start until 7. Sidetrack is located at 3349 N. Halsted. 21+
Do Not Submit, the open mic storytelling series, is at First Unitarian Church, 5650 S. Woodlawn Ave., the first Friday of every month. Hosts Andrea Freerksen and Dhamana Shauri oversee things as folks from all walks of life tell seven-minute stories from 7 to 9:30pm. Admission is free.
DarkMatter, a trans south asian performance art duo, will be inviting the public for an evening of poetry, discussion, and healing, over the topic of new queer futures. The show will be followed by a Q&A at the Arts Incubator location at 301 E Garfield Blvd. Doors open at 5PM. Free and open to the public.
The Moth StorySLAM is back at Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 8pm. If you've got a true story to tell, get there early and put your name in the hat and hope you're picked. Otherwise, enjoy as a bunch of folks tell some great stories. $8 at the door. 21+
Enjoy a night at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, and see open mic performances of poetry and the end-of-the-night competition for just $7. The Uptown Poetry Slam starts at 7pm and is hosted by the slam originator, Marc Smith. Winners receive $10 and bragging rights.
The Moth showcases some of the best storytellers at the Chicago GrandSLAM tonight at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave. Doors open at 6pm, show's at 8pm. Tickets are $25. 18+
Louder than a Mom, the storytelling show about parents and parenting, returns to Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 8pm. Tickets are $8. 21+
The Moth StorySLAM is back at Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 8pm. If you've got a true story to tell, get there early and put your name in the hat and hope you're picked. Otherwise, enjoy as a bunch of folks tell some great stories. $8 at the door. 21+
Story Sessions holds a special brunch edition of its storytelling show today from 11am to 2pm at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., with special guests MT Cozzola, Marty McConnell, Danielle Pinnock, James Sweeney, Ted Wesenburg and Tom Wolferman. Tickets are $12. Doors open at 10:30am.
Louder than a Mom, the storytelling show about parents and parenting, returns to Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 8pm. Tickets are $8. 21+
You're Being Ridiculous is back this month with an all-new cabaret version of their long running story telling show. The show, musically directed by Allison Hendrix, features stories AND SONGS exploring LOVE from Allison Hendrix, Bill Howes, Jeremy Owens and Allison Shoemaker. The show begins at 8:00pm at Davenport's Piano Bar (1383 N. Milwaukee). Tickets must be reserved online and are $18 with a two drink minimum. There is no better way to end your winter blues.
Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., hosts the monthly Moth StorySLAM this evening at 8pm. A group of randomly selected audience volunteers will have a chance to tell a 5-minute story on the evening's theme, "Cold." The winner of tonight's StorySLAM advances to the Grandslam Championships. More details at The Moth. Admission is $8 at the door; plan on arriving early, as this is a very popular event.
The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., and The Third Coast International Audio Festival present Podcast Therapy, an evening where podcast fans can come to learn about new podcasts, get recommendations, and in general get their podcast problems solved by Third Coast's trained Podcast Therapists™. Doors open at 5pm, and the show starts at 6pm. Tickets are $10. Full details and advance tickets at the Hideout's site.
Guts & Glory returns to the upstairs lounge at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., tonight at 7pm. Hosts Samantha Irby and Keith Ecker welcome readers Kelsie Huff, Andrew Marikis, Jake Cowan, Claire Zulkey and Mary Lorenz. No cover, 21+
CHIRP Radio's First Time series returns to Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 8pm. The theme this round is "First Chance," and the readers include Freda Love Smith, Lily Be, Tim Akimoff, Stubhy Pandav, Rick Joyce, Ali Clayton, Nicole Oppenheim. As always, the First Time Three will perform a cover song related to each reader's story. Jenn Sodini hosts. Tickets are $10 in advance or at the door. 21+
The Moth returns to Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 8pm for another round of true stories, this month on the theme of "Rewards." Doors open at 6pm, show's at 8pm. If you've got a good one, get there early to get your name on the list. $8 at the door. 21+
The Holiday Club (4000 N. Sheridan Rd.) hosts monthly Live Lit show Story Club tonight with featured performers Jen Bosworth, Jared Crum, and James Gordon. This month's theme is Happy Frickin' Holidays. Doors and open-mic sign up are at 7:30 p.m.; the show starts at 8:00 p.m. Though there is no cost to attend, a $10 donation is suggested.
The Moth holds its Chicago GrandSLAM Championship tonight at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave. Hear amazing true stories and vote for your favorite with your applause. Tickets are $20. Doors are at 6pm, show's at 8pm. 18+
Brandon Wetherbee and Esmerelda Leon host the fifth anniversary of You, Me, Them, Everybody Live tonight at Hungry Brain, 2319 W. Belmont Ave., from 7 to 9:30pm. The show features Deadbeat Beat, Goodrich Gevaart, Michael Pritchard, Al Scorch, The Puterbaugh Sisterz, Dmitry Samarov, Ernest Wilkins and more.
You're Being Ridiculous, the sassy, funny and fun storytelling show created by Jeremy Owens, is back tonight in Andersonville. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "Confession" from Jim Bennett, Margaret Dunn, Dennis Frymire, Jonathan Mayo, Jeremy Owens, JH Palmer, and Stephanie Sack. Stories start at 7:30pm at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. Tickets are $15 online or at the door. There is no better way to avoid your family.
The Moth StorySLAM returns to Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 8pm. The theme this month is "Accident" -- hear what true stories are shared. $8 at the door. 21+
Story Club's South Side chapter returns to the Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., tonight at 7:30pm for an evening of stories themed on "My Other Talent." For one night only, Story Club South Side will have non-story activity on its stage, alongside the story. Featured readers are writer/Beastie Boys cover rapper Kendra Stevens, playwright and cellist Laura Nessler with storyteller Kim Morris, ordained minister and queer activist Aidan McCormack, and essayist and actor Josh Zagoran with Chad the Bird. There will also be a couple of open mic slots. Andrew Marikis hosts. $10 suggested donation at the door, BYOB.
You're Being Ridiculous, the sassy, funny and fun storytelling show created by Jeremy Owens, is back tonight in Andersonville. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "Confession" from Lily Be, Sarah Hollenbeck, Brenna Kearney, Andrew Marikis, Dana Norris, Jeremy Owens, Megan Stielstra, and James Sweeny. Stories start at 8:00pm at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. Tickets are $15 online or at the door.
At 8pm tonight, LaTasha N. Nevada Diggs will bring words, sounds, and video in her performance at the Renaissance Society, 5811 S. Ellis Ave. in Hyde Park. The event is associated and programmed through the Center for the Study of Race, Politics & Culture at the University of Chicago. Free.
Gapers Block presents 20x2 Chicago ! Come to Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., tonight to see 20 people from all different walks of creative life -- writers, musicians, filmmakers, web geeks and other bon vivants -- take two minutes each to answer the question of the day. The results can be as varied as the emotions and reactions they evoke. This edition's question is "How do you do?" The featured speakers this time around are Brandy Agerbeck, Gaylon Alcaraz, Bobby Biedrzycki, Jayson Brooks, Jasmine Davila, Melissa Du Prey, Mike Ewing, Hannah Gamble, Fuzzy Gerdes, James Gordon, Darryl Holliday, Leah Jones, Felix Jung, Coya Paz, Melissa Pierce, Erica Reid, Monica Reida, Eden Robins, Jack Silverstein and Jeff Solin. GB Publisher Andrew Huff hosts. Tickets are $10 online or at the door. Doors open at 6:30pm, and the show will start at 7pm. RSVP on Facebook. 21+
As part of the inaugural Lit & Luz festival, award-winning author Álvaro Enrigue will be reading from his latest short story collection, Hypothermia. After the reading there will be a discussion with Director of the Center of Writing Arts at Northwestern, Reginald Gibbons. The event is free and goes from 12:00 pm to 2:30 at Crowe Hall (1860 Campus Drive).
True story show This Much Is True returns to Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, 3905 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight, with special guests Jen Bosworth, David Doyle, Mike Manship, Megan Wells and Paul Whitehouse, as well as regulars Scott Whitehair and Stephanie Douglass. Doors open at 6:45, show starts at 7:30pm. Free.
The Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., hosts a special edition of the Moth StorySlam tonight from 6 to 10pm, in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire. The theme is "resilience," and the stories begin at 8pm. Tickets are $8, or $16 for reserved seating. 21+
That Belongs in a Museum, a show-and-tell storytelling show, is tonight at Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley Ave., from 6:30 to 9pm. Bring an item and sign up to tell the story behind it in five minutes or less. No cover, 21+
Story Sessions returns to City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., tonight with stories from David Barish, Julia Borcherts, Pam Bell, James Sweeney, Dana Norris and Norman Doucet. Denise Santomauro and Dennis Frymire host, and bluegrass band Side of Bacon performs before the reading. Tickets are $12. Doors open at 5:30pm, music's at 6pm, readings are at 7pm.
You're Being Ridiculous, the sassy, funny and fun storytelling show created by Jeremy Owens, is back tonight in Andersonville. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "Fear" from David Allen, Randall Colburn, Kelly Duff, Kestutis Nakas, Jeremy Owens, Allison Shoemaker, and Steven Strafford. Stories start at 7:30pm at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. Tickets are $15 online or at the door.
James "GPA" Gordon and and Roberta Miles host Cafe Cabaret at Cafe Ballou, 939 N. Western Ave., tonight at 7pm. The eclectic show this month features Alexandra Tsarpalas, Holly Beaudry, Andrew Francis, Elizabeth Gomez and Dhaea. Free, but donations accepted.
Story Luck presents A Month Of..., a themed open mic storytelling night with a potluck too, tonight at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., from 7:30 to 9:30pm. The theme this month is "Moving On." The potluck begins at 7:30, the show begins at 8pm. Tickets are $1 if you bring a dish to share, otherwise they're $10.
You're Being Ridiculous, the sassy, funny and fun storytelling show created by Jeremy Owens, is back tonight in Andersonville. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "Fear" from Eileen Dougharty, Jill Howe, Mary Lorenz, Kelly Loris, Elise Mayfield, Jeremy Owens, and Parker Stockman. Stories start at 7:30pm at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. Tickets are $15 online or at the door.
Here, Chicago (formerly known as Here's the Story) is back at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., tonight for an evening of true-storytelling and a potluck dinner. This month's show features improvisor Nnamdi Ngwe, former NASA scientist Christie Grace, folk duo River Rising, and a tall-ship sailor and humanitarian clown -- plus five slots for open-mic storytellers. Hosted by Janna Sobel with guest co-host Erin Kahoa. The potluck dinner starts at 7:30pm, show starts at 8pm. Tickets are $8, or free with a dish for the potluck.
Tonight at 7:30pm at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Kevin Allison brings his Risk! podcase to life, with "true tales of the truly bold" from Shannon Cason, Allison and others. Tickets are $20.
Guts & Glory, hosted by Keith Ecker and Samantha Irby, is back upstairs at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., for another evening of storytelling tonight at 7pm. Featured this month are Janna Sobel, Dina Marie Walters, Kate Duva, Renee Albrecht-Mallinger and John Burger. No cover, 21+
The South Side chapter of Story Club tonight at Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., features Jill Howe, James "G.P.A." Gordon, Xavier Jordan and Jennifer Peepas, plus a couple open mic slots. Will Hindmarch hosts. Open mic signup starts at 7:30pm, and readings start at 8pm. Free, but donations appreciated. All ages.
Kick off the Puerto Rican Festival & Parade weekend with the Culture Creators Pop-Up Shop at 2628 W. Division St. Poet, playwright, and activist Michael Reyes hosts and performs alongside comedian Melissa DuPrey and spoken word artist Eddie Alvarado (The Prince of Pain). $15 tickets ($25 for admission and T-shirt). Drinks available for purchase.
The LitMash storytelling slam returns to Haymarket Pub, 737 W. Randolph St., tonight at 7:30pm. Hear stories by Xavier Jordan, Keith Ecker, Jasmine Barber, Angelique Nelson, Eric Sirota and a special mystery guest. $8 at the door. 21+
You're Being Ridiculous is a group of real people telling real funny stories about their lives with a theme as their guide. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "Change" from Brooke Allen, Elizabeth Gomez, David Lipowski, Ruth McCormack, Anita Mechler, Karie Miller, Dana Norris and Jeremy Owens. Stories start at 7:30pm at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. Tickets are $15 online or at the door.
You're Being Ridiculous is a group of real people telling real funny stories about their lives with a theme as their guide. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "Change" from Brooke Allen, Elizabeth Gomez, David Lipowski, Ruth McCormack, Anita Mechler, Karie Miller, Dana Norris and Jeremy Owens. Stories start at 7:30pm at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. Tickets are $15 online or at the door.
Come to Schubas (upstairs), 3159 N. Southport, tonight at 7pm for Chicago's boldest and most bad-ass storytelling event. This brave and bold live-lit show is hosted by Samantha Irby and Keith Ecker. Tonight's featured performers include Dana Norris, Johanna Stein, Jason Economus, Deanna Moffitt and Lisa Mrock. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm. Free, 21+
Its the one year anniversary of Story Club South Side, and they're hosting the first in a two-part South Side vs. North Side crosstown classic. Andrew Marikis will represent for the South Side, Dana Norris will represent for the North Side, and they'll both pick a team of featured performers and open mic'ers live during the show. Among the featured readers will be Lily Be, Erin Kahoa, Keith Ecker, Jen Bosworth and Johanna Stein. Open mic signup at 7:30pm, stories start at 8pm at Co-Prosperity Sphere (3219 S. Morgan Street.) This is a free event, with a suggested $10 donation.
You're Being Ridiculous is a group of real people telling real funny stories about their lives with a theme as their guide. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "Change" from Brooke Allen, Elizabeth Gomez, David Lipowski, Ruth McCormack, Anita Mechler, Karie Miller, Dana Norris and Jeremy Owens. Stories start at 7:30pm at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. Tickets are $15 online or at the door.
This year's Sister Spit tour lands at The University of Chicago's Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 5801 S. Ellis, this evening at 7pm. Admission is free.
Mortified! returns to Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., tonight at 7pm. The Blue Ribbon Glee Club performs in between cringeworthy stories of personal embarrassment. Shay DeGrandis hosts. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. 21+
Chicago Slam Works' LitMash, a combination of slam poetry, comedy, storytelling and more, returns to Haymarket Pub & Brewery, 737 W. Randolph St., tonight at 7:30pm. Admission is $8. 21+
The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., welcomes the live touring performance of the wildly popular podcast "Welcome to Night Vale." Tickets are on sale through the Athenaeum box office, as well as through Lincoln Hall's website. There are two all-ages shows, at 7pm and 10pm. Tickets are $25.
The Encyclopedia Show is back at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., tonight at 7:30pm for an episode covering the Nightshade family, both deadly and non. Featured readers include Gwynn Fulcher on Corey Hart,
Jill Summers and Susie Kirkwood on Col. Robert Gibbons Johnson, Ben Clark on Jimson Weed, Laura Brown-Lavoie on Titty Fruit, Eric Gaston on Coca, and Brett Neiman on Atropa/Atropos. Tickets are $9 ($6 for students).
Come to Schubas (upstairs), 3159 N. Southport, tonight at 7pm for Chicago's boldest and most bad-ass storytelling event. This brave and bold live-lit show is hosted by Samantha Irby and Keith Ecker. Tonight's featured performers include Melinda McIntire, Greg Morelli, Chloe Johnston, Naomi Huffman, and Bob Stockfish. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm. Free, 21+
Bottle Stories is tonight at 8pm (doors open at 6pm) at City Winery Chicago, 1200 West Randolph. Dan Morgridge hosts the storytelling and wine-drinking event wherein authors--including Mason Johnson, Kim Bellware, and Carly Oishi--share stories inspired by the wine of their choice. A paired flight of each author's chosen wine is available with the reading (hooray for audience participation!). Tickets are $25. 21+.
Story Club returns to Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., tonight at 8pm and is hosted by the ever charming Andrew Marikis. The theme this month is "Catch Your Own Tail." That is, stories that begin and end with the same phrase. The show features tales from Seven Deadly Sins producer Angela Vela, New York Times essayist Alan Neff and Storyteller, masseuse, and Quantum Leap aficionado Dennis Frymire. There's also an open mic, signup for which begins at 7:30pm. $5 suggested donation. The show is kinda bad-ass, you should totally go.
Louder Than A Bomb is the largest youth poetry festival in the world. Throughout the year, the Young Chicago Authors lead workshops and poetry slams all over Chicago. They are having their annual mixtape release party tonight at Schubas, 3159 North Southport Avenue, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and all ages are welcome.
Anthrax frontman Scott Ian is following in Henry Rollins' formidable footsteps with a "speaking words" tour, coming to Chicago tonight at Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave. (In other words, there will be no music, just talking.) Tickets are $25 in advance, $28 day-of. Doors open at 6pm, show's at 7:30pm. 21+
The Hubbard Street Lofts, 1821 W. Hubbard St., presents actor, model, and visual artist Ben Lane's "For the Love of Perception," tonight from 6pm-10pm. Artists and art lovers alike will enjoy an evening of exhibits, music, workshops, spoken word by K-Love, as well as view Lane's newest art series, Love Over Hate. Tickets are $7-$20; for more information, visit the website.
Tell It & Speak It & Think It & Breathe It: Short Plays Inspired By Great Lyrics will be at the Prop Thtr, 3502-4 N. Elston Avenue tonight at 7pm. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Six Chicago playwrights and some up-and-coming directors create landscapes for performance out of lyrics by artists such as The Chords, Arcade Fire, The Mekons and more.
The DuSable Museum, 740 E. 56th Pl., presents "A Dream Deferred or a Dream Come True?," tonight from 7pm-9pm. Held in conjunction with the Illinois Amistad Commission and supported by the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the event is centered on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "dream," and will feature performances by jazz great Ernest Dawkins and spoken word by noted artist, "Discopoet Khari B." Tickets are $20; for more information, call 773-947-0600.
Come to Powell's Bookstore, 2850 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 7pm for Chicago's boldest and most bad-ass storytelling event. This brave and bold live-lit show is hosted by Brooke Allen and Keith Ecker. Tonight's featured performers include Danny Black, Randall Colburn, Eileen Dougharty, Robyn Okrant, Sarah Terez Rosenblum. Free.
Come to Beauty Bar, 1444 W. Chicago Avenue, tonight for Solo in the 2nd City at 8pm to witness a hand full of Chicago's talented writers, comedians and authors tell stories of being single, dating and sex in the Windy City. The show is hosted by Carly Oishi and Melinda McIntire. Tonight's featured performers include Brooke Allen, Patrick Allen Carberry, Neil O'Callaghan, Jeremy Owens and Katie Prout. The event is FREE but donations will be collected to benefit Chicago Women's Health Center. (21 +)
Tre's, 1526 E. 63rd St., presents The Chocolate Movement's "Poetry, Music, Comedy & Culture" tonight at 8pm. Hosted by comedian and spoken word artist Ms. Jae, the lineup includes spoken word artist and author Martin Grow; recording artist Ugochi; and comedy by Buckwild, Just Nesh, and Kaliph Hassan. Doors open at 6:30pm; tickets are $20-$25. For more information, visit The Chocolate Movement's Facebook page.
Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., presents "Hot Seat: Spoken Word (Re) Generations," from 6pm-7:30pm tonight. This event, partnered by Young Chicago Authors and in conjunction with the Illinois Humanities Council, will feature performances of original works on race, culture, and society by spoken word artists including Kevin Coval, Kelly Zen-Yie, Tsai, and more. After each performance, the artists will engage in a "hot seat" session, with interviews by fellow artists. Admission is free; online or email registration is required. For more information, call 312-422-5580.
