Be a Producer!

Posted on February 28, 2012 by

If you are a fan of Essay Fiesta (or any of the other amazing live lit series around town) and think you’d like to produce a show yourself, there are some fantastic venues that would love to help out.

City Grounds on Lincoln and Dickens is game to host a reading series! This gorgeous coffee shop features a huge upstairs area that would be perfect for sharing stories. City Grounds already hosts Dabble classes (Dabble is an Essay Fiesta sponsor) and they’re incredibly hospitable and generally awesome. Also, In Fine Spirits in Andersonville has an upstairs area with a slew of seating that would be a perfect venue for any kind of spoken word show.

So, if you’re looking to start a night and are scratching your head for locations, scratch no more! Get in touch with City Grounds or In Fine Spirits and get your show off the ground. And be sure and tell ‘em Essay Fiesta sent ya!

Posted in General | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Hello Michigan and Biggest Liars!

Posted on February 23, 2012 by

Hello Essay Fiesta fans! This past show was a spectacular tapestry of storytelling, from Claire Zulkey’s piece about living next to a dead body to Jason Economus sharing his love publicly for all the women of his 20s. A funny, touching and magical night!

But just because Essay Fiesta is over doesn’t mean the stories have to stop. Tonight some of your favorite local live lit performers will be migrating to Michigan for a special show at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks. If you can make it, then by all means come and cheer on your hometown favorites. Tonight’s line-up includes Scott Whitehair, Dana Norris, Kelsie Huff, Don Hall, Ian Belknap and Essay Fiesta’s own Keith Ecker. Stories are all very adult in nature, so leave the kids at home.

Also, a quirky storytelling contest will be taking place in the next months that seeks to honor the best fibbers. The 43rd Annual Chicago’s Biggest Liar contest will pit a handful of storytellers against each other to see who can tell the most entertaining tall tale. Auditions are on Feb. 27 and 28. There may still be some slots available. If you are interested in tossing your hat into the ring, contact Scott Whitehair at swhitehair [at] gmail.com.

Posted in Announcements | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Get to Know: Claire Zulkey

Posted on February 20, 2012 by

TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT! It’s Essay Fiesta time. And we have one last reader to introduce to you. It is the absolutely fabulous Claire Zulkey!

Claire is a woman of prestigious credentials. She is a blogger for WBEZ and a contributor to the A.V. Club and the L.A. Times. She also is the host and producer behind Chicago’s hilarious literary showcase Funny Ha-Ha at The Hideout.

So come on down to the Book Cellar for some prizes and some coffee and some stories and whatnot. And drop a couple of bucks into our raffle to help out the fine people at 826CHI.

Posted in Readers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Get to Know: Jason Economus

Posted on February 16, 2012 by

Hey Essay Fiesta folks! Just a few short days until the next Essay Fiesta. And boy is it a doozy. We got all kinds of talent convening to celebrate the art of storytelling. And one of these creative folks is performer extraordinairre Jason Economus.

Jason EconomusJason is an actor, director, writer and comic. The guy has done solo performances throughout the city, including the Chicago Fringe Festival. He’s also collaborated with many theatre companies including the Vintage Theater Collective, the Building Stage, Buckeye Tree Productions, New Beast Theatre Works, Library Theatre and Chicago Fusion Theatre.

So come on out and see the genius that is Jason on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m.

Posted in Readers | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Get to Know: Rachael Kossy

Posted on February 15, 2012 by

Not to toot our own horns, but we here at Essay Fiesta have developed a little bit of a following. In fact, we’re pretty pleased that a little community of essay enthusiasts have sprouted up around us, and many of these people come to each and every one of our shows. One of these people is Rachael Kossy (and her mom…Hi mom!). Well, Rachael is finally taking the plunge and is shifting perspectives from observer to particpant. And we couldn’t be more happy to debut this budding talent.

Rachael KossyRachael is officially an Essay Fiesta superfan. She hails from exotic Skokie, Ill. and is an aspiring writer. You can always spot her at our show because she’s usually in the front row. She’s also typically the youngest face in the crowd.

Seriously, we are super excited to have Rachael reading with us. Won’t you join and show your support on Feb. 20 at the Book Cellar at 7 p.m. And stay around for our raffle, which benefits the wonderful literacy organization 826CHI.

Posted in Readers | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Get to Know: Michele Fitzsimmons and Brandon Will

Posted on February 14, 2012 by

Happy Valentine’s Essay Fiesta fans! Today is a day all about love, whether it’s loving a partner, a parent, a child, a pet or yourself. Share some love today! We’re sharing the love ourselves by sharing with you two readers we love. Both will be performing this coming Monday, Feb 20th at the Book Cellar at 7 p.m.

Brandon WillBrandon Will can entertain you in any number of ways. The Michigan transplant is not only an aspiring young adult novelist, he’s an extraordinarily talented puppeteer. He’s also the brains behind DADBOT: The Movie, which may or may not be coming to a theater in Chicago. Oh, and he slings coffee and sells books at the Book Cellar.

Michele FitzsimmonsMichele Fitzsimmons is a long-time member of the Chicago arts scene. The writer can often be seen attending local salon-style readings, including one of our personal faves, Write Club.

 

Posted in Readers | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Get Essay Fiesta on the Chicago Cultural Plan

Posted on February 9, 2012 by

Chicago’s performance lit scene has blown up in an awesome way. Any night of the week, you can go out and be moved by incredible writers willing to bear their souls. And Essay Fiesta has been there for over 2 years, bringing you consistently fantastic, free monthly events (that benefit 826CHI). Wouldn’t it be great if the City of Chicago took greater recognition of the literary scene? Wouldn’t it be great if Chicago backed Essay Fiesta?!?

Chicago Flag

It can! Here’s how: The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan. Residents, cultural organizations and community groups are being asked for their input in developing the 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan. The plan will outline how the arts and artists in Chicago can be better supported and in turn enhance economic growth and build Chicago’s worldwide reputation as a global city of fantastic culture. Ideas can be submitted through social media, town hall meetings and public forums.

Here’s where to go to have your voice heard in-person:

  • Wednesday, February 15: Columbia College from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m
  • Thursday, February 16: Nicholas Senn High School from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 18: DuSable Museum from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, February 21: National Museum of Mexican Art from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m

Let the city know you support performance lit and Essay Fiesta!

Posted in Announcements | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment