On August 15, 1977, the Big Ear telescope at Ohio State University received a strong narrow-band radio signal that appeared to be of extraterrestrial origin. Astronomer Jerry Ehman was so impressed that he circled the reading and wrote ‘Wow!’ beside it. The signal has been referred to as the ‘Wow!’ signal ever since. On August … Continue reading
We know that his head is pounding from the Father’s Day kegger, but find a hungover dad (any hungover dad will do), give him some water, and bring him to The Book Cellar at 7pm on Monday, June 20th for an evening of personal essays in support of 826CHI. He’s going to love all of … Continue reading
Monday the 16th of May is today. This very day! Come down to The Book Cellar Cafe at 7pm, and stay (until they close.) We’re giving 826CHI all of the money you can pay. This lineup will put on an essay display that shines even brighter than the milky way: Lily Be is Chicago’s very … Continue reading
Oh hey, it’s May! You know what they say, May is the month to throw your cares away. Get out there and play! Belly up to the buffet, wear a beret, try croquet, eat a parfait – do whatever makes you happy, bey. Just don’t delay on the third Monday in May (that’s May 16th). … Continue reading
April in Chicago started with some pretty shitty showers (of snow and ice and rain and hail and Ted Cruz), but now the weather man is telling us it’s not going to rain, so come to The Book Cellar on Monday, April 18th at 7pm to raise money for 826CHI. Hosts Karen Shimmin and Willy Nast have put together a lineup that’s … Continue reading
If this debate season has taught us anything, it’s that some presidential candidates are really bad at talking in front of groups of people. So how about you come see us on Monday night, February 15th, 7pm – at The Book Cellar, where you’ll hear from lineup of writerly American heroes who are much, much … Continue reading
The solstice approaches and so does Essay Fiesta! Come on down to The Book Cellar on Monday, June 15th at 7pm, for this lineup that will make you forget the fact that the sun will shine slightly less after summer solstice, and each summer day is actually another step toward the next cruel, dark winter: … Continue reading
Tonight is the night! Monday, April 20th! Do Smokey the Bear proud and come out to The Book Cellar at 7 pm. (Bring s’mores. And Doritos. Plus a couple pizzas and a bag of Funyuns. Thanks.) We’ll be passing around the bucket to raise money for 826CHI and our smoking-hot readers will be passing around some smoking-hot stories. Rebecca … Continue reading
Give yourself a break, Chicago. We know you’ve spent the weekend secluded in quiet contemplation, abstaining from pleasures of the flesh and green beer. But you deserve just a few hours of fun. Come out to The Book Cellar on Monday, March 16th at 7pm and let our readers show you a real good time. Natasha Tsoutsouris is a … Continue reading
Presidents’ Day is the day on which we observe the birthday of every US president. It’s totally weird that all presidents were born on the same day. Doesn’t anyone else think this is an odd coincidence? No one? Huh. Come on down to The Book Cellar on Monday, February 16th at 7 pm, for a Presidents’ … Continue reading
Essay Fiesta 