Posted by Keith Ecker …

Get to Know: J.W. Basilo

Hump day has passed, which means it’s pretty much smooth sailing to the next Essay Fiesta. The next performer we’d like to introduce is our friend and Essay Fiesta alumni J.W. Basilo. J.W. is known for his moxie on and off the stage. The professional poet (yes, you read that right) has performed his unique … Continue reading →

Get to Know: Vinnie Lacey

Last night Essay Fiesta producers Keith and Alyson actually got to show off their essay know-how to the brilliant kids at 826CHI. Seriously, people. These kids are smart. We also learned that references to the Wonder Years and Doogie Howser don’t really go over well on people born in 1995. That said, we’d like to … Continue reading →

Get to Know: Sheri Reda

Happy Tuesday, everybody! This evening Keith and Alyson of Essay Fiesta will be teaching a personal essay workshop to Chicago public school students at 826CHI. Exciting stuff! In the meantime, we’d like to introduce you to one of our March readers: Sheri Reda. Sheri is a writer, editor and performer. Sheri has served as a dramaturg … Continue reading →

Get to Know: Zoe Zolbrod

Hi Essay Fiesta fans! Just one short week away until we celebrate the March show. It’s going to be a doozy. We have a stellar line-up and some great raffle prizes. Plus, we are making some changes this go-around to the way we do the raffle. And guess what? Everyone gets a ticket! Come to … Continue reading →

It’s Not Just What You Write; It’s Where You Write

Location, location, location. One of the biggest clichés in Amercian real estate applies directly to the writing process. Where one chooses to write is an important piece of the puzzle in developing a consistent writing practice. For some, it’s the same place all the time: home, office, coffee shop or library. For others, it’s variety … Continue reading →

Announcing the March Essay Fiesta Line-Up

The next Essay Fiesta is only a few short weeks away, and we are already getting super excited about this super stellar line-up. Your hosts Keith Ecker and Alyson Lyon are pleased as pickles to welcome the following entertainers: Author of Living Oprah Robyn Okrant Chicago Fringe Festival Executive Director Vinnie Lacey Host of Real Talk Live J.W. Basilo … Continue reading →

Be a Producer!

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 … Continue reading →

Hello Michigan and Biggest Liars!

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 … Continue reading →

Get to Know: Claire Zulkey

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 … Continue reading →