Posted by Keith Ecker …

Keith’s Essay Fiesta Favorite Things

Earlier this week, we highlighted Essay Fiesta co-producer Alyson Lyon’s favorite things about the series. Now it’s time to rifle through the memory store of co-producer Keith Ecker and pull out some choice moments that strike his fancy. The following, in no real order, are some of Keith’s Essay Fiesta favorite things: 1. Showcasing amazing … Continue reading →

Alyson’s Essay Fiesta Favorite Things

Essay Fiesta is about to turn 2! Indeed, our November anniversary show (Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Book Cellar) is approaching fast. And our very own Alyson Lyon is already in full celebration mode. Here’s some of Alyson’s favorite things about the show: 1. The Readers:  National comedians, published authors, local actors and all … Continue reading →

Essay Fiesta Anniversary Spectacular!

Hello Essay Fiesta folks! In just a month we will be celebrating our 2-year anniversary. Can you believe we’ve been showcasing some of Chicago’s best storytellers for that long? Neither can we! We’ll be announcing our all-star line-up in the next couple weeks as well as a few surprises, including a special deal from the … Continue reading →

Essay Fiesta Goes Back To School

Essay Fiesta is donning our sports coats (with patches) and pretending to smoke out of our stately pipes. Why? Because we must look scholarly. Because we are going back to school! In celebration of the National Day on Writing (this Thursday Oct. 20), Essay Fiesta’s Keith Ecker and Alyson Lyon have teamed up with DePaul … Continue reading →

Get to Know: Kim Morris and Adam Guerino

Hey Essay Fiesta fans! We are just a weekend away from the big show. Mark your calendars for Oct. 17 and say “I’m Attending” to our Facebook event because this is going to be one heck of a show. Rounding out our line-up are two very talented performers: Kim Morris and Adam Guerino. Kim is … Continue reading →

Get to Know: Chad Briggs

Hey Essay Fiesta fans! Time keeps on slipping into the future, which means pretty soon we’re going to fall into Essay Fiesta. Our next show is Oct. 17, and we are pleased as punch to welcome back Chad Briggs. Chad is one of the most prominent comics in the Chicago stand-up scene. He’s performed at … Continue reading →

Get to Know: John Loos

Strap yourselves in because we’re about to get all Essay Fiesta up in here! That’s right! Essay Fiesta, Chicago’s premier personal essay reading series, is happening this coming Monday, Oct. 17. And we are super happy to have the one and only John Loos! John is an improviser, sketch artist and photographer. He, along with … Continue reading →

Get To Know: Paula Carter

Essay Fiesta is upon us! In just a week, Alyson and Keith will be giving you the ol’ razzle dazzle at the Book Cellar. Not only will you be thoroughly and sufficiently entertained, but you will also get the opportunity to help out the wonderful people at 826CHI via our prize-laden raffle. And to kick … Continue reading →

Writer’s Corner: Composite Characters

There is a common misconception that just because you are writing a work of nonfiction means you can’t take certain artistic liberties. Well, the truth is you can. This is your story, and you get to make the rules. And one of the most commonly used “fibs” in the essay biz is the use of … Continue reading →