We don’t care that Monday is a school day, okay? Run away to the Book Cellar Cafe. Order a cafe au lait or a glass of cabernet (or beaujolais) and watch this lineup put on an essay display: Eileen Dougharty has been stringing words together with some success since she moved here in 2009. She … Continue reading
Once again it is May. No way, you say? We say way. So put a beret on your toupee and eat a parfait at the gourmet buffet. Don’t let a case of Monday Dismay keep you away from the Book Cellar Cafe on the third Monday in May (that’s May 21st). Join hosts Willy Nast … Continue reading
Pretty much every April, we use jokes about April showers as an excuse to sear this image of clear raincoats firmly into your brain. This April, Chicago has seen both rain showers and snow showers, so why mess with tradition now? Will hosts Karen Shimmin and Willy Nast wear these beautiful outfits to The Book … Continue reading
Essay Fiesta has been asleep for months. But now, after living off its own body fat all winter, it’s ready to crawl out of its hole, stand up on its wobbly legs, and locate some easy food sources. On Monday, March 19 at 7pm, Essay Fiesta will rise from its winter slumbers for a feast … Continue reading
Baby, it’s cold outside, and we’re going to deal with it the way all Chicagoans do—by shutting ourselves inside and not speaking to anyone until it’s warm again. That’s right! We are taking our second ever winter hiatus. There’s no need to drop by to bring us soup. Just like any other hibernating mammal, Essay … Continue reading
IT’S OUR 8TH BIRTHDAY. You are morally obligated to come down to The Book Cellar on Monday, November 20th at 7pm. Also, this lineup is going to be so good, we might never need to have another birthday: Britt Julious is a journalist, essayist, and storyteller. Her writing has appeared in the Esquire, ELLE, GQ, … Continue reading
Essay Fiesta turns 8 years old this month, which is 56 in dog years, 49 in cat years, and 84.3 in live lit years. Like many middle-aged dogs and cats, Essay Fiesta can be trusted to be left at home alone without wrecking the furniture. It will, however, still pee on the floor from time … Continue reading
Don’t be dilatory (procrastinate); head straight down to The Book Cellar on Monday, October 16th at 7pm. This lineup of effulgent (radiant) writers and performers will put an end to your sonntagsleerung (Sunday depressions experienced before the coming workday): Kelsie Huff is a stand-up comedian and creator and host of the kates, a ten year comedy showcase, … Continue reading
Only a real ninnyhammer (foolish person; simpleton) would give in to their clinomania (excessive desire to lie down or remain in bed) and miss the October edition of Essay Fiesta. So put on your spraunciest (most dapper or smart in appearance) footwear and step on down to The Book Cellar on Monday, October 16th at … Continue reading
Aw yeah. Super-sexy National Punctuation Day is almost here, and so is the next Essay Fiesta. Come see us on Monday night – September 18th, 7pm – at The Book Cellar, where these writers will make you utter sweet exclamation points, then leave you as breathless as ellipses (before cuddling you close in the loving … Continue reading
Essay Fiesta 