Nothing says Essay Fiesta like the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. So come on over to The Book Cellar on Monday, September 16th at 7 pm for some stories from the greatest lineup of environmental warriors since those wimpy kids on Captain Planet: Paul Whitehouse is a Chicago-based actor, storyteller, and arts educator. He tours the country … Continue reading
Ugh, Labor Day. What a drag. Always forcing you to take a three-day weekend and attend backyard barbecues where you have to drink beer and talk about your fantasy football team to anyone who will listen. Does anyone actually enjoy it? Thank goodness it’s finally over. Essay Fiesta knows you can’t wait to start celebrating your … Continue reading
We’re mere hours away from our doggone-est Essay Fiesta yet! Come on down to the Book Cellar tonight (August 19th) at 7pm and throw these dogs a bone. (Or something.) Scott Whitehair is the producer and host of long running storytelling series This Much Is True, and creator of Story Lab Chicago, which has given … Continue reading
They’re here: those terrible days when you simultaneously curse the heat of summer and mourn its impending demise. Cussing, you peel away the clothes that have adhered to your skin with sweat-glue, meanwhile keeping an eye on the puffy winter coat in the back of your closet. You’ll need that coat (and the gloves, and … Continue reading
We’re only a few days away from a wicked post-Bastille Day hangover. After you’ve re-hydrated and eaten a stack of French Toast, come to the Book Cellar on July 15th, 7pm, and keep the Bastille Day festivities going with hosts Karen Shimmin and Willy Nast, as well as this group of literary revolutionaries: Erin Diamond … Continue reading
There’s nothing that gets our blood pumping like some good, old-fashioned fortress o’ertaking. Which is why we know you’ll be more than a little hungover on Monday, July 15th, the day after Bastille Day. But we hope you’ll manage, with stomach still half-full of red wine and baguettes, to lift the beret from your eyes … Continue reading
Only a few days left until Icelandic Independence Day! Come celebrate with your hosts Willy Nast and Karen Shimmin, as well as these talented flytjendur, at The Book Cellar on Monday, June 17th. Jill Howe lives to tell and loves to listen. Inspired by her urban tribe of creative friends, Jill co-produces Story Sessions, a monthly storytelling … Continue reading
We all remember the fateful day of June 17th, 1944, when the people of Iceland decided via plebiscite to secede from their union with Denmark and adopt a republican constitution. And so in celebration, we don our Skautbúningur and steer our proud Icelandic steeds at a ceremonial pace to The Book Cellar in Lincoln Square for an … Continue reading
Because you all have been asking so nicely, we’ve decided to keep doing this Essay Fiesta thing every month for forever. Check out the lineup we have in store for you on Monday, May 20th – 7pm – The Book Cellar. Did we mention you look great today? Have you been working out? Go ahead … Continue reading
Come by the Book Cellar TONIGHT – 7pm – and let this duty-free lineup cure your Tax Day blues. Shannon Cason is a writer and storyteller. He has told stories a lot of places. He co-hosts a storytelling show called Do Not Submit at Powell’s Bookstore. He also hosts a podcast called Homemade Stories on … Continue reading
Essay Fiesta 