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Susan Messing Messes with Ian Belknap

Hey, Essay Fiesta fans! Looking to put a little comedy in your lit lives? Then check out Write Club host and Essay Fiesta alumnus Ian Belknap at Messing with a Friend this Thursday at the Annoyance Theatre at 10:30 p.m. Messing with a Friend features improviser extraordinaire Susan Messing playing it up with a different … Continue reading →

Cameron Esposito Performs at the Interview Show

Hey Essay Fiesta fans! Looking for something to do this Friday that’s fun and under $10? Then head to the Hideout where you can see one of our favorite comedians (and past Essay Fiesta reader) Cameron Esposito! The Interview Show is hosted by Mark Bazer, whose guests this installment include cartoonist Anders Nielsen, chef Ryan Poli, … Continue reading →

Essay Fiesta Reveals September Line-Up

Hey Essay Fiesta fans! September marks the end of summer. But not to worry. We’ll have a whole crew of sizzling readers to keep the fire burning. On Sept. 19 at the Book Cellar, Alyson and Keith we will play host to the following talents: Playwright and former Neo-Futurist Andy Bayiates . . . Founder … Continue reading →

Get to Know: Robyn Okrant

Essay Fiesta loves the new readers just as much as we love the old. And we are pleased as a pickle in brine to welcome a newbie to the mic (but not a newbie to the world of readings), the quirky and comical Robyn Okrant! Robyn is the author Living Oprah: My One-Year Experiment to … Continue reading →

Get to Know: Diana Slickman

Oh boy! Do you love this weather? Essay Fiesta sure does. And nothing nicer than a good breeze and a bit of sunshine. Well nothing except a big ole serving of essays. And you know who’s bringing a heaping pile of goodness to our show on Aug. 15? The talented Diana Slickman. We are pleased … Continue reading →

Get to Know: Scott Smith and Kristin Clifford

Hello Essay Fiesta fans! Hope you enjoyed yesterday’s newsletter. If you have not signed up to receive it directly in your inbox, click here to subscribe. In other news, August’s Essay Fiesta is on the 15th, and we are pleased as a pinata to welcome two very talented writers: Scott Smith and Kristin Clifford! Scott … Continue reading →

Get to Know: Tom Wolferman

Hey Essay Fiesta fans! If you like Chicago’s plethora of reading series, then you are bound to know this guy. Tom Wolferman is one of the men on the scene! This guy is everywhere! From Story Club to Story Lab, he’s a familiar and welcome face at Chicago readings. Tom’s background is in copywriting. So … Continue reading →

Updated Essay Fiesta Line-Up

August’s Essay Fiesta is hitting the Book Cellar in one week. And boy are we excited! We have had a slight line-up change. See below for the new finalized line-up. It’s full of big hitters! Actor, writer and director Diana Slickman . . . . . . Author of Living Oprah Robyn Okrant . . . . . … Continue reading →

Essay Fiesta Update

Hello Essay Fiesta fans! We’ve got a few small news bits for you. So strap yourself in and prepare to get updated. First, Alyson Lyon and Keith Ecker will be appearing tonight at Story Club. Story Club is an eclectic literary event with an open-mic component. It is also hosted by the adorable Dana Norris. … Continue reading →