On Monday, June 19, 1978, the first Garfield comic strip made its debut in 41 newspapers. Since its inception, the cutting-edge comic has never been afraid to shy away from controversial topics like Mondays, naps, and lasagna, so it’s no wonder that Garfield sprawled to over 2,500 newspapers and spawned a billion-dollar-a-year merchandising enterprise. (Yes, … Continue reading
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: Archy Jamjun is a storyteller and writer from Chicago. He has participated in many shows around the … 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 15th). Join hosts Willy Nast … Continue reading
April in Chicago began with a variety of midwestern half blizzard/half hurricanes, but now that we’ve had about 48 hours of delightful weather, we’ve all completely forgotten that this city is more often than not a meteorological hellscape. The weather is supposed to be 70 degrees and sunny, so you have no reason not to … Continue reading
April showers are all about renewal (which is why we “renewed” this April showers concept that we used in 2016 and 2014), and we’re certain that the next Essay Fiesta, like an April rain, will leave you feeling recharged. So rather than sitting around and getting drenched in droplets of despair, join your hosts Karen … Continue reading
Every March 20th, the students and faculty of Lake Superior State venture out into the open northern-Michigan air for the first time in months, and meet at the quad for a quaint little bit of effigy burning. “Snowman Burning Day” represents the opportunity to say goodbye to winter and hello to spring. The annual celebration … 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 first ever winter hiatus. There’s no need to drop by to bring us soup. Just like any other hibernating mammal, Essay … Continue reading
Essay Fiesta turns 7 years old this month, which is 49 in dog years, 44 in cat years, and 53.8 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 obambulate (wander about aimlessly); head straight down to The Book Cellar on Monday, October 17th at 7pm. This lineup of effulgent (radiant) writers and performers will put an end to your sonntagsleerung (Sunday depressions experienced before the coming workday): Toni Nealie is the author of The Miles Between Me, an essay collection about borders, … 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 17th at … Continue reading
