Ahoy! On the horizon, nested in the sandy shores of Lincoln Square, there be the next installment of Essay Fiesta! Steer ye trusty vessel toward shore and drop anchor at The Book Cellar at 7pm on Monday, September 19th (which also happens to be International Talk Like a Pirate Day). Fearless captains Karen Shimmin and … Continue reading
Thirty-nine years after scientists detected the Wow Signal, we’ll be sending out some gnarly Wowie-wow-wow signals of our own. Come on down to The Book Cellar at 7pm on Monday, August 15th for this lineup of writers and performers who will produce the federally-mandated maximum amount of wows for a single evening of entertainment (and … Continue reading
On August 15, 1977, the Big Ear telescope at Ohio State University received a strong narrow-band radio signal that appeared to be of extraterrestrial origin. Astronomer Jerry Ehman was so impressed that he circled the reading and wrote ‘Wow!’ beside it. The signal has been referred to as the ‘Wow!’ signal ever since. On August … Continue reading
Now that July Fourth is two weeks gone, you’ve exhausted your fireworks stockpile down to a few piddly sparklers. But don’t despair! Come to The Book Cellar at 7pm on Monday, July 18th for this lineup of writers and performers who will bring the boom-pow-crackle without violating noise ordinances: Diana Slickman is a 30-year veteran … Continue reading
Good news! Your neighbors have nearly burned through the seemingly endless supply of July 4th fireworks they purchased in Indiana. You and your dog will soon be able to sleep through the night without veterinary Xanax (two for you, one for the dog). This is cause for a celebration! Preferably one without fireworks. Which is … Continue reading
We know that his head is pounding from the Father’s Day kegger, but find a hungover dad (any hungover dad will do), give him some water, and bring him to The Book Cellar at 7pm on Monday, June 20th for an evening of personal essays in support of 826CHI. He’s going to love all of … Continue reading
Father’s Day, the day when all fathers get away from their families to throw a raging, dads-only keg party in the woods, is always followed the next day by the less-recognized-but-equally-important Hungover Dad Day, when dads sleep in, skip work, and eventually watch all their pending Snapchat stories from the Father’s Day kegger. After your … Continue reading
Monday the 16th of May is today. This very day! Come down to The Book Cellar Cafe at 7pm, and stay (until they close.) We’re giving 826CHI all of the money you can pay. This lineup will put on an essay display that shines even brighter than the milky way: Lily Be is Chicago’s very … Continue reading
Oh hey, it’s May! You know what they say, May is the month to throw your cares away. Get out there and play! Belly up to the buffet, wear a beret, try croquet, eat a parfait – do whatever makes you happy, bey. Just don’t delay on the third Monday in May (that’s May 16th). … Continue reading
April in Chicago started with some pretty shitty showers (of snow and ice and rain and hail and Ted Cruz), but now the weather man is telling us it’s not going to rain, so come to The Book Cellar on Monday, April 18th at 7pm to raise money for 826CHI. Hosts Karen Shimmin and Willy Nast have put together a lineup that’s … Continue reading
Essay Fiesta 