They say that April showers bring anxiety over your yet-to-be-filed taxes, a sure-to-be-disappointing baseball season, and derivative April Fools’ Day pranks on the internet. But they also bring another edition of Essay Fiesta. So rather than sitting around and getting drenched in droplets of despair, join your hosts Karen Shimmin and Willy Nast at The Book … Continue reading
Look, we don’t want to rain on the parade that is World Puppetry Day, but there’s something that the puppetry Illuminati doesn’t want you to know about puppets: they are dead, soulless inanimate objects. So instead of staying at home and playing with your sad, motionless facsimiles of real people, how about you come on … Continue reading
We know, we know. We’re absolutely crazy to schedule the next Essay Fiesta on March 21st, which is the much-anticipated World Puppetry Day. Most of you will be binge-watching episodes of Thunderbirds or Sifl & Olly before heading out to boogie down at your favorite creepy puppet dance party. How can we compete? But just in case … Continue reading
If this debate season has taught us anything, it’s that some presidential candidates are really bad at talking in front of groups of people. So how about you come see us on Monday night, February 15th, 7pm – at The Book Cellar, where you’ll hear from lineup of writerly American heroes who are much, much … Continue reading
Essay Fiesta has become a Presidents’ Day institution. Last year, our President’s Day show drew praise from ex-prez Abe Lincoln, who called it “The finest American achievement since that time I dunked over James K. Polk.” This year, every single US President will be in attendance (in spirit). You should join us (in person) at … Continue reading
Instead of going to see the new Star Wars movie for the 14th time, how about you come see us on Monday night, January 18th, 7pm – at The Book Cellar. We have fewer special effects, but our fandom is even nerdier, and these writers will play some sweet jedi mind tricks on you: Stephanie … Continue reading
The new Star Wars movie was undoubtedly the single biggest event in entertainment in 2015, but its box office dominance is about to come to an abrupt end. Cinemas everywhere will sit empty and movie theater screens will go dark, as record crowds flock to The Book Cellar for 2016’s first edition of Essay Fiesta, … Continue reading
It’s our birthday! Our exact birthday. On Monday, November 16th, 2009, Keith Ecker and Alyson Lyon kicked off the very first Essay Fiesta. And on Monday, November 16th, 2015, at 7pm Willy Nast and Karen Shimmin will do a mostly satisfactory job of piloting the EF starship toward its 6th birthday celebration. Join us at … Continue reading
As the legend goes, on a brisk Monday evening in November 2009, Essay Fiesta sprung forth into the world from the mind-loins of Keith Ecker and Alyson Lyon. And lo, how they gazed upon their offspring with great fondness, until three years later, whereupon they grew tired of the damn thing and thrust it into the … Continue reading
We hope you had a great National Chocolate Cupcake Day. While you’re digesting all that frosting, why don’t you loosen the belt a notch and come see us on Monday night – October 19th, 7pm – at The Book Cellar. These writers will be just as sweet with only half the caloric intake. Keith Ecker … Continue reading
Essay Fiesta 