Essay Fiesta is getting old. November is our 4th birthday, which is about 72 in live lit years. We can hardly believe it’s been four whole years since Alyson and Keith started the show, and one year since they handed it over to Willy and Karen. But we do love an excuse to celebrate and … Continue reading
Fall is in the air! There are steins of German beer and to-go cups of pumpkin spice coffee drinks and pots of mulled cider. Men are wearing cardigans. Toddlers are wearing flannel. Everyone you know is Instagramming their apple picking trips to the suburbs. But nothing says fall like an evening of stories at The Book … Continue reading
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
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
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
What are your plans on Saturday, April 27th? Cancel them. Yes, cancel those, too. We found better plans. Plans that are fun and that benefit 826CHI. Forget everything you know about high school prom, because 826CHI is bringing you Promic-Con 2013: ONE PROM TO RULE THEM ALL. At 8pm on April 27th, come to the … Continue reading
There are three guarantees in life: death, taxes, and Essay Fiesta. Treat your wallet right this Tax Day by joining us at The Book Cellar – Monday, April 15th – 7pm – for some tax-free first-person non-fiction line items. Just try and deduct this lineup – we dare you: Comedian Kelsie Huff Writer (and Book … Continue reading
Essay Fiesta had a packed house this past Monday! Thank you all for coming out and showing your support for the local live lit community and for 826CHI. We broke a new fundraising record! Good on you! Our next show is Sept. 17! Co-producer Alyson Lyon is being called away on make-up duty, so we’ll … Continue reading
Hey Essay Fiesta fans! Our August show is right around the corner. Come out on Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. to the Book Cellar so you don’t miss seeing: Stand-up comic Kristin Clifford Neofuturist and BoyGirlBoyGirl members Diana Slickman Hubris Production’s resident director Dennis Frymire Bust Magazine blogger Samantha Vincenty Writer and storyteller Tom Wolferman As always, we’ll be raising money for 826CHI! And there … Continue reading
Essay Fiesta 