As we all know, May 19 marks the 186th anniversary of the day President John Quincy Adams (like John Adams, but Quincyer) signed the Tariff of 1828 into law, much to the chagrin of South Carolina’s John C. “Crazy Eyes” Calhoun, who labelled it the “Tariff of Abominations.” He had a way with words, that … Continue reading
No one likes April showers, especially when they are showers of tiny sharp icicles. And if we’re honest, there isn’t much to like about April. Tax Day; the beginning of an interminable, sub-mediocre baseball season; broken umbrellas; dumb Internet April Fools pranks. Luckily, we have a cure for your rainy day blues. Don’t sit around, drenched, … Continue reading
After what is sure to be a weekend spent in quiet, solemn meditation of how to be a better you, join us at The Book Cellar on Monday, March 17th at 7pm, for this saintly set of essay sayers: Jen Bosworth is a writer and performer from Evanston. Her solo show “Why Not Me…Love, Cancer … Continue reading
As everyone knows, March 17th marks Chicago’s annual Festival of Sobriety and Solemnity. On this day, brewers cork their barrels and local taverns close their doors to celebrate the purity of body, spirit, and liver. On March 17th, there is no song, no revelry, no urinating openly on the sidewalk. Instead we calm our troubled … Continue reading
Unfortunately, Bob’s eyeball is preventing him from attending. But he told us that he wants everyone take a break from watching curlers faceplant to join us at The Book Cellar on Monday, February 17th at 7pm. We’ll be raising money for 826CHI and draping medals around the necks of these essay champions. Paul Luikart is going to finish his Master of … Continue reading
Where would you rather be on Monday, February 17th at 7pm? In an unfinished hotel in Russia, catching a nasty eye infection from Bob Costas? Or at The Book Cellar, sipping on beer and/or wine and listening to world-class writers and storytellers? Why spend your monthly salary on tickets to stand outside in the cold … Continue reading
It’s cold. Too cold to make dumb jokes about how cold it is. But it’s warm at The Book Cellar. And there’s no better way to warm your heart than an evening of stories that also raises money for 826CHI. So join hosts Karen Shimmin and Willy Nast on Monday, January 20th at 7 pm, along with a lineup that … Continue reading
Are you in Essay Fiesta withdrawals? We sure are. Luckily, Willy and Karen produce a literary podcast and this week’s episode features three stories told at Essay Fiesta this year. Hop on over to All Write Already! to hear from Kelsie Huff, Chris Bower, and Erin Diamond on green cars, quarter heists, and a really big … Continue reading
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
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
Essay Fiesta 