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
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
The next reader we’re highlighting as we amp up for the next Essay Fiesta (Sept. 19 at the Book Cellar at 7 p.m.) really doesn’t need much of an introduction. She may very well hold the record for most Essay Fiesta appearances, and, if our memories serve us correctly, she may have even read at … Continue reading
Hey Essay Fiesta fans! September marks the end of summer. But not to worry. We’ll have a whole crew of sizzling readers to keep the fire burning. On Sept. 19 at the Book Cellar, Alyson and Keith we will play host to the following talents: Playwright and former Neo-Futurist Andy Bayiates . . . Founder … Continue reading
Yahoo! More stories from Chicago’s storytelling enthusiasts! Tonight is our 16th installment of Essay Fiesta! Come out and celebrate with some great stories by the likes of Ian Belknap, Dennis Frymire, Janna Sobel, Arch Jamjun and John Wilson. Then on Wednesday, come on down to The Store (Halsted & Armitage) for Jen Bosworth’s story night. … Continue reading
Have we got a show for you! February’s Essay Fiesta is completely insane. Seriously, someone should lock us up. Mark your calendars for Feb. 21, so you don’t miss it! Here’s the stellar line-up: Host of Write Club and the Encyclopedia Show’s Fact Checker Ian Belknap. Hubris Productions company member, SKALD winner and The Moth … Continue reading
Essay Fiesta alum and Chicago Story Collective member Jen Bosworth’s Stories at The Store will be kickin’ it this Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 8 p.m. at The Store (2002 N Halsted)…for free! If you haven’t seen this show, Jen runs it with serious flair! She gets great readers and her in-betweens and asides are comedic … Continue reading
Hat tricks. Threepeats. Turkeys. What do these things all have in common? They are all stupid names for doing something three times. Why are we talking about this? Because of Janna Sobel. The writer/performer will be making her third appearance at Essay Fiesta on Monday July 19. Janna teaches creative writing and performance to the … Continue reading
Last night, Alyson attended Essay Fiesta alumni Janna Sobel‘s Sunset Meditation class, and it was fantastic! If meditation has always been a mystery or intimidating to you, Janna’s class is a place where you can ask questions and just be guided by a great person dedicated to this practice. The hour-long mediation, which is done … Continue reading
Essay Fiesta 