Pretty much every April, we use jokes about April showers as an excuse to sear this image of clear raincoats firmly into your brain. This April, Chicago has seen both rain showers and snow showers, so why mess with tradition now? Will hosts Karen Shimmin and Willy Nast wear these beautiful outfits to The Book … Continue reading
There are plenty of opportunities to indulge your sweet tooth in October. Sweetest Day, the dumbest pseudo-holiday that ever was, takes place on October 17th. On October 18th, you can take a bite out of the much-less-stupid National Chocolate Cupcake Day. Two days later, October 20th, is National Brandied Fruit Day, which involves real fruit … Continue reading
It’s our birthday and we’re 5 and that means we can do whatever we want. And what we want is for you to join us at The Book Cellar this Monday, November 17 at 7pm. We want to raise a bunch of money for 826CHI, while listening to a night of awesome stories from these awesome people: Megan Stielstra is … Continue reading
We are 5 now. That means we are REALLY OLD. Like any other 5 year-old child, we can now count ten or more objects, peddle a tricycle, and speak clearly using more complex sentences. We are also better able to express our emotions. And we have so many emotions. It’s been 5 years since co-founders Alyson Lyon and … Continue reading
Oh gosh. Here it comes. We are starting to feel really, really festive. Join us at The Book Cellar this Monday, November 18 at 7pm for our 4th birthday and, as always, a night of awesome stories in support of 826CHI. These talented folks will be helping us celebrate: Natasha Tsoutsouris is a writer and solo performer. She has had the … 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
Mike Manship is a local writer/performer and drop-out of the Second City Training Center. In 2011, he published his first novel, Cambridge Street. His second book, Off Track, which chronicles his vegetable-oil-powered trek across the country, is due out this November. Keith Ecker is the creator and host of Guts & Glory, a bold and brash live … Continue reading
Essay Fiesta is kicking off the new year with plenty of new faces. Not only does our first show of 2013 feature new hosts (including a new spin on the Essay Fiesta theme song), but it also features three readers who are brand new to Essay Fiesta – and, as always, some (very) familiar faces. … 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 