Although the U.S. is still behind when it comes to supporting the arts, Chicago does a pretty good job of helping out its artist community. Essay Fiesta is thrilled that the Chicago Artists Resource (CAR) just announced they will be adding a literary section to their website. This is awesome news for all you literary … Continue reading
Can you believe that it’s been almost a year since Alyson and Keith started Essay Fiesta? In these 11 shows, we’ve hosted dozens of artists and hundreds of audience members. Plus, you all have helped us raise nearly $1,500 for Howard Brown Health Center. As we round out our year, we have yet another great … Continue reading
I know what you’re thinking. “Two posts in one day! That’s unbelievable!” Believe it. Essay Fiesta has the endurance of a cheetah. And our last reader to highlight has the temperament of one. It’s the very talented Ian Belknap. You may know Ian from his appearances at The Paper Machete or as the Minister of … Continue reading
Yo! Essay Fiesta fans! The first-ever Chicago Fringe Festival is officially underway in the Pilsen neighborhood, boasting a bazillion shows on a gazillion stages from all over the country, world and stratosphere! Last night Essay Fiesta’s Alyson Lyon went to the Casa Aztlan and saw The Steve Show. The Steve Show is written by and … Continue reading
School’s going to be back in session soon. If you’re looking to get your learn on a little early, then you should check out our August 16th installment of Essay Fiesta. The line-up is chock full of comedians. We got all kinds of funny people, from stand-ups to improvisers to a highly intelligent ape from … Continue reading
If you’re looking for some explosive entertainment this weekend, listen to your old pals at Essay Fiesta: Paper Machete at Ricochet’s in Lincoln Square When? July 3 at 4 p.m. Hosted by Chris Piatt, the show is FREE and features Chicago’s finest writers, comedy peeps and musicians. Windy City Story Slam at The Empty Bottle … Continue reading
Keith Ecker did it last week. Now Alyson Lyon is getting some Paper Machete love. That’s right! Your weekly live magazine show, hosted by the tall Christopher Piatt, will be featuring the enchanting musical stylings of our very own Alyson. The show is back at Ricochets this week (3 p.m. on Saturday), so come and … Continue reading
But not as much as tomorrow! Man, things keep getting busier and busier around here at Essay Fiesta Inc. Alyson and Keith spent yesterday afternoon recording the Essay Fiesta theme song. We’ll be premiering it on Friday, so STAY TUNED! This one is Buzz Bin worthy. They do still have the Buzz Bin don’t they? … Continue reading
If you’re getting wasted in Lincoln Square tomorrow as many other Maifest revelers will be doing, you should stop by the Grafton for some good old-fashioned live entertainment. The Paper Machete, a weekly live magazine how hosted by Christopher Piatt, is relocating for one week only from Ricochets to the Grafton. And Essay Fiesta’s very … Continue reading
Alyson will be reading an essay at the live magazine talk show Paper Machete this Saturday. Keith and Alyson checked the show out last week and had a blast making Taylor Swift-themed artwork (see below). Oh, and Keith’s review of Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind is now live on the Chicago Theater … Continue reading
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