More Readings for Reasons
By Anonymous in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 25, 2005 1:33PM
We here at Chicagoist just get all tickled inside, if a little bit conflicted, when we get to tell you about multiple great literary events happening in the same evening. Tomorrow night gives the local literatista (why yes, we do love making up words!) not one but two opportunities for some non-traditional literary edification--both lubricated with a little bit of beer and and a lot of the sweet, sweet pleasure of philanthropy.
Hit Martyr's at 8:00 for the Writers and Readers Ball: A Celebration of Literature on WLUW Radio, a benefit for WLUW showcasing local talent in a range of (mostly literary) artistic pursuits. WLUW hosts Donna Seaman of Open Books (a show featuring literary conversations) and Michael C. Watson of Wordslingers (a poetry show) will be on hand as will Neo-Futurists Steve Mosqueda and Sean Benjamin of the Drinking and Writing Brewery. But, whoa! That's not even close to all. There will be funk courtesy of Chicago band Bumpus, and a slew of readings from local authors and poets, including Alex Shakar, Steve Schroeder, and Dan Beachy-Quick. Folks will also be celebrating the release of the book Writers On the Air: Conversations About Books, a collection of Open Books conversations with Donna Seaman. All of this--at least a week's worth of entertainment--for only $10 in advance, or $12 at the door. And you'll be contributing to the nobel cause of community radio.
Or, head to the Hideout at 7:00 for The Happy Ending Music and Reading Series, an intriguing New York institution making a one-time appearance in Chicago with heavy-hitters Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Elizabeth Berg, and Joe Meno. If those names alone aren't enough to pull you away from the TV for one night (and they should be), the premise of the series raises the stakes by requiring reader/performers to take one public risk in the course of their readings (not counting reading in public). Elizabeth Crane hosts and The Sunday Runners provide the music. Your 10 buck admission benefits survivors of Hurricane Katrina via Community Labor United.
WLUW Writers and Readers Ball
Martyr's, Wednesday 10/26, 8:00
3855 N. Lincoln
$10 in advance, $12 at the door
The Happy Ending Reading Series
Hideout, Wednesday 10/26, 7:00
1354 W. Wabansia
$10