Leggo My Eggers

By Margaret Hicks in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 22, 2006 1:54PM

Which is better, words or music?

Revenge of the Bookeaters asks the question as they bring together authors and musicians for a one-night event. 826CHI and Jam Productions are hosting Ben Gibbard, Ira Glass, Dave Eggers, ZZ Packer and John Roderick for a night of readings, music and whatever else fits in between.

The proceeds benefit 826CHI, a non-profit co-founded by Eggers that helps kids with reading and writing.

The program looks pretty neat if you ask us, even if we did have to force our way through A Heartbreaking Work of Medium Genius. It was years ago, but we remember plodding our way through thinking “boy this guy sure is CREATIVE, isn’t he CREATIVE, we can’t believe how CREATIVE this guy is”. It grated on us, much like the Wes Anderson movies do, because they’re so CREATIVE.

We still think Eggers is pretty cool though; founding McSweeney’s is pretty rockin’, and we can’t hate a guy who started not-for-profit writing groups for kids in over six cities.

And in answer to the question “which is better, words or music?”, we turn to a rebel, a rocker, an idol, and a lover, Eddie Wilson:

“We need each other Wordman. Words and music, words ... and music”.

We can’t wait to tell Dave Eggers we know the answer.

You can see Revenge of the Bookeaters at the Park West on Thurs. Aug. 24., at 8:30 p.m. Tickets range from $35 to $100, and proceeds benefit 826CHI. 312-559-1212.