January 05, 2016

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Tuesday Funk is back in the upstairs lounge at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., tonight with guests Christopher Sweet, Robert O'Connor, Mare Swallow, Lori Rader-Day and Chuck Sudo. Eden Robins and Andrew Huff co-host. Doors open at 7pm -- no earlier, we're serious. Don't ruin it for everyone else. But do get there as close to 7 as you can, because the room fills up quickly (hence no admittance before 7). The show starts at 7:30pm. Admission is free, but you must be 21 or older. RSVP on Facebook.

December 23, 2015

Wednesday Poemtime

The Poetry Foundation, 61 W. Superior St., hosts Wednesday Poemtime at 10am open to children ages 2 to 5 for a free storytime event to introduce them to poetry through interactive readings and crafts.

December 21, 2015

Waiting for the Bus @ Uncharted Books

Tonight Uncharted Books, 2620 N. Milwaukee Ave., hosts monthly poetry open mic from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Poets are invited to read 3 poems or for 5 minutes. The show is free, donations requested to pay the featured poets.

December 20, 2015

The Marrow @ Whistler

The Marrow returns to The Whistler, 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave., tonight at 6pm with essays by Dave Reidy, Megan Kirby, Ted Wesenberg and Britt Julious. Leah Pickett and Naomi Huffman host. No cover, 21+

December 19, 2015

Coin-Operated Americans Book Launch @ Geek Bar

Author Carly A. Kocurek celebrates the release of her book Coin-Operated Americans: Rebooting Boyhood at the Video Game Arcade today at 3pm at Geek Bar, 1941 W. North Ave. Kocurek will do a reading and Q&A and will sign books.

December 16, 2015

Recommended Reading Night @ Women & Children First

Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St., hosts Recommeded Reading Night, a new literary series featuring local authors talking about their favorite books, tonight at 7pm. Participants in the inaugural event include Gina Frangello, Aleksander Hemon, Rebecca Makkai, Eric Charles May and Christine Sneed. Snacks, wine and cider will be served, and singer-songwriter Gerald Dowd will perform live. Free.

December 16, 2015

Ghosts of Chicago Christmas Past @ Bezazian Library

Author and ghost folklorist Ursula Bielski presents a talk on "Ghosts of Chicago Christmas Past" at the Chicago Public Library's Bezazian branch, 1226 W. Ainslie St., tonight at 6:30pm. Come hear holiday ghost stories that'll put a chill down your spine. Free.

December 15, 2015

The Pungent Parlor

The Pungent Parlor holds its last reading of the year at Black Rock, 3614 N. Damen Ave., at 8:30pm. Hosted by Chicago writers Jeff Phillips and Jeremy Solomon, the show will feature short stories and essays by Jac Jemc, Donny Rodriguez, Tovah Burnstein, Rachel Slotnick, Sam Wilder, Jeremy Solomon and Jeff Phillips. Doors open at 8pm. No cover, 21+

December 15, 2015

Story Club @ Co-Prosperity Sphere

Story Club South Side hosts its last show of the year tonight at Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., at 8pm. The theme is "getting cozy," and the readers include Joe Janes, Ricardo Gamboa and James "GPA" Gordon, as well as several open mic slots. Andrew Marikis hosts. Doors open at 7:30pm. $10 suggested donation. BYOB.

December 15, 2015

Self-Portrait in a Kanye Mirror @ MCA

Homeroom presents Self-Portrait in a Kanye Mirror," a session reflecting on Kanye West's life and art through a personal lens, tonight from 6 to 7pm at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. Featured readers include Krista Franklin, Allison Glenn, and Lisa Yun Lee with Kevin Coval, J. Johari Palacio and Anthony Stepter; Fred Sasaki and Seth Vanek cohost. Free with museum admission.

December 14, 2015

Louder than a Mom + Holiday Market @ Martyrs'

Louder than a Mom, the motherly storytelling series, returns to Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 8pm -- but come early and shop their holiday market from 5 to 8! The theme of the show is "house of lies." Admission is $8; the holiday market is free. 21+

December 13, 2015

Serving the Sentence @ Heartland Cafe

Tonight at 7:30pm, Serving the Sentence, the reading series in which each piece begins with the same sentence, moves to Heartland Cafe, 7000 N. Glenwood Ave., after the closure of its former home, Towbar. Kim Nelson, Aimee Perkins, Dan Smart, Matt Pavich, Amy Sumpter, Alexandra Tsarpalas, Kyna Lenof Tori Szekeres and Maggie Jenkins will start their stories with the sentence: "It's a terrible thing to live in fear." Hosted by Kendra Stevens. No cover, but donations will be collected for the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

December 10, 2015

Lies! Fiction Reading @ Cafe Mustache

Lies! Fiction Reading December is tonight at 8:00pm at Cafe Mustache, 2313 N. Milwaukee Ave. Hear Suzanne Scanlon, Kathleen Rooney, Cris Mazza, and Christopher Grimes. Facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/772492786211313/.

December 09, 2015

Six Points Poetry Reading Series @ Chicago Cultural Center

The Poetry Center of Chicago hosts Six Points Poetry Reading Series featuring Richie Hofmann and Jamila Woods tonight at 6:00pm in the Garland Room at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. This event is free!

December 06, 2015

That's All She Wrote @ Great Lakes Tattoo

The monthly live lit series That's All She Wrote is back at Great Lakes Tattoo, 1148 W. Grand Ave., for the last show of the year. This month's lineup includes Eileen Tull, Willy Nast, Brenna Kearney and Carla Jay. Co-hosted by J.H. Palmer and Angela Benander. Doors open at 7:30, stories begin at 8pm. Free and BYOB.

December 05, 2015

You're Being Ridiculous @ Mayne Stage

You're Being Ridiculous, the sassy, funny and fun storytelling show created by Jeremy Owens, is back tonight at Mayne Stage in Rogers Park. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "Beauty" from Mandy Aguilar, Robert Cornelius, Sarah Follmer, Dennis Frymire,
Maggie Jenkins, Carly Oishi, Jeremy Owens, Catharine Savage, and Julie Starbird . Doors open at 6:30pm and stories start at 7:30pm at Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave.Tickets are $15 online. There is no better way to celebrate Thanksgiving!

December 03, 2015

Live Comix @ Cards Against Humanity Theater

Interested in comics? How about performance? Local cartoonists will read aloud from their work accompanied by a projector at Cards Against Humanity Theater, 1917 N. Elston Ave. Come check out work by David Alvarado, Nate Beaty, Corinne Mucha, and Isabella Rotman tonight at 7pm. Event is free and BYOB! Fresh popcorn provided. RSVP on Facebook.

December 02, 2015

The Skewer @ Cafe Mustache

The Skewer satirical news revue is back at Cafe Mustache, 2313 N. Milwakee Ave., tonight at 8pm with stories by Amanda Claire Buckley, erica dreisbach, Josh Leeper and Jim Markus, and a debate between Tom Harrison and Cory O'Brien. Eric Ruelle hosts. $5 suggested donation at the door.

December 01, 2015

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

The chill is in the air and the holiday season is well under way, but make sure to leave room for Tuesday Funk! We are back in the upstairs lounge at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., tonight with guests Clayton Smith, Gint Aras, James Gordon, Bill Savage and Britt Julious. Eden Robins and Andrew Huff co-host. Doors open at 7pm -- NO EARLIER, we're serious. Don't ruin it for everyone else. But do get there as close to 7 as you can, because the room fills up quickly (hence no admittance before 7). The show starts at 7:30pm. Admission is free, but you must be 21 or older. RSVP on Facebook.

November 28, 2015

You're Being Ridiculous @ Mayne Stage

You're Being Ridiculous, the sassy, funny and fun storytelling show created by Jeremy Owens, is back tonight at Mayne Stage in Rogers Park. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "Beauty" from Kathleen Gibson, Clayton Guse, Kevin Lambert, Jeremy Owens, Adam Polak, Steven Strafford, and Malic White. Doors open at 6:30pm and stories start at 7:30pm at Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave. Tickets are $15 online. There is no better way to celebrate Thanksgiving!

November 25, 2015

Miss Spoken @ Gallery Cabaret

Female-centric reading series Miss Spoken is back at Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley Ave., tonight at 7pm with stories on the theme "Online Dating." Featured readers include Beth Spencer, Gina Watters, Gina Wynbrandt, Brittany Meyer and Nancy Hightower. Rosamund Lannin and special guest Alicia Swiz cohost. No cover, but donations accepted. 21+

November 23, 2015

2nd Story @ City Winery

To prepare you for Thanksgiving, 2nd Story presents "All in the Family: Stories of Love & Strife" tonight at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., featuring stories by CP Chang, Erica Cruz Hernandez, Earliana McLaurin and Scott Woldman. Tickets are $18. Doors open at 6pm, show's at 8pm.

November 21, 2015

You're Being Ridiculous @ Mayne Stage

You're Being Ridiculous, the sassy, funny and fun storytelling show created by Jeremy Owens, is back tonight at Mayne Stage in Rogers Park. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "Beauty" from Brooke Allen, Lily Be, Eileen Dougharty, Keith Ecker, Kate Harding, Jeremy Owens, Karen Shimmin, Megan Stielstra, and Natasha Tsoutsouris. Doors open at 6:30pm and stories start at 7:30pm at Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave.Tickets are $15 online. There is no better way to celebrate Thanksgiving!

November 19, 2015

The Stoop @ Rosa's Lounge

The Stoop is back at Rosa's Lounge, 3420 W. Armitage Ave., tonight at 7pm. The theme this month is "Like a Boss," and cohosts Lily Be and Clarence Browley welcome Tim Stafford, Ricardo Gamboa, Peter S. Kim, Elizabeth Gomez, Nestor Gomez, Jeremy Schaefer and Erica Nicole Clark. No cover, 21+

November 19, 2015

Chicago Book Expo Preview @ City Lit

CCLaP presents a Chicago Book Expo Preview tonight at City Lit Books, 2523 N. Kedzie Blvd., from 6:30 to 8pm. CCLaP authors Ben Tanzer, Joseph G. Peterson and Jason Fisk will read, as will four of the contributors to the recent The View From Here student anthology. Books by all these authors will be for sale, and the organizers of the Chicago Book Expo will share information about the weekend's event. Admission is free.

November 18, 2015

Poets Look at Paintings @ Chicago Cultural Center

The Poetry Center of Chicago hosts Poets Look at Paintings tonight at 6:00pm in the Garland Room at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. Hear poems written by Chicago poets responding to visual art. Free!

November 17, 2015

Story Club @ Co-Prosperity Sphere

Story Club South Side is back at the Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., tonight with the theme "Superpowers." Featured storytellers include James T. Green, Liz Baudler and Courtney Abbott, and there will be a few open-mic slots too. Andrew Marikis hosts. Open-mic signup starts at 7:30, show starts at 8pm. $10 suggested admission, BYO.

November 09, 2015

Is This a Thing? @ O'Shaughnessy's

Storytelling show Is This a Thing? is back at O'Shaughnessy's, 4557 N. Ravenswood Ave., tonight at 7pm. The show will feature Lauren Huffman, Nick Johne, Mare Swallow, Judith Scholes, Isabelle Libmann, Claire Muller and Suzy Weinberg; Damian Raszewski hosts. Free, 21+

November 08, 2015

Serving the Sentence @ Towbar

Serving the Sentence, the reading series in which all the stories begin with the same line, is back at Towbar, 1500 W. Jarvis Ave., tonight at 7pm. This month the sentence is "I'm not going to say it was my best moment as a human," and the readers include Crescent Prah, Tori Szekeres, Sean Keen, Jen Ellison, Julie Marchiano, Colleen Patterson, James Gordon and host Kendra Stevens. Free, but donations accepted.

November 05, 2015

Story Club @ Holiday Club

Story Club is at Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Rd., tonight, with the theme of "Feast." Featured storytellers are Elizabeth Cambridge, Claire Zulkey and Ines Bellina, and there will be several open mic slots for folks with feast-y stories to tell. Ali Kelley hosts. Open mic sign-up starts at 7:30, show starts at 8pm. $10 suggested donation. 21+

November 04, 2015

POETRY Fall Party @ Poetry Foundation

Tonight at 6:30pm at the Poetry Foundation, 61 W. Superior St., celebrate the September, October, and November 2015 issues of Poetry magazine with performances, readings, music, and refreshments. Magazine issues will be available. This event is free!

November 03, 2015

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Eclectic reading series Tuesday Funk returns to the upstairs bar at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., tonight, with guests Sarah Hollenbeck, Nick Disabato, Kyle Thiessen, Elaine Hegwood Bowen and William Shunn. Andrew Huff and Eden Robins co-host. Doors open at 7pm and the show begins at 7:30pm sharp. RSVP on Facebook. Free, 21+

October 31, 2015

Edgar Allan Poe Readings @ Clarke House Museum

Not quite upon a "midnight dreary," actors from Lifeline Theatre bring Edgar Allan Poe's chilling stories and poetry to life at Clarke House Museum, 1827 S. Indiana Ave. at 5:00pm and 8:00pm. Make your pre-paid reservation ($25 per person) by calling 312-326-1480.

October 30, 2015

Geraldine Brooks @ Swedish American Museum

Women & Children First Bookstore hosts a reading and signing with Pulitzer Prize-winning best-selling author Geraldine Brooks tonight at 7:00 pm (Doors at 6:30 pm) at the Swedish American Museum (5211 N. Clark Street). A free ticket is included with the purchase of Geraldine's forthcoming novel, The Secret Chord, from Women & Children First to attend.

October 29, 2015

The Stoop @ Rosa's Lounge

The Stoop storytelling show is back at Rosa's Lounge, 3420 W. Armitage Ave., tonight. The theme this month is "Treated," and featured storytellers are Don Hall, Tori Rosin Szekeres, Elizabeth Cambridge and Jennifer Peepas, plus open mic slots from 7:30 to 8:30. Lily Be and Clarence Browley host. Doors open at 7pm. No cover, 21+

October 28, 2015

Miss Spoken @ Gallery Cabaret

Miss Spoken returns to Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley Ave., tonight at 7pm. The theme this month is "Sex Ed," and the featured readers are Kelly Connell, Anne Elizabeth Moore, Kristin Mount and Kimberly Duncan. Hosted by Rosamund Lannin and Carly Oishi. $5 suggested donation, with all proceeds going to the readers. 21+

October 25, 2015

Jenny Lawson @ Ebenezer Lutheran Church

Women & Children First Bookstore hosts a reading and book signing with Jenny Lawson at Ebenezer Lutheran Church (1650 W. Foster) for her new book Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things. Doors open at 3:30 pm and the reading begins at 4:00 pm. This is a free event, but the first 100 attendees to purchase Furiously Happy from Women & Children First will receive priority seating and will be the first in line to get their books signed.

October 23, 2015

20x2 Chicago @ Schubas

Gapers Block presents 20x2 Chicago, a show in which 20 people from all different walks of creative life -- writers, musicians, filmmakers, web geeks and other bon vivants -- get two minutes each to answer the question of the day in whatever way they like. The results can be as varied as the emotions and reactions they evoke. This edition's question is "When did you know?" The lineup includes Gaylon Alcaraz, James Allenspach, Tim Barnes, Demetrio Cardona-Maguidad, Danette Chavez, Eamon Daly, Elizabeth Gomez, Felix Jung, Britt Julious, Amy Karatz, Rose Lannin, Sophia Madana, Parker Molloy, Dawn Xiana Moon, John Morrison, E.Oks (Evan Okun), Jenni Prokopy, Ron Slattery, Shawn Smith and Amy Sumpter; Andrew Huff hosts. The show is tonight at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave. Tickets are $10 online or at the door. Doors open at 6:30pm, show's at 7pm. All ages.

October 21, 2015

Jerome Pohlen @ Women & Children First

Join Jerome Pohlen tonight at 7:30 pm at Women & Children First for a presentation, Q&A and signing of his new book, Gay & Lesbian History for Kids: The Century-Long Struggle for LGBT Rights, with 21 Activities. His interactive history book for kids age 9 and up offers personal stories and firsthand accounts of key events in the LGBT movement and for this event, the author will share photos and short films that did not appear in the book.

October 21, 2015

Six Points Reading Series @ Cultural Center

The Poetry Center of Chicago hosts the monthly Six Points Reading Series. This month features Hadara Bar-Nadav and Jennifer Moore. Tonight from 6pm to 7pm, hear poets read their work in the Garland Room at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. Free.

October 20, 2015

Story Club @ Co-Prosperity Sphere

Story Club South Side is back at the Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., tonight. The theme this month is "Turning," and featured stortellers include Elizabeth Gomez, Kevin Gladish and Maura Clement, plus a couple of open mic slots. Andrew Marikis hosts. Doors are at 7:30pm, show's at 8. $10 suggested donation. BYOB.

October 19, 2015

Louder than a Mom @ Martyrs'

Louder than a Mom, the storytelling show about parents and parenting, returns to Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 8pm. Tickets are $8. 21+

October 18, 2015

The Marrow @ Whistler

Nonfiction reading series The Marrow returns to the Whistler, 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave., tonight with readings by Re'Lynn Hansen, Geoff Hyatt, Dange Russ Price and Coya Paz. Naomi Huffman and Leah Pickett host. Doors open at 5:30pm, show's at 6pm. No cover, 21+

October 18, 2015

Story Sessions Brunch @ City Winery

Story Sessions returns to City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., for another brunch show today. The theme is "Collide," and the readers are John Hahm, Ellen Blum Barish, Hallie Palladino, Andrew Reilly, Marta Wilmes and Scott Woldsman, with music by James Neary. Doors open at 10:30am, music starts at 11am and readings are at noon. Tickets are $12.

October 16, 2015

Funny Ha Ha @ Hideout

Funny Ha Ha returns from hiatus tonight at 6:30pm at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., with readings by Kate James, Rebecca Makkai, Kelsie Huff, Steve Gadlin and Alicia Swiz, plus short films by Steve Delahoyde. Claire Zulkey hosts. $10 at the door. 21+

October 15, 2015

Eileen Pollack @ Women & Children First

Author Eileen Pollack reads and discusses her new book, The Only Woman in the Room, at Women & Children First Bookstore (5233 N. Clark) tonight at 7:30pm. The book brings to light the struggles that women in the sciences are often hesitant to admit and provides hope that changing attitudes and behaviors can bring more women into fields in which they remain significantly underrepresented. Admission is Free.

October 14, 2015

The First Time: First Sign @ Martyrs

CHIRP Radio's First Time reading series is back at Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., at 8pm. The theme this time is "First Sign," and the readers include Alisa Rosenthal, Steve Dawson and Diane Christiansen, Jeremy Owens, James Gordon, Anne Elizabeth Moore, Tony Fitzpatrick and Julie Mueller. Jenn Sodini hosts, and the First Time Three perform covers of songs related to each story. Tickets are $10. 21+

October 14, 2015

Flick Lit @ The Logan Theatre

Flick Lit, a new movie-themed storytelling series, debuts tonight at the Logan Theatre, 2646 N. Milwaukee Ave., at 7:30pm. Featured readers include Sharon Glissy, Eileen Tull, Jake Scruggs, and special musical guest Tirzah Manley. The show also features musical guests, a short Siskel & Ebert-style film debate segment, and film trivia with prizes for the audience. Kirk Kicklighter, Laura Scruggs, Greg Ledger and Cameren Rau host. Free; donations accepted.

October 13, 2015

Curbside Splendor Publishing @ Poetry Foundation

Tonight at the Poetry Foundation, 61 W. Superior St., Curbside Splendor authors Erika T. Wurth, W. Todd Kaneko, and Dasha Kelly read from their works. The program will be introduced by Curbside Splendor's publishing senior editor, Jacob S. Knabb. This event is free.

October 10, 2015

The Paper Machete @ Green Mill

The Paper Machete live magazine this week features Brian Babylon, Dominizuelan, Katie McVay, Daniel Sharr and Ike Holder, plus Chad the Bird, burlesque dancing by Sarah O'Dwyer, and musical guests The Wabash Cannonballs. Christopher Piatt hosts. It all goes down at 3pm at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway. Free, 21+

October 09, 2015

Jarrett Neal @ Women & Children First

Join Chicago author Jarrett Neal tonight for a book launch party for his new book, What Color is Your Hoodie? Essays on Black Gay Identity at Women & Children First Bookstore (5233 N. Clark) at 7:30 pm. Admission is Free and refreshments will be served.

October 08, 2015

Maryrose Carroll @ Chicago Cultural Center

Maryrose Carroll, author of Beats Me: Love, Poetry, Censorship, from Chicago to Appalachia, talks about Chicago's literary history, censorship, and the Beats tonight from 5:30 to 7pm in the Garland Room at Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. Hosted by Poetry Center of Chicago. Free!

October 07, 2015

Juan Felipe Herrera @ Harold Washington Library

Juan Felipe Herrera, the 2015 US Poet Laureate, visits Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State St., tonight at 6pm for a reading and conversation on the 61st annual Poetry Day. Herrera will talk with Robert Casper, head of the Poetry and Literature Center at the Library of Congress. Co-sponsored by The Poetry Foundation and Library of Congress. Admission is free, but space is limited.

October 06, 2015

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

The eclectic monthly reading series Tuesday Funk returns to the upstairs bar at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., tonight with guests Jen Masengarb, Coya Paz, Lori Rader-Day, Carly Oishi and Tom Haley. Eden Robins and Gapers Block editor Andrew Huff co-host. Doors open at 7pm (no earlier!) and the show starts promptly at 7:30pm. RSVP on Facebook. Free, 21+

October 02, 2015

Karen Finley @ Women & Children First

Karen Finley, renowned performance artist and author, reads and discusses the expanded anniversary edition of her 1990 classic Shock Treatment at Women & Children First Bookstore (5233 N. Clark) tonight at 7:30pm. Admission is Free.

October 01, 2015

Jessa Crispin Reading

Jessa Crisipin, founder and editor of Bookslut and Spolia, stops in Chicago tonight on the promotional tour for her new book, The Dead Ladies Project. The memoir is the story of Crispin's leaving Chicago and traveling through Europe after a bout of depression. She pieces together her life while telling the stories of past writers and thinkers' existential crises. Crispin describes the event as an "old fashioned house party." The event is at 1926 W. Erie St., beginning at 7pm. RSVP on Facebook.

September 30, 2015

Miss Spoken @ Gallery Cabaret

Miss Spoken returns to Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley Ave., tonight at 7pm. The theme this month is "Mean Girls," and the readers include Molly Harris, Julie Jurgens, Mary Runkle and Ines Bellina. Hosted by Rosamund Lannin and Carly Oishi. $5 suggested donation, with all proceeds going to the readers. 21+

September 29, 2015

The Frunchroom @ O'Rourke's Office

The Frunchroom returns to O'Rourke's Office, 11064 S. Western Ave., tonight at 7:30pm. Readers include Jaime Black of Dynasty Podcasts, writer Lolly Bowean, Beverly Yoga Center owner Carly Carney, writer Erin J. Shea and WHPK radio personality Mario Smith -- plus live music by the Acoustic Mercenaries. Scott Smith hosts. No cover, 21+

September 24, 2015

The Stoop @ Rosa's Lounge

The Stoop reading series returns to Rosa's Lounge, 3420 W. Armitage Ave., tonight at 7pm. The theme this month is "Didn't Have to Use My AK," and featured readers include Samantha Bailey, Kevin D'Ambrosio and Chris Trani, plus several open mic slots. Lily Be and Clarence Browley host. No cover, 21+

September 24, 2015

Six Points Reading Series @ Cultural Center

The Poetry Center of Chicago hosts the monthly Six Points Reading Series, this month featuring Rachel Mennies and Sara Henning. Tonight from 6pm to 7pm, listen to the writers reading their own work in the Garland Room at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. Free.

September 20, 2015

The Marrow @ Whistler

Nonfiction live lit show The Marrow returns to the Whistler, 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave., tonight., with featured readers Dipika Mukherjee, Randall Colburn, Jes Skolnik and Mason Johnson. Naomi Hoffman and Leah Pickett host. Doors open at 5:30, readings start at 6pm. No cover, 21+

September 16, 2015

Story Club Chicago @ Black Rock Pub

Story Lab Chicago celebrates new stories from fresh storytellers. Tonight Story Lab features: Hallie Rosen, Jordan Blythe, Steve Coombs, Paul Conrad, Sean Ewert, and Anna Besmann! Come to Black Rock Pub & Kitchen, 3614 N. Damen, to hear some great stories. Doors open at 6:30pm, stories start at 7:30pm. Free!

September 15, 2015

WRITE CLUB @ The Hideout

WRITE CLUB Chicago is 3 bouts of 2 writers with 2 opposing ideas presented in 7 minutes each where the audience chooses the winner. Themed "Class Warfare," WRITE CLUB is all the nerdery you could ask for the low price of $10 cash (there is an ATM on the premises) tonight at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia starting at 7pm.

September 15, 2015

Open Door Reading @ Poetry Foundation

The monthly Open Door Reading series presents new and emerging poets from Chicago area's college and graduate writing programs. Tonight at 7pm at the Poetry Foundation, 61 W. Superior St. Free.

September 14, 2015

Is This a Thing? @ O'Shaughnessy's

Reading series Is This a Thing? returns to O'Shaughnessy's, 4557 N. Ravenswood Ave., tonight at 7pm. The theme this month is "Let's Dance," and features stories by Lindsay Eanet, Karen Genelly, Mary Lorenz, Jo-Elle Munchak, Jocelyn Pinkerton and James Sweeney. Hosted by Ines Bellina. Free.

September 10, 2015

Joe Meno Book Release @ Book Cellar

Celebrate the release of Joe Meno's new novel, Marvel and a Wonder tonight at 7pm at the Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave. The evening will feature readings by Jan-Henry Gray, Amy Giacalone, Jan Bottiglieri, Julia Fine and, of course, Joe Meno. Sponsored by Gapers Block and lit journal Goreyesque. Free.

September 01, 2015

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Join us in the upstairs bar at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., for Tuesday Funk, Chicago's eclectic monthly reading series. This month's readers are Brian Heath, Amanda Buckley, Jill Howe, Paul Dailing and David Daskal. Doors open at 7pm -- and no earlier, seriously -- and the show begins at 7:30pm. RSVP on Facebook. Free, 21+

August 29, 2015

You're Being Ridiculous @ Mary's Attic

You're Being Ridiculous, the sassy, funny and fun storytelling show created by Jeremy Owens, returns to Mary's Attic. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear funny & touching stories on the theme "Rites of Passage" from Kat Barker, Mike Blumberg, Kristin Davis, Kelly Duff, Jennie Ellman, James Finn Garner, Willy Nast, Jeremy Owens AND Elsa Perez. Doors open at 7:00pm and stories start at 7:30pm at Mary's Attic, 5400 North Clark. Tickets are $15 online.

August 28, 2015

Jessica Hopper & Suzanne Scanlon @ Women & Children First

Authors Jessica Hopper and Suzanne Scanlon read from their books, The First Collection of Criticism by a Living Female Rock Critic and Her 37th Year: An Index, respectively, and do a Q&A with Naomi Huffman tonight at 7:30pm at Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St. Admission is free.

August 27, 2015

The Stoop @ Rosa's Lounge

The Stoop returns to Rosa's Lounge, 3420 W. Armitage Ave., tonight at 7pm. The theme is "Don't Go There or I Had To Go There," and the featured storytellers are Mikey Manker, Roberta Miles and Moran Cerf, plus open mic slots. Lily Be and Clarence Browley host. No cover, 21+

August 26, 2015

Miss Spoken @ Gallery Cabaret

Miss Spoken returns to Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley Ave., tonight at 7pm. The theme this month is "Sleepover," and the readers include Steph Fowler, Ali Kelley, Stefania Rudd and Lynne Roberts. Hosted by Rosamund Lannin and Carly Oishi. $5 suggested donation, with all proceeds going to the readers. 21+

August 22, 2015

You're Being Ridiculous @ Mary's Attic

You're Being Ridiculous, the sassy, funny and fun storytelling show created by Jeremy Owens, returns to Mary's Attic. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear funny & touching stories on the theme "Rites of Passage" from DeeAnn Duli, Jo Gilbride, Adrianne Gunn, Brenna Kearney, Arlene Malinowski, Jeremy Owens, Jennifer Peepas, and Parker Stockman . Doors open at 7:00pm and stories start at 7:30pm at Mary's Attic, 5400 North Clark. Tickets are $15 online.

August 21, 2015

Kate Harding @ Women & Children First

Kate Harding reads from her new book, Asking for It: The Alarming Rise of Rape Culture — and What We Can Do about It, tonight at 7:30pm at Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St. RSVP on Facebook. Free.

August 19, 2015

Lies Reading Series @ Cafe Mustache

The Lies Reading Series returns to Cafe Mustache, 2313 N. Milwaukee Ave., tonight at 8pm. The all-fiction reading series this month features Juan Martinez, Megan Kirby, Jessica Berger and Chris Bower. Free.

August 19, 2015

Tamara Winfrey Harris @ Women & Children First

Tamara Winfrey Harris reads and signs her new book, The Sisters Are Alright: Changing the Broken Narrative of Black Women in America, tonight at 7:30pm at Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St. Free.

August 18, 2015

Story Club @ Co-Prosperity Sphere

The South Side chapter of Story Club is back at Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., tonight at 7:30pm. The theme is "Duets Part Deux," and the lineup features Ali Al Sayed and Mina Liccione, Lily Be and Xavier Retana, and Alexandra and Audrey Middleton reading stories for two. There will also be some open mic slots. Andrew Marikis hosts. $10 suggested donation at the door. BYOB.

August 16, 2015

The Marrow @ Whistler

The Marrow nonfiction reading series returns to the Whistler, 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave., tonight at 5:30pm. This month's lineup features Rebecca Makkai, Alba Machado, Martha Bayne and Rosamund Lannin. Naomi Huffman and Leah Pickett host. Free, 21+

August 09, 2015

Serving the Sentence @ Towbar

Serving the Sentence returns to Towbar, 1500 W. Jarvis Ave., tonight at 7pm. This time around, readers Eric Ruelle, Matt Pavich, Kate McIIvan, Greg Ledger, Will Petty and Kendra Stevens will start their stories with the sentence, "Trust no bitch." Maggie Jenkins hosts. No cover, but donations will be collected for the Gromada Head & Neck Cancer Foundation.

August 04, 2015

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Tuesday Funk, your favorite eclectic monthly reading series, returns to the upstairs bar at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., with guests Henri Harps, Robert McDonald, Ryan DiGiorgi, Hallie Palladino and Daniel Kraus. Doors open at 7:00 pm sharp -- no earlier, please, but get there as close to 7 as possible to grab a table, as the room fills up quickly -- and the show begins promptly at 7:30. Andrew Huff and Eden Robins co-host. Admission is free, but you must be 21 or older. RSVP on Facebook.

August 02, 2015

Here, Chicago @ Theater Wit

Here, Chicago potluck and storytelling show returns to Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., tonight. at 7:30pm. The show begins with potluck dinner at 7:30pm, followed by stories at 8pm from Landmarks Illinois President Bonnie McDonald, Second City company Member John Thibodeaux, AIDS Foundation Manager Matthew Williamson, and college sophomore and storytelling phenom Xavier Jordan -- plus five open-mic slots. Hosted by Janna Sobel and Nnamdi Ngwe. Tickets are $8, or free with prepared potluck dish.

August 01, 2015

Tony Fitzpatrick @ Book Cellar

Artist and writer Tony Fitzpatrick discusses Dime Stories, his recent collection of essays and artwork, tonight at 7pm at the Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave. Free.

July 31, 2015

Sarah Paretsky @ Women & Children First

Sarah Paretsky, author of the VI Warshawski mystery series, reads and signs her latest book, Brush Back, tonight at 7:30pm at Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St. Free.

July 30, 2015

The Stoop @ Rosa's Lounge

The Stoop is back at Rosa's Lounge, 3420 W. Armitage Ave., tonight at 7pm, with stories on the theme of "What Has Happened Was..." Featured readers include Mike Gifford, Eva Green and Simeon Norfleet Sr., aka SHADOWMASTER. Lily Be and Clarence Browley host. No cover, 21+

July 29, 2015

Miss Spoken @ Gallery Cabaret

Miss Spoken returns to the Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley Ave., tonight at 7pm. The theme this month is "swimsuit season," and the readers will be Hope Rehak, Eileen Tull, Megan Kirby and Miden Wood; Rosamund Lannin and Carly Oishi host. No cover, but donations to pay the readers accepted. 21+

July 22, 2015

Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards

The 22nd annual Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Award, presented by the Guild Literary Complex, recognizes emerging poets from across the state. Twenty semifinalists and special guests read at tonight's awards event, which is co-hosted by Toni Asante Lightfoot and Quraysh Ali Lansana. The event is tonight at 7pm at University of Chicago's Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St. A reception follows. Tickets are $8, or $6 for students and seniors.

July 21, 2015

Story Club @ Co-Prosperity Sphere

Story Club South Side is back at Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., tonight at 7:30pm with the theme "Revenge of the Sequel." Featured readers include Archy Jamjun, Dee Fabbricatore, Alyssa Sorresso and Riva Lehrer, plus a couple open mic slots. Andrew Marikis hosts. $10 suggested donation.

July 16, 2015

The Frunchroom @ O'Rourke's Office

The Frunchroom reading series returns to O'Rourke's Office, 11064 S. Western Ave., tonight at 7:30pm with readings by Jeff Dana, Shay DeGrandis, Mikki Kendall, Evan F. Moore and Scott Smith. Free, RSVP on Facebook.

July 14, 2015

Two Cookie Minimum @ Comfort Station

Two Cookie Minimum celebrates its five year anniversary tonight at 8pm at the Comfort Station, 2579 N. Milwaukee Ave. Featured readers include comics artist and illustrator Leslie Perrine, Zine publisher and writer Ben Spies, and Independent author and zine publisher Jonas. Hosted by Johnny Misfit. No cover, free cookies.

July 13, 2015

Is This a Thing? @ O'Shaughnessy's

Is This a Thing? returns to O'Shaughnessy's, 4557 N. Ravenswood Ave., tonight at 7pm with the theme "Your Song." Readers include David Barish, Julie Marchiano, Carrie McDonald, Stephen Kummer, Jeremy Schaefer, Allison Shoemaker and Michael Van Kerckhove. Hosted by Suzy Weinberg. Free, 21+

July 11, 2015

Mortified! @ Lincoln Hall

Mortified!, the show of embarrassing personal moments, returns to Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 7pm. The show features pieces by Paula Ann Lopez, Max Wastler, Nora Targonski-O'Brien, Kimball Allen, and Brook Allen. Hosted by Shay DeGrandis. Tickets are $20. Doors open at 6pm. 21+

July 09, 2015

A Celebration of International Poetry @ Poetry Foundation

The Poetry Society of America continues its 2015 national series, A Celebration of International Poetry, at the Poetry Foundation, 61 W. Superior St., tonight at 7pm. Tonight's installment features five emerging poets from Africa: Amy Lukau, Tsitsi Jaji, Ladan Osman, Viola Allo, and Warsan Shire, whose work has been recently published in the New Generation African Poets chapbook series. Co-editors Chris Abani and Kwame Dawes, along with APBF Editorial Board Member Matthew Shenoda, will discuss the project and introduce the emerging poets, who will then read from their work. The event is free, but space is limited and seats are on a first-come, first-served basis.

July 07, 2015

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Cool yourself with a beer and Tuesday Funk in the upstairs lounge at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., tonight. Featured readers are Erin Watson, Fred Sasaki, Norman Doucet and Lily Be -- plus cohost Eden Robins with a full-length piece. Doors open at 7pm sharp -- no earlier, please, but get there as close to 7 as possible to grab a table, as the room fills up quickly -- and the show begins promptly at 7:30pm. Andrew Huff and Eden Robins co-host. RSVP on Facebook. Free, 21+

July 02, 2015

Bill Hillman Reading @ Whistler

Author and adventurer Bill Hillman reads from his book Mozos: A Decade Running with the Bulls of Spain tonight at The Whistler, 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave., at 6:30pm tonight. Free, 21+

July 01, 2015

What We Can't Wait to Read this Summer @ Open Books

Open Books, 451 W. Lake St., presents "What We Can't Wait to Read this Summer," a discussion featuring authors Sara Connell, James Kennedy, Ross Ritchell, and Suzanne Brazil talking about what's on their summer reading to-do list, tonight from 6 to 8pm. Free; RSVP on Facebook.

July 01, 2015

Night Out: Strangers No More @ Douglas Park

2nd Story presents Night Out: Strangers No More at Douglas Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Dr., from 6 to 8pm tonight, featuring readings by Melissa DuPrey, Jasmin Cardenas, Earliana McLaurin and Annette Britton. Curated by Jessica Young. Free; RSVP on Facebook.

June 28, 2015

Quimby's Night at LiveWire Lounge

It's Quimby's Night at LiveWire Lounge, 3394 N. Milwaukee Ave., and so the indie bookstore presents "3 Songs, 3 Writers Reading About Those Songs" tonight at 6pm, featuring Ben Tanzer reading about "The World's a Mess" by X, Shay DeGrandis, reading about "Ever Fallen In Love" by the Buzzcocks, and Paul Durica reading about "Children of the Revolution" by T. Rex. The Blue Ribbon Glee Club will perform each song live. Free, 21+

June 25, 2015

The Stoop @ Rosa's Lounge

The Stoop reading series is back at Rosa's, 3420 W. Armitage Ave., tonight at 7pm. Hosts Lily Be and Clarence Browley welcome featured readers Janeida Rivera, Cesar Zamudio and Melissa DuPrey, along with a couple open mic readers. The theme this month is "Word." 21+

June 24, 2015

Miss Spoken @ Gallery Cabaret

Miss Spoken, the woman-centric reading series, returns to the Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley Ave., tonight at 7pm. The theme this month is "Orgasms," and the featured readers are Kim Nelson, Lesley Pearl, Jess Krista Merighi, Kim Schultz and Meg Grunewald. Rosamund Lannin and Carly Oishi host. $5 suggested donation; all proceeds go to the readers. 21+

June 21, 2015

The Marrow @ Whistler

The Marrow reading series returns to The Whistler, 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave., tonight at 6pm. Featured readers include Samantha Bailey, Carly Oishi, Ines Bellina and Molly Each. Naomi Huffman and Leah Pickett host. No cover, 21+

June 17, 2015

Palabra Pura @ La Bruquena

The Guild Literary Complex's bilingual reading series Palabra Pura returns to La Bruquena Restaurant, 2726 W Division St., tonight at 7:30pm with a reading and conversation on politics, art, and language. Palabra Pura: Does English Matter? features Adam Gottlieb and Angelina Llongueras, and is curated by poet and educator Elizabeth Marino. $5 suggested donation.

June 16, 2015

Pungent Parlor @ Black Rock

The Pungent Parlor, a new reading series hosted by Jeff Phillips and Jeremy Solomon on the third Thursday of the month, makes its debut tonight in the back room at Black Rock, 3614 N. Damen Ave., at 8pm. Featured readers are Ricky Swift, Sondra Morin, Michael Dewar, Bradley Bischoff, Jeff Phillips and Jeremy Solomon. No cover, 21+

June 16, 2015

Story Club @ Co-Prosperity Sphere

Story Club's South Side edition celebrates its second anniversary at Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., tonight at 7:30pm. Featured readers include Maggie Jenkins, Sarah Terez Rosenblum, Britt Julious and Amy Sumpter, plus a couple open mic slots. The theme this month is "Questions." Andrew Marikis hosts. $10 suggested donation.

June 15, 2015

Essay Fiesta @ Book Cellar

Essay Fiesta returns to the Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 7pm. The featured readers this mont h include Ali Kelley, Meryl Williams, Nestor Gomez, Tania Richard and Tom Wolferman; Karen Shimmin and Willy Nast host. No cover, but donations are accepted for 826CHI.

June 14, 2015

Serving the Sentence @ Towbar

Serving the Sentence returns to Towbar, 1500 W. Jarvis Ave., at 7pm. This month, readers Amy Sumpter, Kendra Stevens, Cynthia Shur Petts, Robert Rodemeyer and Elena Colas all start their stories with the sentence: "What keeps me from quitting: the sound my Zippo makes when I snap it shut, and the brief smell of lighter fluid." Maggie Jenkins hosts. Free, but donations will be collected for the nonprofit Wright-Way.

June 10, 2015

Oral @ the Annoyance

Moth StorySLAM winner Erin Diamond and Comedian Bente Engelstoft host Oral, a new weekly storytelling hour at the Annoyance Theatre and Bar, 951 W. Belmont Ave., at 8pm. This week's readers include Morgan Lord, Kenzie Seibert, Thomas Kelly and Marty Schousboe. Admission is $8.

June 09, 2015

Two Cookie Minimum @ Comfort Station

The Two Cookie Minimum reading series is back at the Comfort Station in Logan Square, 2579 N Milwaukee Ave., tonight at 8pm. The lineup this month features writer/performer Annabel Lang, and comics artists Cathy Hannah and Jon Drawdoer. Johnny Misfit hosts. Free, and cookies will be served.

June 03, 2015

Oral @ the Annoyance

Moth StorySLAM winner Erin Diamond and Comedian Bente Engelstoft host Oral, a new weekly storytelling hour at the Annoyance Theatre and Bar, 951 W. Belmont Ave., at 8pm. This week's readers include Nicole Cassell Carter, Wendy Mateo, Damian Anaya, Sam Bailey and Julia Weiss. Admission is $8.

June 02, 2015

Pecha Kucha @ Martyrs'

Pecha Kucha returns to Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight for another round of people telling stories based on 20 slides shown for 20 seconds apiece. Speakers this time include Hannah Green, Matthew Hoffman, Joyce Fernandes, T Graham Brown, Cynthia CStyle Stewart and Mary Ruth Albert. The show starts at 8pm. Tickets are $10 at the door. 21+

June 02, 2015

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Tuesday Funk, the eclectic monthly reading series, gives a warm June welcome to guests Emily Nordling, Hannah Gamble, Christa Desir, Mary Lorenz and Kirsten Jensen tonight in the upstairs lounge at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St. Doors open at 7pm sharp -- no earlier, alas, but get there as close to 7 as possible to grab a table, as the room fills up quickly -- and the show begins promptly at 7:30pm. Andrew Huff and Eden Robins co-host. Admission is free, but you must be 21 or older. RSVP on Facebook.

May 30, 2015

Story Sessions Brunch @ City Winery

Story Sessions does a brunch show at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., today at 10:30am. The theme is "threads," and the readers include Rebecca Kling, Tekki Lomnicki, Chuck Sudo, Denise Santomauro, Tim Stafford and Matt Ulrich. Hosted by Denise Santomauro and Tom Wolferman. Tickets are $12.

May 29, 2015

Jessica Hopper Reading @ Quimby's

Pitchfork Senior Editor Jessica Hopper reads from her new book, The First Collection of Criticism by a Living Female Rock Critic, tonight at 7pm at Quimby's, 1854 W. North Ave. Read our review of The First Collection... in Transmission.

May 27, 2015

Oral @ the Annoyance

Moth StorySLAM winner Erin Diamond and Comedian Bente Engelstoft host Oral, a new weekly storytelling hour at the Annoyance Theatre and Bar, 951 W. Belmont Ave., at 8pm. This week's readers include Greg Worsley, Dewayne Perkins, Maria Randazzo, Mary Catherine Curran and Jennifer Cumberworth. Admission is $8.

May 27, 2015

Miss Spoken @ Gallery Cabaret

Miss Spoken, the female-focused reading series, celebrates its first anniversary at the Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley Ave., at 7pm. The theme this month is "mothers," and featured readers include Sonia Denis, Samantha Abernethy, Natasha Tsoutsouris and Shanna Strum. Rosamund Lannin and Carly Oishi host. $5 suggested donation, with proceeds going to the readers. 21+

May 20, 2015

Oral @ the Annoyance

Moth StorySLAM winner Erin Diamond and Comedian Bente Engelstoft host Oral, a new weekly storytelling hour at the Annoyance Theatre and Bar, 951 W. Belmont Ave., at 8pm. This week's readers include Dave Maher, Jeff Murdoch, Saliha Muttalib, Devo Sullivan Sinnott and Jose Molina. Admission is $8.

May 20, 2015

Palabra Pura: Inner Landscape Queens @ Belvis Cultural Center

The Guild Literary Complex presents Palabra Pura: Inner Landscape Queens tonight at 7:30pm at the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center, 4048 W. Armitage Ave. Featured readers include Arica Hilton and Lah Tere, plus some open mic slots. Curated by Ana Castillo. $5 suggested donation.

May 20, 2015

The Moth @ Mayne Stage

The Moth brings its story slam to Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave., tonight at 8pm. Go hear five minute true stories and vote on your favorites. Tickets are $8 general admission or $16 for guaranteed seating. Doors open at 7pm.

May 20, 2015

Guts & Glory @ Schubas

Popular live lit series Guts & Glory is coming to an end. Tonight's final show will feature readings by Dana Norris, Ian Belknap, JW Basilo, Jen Bosworth and Samantha Bailey. Keith Ecker and Samantha Irby cohost one last time. The show is at 7pm in the upstairs lounge at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave. Free, 21-and-over, get there early if you hope to get in.

May 19, 2015

Story Club @ Co-Prosperity Sphere

The South Side chapter of Story Club is back at the Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., tonight at 7:30pm. The theme this month is "Migrations," and readers include Michelle Cabral, Charles Hinriksson, Erin Watson and Clarence Browley, plus a couple open mic slots. Andrew Marikis hosts. $10 suggested donation.

May 19, 2015

Write Club @ Hideout

Write Club returns to the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., tonight at 7pm for its last battle till September. As always, two writers will read stories in support of their opposing topic, and the audience will choose a winner. The battles are as follows: Stephen Walker plays "rock" against Clint Sheffer with "roll," Kevin Alves has the "beats versus Amanda Claire Buckley's "rhymes," and Erika Price defends "music" while Steve Trumpeter champions "lyrics." Admission is $10 at the door. 21+

May 17, 2015

The Marrow @ Whistler

Nonfiction storytelling show The Marrow returns to the Whistler, 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave., tonight at 5:30pm. Featured readers include Genevieve Diesing, Megan Kirby, Noah Cruickshank and Kathleen Rooney. Naomi Huffman and Leah Pickett host. Doors open at 5pm. No cover, 21+

May 16, 2015

Hellman's Another Part of the Forest, @ Goodman Theatre

A special reading of Lillian Hellman's play, Another Part of the Forest, will be performed today at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn. The play is a prequel to Goodman's current production of Hellman's The Little Foxes, which opened May 11. Admission is free but reservations are required. The event is sold out.

May 13, 2015

Oral @ the Annoyance

Moth StorySLAM winner Erin Diamond and Comedian Bente Engelstoft host Oral, a new weekly storytelling hour at the Annoyance Theatre and Bar, 951 W. Belmont Ave., at 8pm. This week's readers include Rob Grabowski, Wolfgang Stein, Meaghan Strickland, Jo Scott and Zach Zimmerman. Admission is $8.

May 09, 2015

You're Being Ridiculous @ Mayne Stage

You're Being Ridiculous, the sassy, funny and fun storytelling show created by Jeremy Owens, is back tonight in its new home at Mayne Stage. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "Appetite" from Samantha Bailey, Kelly Duff, Elizabeth Gomez, Dana Norris, Jeremy Owens, Allison Shoemaker, and Parker Stockman. Doors open at 6:30pm and stories start at 7:30pm at Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave.Tickets are $15 online. There is no better way to celebrate spring!

May 08, 2015

Chicago Zine Fest

The Chicago Zine Festival kicks off today at 5pm at Access Living, 115 W. Chicago Ave., with a panel discussion which focuses on zines and independent publishing. Readings continue throughout the evening and at 7pm, the annual youth reading will be presented as well as a reading by festival exhibitors at 8pm. Free and open to the public.

May 07, 2015

Applied Words: On Belonging

The Guild Literary Complex presents Applied Words: On Belonging tonight at 7:30pm in the upstairs bar at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave. The event will feature readings by Rebecca Kling, Sahar Mustafah, and José Ángel N. Admission is pay-what-you-can; $5 suggested.

May 06, 2015

WORDS+MUSIC #7 @ Empty Bottle

Curbside Splendor presents WORDS+MUSIC #7 tonight at 9pm at the Empy Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., featuring readings by Jessica Hopper, Tony Fitzpatrick, JR Nelson and Jim DeRogatis, plus live performances by Slushy, Cut Worms and Son of a Gun. Admission is free with RSVP, $8 at the door. 21+

May 06, 2015

Oral @ the Annoyance

Moth StorySLAM winner Erin Diamond and Comedian Bente Engelstoft host Oral, a new weekly storytelling hour at the Annoyance Theatre and Bar, 951 W. Belmont Ave., at 8pm. This week's readers include Peter S Kim, Chris Kervick, Sade Hutchinson and Steve Nelson. Admission is $8.

May 05, 2015

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with some live lit at Tuesday Funk! The eclectic monthly reading series returns to the upstairs lounge at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., with guests Wesley Chu, Jenny Drai, Melissa Franic, Maggie Kast and Jack Silverstein. Doors open at 7pm sharp -- no earlier, alas, but get there as close to 7 as possible to grab a table, as the room fills up quickly -- and the show begins promptly at 7:30. Andrew Huff and Eden Robins co-host. Admission is free, but you must be 21 or older. RSVP on Facebook.

May 05, 2015

Homemade Stories Live @ Mayne Stage

Storyteller Shannon Cason brings his WBEZ podcast "Homemade Stories" to the stage at Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave., for a live taping tonight at 7pm. Tickets are $15, or $12 for WBEZ members. Doors open at 6:30pm.

April 30, 2015

The Stoop @ Rosa's Lounge

The Stoop storytelling series returns to Rosa's Lounge, 3420 W. Armitage Ave., tonight with the theme "I got the hookup." Readers include Andrew Marikis, Elizabeth Gomez, Amy Sumpter and Richard Aspell. Lily Be and Clarence Browley host. Doors open at 7pm, open mic begins at 7:30pm and the featured readers go on at 8:30pm. No cover, 21+.

April 29, 2015

Miss Spoken @ Gallery Cabaret

Miss Spoken, the female-centric reading series, returns to Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley Ave., tonight at 7pm. This month's theme is "BFF," and readers include Lauren Hooberman, Naomi Huffman, Catherine Eves, Tori Rosin Szekeres and Danette Chavez. Carly Oishi and Rosamund Lannin host. No cover, 21+

April 18, 2015

Red Rover Reading Series @ Outer Space

The reading series Red Rover, founded in 2005, celebrates its 10 year anniversary with a reading tonight Outer Space Studio, 1474 N. Milwaukee Ave. The show is curated by Laura Goldstein and Jennifer Karmin, and for this occasion, readers were asked to defend any issue or topic with their own writing. Exploring this idea will be local writers Cean Gamalinda, Marcy Rae Henry, Nathan Hoks, Daniela Olszewska and Anne K. Yoder. There is a $4 suggested donation at the door. The doors open at 7pm and lock at 7:30pm.

April 18, 2015

20x2 Chicago @ Schubas

Gapers Block is proud to present 20x2 Chicago, a live event where 20 people given 2 minutes each to answer the same question in whichever way they choose. The results may take any form, from spoken word to music to film, and can be as varied as the emotions and reactions they evoke. This edition's question is "What's Next?" and the speakers include Safia Abdalla, James Allenspach, Veronica Arreola, Lily Be, Blagica Bottigliero, Ramsin Canon, Jasmine Davila, Mike Ewing, Sarah Hollenbeck, Felix Jung, Dubi Kaufmann, Rosamund Lannin, H.Melt, Coya Paz, Curtis Shaw Flagg, Jeremy Scheuch, Moshe Tamssot, Sandor Weisz and Ernest Wilkens. See the answers tonight at 7pm at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave. Tickets are $10 online or at the door. Doors open at 6:30pm. 21+

April 16, 2015

The Frunchroom @ O'Rourke's Office

The Frunchroom, a new quarterly reading series produced by Scott Smith in partnership with the Beverly Area Arts Alliance, debuts tonight at 7:30pm at O'Rourke's Office, 11064 S. Western Ave. Featured will be Adrienne Samuels Gibbs, arts and entertainment writer; Natalie Y. Moore, WBEZ reporter and author; Jen Sabella, director of social media and engagement for DNAInfo Chicago; Dmitry Samarov, painter and writer; and Chuck Sudo, writer and former Chicagoist editor. Admission is free. 21+

April 16, 2015

Under 30 / Over 60: What I Wish I Knew

The Chicago Writers Conference presents Under 30 / Over 60: What I Wish I Knew tonight at 7pm at The Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave. Three writers under the age of 30 and three writers over the age of 60 attempt to answer the question "What I Wish I Knew." Readers include Samantha Hoffman, Eric Charles May, Jim Padar, Molly Sprayregen, Kayla Schwalbe, and Ted Wesenberg. Amanda Claire Buckley hosts. Admission is free.

April 15, 2015

First Time: First Lie @ Martyrs'

CHIRP presents the latest edition of its First Time reading series, in which true stories of firsts are told and accompanied by a song played by the First Time Three, tonight at 8pm at Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave. Tonight's show is "First Lies," and features Ben Joravsky, Alison Flowers, David McMillin, Bente Englestoft, Sean Bair Flannery, Sondra Morin and Bobby Evers. CHIRP DJ CHIRP DJ Jenn Sodini hosts. Tickets are $10 and proceeds benefit CHIRP Radio. 21+

April 15, 2015

Black Dogs and Melancholy@Chief O'Neill's Pub

"A Play, a Pie and a Pint" is the theme of tonight's Black Dogs and Melancholy, a dramatic reading with music based on the writings of Samuel Johnson and James Boswell. The reading is adapted by June Sawyers and directed by Si Osborne. Tickets are $25 and can be bought online or at the door (cash or check only). Chief O'Neill's is at 3471 N. Elston. For more info, 773-583-3066.

April 12, 2015

Serving the Sentence @ Towbar

Serving the Sentence returns to Towbar, 1500 W. Jarvis Ave., tonight at 7pm. This time around, readers Ines Bellina, Heather Corallo, Jamie Holesha, Maggie Jenkins, Jeremy Owens and Kris Simmons will start their stories with the sentence, "I knew I should have hidden it better." Kendra Stevens hosts. No cover, but donations will be collected for the Willye White Park Advisory Council.

April 08, 2015

Black Dogs and Melancholy@Chief O'Neill's Pub

"A Play, a Pie and a Pint" is the theme of tonight's Black Dogs and Melancholy, a dramatic reading with music based on the writings of Samuel Johnson and James Boswell. The reading is adapted by June Sawyers and directed by Si Osborne. Tickets are $25 and can be bought online or at the door (cash or check only). Chief O'Neill's is at 3471 N. Elston. For more info, 773-583-3066.

April 07, 2015

OUTspoken! LGBTQ stories @ Sidetrack

OUTspoken! holds performances the first Tuesday every month and that tell LGBTQ stories. With no cover, there is no excuse why you shouldn't come! Doors open at 6 p.m., but the performances don't start until 7. Sidetrack is located at 3349 N. Halsted. 21+

April 07, 2015

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

On April 7, Andrew Huff and Eden Robins co-host the 80th edition of Tuesday Funk, Chicago's eclectic monthly reading series, featuring Mikki Kendall, Mary Anne Mohanraj, Parker Molloy, Christian Picciolini and Sara Ross Witt. The reading gets underway at 7:30 pm in the upstairs lounge at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., Chicago. Doors open at 7pm sharp. Admission is free, but you must be 21 or older. RSVP on Facebook.

April 06, 2015

The Alphabet of Distant Harbours @ Cultural Center

The Guild Literary Complex presents "The Alphabet of Distant Harbours," a new reading platform to foreground Asian-American authors and themes, tonight at 6:30pm in the Garland Room at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. Curated by Dipika Mukherjee, tonight's program features Toni Nealie, Zhou Sivan and Angela Narciso Torres. Admission is free.

April 03, 2015

Do Not Submit @ First Unitarian Church

Do Not Submit, the open mic storytelling series, is at First Unitarian Church, 5650 S. Woodlawn Ave., the first Friday of every month. Hosts Andrea Freerksen and Dhamana Shauri oversee things as folks from all walks of life tell seven-minute stories from 7 to 9:30pm. Admission is free.

April 02, 2015

Story Club @ Holiday Club

Story Club North Side returns to the Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Rd., tonight at 7:30pm. The theme is "When It Rains..." and the featured readers include Bill Drew, Zach Zimmerman and Rose Lannin, plus a couple of open mic slots if you've got a good story to tell. $10 suggested donation at the door. 21+

March 27, 2015

Funny Ha-Ha: Hope Springs Eternal @ Hideout

Funny Ha-Ha returns to the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., tonight with "Hope Springs Eternal," featuring stories from Tyler Snodgrass, Kim Bellware, Samantha Irby, Carly Oishi and Rebecca Hanson, films by Steve Delahoyde and host Claire Zulkey. The show is at 6:30pm, and it'll cost you $10 at the door. 21+

March 25, 2015

Miss Spoken @ Gallery Cabaret

Miss Spoken returns to the Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley Ave., tonight at 7pm. The theme this month is "booty call," and the readers include Cara Brigandi, Tamara Matthews, Leah Pickett, Kelly Bolton and Meryl Williams. Rosamund Lannin and Jasmine Davila cohost. No cover, 21+

March 25, 2015

Applied Words: A Dose of Mind and Body

The Guild Literary Complex presents Applied Words: A Dose of Mind and Body, a health-connected stories of the body and/or mind, tonight at the International Museum of Surgical Science, 1524 N. Lake Shore Dr. The lineup includes Rey Andújar, Megan Stielstra, Andrew Huff and Samantha Irby. Tickets are $10 (or pay what you can) and include admission to the museum. Doors open at 6:30pm, and the reading starts at 7:30pm.

March 22, 2015

3 Songs, 3 Writers Reading About Those Songs @ Livewire Lounge

Tonight at 7pm, Quimby's Bookstore takes over Livewire Lounge, 3394 N Milwaukee Ave., to create an event mashup of words and music that's been unseen before in Chicago. The show, 3 Songs, 3 Writers Reading About Those Songs, features Mike "McBeardo" McPadden will read a story about the Generation X song "Kiss Me Deadly." Writer Celia Forrest will read something on the DBs song "Black and White," and a mystery guest reading about the Blondie song "X Offender." All songs then will be performed live by the punk a capella outfit the Blue Ribbon Glee Club. No cover, 21+

March 22, 2015

Uptown Poetry Slam @ Green Mill

Enjoy a night at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, and see open mic performances of poetry and the end-of-the-night competition for just $7. The Uptown Poetry Slam starts at 7pm and is hosted by the slam originator, Marc Smith. Winners receive $10 and bragging rights.

March 21, 2015

Oyez Review Release Party @ Quimby's

Oyez Review, the literary magazine of the Creative Writing Program at Roosevelt University, will release their newest issue with a reading at Quimby's, 1854 W. North Ave., tonight at 7pm. Free. Preview in Book Club.

March 21, 2015

The Paper Machete @ Green Mill

The Paper Machete at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, this week features readings by Sara Benincasa, Ryan Bennett and Virginia Muller, Chandler Goodman, Bill Larkin and Robyn Scott, Niccole Thurman and "SNL's" Katie Rich. Plus Chad the Bird and musical guests The French Goodbye. Christpher Piatt hosts. 3pm. Free, 21+

March 21, 2015

Story Week Festival of Writers

Columbia College's Story Week Festival of Writers runs March 15-21 at various locations throughout the city. See the schedule for details. All events are free and open to the public.

March 20, 2015

Lucy Knisley @ Woman & Children First

Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St., welcomes graphic novelist Lucy Knisley for a reading of her new books Displacement and An Age of License tonight at 7:30pm. Free.

March 20, 2015

Story Week Festival of Writers

Columbia College's Story Week Festival of Writers runs March 15-21 at various locations throughout the city. See the schedule for details. All events are free and open to the public.

March 19, 2015

Story Week Festival of Writers

Columbia College's Story Week Festival of Writers runs March 15-21 at various locations throughout the city. See the schedule for details. All events are free and open to the public.

March 18, 2015

Palabra Pura: A Toda Madre @ La Bruquena

The Guild Literary Complex continues its 10th season of Palabra Pura monthly bilingual reading series with a poetry reading tonight at La Bruquena Restaurant, 2726 W. Division St., at 7:30pm. The program, organized by the Chicago Latino Writers Initiative, is called "A Toda Madre: Men Pay Tribute to Their Mothers," and includes readings from Arturo "Tootie" Alvarez and Brian Martin. Pay what you can; $5 suggested donation.

March 18, 2015

The Moth GrandSLAM Championship @ Park West

The Moth showcases some of the best storytellers at the Chicago GrandSLAM tonight at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave. Doors open at 6pm, show's at 8pm. Tickets are $25. 18+

March 18, 2015

Story Week Festival of Writers

Columbia College's Story Week Festival of Writers runs March 15-21 at various locations throughout the city. See the schedule for details. All events are free and open to the public.

March 17, 2015

Story Week Festival of Writers

Columbia College's Story Week Festival of Writers runs March 15-21 at various locations throughout the city. See the schedule for details. All events are free and open to the public.

March 16, 2015

Louder than a Mom @ Martyrs'

Louder than a Mom, the storytelling show about parents and parenting, returns to Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 8pm. Tickets are $8. 21+

March 16, 2015

Story Week Festival of Writers

Columbia College's Story Week Festival of Writers runs March 15-21 at various locations throughout the city. See the schedule for details. All events are free and open to the public.

March 15, 2015

That's All She Wrote @ Great Lakes Tattoo

That's All She Wrote returns to Great Lakes Tattoo, 1148 W. Grand Ave., tonight at 8pm. The lineup this month features Lily Be, Archy Arch J, Shay DeGrandis and MT Cozzola. Angela Benander and J.H. Palmer cohost. Free.

March 15, 2015

Story Week Festival of Writers

Columbia College's Story Week Festival of Writers runs March 15-21 at various locations throughout the city. See the schedule for details. All events are free and open to the public.

March 14, 2015

The Paper Machete @ Green Mill

The Paper Machete this week features stories from Brian Babylon, Joel Kim Booster, Paul Chimko and Nick Mestad, Gwynn Fulcher, Bob Piatt and Nancy Piatt, plus Chad the Bird and musical guests Gobs of Phun and Everybody Says Yes. Christopher Piatt hosts. The show starts at 3pm at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway. No cover, 21+.

March 12, 2015

Voices of Protest: Home Edition @ 826CHI

The Guild Literary Complex presents Voices of Protest: Home Edition tonight from 7 to 9pm at 826CHI, 1276 N. Milwaukee Ave. Adam Gottlieb, L’Oréal Patrice Jackson, Sahar Mustafah, Erika L. Sánchez, and M. Quinn Stifler will read creative pieces inspired by their September 2014 trip to the Kapittel International Festival of Literature and Freedom of Speech in Stavanger, Norway. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.

March 09, 2015

The Moth @ Haymarket

The Moth returns to the Haymarket Pub & Brewery, 737 W. Randolph St., tonight with the theme "Co-Habitation." Tickets are $16 in advance, $8 at the door. Doors open at 5pm, show starts at 8pm. 21+

March 08, 2015

Serving the Sentence @ Towbar

Serving the Sentence returns to Towbar, 1500 W. Jarvis Ave., tonight at 7pm. Alexandra Tsarpalas, Melinda McIntire, Debbi Welch, Carrie MacDonald and Erin Lane will start their stories with the sentence, "The last time this happened I swore, 'Never again;' but here we are." Maggie Tempkins hosts. Free.

March 08, 2015

Here, Chicago @ Theater Wit

Here, Chicago, the reading and potluck dinner, returns to Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., tonight at 7:30pm. Featured readers this month include Julie Dennison, Michael Powell, Rachael Mason and Bill Hillmann, and there will be five open mic slots. Hosted by Janna Sobel with guest host Angela "Anjee-O" Oliver. Tickets are $8 or free with a homemade potluck dish (but you still need a ticket). Call 773-975-8150 to reserve seats.

March 06, 2015

Zelda at the Oasis Reading @ Pride Rehearsal Space

Genesis Theatricals will begin a staged reading series tonight with the Chicago premiere of Zelda at the Oasis by P.H. Lin at the Pride Rehearsal Space, 1411 W. Wilson. The play takes place in one night at the Oasis Bar and explores the life of Zelda Fitzgerald, an accomplished woman who lived in the shadow of her husband, author F. Scott Fitzgerald. Elayne LaTraunik directs a cast of Amy Gray and Guy Wicke. Seating is very limited. Admission is free but a $5 donation is suggested.

March 05, 2015

Story Club @ Holiday Club

Story Club North Side is back at the Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Rd., tonight at 7:30pm. The theme tonight is "March Madness," and featured readers include actor Maggie Andersen, writer Bokeen and artist Riva Lehrer -- plus several open mic slots. Dana Norris and Erin Kahoa cohost. $10 suggested donation at the door. 21+

March 03, 2015

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

The 79th edition of Tuesday Funk, Chicago's eclectic monthly reading series sponsored by Gapers Block, is tonight in the upstairs lounge at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St. Featured readers will be Keidra Chaney, Mare Swallow, Genevieve Waller, Danielle Susi and Tom Underberg. Should I Worry About This? Podcast co-host Eden Robins and Gapers Block editor Andrew Huff co-host. Doors open at 7pm sharp -- no earlier, unfortunately, but get there as close to 7 as possible to grab a table, as the room fills up quickly -- and the show begins at 7:30. Admission is free, but you must be 21 or older. RSVP on Facebook.

February 27, 2015

Opaque Reading Series @ Uncharted Books

The Opaque Reading Series, showcasing literary performances of the "in-between," hosts its third reading tonight at 7pm at Uncharted Books, 2620 N. Milwaukee Ave. The theme for the night is growth, and featured readers include Daniela Olszewska, Mary Mueller, Emma Alamo, Adam Bangser and Madison Zielinski. There will be a full color zine available at the event for the suggested price of $5.

February 25, 2015

Miss Spoken @ Gallery Cabaret

Miss Spoken is back at Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley Ave., tonight at 7pm. The theme this month is "Penis," and featured readers include Jennifer Peepas, Michelle Yacht, Eden Robins and Carly Oishi. Hosted by Rosamund Lannin and Jasmine Davila. Free, 21+

February 24, 2015

Field Guide to Chicago Jagoffs Release Party @ Maria's

Lumpen celebrates the release of its Field Guide to Chicago Jagoffs with a party at Maria's Community Bar, 960 W. 31st St., tonight from 6pm to close. Hear contributors read their entries about the people, places and practices (past and present) that constitute representative jagoffery, buy original art by Dmitry Samarov, and pick up copies of the guide. No cover, 21+

February 22, 2015

Story Sessions Brunch @ City Winery

Story Sessions holds a special brunch edition of its storytelling show today from 11am to 2pm at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., with special guests MT Cozzola, Marty McConnell, Danielle Pinnock, James Sweeney, Ted Wesenburg and Tom Wolferman. Tickets are $12. Doors open at 10:30am.

February 18, 2015

Lucy Knisley @ Challengers Comics

Chicago expat graphic novelist Lucy Knisley is at Challenger Comics, 1845 N. Western Ave., tonight from 7 to 9pm to sign her new graphic memoir, Displacement.

February 17, 2015

Story Club @ Co-Prosperity Sphere

Story Club South Side is back at the Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., tonight at 7:30pm. The theme is "Return of the Short Month," in which each reader has a little less time so that more people can fit in. Featured readers will be Joe Janes, Luis Tubens, Michelle Cabral, Randal Coburn, Alif Muhammed and Sarah Rose Graber -- plus a couple open mic slots, as always. Andrew Marikis hosts. $10 donation at the door, BYOB.

February 16, 2015

Louder than a Mom @ Martyrs'

Louder than a Mom, the storytelling show about parents and parenting, returns to Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 8pm. Tickets are $8. 21+

February 15, 2015

The Marrow @ Whistler

Curbside Splendor presents the latest edition of its reading series, The Marrow, tonight at 6pm at the Whistler, 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave. This month's lineup includes Claire Zulkey, Lisa White and Rebecca Vipond Brink. Leah Pickett and Naomi Huffman host. No cover, 21+

February 13, 2015

Issa Rae & Samantha Irby @ Swedish American Museum

Women & Children First presents a reading and discussion featuring Issa Rae, creator of the hit web series "The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl," will discuss her new memoir of the same title with writer Samantha Irby. The event takes place tonight at 7:30pm at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St. Tickets are $5 with the pre-purchase of Rae's book online, in the store or by calling 773-769-9299.

February 10, 2015

This Much Is True @ Mrs. Murphy & Sons

This Much Is True returns to Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, 3905 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 7:30pm. This month's readers include Beth Casey, Stephanie Chavara, David Fink, Sandra McCollum and Natasha Tsoutsouris. Stephanie Douglass and Scott Whitehair host. Doors open at 7pm.

February 09, 2015

Is This a Thing? @ O'Shaughnessy's

Reading series Is This a Thing? celebrates its first anniversary at O'Shaughnessy's, 4557 N. Ravenswood Ave., tonight at 7pm. Featured readers include Isabelle Libmann, Kirk Kicklighter, Suzy Kahn Weinberg, Ines Bellina, Jake Cowan and Jamie Yael Katz. Free, 21+

February 08, 2015

Serving the Sentence @ Towbar

Serving the Sentence returns to the Towbar, 1500 W. Jarvis Ave., tonight at 7pm. Readers David Lipowski, Sara Weidemann, Aimee Perkins, Tori Szekeres, Roberta Miles, Eric Ruelle and Maggie Jenkins will all start their stories with the sentence, "April may be the cruelest month, but February is the bitchiest." Kendra Stevens hosts. Free, but donations will be collected for the Adam Yauch Foundation.

February 05, 2015

Story Club @ Holiday Club

Story Club North Side returns to the Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Rd., tonight at 7:30pm with stories on the theme "Blah Blah Love." Featured readers include Sam Bailey, Nadine Kenney Johnstone and Britt Julious, and there will be a couple open mic slots available if you want to chime in. Hosted by Dana Norris. $10 donation at the door, 21+

February 03, 2015

Back to Print Jubilee @ Cole's

Chicago publishing organization Back to Print celebrates its fifth birthday with its annual Jubilee this Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 8pm at Cole's Bar, 2338 N. Milwaukee Ave. There will be live music by The Bribes, Tyler Bagwell, VINO and Lisa Leszczewicz, and readings by Back to Print authors, including Adonis EndApartheid Quercia, Eric Bartholomew, Nicholas Souder, and Alex Bonner (who penned Normal Ave., the first novel released by Back to Print). Back to Print's editor-in-chief Elizabeth S. Tieri hosts. 21+

February 03, 2015

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Tuesday Funk is back in February to warm your heart if not your feet. Join us in the upstairs lounge at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St. in Chicago, on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015, when our guests are Alan DeNiro, Cameron McGill, Patty Templeton, Christa Desir and H.Melt. Gapers Block's Andrew Huff and Eden Robins host. Doors open at 7pm -- no earlier, unfortunately, but get there as close to 7 as possible to grab a table, as the room fills up quickly -- and the show begins at 7:30pm. Admission is free, but you must be 21 or older. RSVP on Facebook.

January 31, 2015

You're Being Ridiculous @ Davenport's Piano Bar

You're Being Ridiculous is back this month with an all-new cabaret version of their long running story telling show. The show, musically directed by Allison Hendrix, features stories AND SONGS exploring LOVE from Allison Hendrix, Bill Howes, Jeremy Owens and Allison Shoemaker. The show begins at 8:00pm at Davenport's Piano Bar (1383 N. Milwaukee). Tickets must be reserved online and are $18 with a two drink minimum. There is no better way to end your winter blues.

January 31, 2015

The Paper Machete @ Green Mill

The Paper Machete live magazine is back at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, today at 3pm. Guests this week include Adam Burke, Lindsay Harrington and Katie Watson, Alan Neff, Matt Sadler, Vienna Juvenile, and Chad the Bird. Music by the Blue Ribbon Glee Club and the Kickback. Christopher Piatt hosts. Free, 21+

January 30, 2015

You're Being Ridiculous @ Davenport's Piano Bar

You're Being Ridiculous is back this month with an all-new cabaret version of their long running story telling show. The show, musically directed by Allison Hendrix, features stories AND SONGS exploring LOVE from Allison Hendrix, Bill Howes, Jeremy Owens and Allison Shoemaker. The show begins at 8:00pm at Davenport's Piano Bar (1383 N. Milwaukee). Tickets must be reserved online and are $18 with a two drink minimum. There is no better way to end your winter blues.

January 30, 2015

Funny Ha-Ha: Radio Sweethearts @ Hideout

Tonight at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., Funny Ha-Ha brings you a night of readings by Chicago radio personalities, including "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me" host Peter Sagal, WGN radio host and RedEye Manager Amy Guth, The Score's Dan Bernstein, author and WXRT contributor Stacey Ballis, "Sound Opinions" producers Robin Linn and Jason Saldanha, Vocalo "Morning AMP" cohost Bryan Babylon, and WBEZ producer Justin Kaufmann. Claire Zulkey is your lovely host. The show runs from 6:30 to 8pm. $5 suggested donation at the door benefits Sit Stay Read. 21+

January 28, 2015

Miss Spoken @ Gallery Cabaret

Miss Spoken returns to the Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley Ave., tonight at 7pm for another woman-centric live lit show. The theme this month is "Worst New Year's Eve," and the readers will be Jac Jemc, Fruzsina Eordogh, Sarah Joyce, Liz McArthur and Erin Watson. Rosamund Lannin and Jasmine Davila host. No cover, 21+. RSVP on Facebook.

January 24, 2015

The Paper Machete @ Green Mill

The Paper Machete, Chicago's "live magazine," celebrates its fifth anniversary today at 3pm at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway. Featured guests include Kim Bellware; Bran Einstein and Gary Pascal; Ike Holter; Samantha Irby; Natalie Jose; Ali Klinger; Patrick Rowland; and Chad the Bird -- plus musical comedy by Bill Larkin and musical guests Jonas Friddle and the Majority. Christopher Piatt hosts. Free, 21+

January 22, 2015

Shari Goldhagen Reading @ City Lit

Northwestern alum Shari Goldhagen reads from her newest novel, In Some Other World, Maybe, tonight at 6:30pm at City Lit, 2523 N. Kedzie Blvd. Free.

January 21, 2015

Palabra Pura: One Poet / One Poem @ La Bruquena

The Guild Literary Complex kicks off the 10th season of its Palabra Pura reading series tonight at 7:30pm at La Bruquena, 2626 W. Division St. The theme is "One Poet / One Poem," and features readings by Eduardo Arocho, Emmanuel Ayala, Beatriz Badikian, Alex Bonner, Marta Collazo, Jan Peña Davis, Raúl Dorantes, Rafael Franco-Steeves, Stephanie Gentry-Fernández, Juana Goergen, Nora León, Mark Litwicki, Miguel López Lemus, Olivia Maciel, Elizabeth Marino, Miguel Marzana, Yolanda Nieves, Coya Paz, Mike Puican, Martha Cecilia Rivera, Luis Tubens, Febronio Zatarain and more. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

January 21, 2015

Guts & Glory @ Schubas

Guts & Glory returns to the upstairs lounge at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., tonight at 7pm. Hosts Samantha Irby and Keith Ecker welcome readers Kelsie Huff, Andrew Marikis, Jake Cowan, Claire Zulkey and Mary Lorenz. No cover, 21+

January 20, 2015

Story Club South Side @ Co-Prosperity Sphere

The South Side chapter of Story Club is back at the Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., tonight at 7:30pm. Featured readers this month include Tanise Robnette, Lawrence "Binkey" Tolefree, Sean Keen and Andrew Krzak, plus several open mic slots. $10 donation requested; BYOB.

January 20, 2015

Welcome to the Neighborhood @ MCA

Anthology of Chicago and 1,001 Afternoons present Welcome to the Neighborhood, a reading of stories and poetry set in Chicago neighborhoods, accompanied by illustrations by local artists, tonight at 6pm at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. Free with museum admission -- which is also free on Tuesdays if you've got an Illinois ID.

January 14, 2015

First Time: First Chance @ Martyrs'

CHIRP Radio's First Time series returns to Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 8pm. The theme this round is "First Chance," and the readers include Freda Love Smith, Lily Be, Tim Akimoff, Stubhy Pandav, Rick Joyce, Ali Clayton, Nicole Oppenheim. As always, the First Time Three will perform a cover song related to each reader's story. Jenn Sodini hosts. Tickets are $10 in advance or at the door. 21+

January 11, 2015

Serving the Sentence @ Towbar

Serving the Sentence is back up at Towbar, 1500 W. Jarvis Ave., tonight at 7pm with another group of writers whose pieces all begin with the same sentence: "The coffee table was $20,000, I kid you not." Find out where Jake Cowan, Eileen Tull, Lisa Scott, Francesca Peppiatt, Nathalie Lagerfeld and Kendra Stevens go from there. Maggie Jenkins hosts. No cover, and donations will be collected for the Adam Yauch Foundation.

January 08, 2015

Story Club @ Holiday Club

The North Side chapter of Story Club returns to Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Rd., tonight at 7:30pm. The theme this month is "This Time," and features readings by Victoria Harley, Robert Norris and Bill Hillmann, plus three open mic slots. Dana Norris hosts. $10 suggested donation at the door. 21+

January 06, 2015

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Winter's chill will not stop the funk! Tuesday Funk, Chicago's eclectic monthly reading series, returns in January with guests James Kennedy, Kelly Swails, John Rich, Erin Shea Smith and Christopher Sweet. The reading gets underway at 7:30pm in the upstairs lounge at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St. Doors open at 7pm sharp -- no earlier, unfortunately, but get there as close to 7 as possible to grab a table, as the room fills up quickly. Gapers Block editor Andrew Huff and Eden Robins co-host. Admission is free; RSVP on Facebook. 21+

December 23, 2014

The Moth @ Martyrs'

The Moth returns to Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 8pm for another round of true stories, this month on the theme of "Rewards." Doors open at 6pm, show's at 8pm. If you've got a good one, get there early to get your name on the list. $8 at the door. 21+

December 22, 2014

Sarah Ruhl @ Women & Children First

Playwright Sarah Ruhl reads from and signs her new book of essays, 100 Essays I Don't Have Time to Write: On Umbrellas and Sword Fights, Parades and Dogs, Fire Alarms, Children, and Theate, tonight at 7pm at Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St. Everyone who attends will receive a $5 off coupon to Remy Bumppo's production of Ruhl's play The Clean House, now playing through Jan. 11.

December 17, 2014

Survival Guide to the Holidays @ Uncommon Ground Devon

Pivot Arts and Story Sessions present A Survival Guide to the Holidays tonight at 8pm at Uncommon Ground Devon, 1401 W. Devon Ave. The show features stories by Ike Holter, Sharon Lanza, Mia McCullough, Tanya Palmer and Julie Ganey, as well as live music by River Rising. Tickets are $10; call 773-465-9801 for tickets and reservations.

December 17, 2014

Guts & Glory @ Schubas

Guts & Glory, hosted by Samantha Irby and Keith Ecker, is back at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., in the upstairs lounge at 7pm tonight. This month's guests include Valentine Soposky, Melinda McIntire, Gwynn Fulcher, Andi Nelson and Fred Weinstein. No cover. 21+

December 16, 2014

Write Club's War on Christmas @ Hideout

Write Club's annual War on Christmas show takes the stage at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., tonight at 7pm. Host Ian Belknap pits writers against each other on opposing topics, with the audience determining the victor. This month, David Isaacson represents "give" while Susan Karp takes "receive," Dave Stinton is "naughty" while Emily Rose is "nice," and Samantha Irby champions "Santa" while Ian Belknap promotes "Jesus." Tickets are $20. 21+

December 14, 2014

Serving the Sentence @ Towbar

Serving the Sentence returns to Towbar, 1500 W. Jarvis Ave., at 7pm. This month Sharon Ammen, Kristin Clifford, Kirk Kicklighter, Maggie Jenkins, Jeremy Schaefer and Michael Van Kerckhove will all start their stories with the sentence, "I felt like part of a freak show." Kendra Stevens hosts. No cover, but donations will be collected for East Village Youth Program.

December 08, 2014

Is This a Thing? @ O'Shaughnessy's

Is This a Thing? returns to O'Shaughnessy's, 4557 N. Ravenswood Ave., tonight at 7pm. The theme for this month's reading is "the circus." Hear stories from Jill Howe, Maggie Jenkins, Scott Kanter, Kyna Lenhof, Mare Swallow and Ted Wesenberg. Ines Bellina hosts. Free.

December 04, 2014

Story Club @ Holiday Club

The Holiday Club (4000 N. Sheridan Rd.) hosts monthly Live Lit show Story Club tonight with featured performers Jen Bosworth, Jared Crum, and James Gordon. This month's theme is Happy Frickin' Holidays. Doors and open-mic sign up are at 7:30 p.m.; the show starts at 8:00 p.m. Though there is no cost to attend, a $10 donation is suggested.

December 02, 2014

Two Cookie Minimum @ Hungry Brain

Two Cookie Minimum's final show at the Hungry Brain, 2319 W. Belmont Ave., is tonight at 9pm. Readers include zinester Dave Roche, comics artist Neil Brideau, writer Tim Jones-Yelvington and writer Oliver Hunt -- plus resident illustrator Alex Nall will share some of his favorite sketches from his Cookie Crumbs series, and host Johnny Misfit will share some of the series' highlights. $5 donation requested, and free cookies will be available. 21+

December 02, 2014

Pechakucha @ Martyrs'

Pechakucha returns to Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 8pm. See David Dufour, J A Ginsburg, Nathan Kipnis, Ed Keegan, Emily Carlson, John Clark, Richard Kasemsarn, Erika Harris and Rujanee Mahakanjana go through 20 slides in 20 seconds or less. Tickets are $10. 21+

December 02, 2014

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Tuesday Funk, the eclectic monthly reading series, returns to the Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., tonight at 7:30pm, with guests Jac Jemc, Clayton Smith, Karen Genelly, James Gordon, and Jonathan Eig. Eden Robins and Gapers Block editor Andrew Huff co-host. Doors open at 7:00 pm sharp -- no earlier, unfortunately, but get there as close to 7 as possible to grab a table, as the room fills up quickly. RSVP on Facebook. Free, 21+

December 02, 2014

The Moth GrandSLAM Championship @ Park West

The Moth holds its Chicago GrandSLAM Championship tonight at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave. Hear amazing true stories and vote for your favorite with your applause. Tickets are $20. Doors are at 6pm, show's at 8pm. 18+

November 30, 2014

The Mash @ High-Hat Club

The Paper Machete presents The Mash, a looser format than its usual thing but still full of readings based on the week's news, today at 3pm at the High-Hat Club, 1920 W. Irving Park Rd. Free.

November 26, 2014

Miss Spoken @ Gallery Cabaret

Miss Spoken, the female-centered reading series, returns to Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley Ave., tonight at 7pm. The theme this month is "Body Hair," and the featured readers are Alyssa Sorresso, Lillia Rissman, Maya Marshall, Samantha Irby, Lisa White and Jessica DiMaio. Carly Oishi and Rosamund Lannin cohost. No cover, 21+

November 25, 2014

Moth StorySlam @ Martyrs'

The Moth StorySLAM returns to Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 8pm. The theme this month is "Accident" -- hear what true stories are shared. $8 at the door. 21+

November 25, 2014

CCLaP Showcase at @ City Lit Books

The Chicago Center for Literature and Photography presents its CCLaP Showcase tonight at 6:30pm at City Lit Books, 2523 N. Kedzie Blvd. The reading will feature author Patricia Ann McNair, plus six open mic slots.

November 24, 2014

Louder than a Mom @ Martyrs'

Louder than a Mom, the reading series featuring stories about parenting, returns to Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 8pm. Tickets are $8. 21+

November 24, 2014

2nd Story @ City Winery

2nd Story heads to City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., tonight for a Thanksgiving show. "A Land of Plenty: Stories of Scarcity & Abundance" will feature stories by Stephanie Chavara, Minita Gandhi and Lott Hill. Doors open at 6pm, show's at 8pm. Tickets are $18; though some pay-what-you-can tickets will be available at the door.

November 19, 2014

Palabra Pura @ La Bruquena

The Guild Literary Complex presents Palabra Pura, a reading featuring Latin-American literature, tonight from 7:30 to 9pm at La Bruquena, 2726 W. Division St. Guest curator Paul Martinez Pompa put together readings by Daniel Borzutzky and Justin Petropoulos under the theme "From the Margins of the Margins." Admission is free.

November 18, 2014

Story Club South Side @ Co-Prosperity Sphere

Story Club's South Side chapter returns to the Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., tonight at 7:30pm for an evening of stories themed on "My Other Talent." For one night only, Story Club South Side will have non-story activity on its stage, alongside the story. Featured readers are writer/Beastie Boys cover rapper Kendra Stevens, playwright and cellist Laura Nessler with storyteller Kim Morris, ordained minister and queer activist Aidan McCormack, and essayist and actor Josh Zagoran with Chad the Bird. There will also be a couple of open mic slots. Andrew Marikis hosts. $10 suggested donation at the door, BYOB.

November 12, 2014

Greg Kot & Aaron Cohen @ City Lit

Tribune music writer Greg Kot and DownBeat senior contributor Aaron Cohen talk tonight at 6:30pm at City Lit Book, 2523 N. Kedzie Blvd., in honor of the paperback release of Kot's Mavis Staples biography I'll Take You There. Free.

November 11, 2014

Story Club @ Jimmy

Story Club hosts an evening of stories at Jimmy, the bar at the James Hotel, 610 N. Rush St., tonight at 7:30pm. The theme, appropriately enough, is "Veterans or Why We Served." Featured readers include US Navy veteran Willa Taylor, US Marine Corp veteran Chuck Smith and veteran essayist Julie Danis, sharing stories about boot camp, veteran travels and veterans they never knew but wish they did. There will also be three open mic slots. $10 suggested donation at the door. 21+

November 09, 2014

That's All She Wrote @ Great Lakes Tattoo

November is National Runaway Prevention Month, and That's All She Wrote is donating all proceeds from this month's show to the National Runaway Safeline and focusing this month's stories on the theme of "home." Readers include NRS representative Becca Bowlin, Erica Dreisbach, John Leo, and Angela Vela. Hosted as always by JH Palmer and Angela Benander at Great Lakes Tattoo, 1148 W. Grand Ave. BYOB. Doors open at 7:30, stories begin at 8pm; this is a free event, all donations collected will go to NRS.

November 07, 2014

You're Being Ridiculous @ Mary's Attic

You're Being Ridiculous, the sassy, funny and fun storytelling show created by Jeremy Owens, is back tonight in Andersonville. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "Confession" from Brooke Allen, Eileen Dougharty, Karen Genelly, Samantha Irby, Jeremy Owens, Jeremy Schaefer, and Michael Van Kerckhove. Stories start at 8pm at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. Tickets are $15 online or at the door.

November 06, 2014

Story Club @ Holiday Club

Story Club North Side returns to the Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Rd., tonight at 7:30pm. The theme this month is "thanks but no thanks," and featured readers include David Barish, Jill Howe and Len Joy. As always, there will be a couple open mic slots, too. Dana Norris hosts. $10 suggested donation at the door. 21+

November 04, 2014

Two Cookie Minimum @ Hungry Brain

Two Cookie Minimum is back at the Hungry Brain, 2319 W. Belmont Ave., tonight at 9pm for a special "Toast to Hosts" episode, featuring readings by hosts of other reading series. Carly Oishi of Miss Spoken, Robbie Q. Telfer of The Encyclopedia Show, Elizabeth Harper of Elizabeth's Crazy Little Thing, Behnam Riahi of Reading Under the Influence and Leah Pickett of The Marrow will read, and John Wawrzaszek hosts. No cover, 21+

November 04, 2014

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Gapers Block presents Tuesday Funk, Chicago's eclectic monthly reading series, tonight at 7:30pm in the upstairs bar at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St. This month's edition featuresreadings by Tom Haley, Maggie Jenkins, Melinda McIntire, Keesha Beckford and former co-host William Shunn. Current co-hosts Andrew Huff and Eden Robins will, er, co-host. Doors open at 7pm sharp -- no earlier, unfortunately, but get there as close to 7 as possible to grab a table, as the room fills up quickly. Admission is free, but you must be 21 or older.

October 29, 2014

2nd Story @ Moxee Restaurant

The 2nd Story's annual Halloween show is tonight at Moxee Restaurant, 724 W. Maxwell St., featuring stories by Coya Paz, Cheri Pentimone and CP Chang. Doors open at 7:30pm, show's at 8pm. Tickets are $20 online or cash at the door.

October 29, 2014

Miss Spoken @ Gallery Cabaret

Miss Spoken returns to the Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley Ave., tonight at 7pm with a Halloween themed show. Featured readers are Britt Julious, Kelsie Huff, Amy Sumpter, Claire Zulkey and Nathalie Lagerfeld; Rosamund Lannin and Carly Oishi host. No cover, 21+

October 21, 2014

Story Club South Side @ Co-Prosperity Sphere

Story Club's South Side franchise gets invaded by zombies tonight at the Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St. Featured readers are Kelsie Huff, Denise Santomauro and Kenneth Hite, plus a couple open mic slots if you've got a zombie story of your own to tell. Andrew Marikis hosts. Doors (and open mic signup) open at 7:30pm, show's at 8pm. $10 suggested donation. BYOB.

October 21, 2014

Pechakucha @ Martyrs'

Pechakucha returns to Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight. Featured this month are Peter Exley, Meida McNeal, Matthew Silva, Emmanuel Pratt, Carlos Matallana, Jorge Felix, Holly Chernobyl, Nick Fury, Chatherine Schwalbe, Yuri Lane, Jonald Jude Reyes, Sandra Leonard, Noelle Krimm, Leah Gipson and Jaclyn Jacunski. Each will do a presentation consisting of 20 slides, each of which appears for just 20 seconds. Chicago Artists Month Commissioner Michelle Boone and Coordinator Barbara Koenen host, along with Peter Exley. Tickets are $10. Doors open at 7, show's at 7:30pm.

October 20, 2014

Louder than a Mom @ Martyrs'

Louder than a Mom, the reading series featuring stories about parenting, returns to Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 8pm. Tickets are $8. 21+

October 20, 2014

Between Bites @ Frontier

Between Bites, the reading event that brings together food and writing, is at Frontier, 1072 N. Milwaukee Ave. tonight. Featured readers include Boka Restaurant Group owner Kevin Boehm, restaurateur emeritus Ina Pinkney, Thrillist senior editor Matt Lynch, cocktail and spirits writer Lauren Viera, Chicagoist editor Chuck Sudo, and Between Bites co-founder and Plate magazine managing editor Liz Grossman. Tickets are $30. Doors open at 6:30pn, show's at 7pm.

October 15, 2014

First Time: First Fight @ Martyrs'

CHIRP Radio presents the latest in its First Time reading series, First Fight, tonight at Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., at 8pm. Hosted by CHIRP DJ Jenn Sodini, the lineup this time includes rapper ShowYouSuck, writer Ian Belknap, film critic Nathan Rabin, comedian Martin Morrow, storyteller Katie Prout, storyteller Erin Diamond, and CHIRP DJ
Jessi D. As always, the First Time Band will perform covers of songs related to each reader's story. Tickets are $10. 21+

October 15, 2014

Palabra Pura: Want @ La Bruquena

The Guild Literary Complex presents Palabra Pura: Want, curated by Cyn Vargas, tonight from 7:30 to 9:30pm upstairs at La Bruquena restaurant, 2726 W. Division St. Featured readers include Bobby Biedrzycki, Adriana Galvan and Kevin Kane. Free, but donations accepted.

October 15, 2014

Álvaro Enrigue @ Crowe Hall

As part of the inaugural Lit & Luz festival, award-winning author Álvaro Enrigue will be reading from his latest short story collection, Hypothermia. After the reading there will be a discussion with Director of the Center of Writing Arts at Northwestern, Reginald Gibbons. The event is free and goes from 12:00 pm to 2:30 at Crowe Hall (1860 Campus Drive).

October 14, 2014

This Much Is True @ Mrs. Murphy & Sons

True story show This Much Is True returns to Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, 3905 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight, with special guests Jen Bosworth, David Doyle, Mike Manship, Megan Wells and Paul Whitehouse, as well as regulars Scott Whitehair and Stephanie Douglass. Doors open at 6:45, show starts at 7:30pm. Free.

October 13, 2014

Alan Cumming @ Music Box

Unabridged Bookstore presents An Evening with Alan Cumming at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., at 7pm. Cumming will discuss his new memoir, Not My Father's Son, with former Chicago Magazine editor-in-chief Richard Babcock, and sign copies afterward. Tickets are $30 or two for $45, and include a copy of the book (one copy for the pair).

October 09, 2014

Steven Pinker @ Loyola Crown Hall

Steven Pinker, New York Times best-selling author, two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and the Johnstone Family Professor of Psychology at Harvard University, will read from and discuss his new book, The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person's Guide to Writing in the 21st Century, at Loyola University's Crown Center for the Humanities, 1001 W. Loyola Ave., from 7pm to 9:30pm. The book applies insights from the sciences of language and mind to the challenge of crafting clear, coherent and stylish prose.

October 09, 2014

Ta-Nehisi Coates @ Roosevelt University

Ta-Nehisi Coates, a senior editor and writer for The Atlantic and journalist-in-residence at City University of New York, earlier this year wrote the controversial story "The Case for Reparations," which examined the cultural and economic issues surrounding violence in Chicago's majority-black neighborhoods. He'll discuss the article and the issue as a whole at 5pm tonight in Roosevelt University's 10th floor library, 430 S. Michigan Ave. Admission is free.

October 08, 2014

Moth StorySlam @ Chicago History Museum

The Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., hosts a special edition of the Moth StorySlam tonight from 6 to 10pm, in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire. The theme is "resilience," and the stories begin at 8pm. Tickets are $8, or $16 for reserved seating. 21+

October 07, 2014

John Darnielle & Unabridged Books @ Lincoln Hall

John Darnielle, writer, composer, guitarist, and vocalist for the band the Mountain Goats, has finally translated his tremendous lyrics to prose with the release of new novel, Wolf In White Van, "the story of the Trace Italian, a game of strategy and survival! You may now make your first move." Join Unabridged Bookstore for an unforgettable evening as John Darnielle sits in conversation with Mairead Case, columnist for Bookslut who has spent a decade working in Chicago schools, small presses, and libraries, at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave. Darnielle's debut novel, hailed as moving, menacing, and brillliantly constructed, is not to be missed. $30 for entry plus a copy of the book; doors open at 7pm.

October 07, 2014

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Tuesday Funk, Chicago's eclectic monthly reading series sponsored by Gapers Block, returns tonight to the upstairs lounge at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St. This month the readers are poet Mark Turcotte, author Lori Rader-Day, poet Noel Jones, author Dmitry Samarov and writer-musicians Paul McComas and Maya Kuper -- plus your regular cohosts, Andrew Huff and Eden Robins. Doors open at 7pm sharp -- no earlier, unfortunately, -- and the reading begins at 7:30pn. RSVP on Facebook. Free, 21+

October 02, 2014

Story Club @ Holiday Club

Story Club North Side returns to the Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Rd., tonight at 7:30pm with the theme "cold comfort." Featured readers include Jeremy Owens, Parker Stockman and Elizabeth Gomez, and there will be a couple open mic slots available if you have a story to share. Dana Norris hosts. $10 suggested donation. 21+

October 01, 2014

Reading Under the Influence @ Sheffield's

Reading Under the Influence is back in the back room of Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave., tonight at 7pm. The theme this month is "Dude Ranch," and readers include Brian Costello, Matt Rowan, Joseph G. Peterson and Gint Aras. They each read twice, once with original work and again with published work related to the night's theme. Quick preview in Book Club. $3 cover. 21+

October 01, 2014

Elaine Soloway Book Launch @ Women & Children First

Author Elaine Soloway celebrates the launch of her new book, Green Nails and Other Acts of Rebellion: Life After Loss on Wednesday, October 1, at Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St.

October 01, 2014

That Belongs in a Museum @ Gallery Cabaret

That Belongs in a Museum, a show-and-tell storytelling show, is tonight at Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley Ave., from 6:30 to 9pm. Bring an item and sign up to tell the story behind it in five minutes or less. No cover, 21+

September 26, 2014

Exploring Creative Nonfiction @ Unabridged

Megan Stielstra, Dmitry Samarov and Wendy Ortiz read from their memoirs at Exploring Creative Nonfiction at Unabridged Bookstore, 3259 N. Broadway, tonight at 7pm. A brief Q&A follows each reading, and the authors will sign copies of their books. Refreshments served.

September 24, 2014

Miss Spoken @ Gallery Cabaret

Miss Spoken, the all female-identifying reading series, returns tonight at the Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley Ave. The theme this time is "College Years," and readers include Dana Norris, Erin Watson, Genny Ramos, JH Palmer and Brandy Agerbeck. The show starts at 7pm. No cover, 21+

September 22, 2014

Louder than a Mom @ Martyrs'

Louder than a Mom, the reading series featuring stories about parenting, returns to Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 8pm. Tickets are $8. 21+

September 18, 2014

The Hoods Chicago: Pilsen

The Hoods Chicago, a new reading series centered around neighborhoods, debuts tonight at 8pm at Modern Cooperative, 1215 W. 18th St. Featured readers include Liz Baudler, Charlotte Hamilton, Tony Castellon and Jaime de Leon; Melinda McIntire hosts. Free; donations will be collected for ElevArte Community Studio.

September 16, 2014

Story Club South Side @ Co-Prosperity Sphere

Story Club South Side returns to the Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., tonight at 7:30pm. The theme is "Tripping: Tales of Journeys Real or Imagined," and the featured speakers are Jeff Clement, Stephanie Chavara and Joy Ellison -- with a couple of spots available for open mic. $10 donation requested.

September 14, 2014

Serving the Sentence @ Towbar

Serving the Sentence returns to Towbar, 1500 W. Jarvis Ave., tonight at 7pm. This month each story begins with the sentence "Hunger is a funny thing." See what Jeremy Owens, Jake Cowan, Erin Lane, Adrienne Gunn and host Maggie Jenkins do with it. No cover; donations will be collected for Girls on the Run.

September 14, 2014

Story Sessions @ City Winery

Story Sessions returns to City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., tonight with stories from David Barish, Julia Borcherts, Pam Bell, James Sweeney, Dana Norris and Norman Doucet. Denise Santomauro and Dennis Frymire host, and bluegrass band Side of Bacon performs before the reading. Tickets are $12. Doors open at 5:30pm, music's at 6pm, readings are at 7pm.

September 13, 2014

Crazy Horse's Girlfriend Release Party

Author Erika Wurth celebrates the release of her latest book, Crazy Horse's Girlfriend with a reading tonight at City Lit Books, 2523 N. Kedzie, at 5pm. Also reading are fellow authors Lindsay Hunter, Samantha Irby, and Jac Jemc. Read our preview in Book Club.

September 12, 2014

Tribute to Larry Santoro @ The Coffee Shop

Friends memorialize writer Larry Santoro, who passed away last month, with a reading tonight at the Coffee Shop, 1135 W. Sheridan Ave., from 6 to 10pm. Chris Bell, Mike Penkas, John Everson, Rich Chwedyk, Sally Duros, Tycelia Santoro, Gary Houston, Richard Engling, Martin Mundt and Deb Miller will read selections of Santoro's work. No cover, BYOB. Details on Facebook.

September 08, 2014

Is This a Thing? @ O'Shaughnessy's

Is This a Thing? live lit show returns to O'Shaughnessy's, 4557 N. Ravenswood Ave., tonight at 7pm. The theme is After School Special, and feature readers include Ali Kelley, Kathy O'Neill, Catharine Savage, Joanne Singleton, Jim Sweeney and Tori Szekeres. No cover.

September 06, 2014

Beast Women Opening Night @ The Den Theatre

The Chicago all-female performance variety revue, Beast Women, kicks off its new season at The Den Theatre, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave, at 10:30pm. Performers include sword dancers Jeanette Daft & Viktoria, singer Elle Cassaza and storytelling stalwart, Lily Be. Tickets are $20.

September 04, 2014

Story Club @ Holiday Club

Story Club North Side returns to the Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Rd., tonight for "Back to School Night." The lineup features Wyl Villacres, Naomi Huffman and Willy Nast, plus some open mic slots if you've got a story to tell. Dana Norris hosts. Doors open at 7:30, show's at 8pm. $10 donation requested. 21+

September 02, 2014

Two Cookie Minimum @ Hungry Brain

Two Cookie Minimum returns to the Hungry Brain, 2319 W. Belmont Ave., tonight at 9pm. The theme this month is "Hidden Treasures" and the lineup includes writer Scott Miles, poet Anthony Madrid, comics artist Zelda Galeswsky, writer at Forgotten Chicago Dan "Pogo" Pogorzelski and Gapers Block literary editor Miden Wood. John "Johnny Misfit" Wawrzaszek hosts. Free, 21+

September 02, 2014

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Join Tuesday Funk the day after Labor Day for an evening of readings in the upstairs bar at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St. This month's guests include Scott Smith, Ryan DiGiorgi, Anne Holub, Jasmine Davila and Holly McDowell; Eden Robins and Andrew Huff co-host as usual. Doors open at 7pm (and no earlier -- really), and it's probably a good idea to get there early if you want to sit. The reading starts promptly at 7:30pm. RSVP on Facebook. Free, 21+

August 27, 2014

Miss Spoken @ Gallery Cabaret

Miss Spoken returns to the Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley Ave., tonight at 7pm. The theme this month is "summer love," and guests include Cinnamon Cooper, Elizabeth Gomez, Corrine Mucha, Lily Be and Karen Shimmin. Carly Oishi and Rosamund Lannin host. No cover, 21+

August 20, 2014

Guts & Glory @ Schubas

Guts and Glory is back at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., tonight at 7pm. Hosts Keith Ecker and Samantha Irby welcome playwright Chris Bower, performer Jen Bosworth, playwright Randall Colburn, storyteller Andrew Reilly, writer Katie Prout and poet James Gordon this month. No cover, 21+

August 19, 2014

Story Club South Side @ Co-Prosperity Sphere

The South Side chapter of Story Club is back at the Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., tonight at 7:30pm. The theme is "Truth or Fiction," and featured performers include Stephanie Douglass, Letitia Moffitt and Jeremy Owens, plus a couple open mic slots. Andrew Marikis hosts. $10 suggested donation, BYO.

August 17, 2014

The Marrow @ Punch House

Curbside Splendor's reading series The Marrow is at Punch House, 1227 W. 18th St., tonight at 7:30pm, featuring readings by Darryl Holliday, Tim Kinsella, Dana Norris and Karen Shimmin, plus co-hosts Naomi Huffman and Leah Pickett. Free, 21+

August 15, 2014

Cafe Cabaret @ Cafe Ballou

James "GPA" Gordon and and Roberta Miles host Cafe Cabaret at Cafe Ballou, 939 N. Western Ave., tonight at 7pm. The eclectic show this month features Alexandra Tsarpalas, Holly Beaudry, Andrew Francis, Elizabeth Gomez and Dhaea. Free, but donations accepted.

August 13, 2014

A Month Of... @ Stage 773

Story Luck presents A Month Of..., a themed open mic storytelling night with a potluck too, tonight at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., from 7:30 to 9:30pm. The theme this month is "Moving On." The potluck begins at 7:30, the show begins at 8pm. Tickets are $1 if you bring a dish to share, otherwise they're $10.

August 10, 2014

Serving the Sentence @ Towbar

Serving the Sentence is back at Towbar, 1500 W. Jarvis Ave., tonight at 7pm. The starting question this month is "'What is it,' she asked." Find out where Karen Shimmin, Carrie McDonald, Lisa Scott, James Gordon and Kendra Stevens take it from there. No cover; donations will be collected for Girls on the Run Chicago.

August 09, 2014

You're Being Ridiculous @ Mary's Attic

You're Being Ridiculous, the sassy, funny and fun storytelling show created by Jeremy Owens, is back tonight in Andersonville. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "Fear" from Eileen Dougharty, Jill Howe, Mary Lorenz, Kelly Loris, Elise Mayfield, Jeremy Owens, and Parker Stockman. Stories start at 7:30pm at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. Tickets are $15 online or at the door.

August 07, 2014

Story Club @ Holiday Club

Story Club North Side is back at Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Rd., tonight at 7:30pm with the theme "hot hot heat." This month's featured readers are writer Debbie Capone; actor, writer and improviser Julie Marchiano; and playwright Erin Lane. Dana Norris hosts, and as always, there are a couple open mic slots if you've got a story to tell. $10 suggested donation. 21+

August 06, 2014

God, Sex & Death Variety Hour @ Schubas

The God, Sex & Death Variety Hour moves from the Hideout to the upstairs bar at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., tonight at 8pm. Host Danny Black welcomes writer Micki LeSueur, escort Lola Luscious, storyteller Xavier Jordan and comedian Cameron Gillette. The Miracle Workers provide musical accompaniment. Doors open at 7:30pm. Free, 21+

August 05, 2014

Two Cookie Minimum @ Hungry Brain

Two Cookie Minimum kicks off its fourth year tonight at 9pm at Hungry Brain, 2319 W. Belmont Ave. This month's lineup features writer Franki Jo Beckwith, sketch comedy performer Tom Simmons, indie comic artist Ian McDuffie, writer John Wilmes, and zinester Josh Piotrowski (aka GAS MASK HORSE). John Wawrzaszek hosts. No cover, and there will of course be cookies. 21+

August 05, 2014

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Tuesday Funk, the eclectic monthly reading series sponsored by Gapers Block, returns to the upstairs bar at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St. tonight with guests Hannah Gamble, David Daskal, Christine Simokaitis, Britt Julious and Leah Thomas. Eden Robins and Gapers Block editor Andrew Huff co-host. Doors open at 7pm (no earlier; we're serious), and the reading begins at 7:30pm. Free, but you must be 21.

August 04, 2014

Fictlicious @ Hideout

Fictlicious is back at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., tonight at 7pm. Music and readings on the theme of "stuck" will be delivered by Scott Onak, Chelsea Voulgares, John Gallagher, Anna Scott, Micki LeSueur, Typhanie Monique with Rick Gehrenbeck, Liam Davis, and Jennifer Solheim. $10 at the door, which opens at 6pm. 21+

August 02, 2014

Mortified! @ Mayne Stage

Mortified! moves up to the Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave., where you'll hear true stories of true awkwardness told by regular people. Doors open at 6pm, show's at 7pm. Advance tickets are sold out, but if there are any available at the door, they'll be $20. 18 and over.

July 30, 2014

Miss Spoken @ Gallery Cabaret

Miss Spoken, the all-female reading series, returns to the Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley Ave., tonight at 7pm. This month the theme is periods, and the readers include Wendy McClure, Allison Kelly, Katie Prout and Charlotte Hamilton. There's also an open mic slot if you've got a period story to share. No cover, 21+

July 28, 2014

Louder than a Mom @ Martyrs'

Louder than a Mom, a new monthly show featuring stories told or inspired by mothers, is tonight at Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., at 8pm. The theme this month is "summer camp," and there are open mic slots for you to share your own hilarious or sad story. Tickets are $8. 21+

July 27, 2014

Word Weekend @ MCA

The Museum of Contemporary Art, 200 E. Chicago Ave., hosts Word Weekend Saturday and today, featuring a variety of performances, installations and readings -- see the schedule for details. Activities run from noon to 5pm today; admission is free.

July 26, 2014

2014 Bughouse Square Debates @ Washington Square Park

On Saturday, July 26, The Newberry Library and Chicago Tribune columnist Rick Kogan host the 2014 Bughouse Square Debates at Washington Square Park, 901 N Clark St (across from the Newberry). There will be musical performances at noon, and the debates will begin at 1pm.

The program includes performances by the Shakespeare Project of Chicago and the Environmental Encroachment Marching Band; and lending their voices to the public discourse are 2014 John Peter Altgeld Award for Freedom of Speech winners Ben Joravsky and Mick Dumke. Soapbox Speakers will include candidate for 2nd Ward Alderman, Enrique G. Perez; author Mike Flores; and Brian Terrell of Voices for Creative Nonviolence.

July 24, 2014

Featherproof Send-off Hand-off Kick-off Party @ Hideout

Featherproof Books holds a "Send-off Hand-off Kick-off Party" for cofounder Zach Dodson and Mairead Case tonight at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. (Tim Kinsella is taking over the press.) Come hear toasts, roasts and goodbyes from Dodson, Case, Kinsella, cofounder Jonathan Messinger, Brian Costello, Lindsay Hunter, Christian TeBordo and more. Doors open at 7pm, proceedings get underway at 8pm. $5 online or at the door. 21+

July 23, 2014

Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards

The Guild Literary Complex's 21st annual Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Reading & Award is tonight from 7 to 9:30pm at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. Twenty poets will read their work, and the audience will vote on who takes home the $500 prize. Special guests Nora Brooks Blakely, the Aurora Performance Group and Marian Hayes will also read. Admission is $8, $6 for students.

July 22, 2014

CCLaP Showcase: Eric Charles May @ City Lit

Chicago Center for Literature and Photography presents author and professor Eric Charles May reading from his Chicago-set social realist novel Bedrock Faith, as well as six open-mic reading slots, at City Lit Books, 2523 N. Kedzie Ave., from 6:30 to 8pm. Free. More info on Facebook.

July 21, 2014

Essay Fiesta @ Book Cellar

Essay Fiesta returns to the Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 7pm. The lineup features 2nd Story podcaster Ozzie Totten, writer and Young Chicago Authors board president Debbi Welch, writer Sarah Michael Hollenbeck, Inland Mag founder and journalist Britt Julious, and "Our Man In Chicago" Scott Smith. Karen Shimmin and Willy Nast cohost. Free, but donations for 826CHI will be collected.

July 15, 2014

Story Club South Side @ Co-Prosperity Sphere

The South Side faction of Story Club is back at the Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., tonight, with the theme "Beautiful Poison." Featured readers this round include Scott Whitehair, Steven Strafford and Lauren Sivak, along with three open mic slots for you to tell your story. Hosted by Andrew Marikis. Doors open at 7:30pm, show's at 8. $10 suggested donation, BYOB.

July 14, 2014

Is This a Thing? @ O'Shaughnessy's

Reading series Is This a Thing? tackles the topic "I Was Wrong" at its latest edition tonight at 7pm at O'Shaughnessy's, 4557 N. Ravenswood Ave. Readers include Mare Swallow, Elena Colas, Ines Bellina, Karen Genelly, Kirk Kicklighter, Kendra Stevens and Jill Howe. Suzy Kahn Weinberg hosts. Free

July 13, 2014

Serving the Sentence @ Towbar

Serving the Sentence returns to the Towbar, 1500 W. Jarvis Ave., tonight at 7pm. Readers David Barish, Denise Santomauro, David Lipowski, Maggie Jenkins and Monte LaMonte all start their stories with the same sentence; show up to find out where they take it from there. Kendra Stevens hosts. No cover, but donations will be collected for Girls on the Run Chicago. 21+

July 10, 2014

Story Club @ Holiday Club

The North Side edition of Story Club is back at the Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Rd., tonight, with the theme of "Ask." Readers include story collector Ray Teresi, Spanglish Memoirs writer/performer Rob Ruiz and author Tori Telfer -- plus three open mic slots for you to share your story. Doors open at 7:30pm, show's at 8pm. $10 donation requested. 21+

July 09, 2014

CHIRP Radio's The First Time @ Martyrs

CHIRP Radio's quarterly Live Lit and Music series, The First Time, is back at Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., with the theme First Impression. The First Time performances feature seven story tellers who pair a song with a personal story around a notable "First" (e.g. First Car, First Kiss, First Lesson). Reading tonight: Erica White, JH Palmer of That's All She Wrote, Musician Pamela Maurer, aka Baby Money, Laura Caldwell of Life After Innocence Project, Storytellers Archy Jamjun and Ben Kessell, and CHIRP DJ Kyle Whelliston. Starts at 8pm, $10. 21+

July 08, 2014

Napkin Poetry @ Comfort Station

Napkin Poetry, a new reading series featuring young(ish) poets, is tonight at 7pm at Comfort Station, 2579 N. Milwaukee Ave. Readers this month include Gene Tanta, Daniel Borzutzki and Lina Ramona Vitkauskas. Preview in Book Club.

July 08, 2014

This Much Is True @ Mrs. Murphy & Sons

This Much Is True is tonight at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, 3905 N. Lincoln Ave., and features Khanisha Foster, Art Johnson, Achy Obejas, Scott Whitehair and Stephanie Douglass, plus musical guest Mike Maimone. Doors open at 6:45, show's at 730pm. Free.

July 06, 2014

Here, Chicago @ Stage 773

Here, Chicago (formerly known as Here's the Story) is back at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., tonight for an evening of true-storytelling and a potluck dinner. This month's show features improvisor Nnamdi Ngwe, former NASA scientist Christie Grace, folk duo River Rising, and a tall-ship sailor and humanitarian clown -- plus five slots for open-mic storytellers. Hosted by Janna Sobel with guest co-host Erin Kahoa. The potluck dinner starts at 7:30pm, show starts at 8pm. Tickets are $8, or free with a dish for the potluck.

July 01, 2014

Two Cookie Minimum @ Hungry Brain

Two Cookie Minimum celebrates its fourth anniversary tonight at the Hungry Brain, 2319 W. Belmont Ave., starting at 9pm. Performance-oriented poet Kevin Kern holds down the more traditionally writerly end of things, and from there the event takes a more visual turn. Leslie Perrine and Keiler Roberts present comics, zine publisher Eric Bartholomew invites the audience to join an interactive game, and sister duo Jill Summers and Susie Kirkwood put on one of the spooky, literary-minded shadow-puppet shows that have become their trademark. The (vegan) cookies are free, as is admission. 21+

July 01, 2014

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Gapers Block presents the 71st edition of Tuesday Funk, Chicago's eclectic monthly reading series, tonight in the upstairs lounge at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St. The evening will feature readings by Norman Doucet, Lisa Kirchner, Evan Okun, Sheri Reda and Lisa White. Andrew Huff and Eden Robins cohost. Doors open at 7pm sharp -- but not earlier, as much as we'd like to l et you in -- and the reading begins at 7:30pm. Arrive early for a table and grab a beer from Mark at the bar. Arrive even earlier or stay afterwards for a full meal downstairs. RSVP on Facebook. Free, 21+

June 28, 2014

Tenth Annual Printer's Ball @ Hubbard Street Lofts

Spudnik Press Cooperative is thrilled to announce the 10th annual Printers Ball: Chatter. The 10th annual celebration of literary culture and printmaking will be held at the Hubbard Street Lofts, 1821 W. Hubbard St., offering a robust schedule of performances, live printmaking demos, exhibitions, and food and drink tastings. This year's festivities will run from 4 to 9pm, and includes outdoor entertainment with a DJ set with Odd Obsession and a beer garden hosted by Maria's Packaged Goods. Admission is free.

June 18, 2014

Miss Spoken @ Gallery Cabaret

Miss Spoken, the new female-focused reading series hosted by Rose Lannin and Carly Oishi, returns to Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley Ave., tonight from 7 to 9pm. The topic this time is "Debt," and the lineup features Rachel Collins, Gwynn Fulcher, Anne Holub and Natasha Mulholland. Free. 21+

June 18, 2014

Guts & Glory @ Schubas

Guts & Glory, hosted by Keith Ecker and Samantha Irby, is back upstairs at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., for another evening of storytelling tonight at 7pm. Featured this month are Janna Sobel, Dina Marie Walters, Kate Duva, Renee Albrecht-Mallinger and John Burger. No cover, 21+

June 17, 2014

Story Club @ Co-Prosperity Sphere

The South Side chapter of Story Club tonight at Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., features Jill Howe, James "G.P.A." Gordon, Xavier Jordan and Jennifer Peepas, plus a couple open mic slots. Will Hindmarch hosts. Open mic signup starts at 7:30pm, and readings start at 8pm. Free, but donations appreciated. All ages.

June 15, 2014

The Marrow @ Punch House

Curbside Splendor launches The Marrow, a new monthly non-fiction reading series, tonight at 7:30pm at Punch House, 1227 W. 18th St. Hosted by Leah Pickett, the first edition features readings by Samantha Irby, Nico Lang, Jeff Miller and Jen Richards. No cover, 21+.

June 15, 2014

Story Sessions @ City Winery

Story Sessions returns to City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., tonight with the theme "Day of the Dad." The lineup includes stories told by Kevin Gladish, Shannon Cason, Kelsie Huff, Linda Gorham, Alan Neff and Natasha Tsoutsouris; Deanna Moffitt hosts and there's live bluegrass before the show. Doors open at 5:30, music begins at 6pm, readings start at 7pm. Tickets are $12.

June 12, 2014

Applied Words: Black Vernacular

The Guild Literary Complex presents Applied Words: Black Vernacular tonight from 7:30 to 9pm at the University of Chicago's Arts Incubator, 301 E. Garfield Blvd. Randall Horton, Nate Marshall, Kristiana Rae Colón and Toni Asantelightfoot perform and read work, and Holly Bass and others show short video pieces. Curated by Toni Asante Lightfoot. Free.

June 07, 2014

The Paper Machete

The Paper Machete is back at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, today at 3pm. This week's guests are JC Aevaliotis, Ali Barthwell, Chris Hauser, Ike Holter and Mary Williamson, and Jacob Williams, along with Chad the Bird and funny musical guest Laura McKenzie. Christopher Piatt hosts. Free, 21+

June 05, 2014

Story Club @ Holiday Club

The Story Club reading series celebrates its fifth anniversary tonight at the Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Rd., at 7:30pm. North Side host Dana Norris and South Side host Andrew Marikis pick teams -- featuring Megan Stielstra, Don Hall, Shannon Cason, Peter Gill and several open mic readers -- for a "crosstown classic" story throwdown. The audience votes for the winners with dollars. Read our preview in Book Club. $10 donation suggested. 21+

June 04, 2014

Reading Under the Influence @ Sheffield's

Reading Under the Influence is back tonight in the back bar of Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave., at 7pm tonight. The theme is "Well Done," and the readers include Chris Bowen, Scott Miles, A.C. Frieden and Megan Stielstra. Frieden is apparently buying the appetizers, so you should buy the beers. $3 cover, 21+

June 03, 2014

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

The June edition of Tuesday Funk tonight in the upstairs bar at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., features readings by Claire Zulkey, Patricia Skalka, Sara Ross Witt, Theodore Goeglein and Ted McLelland. Eden Robins and Andrew Huff co-host.Doors open at 7pm sharp, no earlier -- arrive early for a table and grab a beer from the bar. Show starts at 7:30pm. Free, 21+

May 30, 2014

You're Being Ridiculous @ Mary's Attic

You're Being Ridiculous is a group of real people telling real funny stories about their lives with a theme as their guide. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "Change" from Brooke Allen, Elizabeth Gomez, David Lipowski, Ruth McCormack, Anita Mechler, Karie Miller, Dana Norris and Jeremy Owens. Stories start at 7:30pm at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. Tickets are $15 online or at the door.

May 29, 2014

Live Comics Reading @ Galerie F

Galerie F, 2381 N. Milwaukee Ave., hosts a live comics reading as part of the Chicago Alternative Comics Expo, tonight from 7 to 9:30pm. The event features readings by Sam Alden of It Never Happened Again, Andy Burkholder of Absolute Loneliness, Anna Bongiovanni of Out of Hollow Water, Mark Connery of Rudy, Edie Fake of Memory Palaces, Sarah Ferrick of Rare Creatures, John Holden of Detrimental Information, Scott Longo of Sonatina and Annie Mok of Screen Tests. Free.

May 29, 2014

Big Data Pechakucha @ Chicago Architecture Foundation

The Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan Ave., hosts a Pechakucha night in connection with its City of Big Data exhibit tonight from 6 to 8:30pm. Speakers include Tom Burtonwood, Dennis McClendon, Dan O'Neil, Jeanne Marie Olson, Derek Eder, Brenna Berman and Joe Germuska. Tickets are $7 for CAF members, $12 for non-members. Details on Facebook.

May 28, 2014

The Last Encyclopedia Show @ Stage 773

The Encyclopedia Show stages its last show ever tonight at 7:30pm at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. The theme is the prairie, and guests include Naomi Ashley, Laura Balinski, Mark Butchko, Joseph Chilliams, Emma Rose Coleman, Adam Gottlieb, Nick Klemp and Michelle Hill, Nate Marshall, Avery R. Young and an interview with Joel Greenberg. Robbie Q. Telfer hosts. Tickets are $9 for adults, $6 for students.

May 28, 2014

Miss Spoken @ Gallery Cabaret

New female-focused live lit series Miss Spoken debuts at the Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley Ave., tonight at 7pm. The theme is "Boobs," and readers include Samantha Irby, Natasha Samreny, Melane LaForce, Jasmine Davila and Alicia Swiz. Rosamund Lannin
and Carly Oishi host. Free, 21+

May 23, 2014

You're Being Ridiculous @ Mary's Attic

You're Being Ridiculous is a group of real people telling real funny stories about their lives with a theme as their guide. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "Change" from Brooke Allen, Elizabeth Gomez, David Lipowski, Ruth McCormack, Anita Mechler, Karie Miller, Dana Norris and Jeremy Owens. Stories start at 7:30pm at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. Tickets are $15 online or at the door.

May 21, 2014

Vocalo Music & Stories: Balls of Confusion

Tonight at 7pm, Vocalo.org presents Vocalo Music & Stories: Balls of Confusion at The Chicago Urban Art Society, 600 W. Cermak Rd. Hosted by Vocalo host and producer, Luis Perez, with music by Ayana Contreras, Music & Stories combines a lineup of live lit vets with an open mic for novices, and offers a chance for all to be heard on the radio. Featured readers include Natasha Samreny and Drew Anderson, and there will be six open mic slots. Free, all-ages. Preview in Book Club.

May 21, 2014

Story Sessions @ City Winery

Story Sessions is back at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., with the theme of "Devour." Featured performers are James Sweeney, Martha Bayne, Art Jackson and Chelsea Kalberloh Jackson, Mindy Segal, Dani Bryant, and Diana Slickman, with live bluegrass before the readings. Greg Poljacik and Denise Santomauro host. Doors open at 6:30pm, show starts at 7pm. Tickets are $12.

May 21, 2014

Guts & Glory @ Schubas

Come to Schubas (upstairs), 3159 N. Southport, tonight at 7pm for Chicago's boldest and most bad-ass storytelling event. This brave and bold live-lit show is hosted by Samantha Irby and Keith Ecker. Tonight's featured performers include Dana Norris, Johanna Stein, Jason Economus, Deanna Moffitt and Lisa Mrock. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm. Free, 21+

May 20, 2014

Story Club South Side @ Co-Prosperity Sphere

Its the one year anniversary of Story Club South Side, and they're hosting the first in a two-part South Side vs. North Side crosstown classic. Andrew Marikis will represent for the South Side, Dana Norris will represent for the North Side, and they'll both pick a team of featured performers and open mic'ers live during the show. Among the featured readers will be Lily Be, Erin Kahoa, Keith Ecker, Jen Bosworth and Johanna Stein. Open mic signup at 7:30pm, stories start at 8pm at Co-Prosperity Sphere (3219 S. Morgan Street.) This is a free event, with a suggested $10 donation.

May 16, 2014

You're Being Ridiculous @ Mary's Attic

You're Being Ridiculous is a group of real people telling real funny stories about their lives with a theme as their guide. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "Change" from Brooke Allen, Elizabeth Gomez, David Lipowski, Ruth McCormack, Anita Mechler, Karie Miller, Dana Norris and Jeremy Owens. Stories start at 7:30pm at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. Tickets are $15 online or at the door.

May 16, 2014

Funny Ha-Ha @ Hideout

Funny Ha-Ha returns to the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., tonight at 6:30pm, featuring stories by Monte LaMonte, Steve Gadlin, Kelsie Huff, Jessica Coen, Erica Reid and Mimi Smartypants. Claire Zulkey hosts. $5 suggested donation benefits Sit Stay Read. 21+

May 11, 2014

Serving the Sentence @ Towbar

Serving the Sentence returns to Towbar, 1500 W. Jarvis Ave., tonight at 7pm. This month, Dana Norris, Julie Marchiano, Kim Morris, Carma Nibarger and Maggie Jenkins read stories that all start with the sentence: "Yeah, I'm sure ... I think." Kendra Stevens hosts. No cover; donations will be collected for DetermiNation Illinois - American Cancer Society.

May 10, 2014

The Paper Machete @ Green Mill

This week's Paper Machete features stories from Adam Burke, Peter-John Byrnes, Colleen Doyle and Alison Gates, Lindsay Harrington and Katie Watson, and Ben Johnson. Plus music by Jessie Fisher and Max Clarke and the Cut Worms. Christopher Piatt hosts, as always. It's free at 3pm today at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway. 21+

May 08, 2014

Megan Milks & Cris Mazza @ Women & Children First

Megan Milks and Cris Mazza read from their latest books (Kill Marguerite and Other Stories for the former, Various Men Who Knew Us as Girls and Something Wrong with Her for Mazza) tonight at Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St., at 7:30pm. Free.

May 07, 2014

Reading Under the Influence @ Sheffield's

Reading Under the Influence celebrates its ninth anniversary tonight at 7pm in the back room of Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave. Tonight's show features Julia Borcherts, Jesse Jordan, Amanda Snyder, Naomi Huffman, Bronwyn Mead, Frankie Migacz, Jon Natzke and Benham Riahi. Join in through the trivia contest to win books and other prizes. Read our preview in A/C. $3 cover. 21+

May 06, 2014

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Tuesday Funk, Chicago's eclectic monthly reading series, returns to the upstairs bar at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., tonight at 7:30pm. This month readers include James Finn Garner, Melissa Wiley, Gint Aras, Jeremy Owens and Dustin Monk, with co-host Andrew Huff and Eden Robins. Doors open precisely at 7pm -- get there on the early side as seats fill up fast. Free, 21+ RSVP on Facebook.

May 04, 2014

Here's the Story Anniversary Show @ Stage 773

Here's the Story celebrates three years of storytelling and potlucks on Sunday at Stage 773.
The lineup features Shannon Cason, Angela Vela, EZ, and Nate Parks. The show will be co-hosted by Janna Sobel and Ian Belknap. Event starts at 8pm. For more info and tickets, please click here.

May 01, 2014

Story Club @ Holiday Club

The North Side chapter of Story Club returns to the Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Rd., tonight at 7:30pm. The theme this month is "Sprung," with guests Keith Ecker, Scott Whitehair and Katie Prout, plus three open mic slots; Dana Norris hosts. Suggested donation is $10. 21+

April 29, 2014

Goreyesque @ Loyola University Museum of Art

Join online literary journal, Goreyesque, for a night of wicked fun at the Edward Gorey exhibition at the Loyola University Museum of Art, 820 N. Michigan Ave. Hosted by Goreyesque founders and editors, including Todd Summar and Ken Gerleve, with readings by Joe Meno, Adam McOmber, and other artists and authors. Attendees are encouraged to walk through Elegant Enigmas: The Art of Edward Gorey and G is for Gorey--C is for Chicago: The Collection of Thomas Michalak exhibits after the readings.

April 27, 2014

Story Sessions @ Mahoney's

Story Sessions returns to Mahoney's Pub & Grille, 551 N. Ogden Ave., tonight at 6pm. The theme is "Around the World," and the storytellers include Paulette McDaniels, Bill Hillmann, Mark Schab, Jeff Miller, JH Palmer, Karen Shimmin and Robyn Okrant. Deanna Moffitt hosts, and Dog 1 is the musical guest. Tickets are $10, doors open at 5:30pm. 21+

April 25, 2014

Tim Kinsella @ Nightingale Cinema

Musician and author Tim Kinsella marks the release of his new book, Let Go and Go On and On, with a film collage at Nightingale Cinema, 1084 N. Milwaukee Ave., tonight at 8pm. There will also be readings by Kinsella, Brittany LaFlamme, Heather Gabel, Naomi Huffman, Melina Ausikaitis and Joe Proulx. Free.

April 24, 2014

Wolf Doctors Release Party @ Innertown Pub

Artifice Books celebrates the release of Wolf Doctors by Russ Woods this Thursday at 8pm at Innertown Pub, 1935 W. Thomas St. Readings and performances by Woods, Jeannette Gomes, Matt Rowan, Holly Amos, and Everything's Alright. The event is free, and work by all contributors will be available for sale. 21+.

April 19, 2014

20x2 Chicago @ Schubas

Gapers Block is proud to present 20x2 Chicago, a live event where 20 people are asked the same question and given two minutes each to answer in whichever way they choose, tonight at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave. This edition's question is "Where are we?" and the speakers are Sharon Bautista, Sarah Best-Wilson, Keidra Chaney, Eamon Daly, Mike Ewing, Jocelyn Geboy, Tim Gray, Dan Henrick, Saya Hillman, Ben Husmann, Britt Julious, Felix Jung, Justin Kaufmann, Molly Marshall, Rebeca Mojica, JH Palmer and J. Gordon Wright. Andrew Huff hosts. Doors open at 6:30pm, show's at 7pm. Tickets are $10 in advance or at the door. 21+

April 19, 2014

Sasha Frere-Jones @ Corbett vs. Dempsey

New Yorker music critic Sasha Frere-Jones reads at Corbett vs. Dempsey, 1120 N. Ashland Ave., 3rd flr., today at 3pm as part of Record Store Day. Free.

April 18, 2014

Bulgarian Writers and Their Translators Talk @ Seminary Co-op Bookstore

This evening at 6pm, Seminary Co-op Bookstore (5751 S. Woodlawn Ave.) and the University of Chicago's Center for East European and Russian/Eurasian Studies bring together two prominent Bulgarian authors with their translators. In addition to reading from their novels, Virginia Zaharieva and Albena Stambolova will discuss what it was like to collaborate on their translations with Angela Rodel and Olga Nikolova, respectively. Preview in Book Club. Free.

April 15, 2014

Open Door Reading Series @ Poetry Foundation

The Poetry Foundation, 61 W. Superior St., hosts its monthly Open Door reading series tonight at 7pm, featuring CM Burroughs, Andre Price, Ruben Quesada and Tanya Young. Free.

April 14, 2014

Sister Spit @ University of Chicago

This year's Sister Spit tour lands at The University of Chicago's Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 5801 S. Ellis, this evening at 7pm. Admission is free.

April 13, 2014

That's All She Wrote @ The Savoy

The live lit series That's All She Wrote is back at The Savoy, 1408 N. Milwaukee Ave. This month's lineup features Emmy Bean, Megan Stielstra, Ira Murfin, Tess Lennon-Dorn and Dwight Wilson. Hosted as always by JH Palmer and Angela Benander. Stories begin at 8pm, make a dinner reservation to guarantee a seat. This is a free event.

April 13, 2014

Serving the Sentence @ Towbar

Serving the Sentence, a reading series in which the first sentence of each story is the same, this month features the sentence, "I wasn't sure if it was an itch or a rash." Hear what Amanda Rountree, Kendra Stevens, Will Petty, Rachel Cromidas, Tori Szekeres and Debbi Welch do with it at Towbar, 1500 W. Jarvis Ave., at 7pm. Free, 21+.

April 12, 2014

Mortified! @ Schubas

Mortified! returns to Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., tonight at 7pm. The Blue Ribbon Glee Club performs in between cringeworthy stories of personal embarrassment. Shay DeGrandis hosts. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. 21+

April 10, 2014

Word+Music @ The Empty Bottle

Curbside Splendor celebrates the release of three new books with Words+Music at The Empty Bottle. The "words" on the night's agenda will be provided by authors Bill Hillman (The Old Neighborhood), Megan Stielstra (Once I Was Cool), and Tim Kinsella (Let Go and Go On and On) and special guests Irvine Welsh and Tony Fitzpatrick. Walking Bicycles and More Gorgeous provide the music. RSVP to get in for free, or pay $8 at the door. 21+.

April 07, 2014

LitMash @ Haymarket Pub

Chicago Slam Works' LitMash, a combination of slam poetry, comedy, storytelling and more, returns to Haymarket Pub & Brewery, 737 W. Randolph St., tonight at 7:30pm. Admission is $8. 21+

April 03, 2014

Story Club @ Holiday Club

The North Side chapter of Story Club returns to the Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Rd., tonight with the theme of "fooled." Featured readers include Karen Shimmin, Randall Colburn
and David Lipowski, as well as open-mic readers. If you want to read, sign up at 7:30pm; the show starts at 8pm. $10 donation requested. 21+

April 03, 2014

Dayo Olopade @ Harold Washington Library Center

This evening at 6pm, Dayo Olopade will visit the Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State, to discuss her book The Bright Continent: Breaking Rules and Making Change in Modern Africa. Admission's free, and books will be available for signing afterward.

April 01, 2014

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Tuesday Funk is back in the upstairs lounge at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., tonight, with readings by Letitia Moffitt, Brooke Wonders, Cesar Torres, Amy Sumpter and Jill Howe. Eden Robins and Andrew Huff cohost. Doors open at 7pm, show starts promptly at 7:30pm. As always, admission is free, but you must be 21 or older.

April 01, 2014

2nd Story @ City Winery

The 2nd Story returns to City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., with the theme "No Fool: Stories of Risk and Strategy," featuring stories by Alyssa Sorresso, Earliana McLaurin and Kareem Khubchandani. Tickets are $18. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 8pm. 21+

March 26, 2014

Applied Words: Unseen Worlds @ Schubas

The Guild Literary Complex presents Applied Words: Unseen Worlds, an evening of writing about science, tonight at 7:30pm at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave. Curated by Stephanie Levi of Science is Sexy, the show features Joe Austin II, Paul Gorski, Vojislav Pejović and Anne K. Yoder. Admission is free.

March 25, 2014

Visting Artist: Jennifer Doyle @ SAIC

The Art Institute of Chicago has invited Jennifer Doyle, Professor of English and Co-Chair of the LGBIT Studies Minor at University of California to speak about her newest book, "Hold It Against Me: Difficulty and Emotion in Contemporary Art". The event is this evening at 6pm located at 280 S. Columbus Drive at the SAIC Columbus Auditorium. For more information call 312-899-5185 or email events@saic.edu

March 23, 2014

2nd Story Fundraiser @ Revolution Brewing

2nd Story holds their annual fundraiser at Revolution Brewing on Sunday, March 23 from 6pm-8pm. Game On: Stories of Turning It Up will feature seasoned storytellers Bobby Biedrzycki and Margaret Marion sharing tales of triumph and destruction. Tickets are $40, and include 2 hours of unlimited tasting of Revolution's signature food and brews. This event is 21+. Buy tickets here.

March 21, 2014

Story Week

Columbia College's Story Week Festival of Writers runs March 16-21. Today's events includes an open mic reading at 11am at Columbia's Haus at the Quincy Wong, 623 S. Wabash Ave., and "Chicago Classics," a evening of Chicago creatives reading works by their favorite Chicago authors, hosted by Rick Kogan, at 6pm at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.. All events are free; see the schedule for complete details and locations.

March 20, 2014

Literary Rock'n'Roll @ Metro

The Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., hosts Literary Rock'n'Roll, as part of Columbia College's Story Week Festival of Writers. The event features readings by Preston L. Allen, Christine Sneed and Eric May, plus a tribute to David Hernandez featuring Achy Obejas and music by Street Sounds. Doors open at 5:30pm, show's at 6pm. Free, all ages.

March 20, 2014

Story Week

Columbia College's Story Week Festival of Writers runs March 16-21. Today's events include publishing bootcamp sessions beginning at 9am, a conversation with Eric Charles May and Preston L. Allen at 11am, a panel on new plays by women at 2pm, and Literary Rock'n'Roll at 6pm (see below). All events are free; see the schedule for complete details and locations.

March 19, 2014

The Encyclopedia Show @ Stage 773

The Encyclopedia Show is back at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., tonight at 7:30pm for an episode covering the Nightshade family, both deadly and non. Featured readers include Gwynn Fulcher on Corey Hart,
Jill Summers and Susie Kirkwood on Col. Robert Gibbons Johnson, Ben Clark on Jimson Weed, Laura Brown-Lavoie on Titty Fruit, Eric Gaston on Coca, and Brett Neiman on Atropa/Atropos. Tickets are $9 ($6 for students).

March 19, 2014

Guts & Glory @ Schubas

Come to Schubas (upstairs), 3159 N. Southport, tonight at 7pm for Chicago's boldest and most bad-ass storytelling event. This brave and bold live-lit show is hosted by Samantha Irby and Keith Ecker. Tonight's featured performers include Melinda McIntire, Greg Morelli, Chloe Johnston, Naomi Huffman, and Bob Stockfish. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm. Free, 21+

March 19, 2014

Story Week

Columbia College's Story Week Festival of Writers runs March 16-21. Today's events include publishing bootcamp sessions beginning at 9am, a panel on the publishing ecosystem at 2pm, a discussion of translation at 5pm, and Palabra Pura: Noche de Novelas at 7pm. All events are free; see the schedule for complete details and locations.

March 18, 2014

Write Club @ Hideout

Literary death match Write Club returns to the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., tonight at 7pm. Host Ian Belknap oversees writers going head to head on opposing topics for the audience's approval. This time it'll be Emily Rose (Give) vs. J.W. Basilo (Receive), Chris Schoen (Santa) vs. Whit Nelson (Jesus), and Sean Cooley (Naughty) vs. Ian Belknap (Nice). $10 at the door. 21+

March 18, 2014

Story Club South Side @ Co-Prosperity Sphere

Story Club returns to Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., tonight at 8pm and is hosted by the ever charming Andrew Marikis. The theme this month is "Catch Your Own Tail." That is, stories that begin and end with the same phrase. The show features tales from Seven Deadly Sins producer Angela Vela, New York Times essayist Alan Neff and Storyteller, masseuse, and Quantum Leap aficionado Dennis Frymire. There's also an open mic, signup for which begins at 7:30pm. $5 suggested donation. The show is kinda bad-ass, you should totally go.

March 18, 2014

Story Week

Columbia College's Story Week Festival of Writers runs March 16-21. Today's events include an emerging voices reading at 11am, a Q&A with screenwriter Barry Gifford at 2pm, and a reading and conversation with author Cristina Garcia at 6pm. All events are free; see the schedule for complete details and locations.

March 17, 2014

Story Week

Columbia College's Story Week Festival of Writers runs March 16-21. Today's events include a faculty reading at 11am, a panel discussion featuring short story authors at 2pm, Stuart Dybek reading and discussing his new collection of short stories at 6pm, and Readings in the Raw open mic at 9:30pm. All events are free; see the schedule for complete details and locations.

March 16, 2014

Story Sessions @ City Winery

The latest edition of Story Sessions at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., features Jen Bosworth, Cristie Chamberland, Andy Kerns, Arlene Malinowski, Greg Poljacik, Lindsey Porter and Dave Stinton. Bluegrass band Dog 1 opens the show. Hosted by Deanna Moffitt. Doors open at 5:30pm, show's at 6pm. Tickets are $12. 21+

March 13, 2014

Printer's Row: Poet Kevin Young

Printer's Row presents Chicago Tribune columnist and WGN radio host Rick Kogan as he sits down with poet Kevin Young to discuss his latest collection of poems, Book of Hours. The collection, written over the decade following the sudden death of Young's father, delves into the significance of fatherhood and the experiential evolution of grief. The talk-back will be held at Tribune Tower (435 N. Michigan Ave.) at 7 pm, $15.

March 10, 2014

The Moth StorySLAM @ Haymarket Pub

The Moth takes its StorySLAM to Haymarket Pub & Brewery, 737 W. Randolph St., tonight. The theme is "Escape" -- come prepared to tell your story, or just listen to others'. Doors open at 5pm, show's at 8pm. $8 at the door. 21+

March 08, 2014

The Paper Machete

The Paper Machete this week features stories by Ian Abramson, Ian Belknap, Brent Morin, Dana Norris, the Puterbaugh Sisters and Tanner Tanenbaum, plus Chad the Bird and musical guests Brother George. Christopher Piatt hosts. It's at 3pm at Green Mill 4802 N. Broadway. Free, 21+

March 06, 2014

Story Club @ Holiday Club

Story Club is back at the Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan tonight at 8pm tonight. The theme this month is, "What I Should Have Said" and will feature stories from Tamale Sepp and Lawrence Binkey Tolefree. This show also hosts an excellent open mic and the sign up for that begins at 7:30pm. $10 suggested donation. 21+

March 05, 2014

The Cat Diaries @ Haymarket Pub

The Cat Diaries, a storytelling event about cats and other animals, takes place tonight from 7:30 to 9pm at the Haymarket Pub & Brewery, 737 W. Randolph St. There's also a raffle, and all proceeds benefit Harmony House for Cats. Angela Vela and Ray Teresi host. Tickets are Tickets are $20 or two for $30.

March 05, 2014

Louder Than A Bomb: Annual Mixtape Release Party @ Schubas

Louder Than A Bomb is the largest youth poetry festival in the world. Throughout the year, the Young Chicago Authors lead workshops and poetry slams all over Chicago. They are having their annual mixtape release party tonight at Schubas, 3159 North Southport Avenue, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and all ages are welcome.

March 04, 2014

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Gapers Block presents a special Mardi Gras edition of Tuesday Funk tonight in the upstairs bar at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., Chicago. While we won't have any floats, we will have readings by Wendy McClure, Joe O'Sullivan, Naomi Buck Palagi, Laura Adamczyk and Eden Robins. Eden also co-hosts with with your hosts Andrew Huff. Doors open at 7pm sharp, no earlier -- arrive early for a table and grab a beer from Mark at the bar. Show starts at 7:30pm. As always, admission is free, but you must be 21 or older.

March 03, 2014

LitMash @ Haymarket Pub

Chicago Slam Works presents the LitMash tonight at Haymarket Pub & Brewery, 737 W. Randolph St. Watch a combination of storytellers and comedians compete for a cash prize for the best story. This month's guests are Jamila Woods, Monte LaMonte, Tumelo Khoza, Demetrius Amparan, Erin Diamond and Renee Albrecht-Mallinger. Doors open at 7:30pm, show's at 8. $8 at the door.

February 21, 2014

Funny Ha-Ha @ Hideout

Funny Ha-Ha at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., usually features a group of writers, but this time it's all about filmmaker (and husband of host Claire Zulkey) Steve Delahoyde. Be there from 6:30 to 8pm for a collection of readings and short films by Mr. Delahoyde. $5 cover at the door, with proceeds benefiting Sit Stay Read. 21+

February 19, 2014

Guts & Glory @ Schubas

Guts & Glory returns to Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., tonight in the upstairs bar. Hosts Samantha Irby and Keith Ecker welcome Ozzie Totten, Cara Brigandi, Monte LaMonte and Katy Maher. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm. Free, 21+

February 18, 2014

Story Club South Side @ Co-Prosperity Sphere, Bridgeport

Story Club returns to Co-Prosperity Sphere , 3219 S Morgan St, tonight at 8pm. The theme this month is "shorts." This month's featured performers will have just 4 minutes to tell their stories. The show features stories from Emmy-award winner, playwright, and 90's comedian Joe Janes, You're Being Ridiculous founder and host Jeremy Owens, Story stylist-- most recently of Vocalo's Music & Stories Xavier Jordan, Actor, teaching artist, and founder of Knife & Fork Theatre Dani Bryant, Actor and story queen Maura Clement and Journalist and Story Club Magazine's web designer -- David Lipowski! There's also an open mic, signup for which begins at 7:30pm. $5 suggested donation.

February 16, 2014

Excited Utterance @ Uncommon Ground

Excited Utterance, a new quarterly reading series, makes its debut tonight at 7pm at Uncommon Ground, 3800 N. Clark St. Featured readers include Kyle Churne, Larry O. Dean and Sara Tracey. Free, but reservations recommended.

February 16, 2014

Story Sessions @ City Winery

Story Sessions at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., this month features readings by Barrie Cole, Eileen Dougharty, Kate James, Andrew Marikis & Sarah Hollenbeck, Jeremy Owens (Gapers Block's own!), and Scott Smith. Dog1 and Side of Bacon open. Doors are at 5:30pm, music's at 6pm, readings are at 7pm. Tickets are $12.

February 13, 2014

Final Solo in the 2nd City @ Beauty Bar

Solo in the 2nd City holds its final show tonight at Beauty Bar, 1444 W. Chicago Ave. Join hosts Melinda McIntire and Carly Oishi for a party at 7pm, followed by a reading at 8pm featuring Dana Norris, Isaac Paul, Barrie Cole, JW Reese, Jasmine Davila, Blake Dinwiddie and Charlotte Hamilton. Free, 21+

February 12, 2014

Danny's Reading Series

The Danny's Reading Series features readings by Barry Schwabsky, Virginia Konchan and Mark Yakich. It's at, of course, Danny's Tavern, 1951 W. Dickens St., beginning at 7:30pm sharp. Free, 21+.

February 09, 2014

Serving Up the Sentence @ Towbar

Erin Lane, Melinda McIntire, Eric Warner, Roberta Miles, Heather Corallo and Kendra Stevens start their stories with the sentence, "Jump -- what's the worst that could happen?" and go from there. Hear what they came up with at Serving Up the Sentence tonight at Towbar, 1500 W. Jarvis St., at 7pm. Free, but donations will be collected for Sit Stay Read. 21+

February 06, 2014

Story Club @ Holiday Club

Story Club returns to the Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Ave., tonight at 8pm. The theme this month is "What I Now Know Is..." and features readings by Solo in the Second City producer Carly Oishi, Story Club South Side host/co-producer Andrew Marikis and writer Sarah Hollenbeck. There's also an open mic, signup for which begins at 7:30pm. $10 suggested donation. 21+

February 04, 2014

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Tuesday Funk, the eclectic monthly reading series sponsored by Gapers Block, fills the upstairs bar at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., tonight for readings by Mare Swallow, Cameron McGill, Tom Underberg, Amelia Beamer and Chuck Sudo. Andrew Huff and Eden Robins cohost. Doors open at 7pm sharp, and the show begins at 7:30pm. Free, 21+

February 03, 2014

LitMash @ Haymarket Pub

Chicago Slam Works presents the LitMash tonight at Haymarket Pub & Brewery, 737 W. Randolph St. Watch a combination of storytellers and comedians compete for a cash prize for the best story. This month's guests are Dan Sully, Melissa DuPrey, Adrienne Gunn, David Boyle, Bryant Cross and Raych Jackson. Doors open at 7:30pm, show's at 8. $8 at the door.

January 29, 2014

Applied Words: Notes from the Mainframe

Gapers Block and FreeGeek Chicago co-sponsor Notes from the Mainframe, the latest in the Guild Literary Compex's Applied Words series, tonight from 7:30 to 9pm at FreeGeek, 3411 W. Diversey Ave. The evening will include poetry about technology by Catherine Halley, director of digital programs at the Poetry Foundation; Daniel X. O’Neil, executive director of Smart Chicago Collaborative; Stephanie Plenner, founder of Chicago Literary Map; and Andrew Huff, editor of Gapers Block, and there will also be an open mic. Admission is free.

January 28, 2014

The God, Sex, Death Variety Hour @ Hideout

The God, Sex, Death Variety Hour with Danny Black is back at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., tonight at 6:30pm. This time around it's Dan Walsh on God, Damani Bowden on Sex, and CJ Sullivan on Death, with special guest Angela Vela. $5 cover at the door. 21+

January 23, 2014

Lawrence J. Vale on Public Housing @ Harold Washington Library

Author Lawrence J. Vale appears at the Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State St., at 6pm this evening to discuss his recent book Purging the Poorest: Public Housing and the Design Politics of Twice-Cleared Communities and talk more generally about "transforming public housing." Free.

January 22, 2014

The Encyclopedia Show @ Stage 773

The Encyclopedia Show returns to Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., tonight at 7:30pm. Writer Natalie Edwards, HBO Def Poet Dan Sullivan, Emcee WreckShop founder Adam Moshe Levin, poet Alison A. Ogunmokun, blogger Berto Saldana, and Louder Than A Bomb's Jasmine Alexandria Barber and Susie Swanton read stories on the theme of "shame"; Ian Belknap hosts. The show is all ages, $9 for adults, $6 for students. Read our preview in Book Club.

January 21, 2014

Story Club @ Co-Prosperity Sphere

Story Club South Side is back at the Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., tonight at 7:30pm with a "timing is everything" theme -- each storyteller will share a story in anything but chronological order. The evening will feature stories by Melinda McIntire, Lily Be and Lauren Sivak. Free.

January 21, 2014

Ishmael Beah @ Harold Washington Library Center

In the intro to new novel Radiance of Tomorrow, Beah mentions being inspired by his homeland's oral tradition--making the public reading a natural form for him. He'll talk about the book this evening at 6pm at the Harold Washington Library Center's Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, 400 S. State. Admission is free, and Beah will stick around to sign books afterward.

January 17, 2014

Office Pizza Party/Reading @ Chicago Publisher's Resource Center

The Chicago Publisher's Resource Center, 858 N. Ashland Ave., hosts a pizza party and reading tonight at 8pm, featuring Mason Johnson, Thrillary T. Cat, Cean Gamalinda and Susan Lanier, among others. Free.

January 16, 2014

"Wrong Kind of Muslim" @ Niagra Forum

Qasim Rashid, lawyer and author of Wrong Kind of Muslim, speaks at the Niagra Forum, 205 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2540, at noon today about his book and living as a Muslim in America. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

January 15, 2014

Guts & Glory @ Schubas

The Guts & Glory reading series hosted by Samantha Irby and Keith Ecker has moved to Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave. Tonight's show features Ellen Lekostaj, Erin Diamond, Julia Borcherts, Erin Kahoa and Erin Shea Smith. It's free, and starts at 7pm in the upstairs lounge. 21+

January 14, 2014

Fictlicious @ Hideout

Fictlicious returns to the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., tonight at 7pm (doors at 6). The theme this time is "second chances," and features readings of short fiction by Natalia Nebel, Doug Reed, Brian Harder, Paul Nicholas Jones and Micki LeSueur, and live music by Liam Davis, Stephanie Rogers and Matthew Shelton. $10 at the door. 21+

January 12, 2014

That's All She Wrote @ Swim Cafe

That's All She Wrote says goodbye to Swim Cafe, 1357 W. Chicago Ave., with one more show tonight at 7:30pm. The lineup features Don Hall, Faraz Hussain, Tania Richard and Judi Goshen, in addition to hosts JH Palmer and Angela Benander. Free, BYO.

January 07, 2014

Two Cookie Minimum @ Hungry Brain

Monthly live lit series Two Cookie Minimum returns to the Hungry Brain, 2319 W. Belmont Ave., tonight at 9pm. This month's lineup features Mason Johnson, Jason Fisk, Cassandra Greenwald, Kevin Budnik and Jessica Scott -- as well as free cookies, of course. Read our preview in Book Club. Free, 21+

January 07, 2014

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Tuesday Funk returns to the upstairs lounge at Hopleaf Bar, 5148 N. Clark St., tonight with readings by Ryan Bartelmay, Kelly Swails, Christa Desir, Jasmine Davila and Christopher Sweet. Eden Robins makes her debut as co-host with Andrew Huff. Doors open at 7pm (no earlier) and the show begins at 7:30pm. Free, 21+

January 05, 2014

Here's the Story @ Stage 773

Here's the Story returns to Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Mural artist Rahmaan Statik Barnes, performance artist and poet Angela Oliver, WBEZ events producer and Moth Chicago host Don Hall, writer Katie Liesener and author/blogger Samantha Irby share true stories -- and the show includes five open slots for audience members to join in. Admission is $8, or free if you bring a dish for the potluck dinner that happens before the show. The potluck starts at 7:30pm, show's at 8pm.

January 04, 2014

The Paper Machete

The Paper Machete live magazine kicks off the new year with Saurin Choksi, Mel Evans, Adam Guerino, Ben Johnson, Andrew Marchetti and Coya Paz, as well as musical guests the Weeping Willows. Christopher Piatt hosts at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, today at 3pm. Free, 21+

January 02, 2014

Story Club @ Holiday Club

Story Club returns to the Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Rd., tonight for the first show of 2014. The theme is "Not This Again," and featured readers this month include Alan Neff, Stephanie Douglass and Jenna Morgan, along with several open mic spots. Open mic signup begins at 7:30pm, show starts at 8pm. $10 suggested donation. 21+

December 18, 2013

Guts & Glory @ Powell's Bookstore

Come to Powell's Bookstore, 2850 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 7pm for Chicago's boldest and most bad-ass storytelling event. This brave and bold live-lit show is hosted by Brooke Allen and Keith Ecker. Tonight's featured performers include Danny Black, Randall Colburn, Eileen Dougharty, Robyn Okrant, Sarah Terez Rosenblum. Free.

December 18, 2013

South Side Story Club @ Co-Prosperity Sphere

Story Club returns to Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St., tonight for a show themed "cold." Featured readers include Jen Peepas, Jen Howe and Don Hall; Will Hindmarch hosts. Doors open at 7:30pm, show's at 8. $5 suggested donation.

December 18, 2013

The Encyclopedia Show @ Stage 773

The Encyclopedia Show returns to Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., at 7:30pm tonight. This month the theme is "Marching Bands," and it's the show's fifth anniversary. Featured performers include Mucca Pazza, Nina Coomes on Dr. W. Otto Miessner, David Kodeski and Rachel Claff on North Korean Marching Bands, Fatimah Asghar and Jamila Woods on The 1738 Virginia Military Statute, Diana Lawrence on the FAMU, and a special visit from John Philip Sousa. Tickets are $9, $6 for students. 21+

December 11, 2013

A Month Of Storytelling Open Mic

A Month Of is a monthly open-mic storytelling series where the audience selects the event's theme online before the show starts. Open mic slots are 5-7 minutes long, all story types and forms are welcome. The show is every second Wednesday at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., and runs from 7:30 to 10pm. Tickets are $10 for audience members, free for storytellers (or with a food donation). Help select a topic by visiting heresthestory.org.

December 09, 2013

Write Club @ SPACE

Write Club returns to SPACE, 1245 N. Chicago Ave. in Evanston, tonight at 7pm. Ian Belknap presides over the proceedings, as writers go head to head to win the approval of the audience while espousing opposing viewpoints. The theme this time is "super powers," and Susan Karp feels the need for Speed while Belknap fights with Strength, Natalie Edwards takes Flight while Thomas Simmons goes with Invisibility, and Chloe Johnston brings Magic while Mary Lorenz advocates for Science. It's $10 cash at the door.

December 07, 2013

Mortified! @ Schubas

Mortified! hosts more true stories of disaster and embarrassment tonight at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave. Shay DeGrandis hosts, with special guests the Blue Ribbon Glee Club. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. 21+

December 05, 2013

Story Club @ Holiday Club

Story Club is back at the Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Rd, tonight at 8pm. The theme is "holidays," and featured performers include writer Jen Bosworth, comedian Kelsie Huff and series regular, puppet Chad the Bird. There is an open mic to begin the show, with sign-up beginning at 7:30pm. $10 suggested cover. 21+

December 05, 2013

Gumbo Fiction Salon @ Galway Arms

Tonight at the Galway Arms, 2442 N. Clark St., the Gumbo Fiction Salonwelcomes featured guest Deb R. Lewis. There is also an open mic; if you're interested in reading, sign up at the door before the 7pm start. This is a 17+ show, with a $2 admission for students and $4 for non-students.

December 03, 2013

Pechakucha @ Martyrs'

Pechakucha returns to Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 8pm. Readers include Peter Exley, Ben Nicholson, Mickey Mangan, Anastasia Skolnik, Rajiv Nathan, Avraham Mor, Simon Landon, Rebecca Parrish, Jo Palma, Steve Sullivan and Kelly Fair. Each gets to say their piece in 20 slides, with 20 seconds each. Tickets are $10 in advance or at the door. 21+

December 03, 2013

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Tuesday Funk returns to the upstairs lounge at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., tonight, with readings by G.P.A. (Greatest Poet Alive), Jocelyn Geboy, Davis Schneiderman, J. Michael Grey, and -- in his final appearance as a Tuesday Funk co-host -- William Shunn! Gapers Block's Andrew Huff also cohosts. Doors open at 7pm, show begins at 7:30pm sharp. Free, 21+

December 02, 2013

CTRL-ALT-DEL @ Holiday Club

CTRL-ALT-DEL is a whole show devoted to the three-key combination that can reboot your life. Hosted by Ian Belknap, the show features readings by Sheila Arora, Ines Bellina, Rachel Cromidas, Scott Deininger, Catherine Gibbons, Jamie Yael Katz, Kendra Stevens, Suzy Kahn Weinberg and Debbi Welch. It's tonight from 7 to 9pm at Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Rd. Free, 21+.

November 26, 2013

2nd Story @ City Winery

The 2nd Story presents FEAST: Stories of Together tonight at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St. Hear stories by Andrew Reilly, Deb Lewis and Jasmin Cardenas, accompanied by the Harold Washington Trio. Tickets are $18 in advance or at the door, which opens at 6pm; show begins at 8pm.

November 26, 2013

The Encyclopedia Show @ Stage 773

Variety reading series The Encyclopedia Show is back at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., tonight at 7:30pm. The month's theme is "floods," and readers include Cameron McGill, Kush Thompson, Robi Mahan, Kristiana Colón, Chris Bower and Rik Vasquez. This all ages show is $9, $6 for students.

November 23, 2013

You're Being Ridiculous @ Mary's Attic

You're Being Ridiculous is a group of real people telling real funny stories about their lives with a theme as their guide. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "heroes." Stories start at 7:30pm at Mary's Attic (5400 N. Clark), tickets are $15 at Brown Paper Tickets.

November 21, 2013

Literary Death Match

The Literary Death Match comes to the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., tonight. Watch as writers Lindsay Hunter, Christian Tebordo, Cory O'Brien and Danielle Susi duke it out with words in front of judges Simone Muench, Damon Locks and Greg Mills. Hosted by Adrian Todd Zuniga. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Doors open at 6:30pm, the match begins at 7:15pm. 21+

November 20, 2013

Guts & Glory @ Powell's Bookstore

Come to Powell's Bookstore, 2850 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 7pm for Chicago's boldest and most bad-ass storytelling event. This brave and bold live-lit show is hosted by Samantha Irby and Keith Ecker. Tonight's featured performers include Ian Belknap, Jen Anne Coffeen, Jeremy Owens, Katie Prout and Diana Slickman. Free.

November 18, 2013

Essay Fiesta @ Book Cellar

Essay Fiesta celebrates its fourth birthday tonight at 7pm at the Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave. -- read our preview in Book Club. The lineup includes Moth Grandslam Champion Shannon Cason, 826CHI Director of Education Zach Duffy, solo show performer Natasha Tsoutsouris, This Much Is True co-host Stephanie Douglass, and Essay Fiesta founder Keith Ecker. Karen Shimmin and Willy Nast host. The reading is free, but donations (which benefit 826Chi) are accepted.

November 16, 2013

You're Being Ridiculous @ Mary's Attic

You're Being Ridiculous is a group of real people telling real funny stories about their lives with a theme as their guide. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "heroes." Stories start at 7:30pm at Mary's Attic (5400 N. Clark), tickets are $15 at Brown Paper Tickets.

November 15, 2013

The God, Sex, Death Variety Hour @ Hideout

The God, Sex, Death Variety Hour returns to the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., tonight at 6:30pm. Hosted by Danny Black, the show features musings on the titular topics from Chris Bower, Drew Michael, Daniel Shapiro, Mason Johnson, Ray Holleb and Chris Condren. $5 at the door. 21+

November 13, 2013

A Month Of Storytelling Open Mic

A Month Of is a monthly open-mic storytelling series where the audience selects the event's theme online before the show starts. Open mic slots are 5-7 minutes long, all story types and forms are welcome. The show is every second Wednesday at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., and runs from 7:30 to 10pm. Tickets are $10 for audience members, free for storytellers (or with a food donation). Help select a topic by visiting heresthestory.org.

November 11, 2013

Write Club @ SPACE

Write Club heads north to SPACE, 1245 N. Chicago Ave. in Evanston, for a "media" edition tonight at 7pm. Ian Belknap lords over emcees the proceedings, as writers go head to head to win the approval of the audience while espousing opposing viewpoints. This time, Diana Slickman does Prose while J.W. Basilo does Poetry, David Isaacson champions while Ian Belknap praises Video, and Mary K. Fons goes Digital vs. Andrew Reilly keeps it Analog. It's $10 cash at the door.

November 09, 2013

You're Being Ridiculous @ Mary's Attic

You're Being Ridiculous is a group of real people telling real funny stories about their lives with a theme as their guide. With three shows this month, there's sure to be a date that matches your calendar. Come out tonight to hear stories on the theme "heroes." Stories start at 7:30pm at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. Tickets are $15 online or at the door.

November 07, 2013

Story Club @ Holiday Club

Come see Story Club tonight at the Holiday Club, 4000 N Sheridan Ave. The theme this month is "Thanks" and features readings from writer Sarah Hollenbeck, Chicago Writers Conference creator Mare Swallow, filmmaker and advice columnist Jennifer Peepas. Open mic slots are also available for storytelling hopefuls. Open mic signup starts at 7:30, show beings at 8pm.

November 05, 2013

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Tuesday Funk, the monthly eclectic reading series, is back in the upstairs bar at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St. Tonight's lineup features Paul McComas & Greg Starrett, Gapers Block alumna Rosamund Lannin, GB contributor J.H. Palmer, Vojislav Pejović and John Rich. William Shunn and GB editor Andrew Huff co-host. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 7:30pm sharp. No cover. 21+

November 03, 2013

Here's the Story

Here's the Story returns to Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., tonight with its unique mix of potluck dinner and storytelling show. Featured speakers this month include Father Michael Shanahan, Onion writer Jen Spyra, Puppet Bike puppeteer Michael King, Man, That's All She Wrote cohost Angela Benander, and sketch comedian Josh Berling -- plus a couple signups from the audience. Tickets are $8 or free if you bring a potluck dish to share. Potluck and storytelling sign-up begins at 7:30pm, show starts at 8pm.

October 26, 2013

Nathan Hoks @ Salon Splendor

Salon Splendor dissects brains with Chicago authors Nathan Hoks, Rachel DeWoskin and Laura Krughoff at Hungry Brain (2319 W Belmont Ave) tonight. This month's guests will share original work on the theme "brains." Literary discussion hosted by Senior Editor Jacob Knabb. Doors at 8pm, readings at 9pm. For more details, check out Curbside Splendor.

October 19, 2013

20x2 Chicago @ Martyrs'

20x2, a mainstay of SXSW Interactive in Austin, TX, opens its first official offshoot show in Chicago tonight at Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave. Twenty writers, musicians, filmmakers, web geeks and other bon vivants are asked to take two minutes each to answer the question of the day in whatever form they like. The results can be as varied as the emotions and reactions they evoke. This edition's question is "How could you?" Doors open at 6:30pm, show starts promptly at 7pm. Tickets are $10 online or at the door. Hosted by Gapers Block, fueled by Lagunitas. 21+

October 19, 2013

The Paper Machete

The Paper Machete this week features special guest Janeane Garofalo, as well as Bill Cochran, Ike Holter, Samantha Irby, Julia Weiss, and Katie Rich and Steve Waltien, plus Chad the Bird, Bill Larkin and musical guests Bailiff. Christopher Piatt hosts. The show is at 3pm at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, and is free. For obvious reasons, you'll want to arrive early for this one. 21+

October 18, 2013

The God, Sex, Death Variety Hour @ Hideout

The God, Sex, Death Variety Hour returns to the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., tonight at 6:30pm. Hosted by Danny Black, the show features musings on the titular topics from Chris Bower, Drew Michael, Daniel Shapiro, Mason Johnson, Ray Holleb and Chris Condren. $5 at the door. 21+

October 16, 2013

Guts & Glory @ Powell's Bookstore

Come to Powell's Bookstore, 2850 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 7pm for Chicago's boldest and most bad-ass storytelling event. This brave and bold live-lit show is hosted by Samantha Irby and Keith Ecker. Tonight's featured performers include Megan Stielstra, Suzy Krueckeberg, Josh Zagoren, John Loos and Angela Benander.

October 15, 2013

Story Club South Side @ Co-Prosperity Sphere

Come see Story Club tonight at the Co-Prosperity Sphere (3219 S Morgan St) The theme this month is "Are We Uncomfortable Yet?" and features readings from actor and solo performer Jane deLaubenfels, Writer and Host of The Encyclopedia Show Patrick Allen Carberry and Storyteller Extraordinaire Lara Levitan. Open mic slots are also available for storytelling hopefuls. Open mic signup starts at 7:30, show beings at 8pm. Entrance is free and a suggested $5 donation is greatly appreciated

October 14, 2013

The Button Down: Monsters @ Gorilla Tango Theater

The Button Down storytelling series presents stories about monsters tonight from 7 to 9pm at Gorilla Tango Theater, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave., featuring readings by Claire Meyer, Caitlin Wilson, Ryan Peters, Amy A. Dittmeier, Ross Middleton, Meredith Stockton, Kelsie Milligan, Peter Papachronopoulos and Sean Cooley. Hosted by Dee Fabbricatore and Meredith Stockton. Admission is free.

October 09, 2013

The First Time @ Martyrs'

CHIRP Radio presents The First Time reading series tonight at 8pm at Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave. Seven presenters read true stories of a significant "first time" -- this time the theme is "First Scare" -- and the First Time Band then performs a cover of a song related to that story. Readers include comedian Adam Burke, DJ Scary Lady Sarah, writer Shannon Cason, storyteller Ellen Lekostaj, musician Steve Frisbie, CHIRP DJ Helean Lea, and more. Tickets are $10 online or at the door. 21+

October 09, 2013

Solo in the 2nd City Reading Series @ Beauty Bar

Solo in the 2nd City brings together writers, comedians, and performers to explore what it is to be single, dating, and sexy in Chicago. This month's edition will be Wednesday, October 9th at 8pm. The stories are told within the glitter walls of Beauty Bar, at 1444 W. Chicago Avenue. Event is free and 21+. This month features veteran storytellers Don Hall, Janna Sobel, Judi Goshen, JH Palmer, and Note Sangern. Hosts are Carly Oishi and Melinda McIntire. Donations will be collected to benefit Chicago Women's Health Center.

October 09, 2013

A Month Of Storytelling Open Mic

A Month Of is a monthly open-mic storytelling series where the audience selects the event's theme online before the show starts. Open mic slots are 5-7 minutes long, all story types and forms are welcome. The show is every second Wednesday at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., and runs from 7:30 to 10pm. Tickets are $10 for audience members, free for storytellers (or with a food donation). Help select a topic by visiting heresthestory.org.

October 05, 2013

The Paper Machete

The Paper Machete this week features readings by Brian Costello, The History Girls, Scott Smith, Jill Summers, Ernest Wilkins and Maria Wojciechowski, plus Chad the Bird and music by the Claudettes and Warm Ones. Christopher Piatt hosts. The show starts at 3pm at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway. Free, 21+

October 03, 2013

Story Club @ Holiday Club

Come see Story Club tonight at the Holiday Club, 4000 N Sheridan Ave. The theme this month is "Spooky" and features readings from "You're Being Ridiculous" producer Jeremy Owens, performer and dating superstar Ruth McCormack and Actor Maura Clement. Open mic slots are also available for storytelling hopefuls. Open mic signup starts at 7:30, show beings at 8pm.

October 02, 2013

Danny Bland @ Quimby's Bookstore

Currently based in Seattle, Danny Bland once played in groups such as the Dwarves and was road manager for bands including the Knitters, among a wealth of other musical entanglements. Decades of hard, loud living have informed his debut novel, In Case We Die, which Bland reads from tonight at 7pm at Quimby's Bookstore. Free.

October 02, 2013

Reading Under the Influence @ Sheffield's

Monthly reading series RUI: Reading Under the Influence features authors from Curbside Splendor tonight in the back room at Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave., from 7 to 9pm. Readers include Samantha Irby, Chris L. Terry, Bill Hilman and Daniela Olszeska, following the theme of "firsts." $3 cover. 21+

October 01, 2013

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Tuesday Funk, the eclectic monthly reading series in the upstairs bar at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., this month celebrates the release of Glitter & Mayhem: The Speculative Nightclub Anthology, with readings by authors and editors from the book including Maurice Broaddus, Kyle S. Johnson, William Shunn, Laura Chavoen and John Klima. Also appearing are Noël Jones, Holly McDowell, and Order of Odd-Fish author James Kennedy. Andrew Huff and William Shunn host. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 7:30pm. Free, 21+

October 01, 2013

Bill Berkson & Jennifer Karmin @ Glass Curtain Gallery

Bill Berkson joins Jennifer Karmin for a poetry reading tonight at 6pm at Glass Curtain Gallery (1104 S. Wabash). A founder of the experimentally minded Red Rover Reading Series, Karmin often writes for multiple voices and tonight will bring up collaborators Stephanie Anderson, Bryan Mornar, Laura Goldstein, and Kenyatta Rogers to share the stage with her. Free. UPDATE: Bill Berkson has had to cancel due to health issues. The organizers hope to schedule another performance soon.

September 23, 2013

Between Bites

Between Bites, a new live lit series showcasing "the delicious overlap between eating and storytelling," debuts at Two, 1132 W. Grand Ave., tonight from 6:30 to 9:30pm Six food writers -- Anthony Todd, food editor at Chicagoist; Ari Bendersky, director of content for Abe's Market and former Eater Chicago editor; Chandra Ram, editor of Plate magazine; Heather Sperling, Chicago editor of Tasting Table; Joe Campagna, blogger at Chicagofoodsnob.com; and Kiki Luthringshausen, blogger at beautyandherfeast.com -- read stories about "food firsts" while the audience enjoys wine and appetizers. Tickets are $20; proceeds benefit Un86'd, a charity that helps hospitality professionals in need. 21+

September 20, 2013

Naked Girls Reading

Naked Girls Reading holds its fifth annual "So You Wanna Be a Naked Girl" event, aka amateur night, tonight at the Everleigh Social Club, 939 W. Randolph St. Watch as nude women read books aloud (banned books this time around) on comfy chairs and sofas -- and in the case of the wannabes, compete for prizes. Doors open at 6:30, show starts promptly at 7pm. Tickets are $20 or two for $35. 21+

September 18, 2013

Guts & Glory @ Powell's Bookstore

Come to Powell's Bookstore, 2850 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 7pm for Chicago's boldest and most bad-ass storytelling event. This brave and bold live-lit show is hosted by Samantha Irby and Keith Ecker. Tonight's featured performers include Stephanie Douglass, Mason Johnson, Corrbette Pasko, Arlene Malinowski, and Jeremy Solomon

September 17, 2013

Write Club

Literary cage match Write Club is back for another round at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. tonight at 7pm. Listen to Dave Stinton battle Mark Chrisler in Sow vs. Reap, Mason Johnson face Daniel Shapiro in Birth vs. Death, and Carly Oishi go against Erin Kahoa in Fertile vs. Fallow. Each reader gets seven minutes, then you get to decide who won. $10 cash at the door. 21+

September 14, 2013

The Paper Machete

The Paper Machete at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, this week features Julia Borcherts, Cayne Collier, Joe Dempsey, Dean Evans, Carly Oishi and Nikki Pierce, along with music by Bill Larkin and special guests Swimsuit Addition. Christopher Piatt hosts. Show's at 3pm. Free, 21+

September 13, 2013

Shame That Tune @ Hideout

Shame That Tune, the show in which your funny, embarrassing or romantic stories are turned into song, returns to the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., tonight at 6:30pm. $5 in advance, $7 at the door. 21+

September 11, 2013

Solo in the 2nd City: Featuring Curbside Splendor Publishing @ Beauty Bar

The Solo in the 2nd City Reading Series starts on its new night, the 2nd Wednesday of the month, tonight at 8pm at Beauty Bar, 1444 W. Chicago Ave. A handful of writers, comedians, and authors tell their stories on being single, dating, and sex in Chicago. This month will feature authors from Curbside Splendor Publishing. Authors and readers include Samantha Irby, Meaty, Chris Terry, Zero Fade, Megan Stielstra, Once I Was Cool , Jacob Knabb, Senior Editor at Curbside, and James Tadd Adcox, Editor and Writer, Artifice. Some titles will be available for purchase. Hosts are Carly Oishi and Melinda McIntire. Event is free and 21+.

September 11, 2013

A Month Of Storytelling Open Mic

A Month Of is a new monthly, open-mic storytelling series where the audience selects the event's theme online before the show starts. Open mic slots are 5-7 minutes long, all story types and forms are welcome. The show is every 2nd Wednesday at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., and runs from 7:30 to 10pm. Tickets are $10 for audience members, free for storytellers (or with a food donation). Help select a topic by visiting heresthestory.org.

September 10, 2013

Pechakucha @ Martyrs'

Pechakucha returns to Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 8pm. Ten speakers tell a story over 20 slides, each of which appears for just 20 seconds. Tickets are $10 online or at the door. 21+

September 05, 2013

Curbside Splendor: Words+Music @ Empty Bottle

Curbside Splendor celebrates its fall releases with Words+Music, an evening of readings and music tonight at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., at 9pm. Readers include Samantha Irby, Joseph Bates, Daniela Olszewska and Chris Terry; music is by Al Scorch, Tomorrow Kings and DJ Nagasaki. Read our preview in Book Club. $8 or free with RSVP. 21+

September 03, 2013

Two Cookie Minimum + Sad Robot Stories

Two Cookie Minimum reading series supports the new book Sad Robot Stories by Mason Johnson (out on the Chicago Center for Literature and Photograph). The lineup includes Mason Johnson, Dan Shapiro, comics artist Alex Nall, James Tadd Adcox editor at Artifice books, zinester Vicky Lim (Abstract Door zine), and Jeff Phillips. Hosted by Johnny Misfit at the Hungry Brain 2319 W. Belmont at 9pm. Things won't be too sad for human or robot as the series has free cookies for attendees.

September 03, 2013

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

MacArthur Genius Aleksandar Hemon, acclaimed author of The Book of My Lives, headlines September's edition of Tuesday Funk tonight in the upstairs lounge at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St.. Also featuring Virginia Konchan, Lania Knight, Norman Doucet and series co-host William Shunn. Hosted by Shunn and Gapers Block's own Andrew Huff. Doors open at 7pm, show starts promptly at 7:30pm. Free, 21+

September 03, 2013

Applied Words: Broken Windows @ Polish Triangle

The Guild Complex presents Applied Words: Broken Windows, the first reading in a series of three, tonight from 6pm to 8pm in the Polish Triangle at the intersection of Division, Ashland and Milwaukee. Paul Durica, Maribel Mares and Sarah Ross read, followed by an open mic. A free workshop on placemaking precedes the discussion from 3 to 5pm, led by architect Katherine Darnstadt. Both events are free.

August 30, 2013

Uncalled-for Reading Series @ Uncharted Books

Uncalled-for Readings Chicago will return for a one-off version of the "mostly queer, mostly prose" former series tonight at Uncharted Books (2630 N. Milwaukee) at 7pm. Megan Milks hosts a lineup including Vicky Lim, Tim Jones-Yelvington, Jillian Soto, and Jackie Wang. Free.

August 28, 2013

The Pre-Posthumanists Present:

The Pre-Posthumanists Present:, a new monthly staged reading series, makes its debut tonight at 8pm at Strawdog Theatre, 3829 N. Broadway. The theme this month is "Paranoia." Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are $10 at the door. Read our preview in Book Club.

August 26, 2013

Quickies @ The Hideout

Mary Hamilton, Lindsay Hunter, and company revive the Quickies ultra-short-story series for one night only at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, tonight at 8pm. $5.

August 20, 2013

Solo in the 2nd City: Sweatin' in Chicago @ Beauty Bar

This month's Solo in the 2nd City Reading Series features author Joe Meno, Tequila Tales host Isaac Paul, comedian Bobby Hill, and storyteller Dena Saper. The performers share stories of single, sex, and dating in our fair city. Hosts are bloggers and storytellers Carly Oishi & Melinda McIntire. Event starts at 8:00 PM at Beauty Bar, 1444 W. Chicago Avenue. The event is 21 and over and free. Donations are collected for Chicago Women's Health Center.

August 20, 2013

Story Club @ Co-Prosperity Sphere

Story Club's South Side chapter has a list theme tonight at Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St. Aubrey Henretty, Gwynn Fulcher and Paul Whitehouse tell true stories involving lists of some sort, as do three people who sign up at the event. Andrew Marikis hosts. Doors open and sign-up starts at 7:30pm, show starts at 8pm. Free, but $5 donation requested. BYOB.

August 19, 2013

Essay Fiesta @ Book Cellar

Essay Fiesta returns to the Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 7pm. Karen Shimmin and Willy Nast host a reading featuring Scott Whitehair, Rosamund Lannin, Scott Stealey, Carrie McDonald and Jeffrey Miller. Free.

August 17, 2013

The SeXXX Files @ Uncharted Books

Uncharted Books, 2630 N. Milwaukee Ave., hosts the SeXXX Files, a reading of sexy stories featuring Sondra Morin, Elizabeth S. Tieri, Stephen Dvorak and Tyler Bagwell, tonight at 8pm. Free, BYOB.

August 16, 2013

The God, Sex, Death Variety Hour @ Hideout

Danny Black hosts the < href="http://www.hideoutchicago.com/event/325573-god-sex-death-variety-hour-chicago/">God, Sex, Death Variety Hour tonight at 6:30pm at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. Chris Bower, Drew Michael, Daniel Shapiro, Mason Johnson, Ray Holleb and Chris Condren take on the titular three topics. $5 at the door. 21+

August 13, 2013

Chi Lit: Tales of the Neighborhoods

1,001 Chicago Afternoons and Anthology of Chicago present a reading of stories about the city's neighborhoods tonight at Cole's Bar, 2338 N. Milwaukee Ave., at 8pm. Featured readers include Bill Savage, Dmitry Samarov, Shannon Cason, Kimberly Dixon-Mays, Paul Durica, Robert Loerzel, Sarah Gonzalez and more. Hosted by Rachel Hyman of Anthology of Chicago and Paul Dailing of 1,001 Chicago Afternoons. Admission is free; a portion of the bar and proceeds from a raffle will go to Open Books. 21+

August 12, 2013

The Moth @ Haymarket

It's the second Monday of the month, time for the Moth at Haymarket (737 W. Randolph St.), for another open mic storytelling contest, this time on the theme of "Respect." Come with your best five minute story (memorized, no pages allowed onstage) and put your name in for the chance to tell a story. Who knows, you could be the next Moth StorySLAM winner. Hosted by Don Hall. Tickets are $8 at the door, $16 online in advance, which guarantee you entry. Doors open at 5pm, stories start at 8pm. 21+

August 08, 2013

Live Lit on the Lake @ Theater on the Lake

Live Lit on the Lake is curated and hosted by Ian Belknap, founder and host of WRITE CLUB, which features a rotating lineup of Chicago's most audacious writers/performers at Theater on the Lake (2401 N. Lake Shore Drive.) Each week performers from storefront theater literary series read from their favorite pieces, and discuss the craft and practice of live lit with the host. August 8 & 9 featured readers include Shannon Cason, Moth Story Slam grand champion, featured on NPR's Snap Judgment; Dana Norris, founder of Story Club; and Samantha Irby, founder of Guts & Glory, blogger at Bitches Gotta Eat and author of forthcoming collection of essays, Meaty. Begins at 9:25pm and is free.

August 06, 2013

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Gapers Block presents the eclectic reading series Tuesday Funk tonight in the upstairs lounge at Hopleaf Bar, 5148 N. Clark St., featuring readings by Bradley P. Beaulieu, Jac Jemc, Steven H Silver, Maggie Jenkins, and Dmitry Samarov. William Shunn and Andrew Huff host. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 7:30pm. Get there on the early side to grab a seat! Free, 21+.

August 03, 2013

The Paper Machete

The Paper Machete live magazine this week features special guest Marc Maron as well as special musical guests Bobby Conn and Monica Boubou. Ian Belknap, Chad Briggs, Clark Jones, Al Madrigal, Katie Rich and Julia Weiss fill out the bill, with cabaret music by Justin Hayford. Christopher Piatt hosts. It all happens at 3pm at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway. Free, 21+

July 27, 2013

The Paper Machete

This week the Paper Machete at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, features Caitlin Bergh, Steve Delahoyde, Jet Eveleth, TJ Jagadowski and Beth Melewski, Marin Morrow, Claire Mulaney and Lindsay Muscato, plus cabaret music by Bethany and the Two Johns and special musical guests Beware My Lovely. Hosted by Christopher Piatt. The show is at 3pm. Free, 21+

July 25, 2013

"Love Young People" Book Distribution Tour

On Thursday, July 25, 2013, Acts of Love will kick off its 2nd "Love Young People" Tour distributing books and bookbags to young people in need. Beginning at 6:30pm at Hamilton Park located 513 W. 72nd St. (72nd & Stewart Ave.), Acts of Love, along with local officials, volunteers from across the city, and Englewood residents will walk the streets giving out book donations. Volunteers will give away 1,000(+) books, distribute book bags filled with new books, encourage local residents to build a reading room in their homes, and ask adults in Englewood to take the Acts of Love Pledge to love young people in their homes and on their block. Volunteers should report to Hamilton Play Park at 6:30pm and bring a bookbag or tote. For more information, visit the Acts of Love site.

July 24, 2013

Celebrating Zelda Fitzgerald @ Women & Children First

It's Zelda Fitzgerald's 113th birthday today! Join Women & Children First and author R. Clifton Spargo in celebration. In his novel Beautiful Fools, Spargo imagines F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald's tumultuous, passionate relationship set against the backdrop of their vacation to Cuba in 1939. Event begins at 7:30pm at 5233 N Clark St. Free.

July 19, 2013

Reading & Signing with Vickie Matthews

Local author Vickie Matthews will read and sign copies of her new novel 'The Goddess Letters.' Matthews' novel is a thriller that taps on issues of past loves and feminism. Vickie Matthews is a naturopathic physician and has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show. The reading will start at 7:30 pm at Women & Children First. 5233 N. Clark Street.

July 19, 2013

Reading & Signing with Sam and Peter Stamatis

Local father and son duo Sam and Peter Stamatis will read and sign copies of their book 'Dandelions for Dinner: Greece at War and a Family's Dream of America.' Their book is a hopeful family saga spanning from the late 1800s to the Greek Civil War during the 1940s.
The reading will start at 7 p.m. at the Book Cellar. 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave.

July 19, 2013

Funny Ha-Ha @ Hideout

Funny Ha-Ha returns to the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., tonight at 6:30pm. This round features Erin Shea Smith, Homer Marrs, Kate James, Keith Ecker and Carly Oishi, as well as short films by Steve Delahoyde. Claire Zulkey is your host. $5 suggested donation at the door; proceeds benefit the Neighborhood Writing Alliance.

July 18, 2013

Great Lakes Review Launch Issue 2 @ Columbia College

Chicago contributors will be reading their fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from Great Lakes Review issue 2 tonight at Columbia College. The event takes place at 618 S Michigan Ave, 4th floor from 7pm - 8:30pm. Light refreshments will be served.

July 17, 2013

Kate Christensen @ Women & Children First

Author Kate Christensen reads from and signs her new book, Blue Plate Special: An Autobiography of My Appetites, tonight at 7:30 at Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St.

July 15, 2013

Essay Fiesta @ The Book Cellar

This month's Essay Fiesta lineup includes: Erin Diamond, Ozzie Totten, Rachel Kossy, Sheri Reda and Dana Norris. The show includes a raffle with all proceeds going to the youth literacy organization 826 Chicago. Starts at 7pm at the Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., and is free, but get there early -- this show goes from plenty of seating to standing room only in a jiffy. For more information visit Essay Fiesta.

July 12, 2013

Sarah Bruni @ Women & Children First

Author Sarah Bruni reads from and signs her new book, The Night Gwen Stacy Died, tonight at 7:30 at Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St. Read our review in Book Club. Free.

July 02, 2013

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Tuesday Funk returns tonight to the upstairs bar at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., with readings by Daniel Kraus, Bill Breedlove, Kendra Stevens, Eden M. Robins, and our own Andrew Huff. Bill Shunn and Andrew Huff host; presented by Gapers Block. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 7:30pm. Free; 21+.

July 01, 2013

Button Down Stories @ Uncharted Books

HEAVEmedia.com and The Button Down bring their monthly reading series back to Uncharted Books, 2630 N. Milwaukee Ave., tonight at 7pm. Readers include Alysse Dalessandro, Carley Moseley, Rosie Moan, Julie Marchiano, Meredith Stockton, Brittany Julious, Kevin Nye, Ross Middleton and Josh Berling. Amy Dittmeier, Dee Fabbricatore and Meredith Stockton host. Free.

June 30, 2013

Hot Doug's Book Release @ Open Books

Doug Sohn, proprietor of sausage superstore Hot Doug's, celebrates the release of his book, Hot Doug's: The Book, with a reading and signing today at 10am at Open Books, 213 W Institute Pl. Admission is free (the book is not), and refreshments will be served.

June 27, 2013

The Moth GrandSLAM @ Park West

The Moth storytelling series holds its Chicago GrandSLAM tonight at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave. Watch the winners of the last 10 storySLAM events face off with their best stories. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 8pm. Tickets are $17 online or at the Park West box office. 18+

June 26, 2013

2nd Story PRIDE Party @ Strawdog Theatre

The 2nd Story reading series celebrates Pride Month with a special Pride show tonight at the Strawdog Theatre, 3829 N. Broadway. Storytellers include Deb Lewis, Dion Walton and Ozzie Totten, and a dance party follows the show. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 7:30pm.

June 18, 2013

Solo in the 2nd City @ Beauty Bar

Solo in the 2nd City Reading Series is back for the monthly reading at Beauty Bar, 1444 W. Chicago Avenue at 7:30 PM. Solo in the 2nd City is a collective of stories of single, sex, and dating centered in our fair city. Music starts at 7:30pm by DJ Continental and readings begin at 8pm. The event is free and collects donations for Chicago Women's Health Center. This month's edition features Jen Bosworth, Angela Benander, Whit Nelson, Linda Montgomery and AJ Aronstein. The event is hosted by bloggers Melinda McIntire and Carly Oishi.

June 15, 2013

Susan Schorn @ Thousand Waves Spa

This afternoon at 4pm, the Book Cellar hosts an off site event at Thousand Waves Spa (1220 W. Belmont Ave.) for Susan Schorn, reading from her martial arts related memoir Smile at Strangers: And Other Lessons in the Art of Living Fearlessly. Does the venue change mean there will be karate lessons? Show up and find out. Free.

June 15, 2013

The Paper Machete

The Paper Machete this week features Shannon Cason, Jimmy Dore, Ike Holter and Mary Williamson, Kevin Sciretta, Julia Weiss, Chad the Bird and music by Bill Larkin and The Kickbacks. Christopher Piatt hosts at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Milwaukee Ave., at 3pm. Free.

June 15, 2013

Kevin Coval @ Chicago Public Library, West Town

Today at noon, the West Town branch of the Chicago Public Library, 1625 W. Chicago Ave., welcomes Kevin Coval, co-founder of Young Chicago Authors and the Louder Than A Bomb teen poetry slam held annually throughout the Chicago area. He'll be reading from his latest poetry collection, Schtick.

June 13, 2013

"Getting back on a bike after a long time or a setback" @ Women & Children First

Women Bike Chicago present a reading at Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St., by local bicyclists Susan Levin and Leah Jones, who will each share their stories of getting into and recovering from bad crashes. This free event is in honor of Bike To Work Week. Event start time is 7:30pm. Refreshments will be served.

June 08, 2013

Mortified @ Schubas

Mortified, the storytelling show about horribly embarrassing moments, is at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., tonight at 7pm. The Blue Ribbon Glee Club also performs. Tickets are ,a href='http://www.schubas.com/Shows/06-08-2013+Mortified">$12 in advance, $15 at the door. 21+

June 08, 2013

SNL alumna Julia Sweeney speaks at Printer's Row

Today at 4pm, Printer’s Row Lit Fest will host SNL alumna Julia Sweeney at the Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Ct., as she discusses her new book, If It’s Not One Thing, It’s Your Mother. The Chicago Live! event will feature an eclectic mix of news, entertainment and comedy, as Sweeney is joined by host Rick Kogan, The Second City, Aldermen Robert Fioretti and Roderick Sawyer, and Bluesman John Primer. More information about Printers Row Lit Fest can be found at printersrowlitfest.org. The event is free, though registration at the event’s webpage is required.

June 08, 2013

Printers Row Lit Fest

Today is the Printers Row Lit Fest, the Midwest's largest outdoor literary festival, at Dearborn from Chicago to Polk (click here for map). This year's highlights include the World's Best Short Story workshop with 826CHI, a cooking demonstration with Oprah's former chef Art Smith, Nathan Rabin reading from You Don't Know Me But You Don't Like Me, and YA fiction superstar Judy Blume. The festival opens at 10am see the schedule for complete list of events.

June 04, 2013

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Tuesday Funk returns to the upstairs bar at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., tonight, with readings by Darwyn Jones, Heather Corallo, Lawrence Santoro, Mare Swallow, and G.P.A. (Greatest Poet Alive). Gapers Block's Andrew Huff hosts. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 7:30pm. Free, 21+

June 01, 2013

The Paper Machete

The Paper Machete at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, this week features JW Basillo, Ross Bennett, Mary Fons, Chris Hauser, Megan Johns, Rachel Mason and Patrick Rowland, as well as Chad the Bird and musical guest The Mutts. Christopher Piatt hosts. Doors open at 3pm. Free.

June 01, 2013

Chicago by Day and Night @ Newberry Library

Editors Paul Durica and Bill Savage discuss their book Chicago by Day and Night: The Pleasure Seeker’s Guide to the Paris of America at the Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St., today at 1pm. Free.

May 23, 2013

Drew Magary @ Book Cellar

Author Drew Magary reads from his new book, Someone Could Get Hurt: A Memoir of Twenty-First-Century Parenthood, tonight at the Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave., at 7pm. Read our preview in Book Club. Free.

May 21, 2013

Solo in the 2nd City: Spring Fever @ Beauty Bar

Solo in the 2nd City features stories of single, dating, sex, and the like in our fine city. Event begins at 7:30 PM with music by DJ Continental and readings begin at 8:00 PM. Featured readers include Nico Lang, Shantell Jamison, Joel Kim Booster, Rachel L.C., and Jill Neumann. Jasmine Davila appears as a guest host. The event is produced by Solo in the 2nd City bloggers, Melinda McIntire and Carly Oishi. Event is free and charitable donations will be collected for the Chicago Women's Health Center. Event is 21+ at Beauty Bar Chicago, 1444 W. Chicago Avenue.

May 18, 2013

Brain Frame

Brain Frame 12 tonight features shadow puppets, sanitary napkin disposal bags, a breakdance crew and more, from Nate Beaty, Thorne Brandt, Kevin Budnik, Eamon Espey and Lisa Krause, Meghan Lamb and Anne Elizabeth Moore, with music by Tyson Torsentenson. It's at 643 W. 31st St., 2nd floor, and doors open at 8pm. $7.

May 11, 2013

The Paper Machete

It's a special Mother's Day edition of The Paper Machete this week, featuring special guest Julia Sweeney as well as Brendan Dowling and Tim Sniffen, Brad Einstein and Julia Weiss (as the interrupting assholes), Ike Holter, Ali Klinger, Wendy Matteo and Aemilia Scott. The musical guests are Faces for Radio and Bailiff. Christopher Piatt hosts. The fun starts at 3pm at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway. Free, 21+

May 10, 2013

Eve Ensler @ Swedish American Museum

Women & Children First presents a reading by author and playwright Eve Ensler tonight at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St., at 7pm. Ensler will read from her latest book, In the Body of the World. You must buy a copy of the book ($25) from Women & Children First either online or by calling 773-769-9299 to attend.

May 07, 2013

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Gapers Block presents Tuesday Funk in the upstairs lounge at Hopleaf Bar, 5148 N. Clark St., tonight, hosted by William Shunn and Andrew Huff. Readers include Suzanne Clores, Mary Beth Hoerner, Robert McDonald, Dion Walton, and former co-host Sara Ross Witt. Doors open at 7pm, show's at 7:30pm. Free, 21+

May 05, 2013

Listen to Your Mother @ Atheneum Theatre

Listen to Your Mother, a national reading series about moms, holds a special Mother's Day edition at the Atheneum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., today at 2pm. Tickets are $22, with 25% of proceeds going to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

May 04, 2013

The Paper Machete

The Paper Machete this week features stories by JC Aevaliotis, James Finn Garner, Tawny Newsome and Katie Rich, Emily Rose, Stephanie Shaw and Sam Weiner, plus Chad the Bird, cabaret artist Phillip-Michael Scales and musical guests California Wives. It all happens at 3pm at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway. Free, 21+

May 03, 2013

Funny Ha-Ha @ Hideout

Funny Ha-Ha returns to the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., tonight from 6 to 8pm. The guests this time are Shannon Cason, Molly Backes, Erin Kahoa, Steve Gadlin, Scott Smith and filmmaker Steve Delahoyde. Claire Zulkey hosts. $5 admission benefits the Neighborhood Writing Alliance. 21+

May 02, 2013

Story Club

Story Club returns to the Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Rd., tonight, featuring GB contributor Lara Levitan and journalist/blogger Melanie Coffee; there are open mic slots available as well. Sign-up opens at 7:30pm, show starts at 8. Free, 21+

April 30, 2013

The Moth StorySLAM @ Martyrs'

The Moth's monthly Chicago StorySLAM is tonight at Martyers', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave. Come hear true stories told without a script, and vote for your favorite. The theme tonight is "mystery." Doors open at 5pm, show starts at 8pm. Get there early and you might even be able to sign up to tell a story yourself! Admission is $8. 21+

April 29, 2013

Keith Koeneman @ Unabridged

Tonight at 7pm, Unabridged Books, 3251 N. Broadway, hosts a talk with Keith Koeneman, author of the forthcoming biography of Chicago Mayor Daley First Son: The Biography of Richard M. Daley out on the University of Chicago Press. Koeneman is the foremost expert on all things Daley. The book showcases all sides of Daley's life, from growing up in Bridgeport to City Hall. There will be a short reading followed by an insightful discussion. Free; seating is first come, first served.

April 27, 2013

The Paper Machete

The Paper Machete at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, features Ross Bryant, Kevin Sciretta, Mel Evans, Patric Rowland, James Porter, Bess Romano, Chad the Bird and special musical guest My My My. Christopher Piatt hosts, as always. 3pm. Free, 21+

April 26, 2013

CLiC Lady Tales II @ Mullen's

Chicago Ladies in Comedy presents Lady Tales II, a night of storytelling at Mullen's, 3527 N. Clark St., starting at 7pm. Deanna Moffitt hosts. No cover, 21+.

April 24, 2013

The Moth GrandSLAM @ Park West

The Moth holds its annual Chicago GrandSLAM, featuring winners of its monthly StorySLAM storytelling series, tonight at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage. Tickets are $17. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 8pm. 21+

April 23, 2013

Fictlicous @ Hideout

Fictlicious is tonight at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., featuring stories and songs by Jenna Morgan, Summer Girlfriends, Megan Stielstra, Liam Davis, Scott Onak, Danny Black, Lara Levitan and Micki LeSueur. Doors open at 6pm, show's at 7pm. $10 at the door. 21+

April 18, 2013

#DocYourWorld @ Columbia's Film Row Cinema

Today Columbia College continues its free #DocYourWorld documentary panels and screenings from noon until 9:30pm in their Film Row Cinema on the 8th floor of 1104 S. Wabash Ave.

April 17, 2013

The First Time @ UP Comedy Club

The First Time, CHIRP's reading series about firsts, tackles the topic of "first crimes" in tonight's installment. Head to UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., to hear JC Brooks, Kelly Hogan, Joe O'Sullivan, Melissa Pierce, Dmitry Samarov and William Shunn tell their tales, each followed by an apropos song by The First Time Three (Steve Frisbie, Liam Davis and Gerald Dowd). Doors open at 7:15pm, show's at 8pm. Tickets are $10 in advance or at the door. 21+

April 17, 2013

#DocYourWorld @ Columbia's Film Row Cinema

Today Columbia College continues its free #DocYourWorld documentary panels and screenings from noon until 9pm in their Film Row Cinema on the 8th floor of 1104 S. Wabash Ave.

April 16, 2013

Solo in the 2nd City Reading Series: The Y Chromosome @ Beauty Bar

Solo in the 2nd City features stories of single, dating, sex, and the like in our fine city. This edition features an all male line up. Event begins at 7:30 PM with music by DJ Continental and readings begin at 8:00 PM. Featured readers include Big Rob, Michael Kosko, Shane Beers, J.W. Reese, and Jeff Ramone. The event is hosted by Solo in the 2nd City bloggers, Melinda McIntire and Carly Oishi. Event is free and charitable donations will be collected for the Chicago Women's Health Center. Event is 21+ at Beauty Bar Chicago, 1444 W. Chicago Avenue.

April 16, 2013

Write Club @ Hideout

The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., hosts Write Club, the monthly literary boxing match where writers & performers take up opposing concepts. The bouts are judged by a panel of literary experts, and the winners get donations for their chosen charities. This month, it's Scott Whitehair (allow) vs. Jen Bosworth (deny), Bobby Biedrzycki (trash) vs. Jessica Palmer (treasure), and James Finn Garner (liquid) vs. Ian Belknap (solid). The show starts at 7pm, and admission is $10 at the door. Full details at the Hideout Website. 21+

April 13, 2013

'The Way We Sleep' Reading @ The Book Cellar

Tonight, The Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln Ave.) presents a reading of recently published anthology The Way We Sleep: a collection of short stories, comics, and interviews all based around the ways in which our sleeping and waking lives collide. The reading will feature contributors Billy Lombardo, Ben Tanzer, Dakota Sexton, and Natalie Edwards, as well as a shadow puppet show presented by Jill Summers and Susie Kirkwood. RSVP here. 7 pm, Free!

April 13, 2013

The Book That Was to Come @ Cultural Center

The Poetry Center of Chicago presents "The Book That Was to Come," a poetry reading, in the Claudia Cassidy Theater at the Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., today at 1pm. Readers will include Doro Boehme, Amaranth Borsuk, Kate Durbin, Lindsey French, Ian Hatcher, and Krissy Wilson. The event was curated by Judd Morrissey. Admission is free.

April 09, 2013

The Seven Deadly Sins @ Cafe Mustache

The Seven Deadly Sins reading series returns to Cafe Mustache, 2313 N. Milwaukee Ave., tonight at 8pm. Readers include Carly Oishi (lust), Nick Jay (gluttony), Robert O'Connor (wrath), Angela Vela (pride), Erin Kahoa (greed), Shannon Cason (sloth) and Jeanette Gomes (envy). Free.

April 08, 2013

PAW Monologues @ The Coffee Shop

LIFT-Chicago presents a monologue reading tonight at 7pm at The Coffee Shop, 1135 W. Sheridan Rd., as part of Poverty Awareness Week. Free.

April 08, 2013

The Button Down @ Uncharted Books

HEAVEmedia.com and The Button Down present the latest installment of their monthly storytelling series at Uncharted Books, 2630 N. Milwaukee Ave., tonight at 7pm. The theme this time is "planes," and readers include Eunji Kim, Joe Grazulis, Amy Dittmeier, Dee Fabbricatore, Mike Haverty, Emily Boerner, Brandon Jerger, Maggie Servais and Kyle Kramer. Hosted by Heave's Amy Dittmeier and Button Down's Dee Fabbricatore and Meredith Stockton. Free, BYOB.

April 08, 2013

The Moth StorySLAM @ Haymarket Brewery

The Moth's monthly Chicago StorySLAM is tonight at Haymarket Pub & Brewery, 737 W. Randolph St. Come hear true stories told without a script, and vote for your favorite. The theme tonight is "luck." Doors open at 5pm, show starts at 8pm. Get there early and you might even be able to sign up to tell a story yourself! Admission is $8. 21+

April 03, 2013

Reading Under the Influence @ Sheffield's

Reading Under the Influence (RUI) features readings of original short stories plus short-short excerpts of published work related to a theme of the month (The Transmogrifier) with trivia contests where you can win books and other prizes. The event is in the back-back room off the courtyard patio at Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave. Grab a seat and at bite to eat at 7 p.m.; readings start at 7:30 p.m.

This month features Chicago writers: Melinda McIntire ("Solo In The 2nd City" co-founder), Shannon Cason (The MOTH Story Slam All-city Champion), Michael Meyer (David Friedman Award Winner) and C.J. Arellano (creator of the comedy web-series, "The Pathetic.")

$3 cover
$2 domestics
$ Priceless great stories

April 02, 2013

2nd Story Book Release @ Revolution Brewing

the 2nd Story members read from their first anthology, Briefly Knocked Unconscious by a Low-Flying Duck at Revolution Brewing, 2323 N. Milwaukee Ave., tonight at 7pm, sponsored by City Lit Books. Anthology contributors Bobby Biedrzycki (who is also the director of 2nd Story), Lott Hill, and Earliana McLaurin will read at 7pm but the drinks go until closing. The reading is free, but you can pick up a copy of the book if you like what you hear. 21+

April 02, 2013

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Tuesday Funk returns to the upstairs lounge at Hopleaf Bar, 5148 N. Clark St., tonight. For its 56th episode, the eclectic monthly reading series showcases new novels by Mary Robinette Kowal (Without a Summer), Wesley Chu (The Lives of Tao), and co-founder Reinhardt Suarez (The Green Ray of the Sun), along with featured readers Jeremy Jasper and Regan Keeter. New co-host Andrew Huff of Gapers Block makes his debut, joining William Shunn at the podium. Doors open at 7pm, readings start at 7:30pm. Free, 21+.

March 30, 2013

The Paper Machete

The Paper Machete is at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, today at 3pm. This week's guests include Samantha Abernethy, Randall Colburn, Bilal Dardai, Colleen Doyle, Lugas Neff and Scott Smith, plus music by Bill Larkin and The Jordan Years. Free, 21+

March 17, 2013

Story Week

Columbia College's Story Week runs March 17-22, and kicks off today with Story Workshop mini-classes from 2:30 to 5pm at 624 S. Michigan Ave., 12th floor, followed by a kickoff party at Buddy Guy's Legends, 700 S. Wabash Ave., from 6:30pm till late. The party will feature 2nd Story storytellers Chris DeGuire, Ames Hawkins, Ann Hemenway and Cyn Vargas, and music by DJ White Russian and Seeking Wonderland. 2nd Story's Megan Stielstra hosts. The party is 18+ until 9pm, 21+ after. See the full schedule and Facebook for details.

March 16, 2013

Ray's Tap Reading Series @ Prop Theater

Ray's Tap Reading Series, produced and hosted by Chris Bower, presents "Manners Please" at the Prop Theater, 3502 N. Elston Ave., tonight at 9pm. The event is described as "a show about manners, etiquette and politeness and what other words might be out there to describe how we should behave and interact with each other and how we actually do." The series is held twice a year and includes Chicago area writers, artists and musicians. This show will feature Martha Bayne, Brian Nemtusak, Robin Cline, Ian Belknap, Mason Johnson, Dave Synder in tandem with Naomi Washer, Matt Test, Megan Larmer, Daniel Shapiro, Randall Colburn, Margaret Chapman, Chris Schoen and the music of Tijuana Hercules. The show is $15 or-pay-what-you-can. All proceeds go directly to the artists.

March 10, 2013

That's All She Wrote @ Swim Cafe

That's All She Wrote, a live lit show held at Swim Cafe @ 1357 W. Chicago Avenue in Noble Square, will be back on Sunday, March 10 at 8:00 PM (doors at 7:30). The event is hosted by the lovely Angela Benander and J.H. Palmer. This month's featured readers include Eric May, Ellen Lekostaj, Lynne Adams-Whitaker, and Jim Stevens. The event is BYOB and free. For more information, visit thatsallshewrotechicago.com.

March 10, 2013

Activist Authors Read @ No Nation Gallery

Art and activism converge in a reading by authors Dan P. Moore and Becky Dernbach at 2pm on March 10, at No Nation Gallery (formerly known as Happy Dog Gallery). With his Graphic Novel, Mark Twain Was Right, Moore tells of his experience as a high schooler living through the Cincinnati Riots, and Dernbach lends accessibility to the story of America's housing crisis with her picture book, Fannie and Freddie. Come check out the free show at 1542 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park!

March 07, 2013

Story Club @ The Holiday Club

Story Club, a live lit show and open mic hosted by Dana Norris, hosts their March show on Thursday, March 7 at 7:30 PM at the Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan. Open mic sign up starts at 7:30 pm with three slots available. The theme this month is "In Like a Lion," with featured performers Ray Teresi and The Moth host Don Hall. Admission is free.

March 05, 2013

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Tuesday Funk returns to the upstairs bar at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., tonight, with Mairead Case, Lania Knight Dana Norris, Zoe Zolbrod and CP Chang reading. William Shunn and Sara Ross Witt co-host for the last time; Sara is moving on, and Gapers Block's own Andrew Huff takes over as co-host in April. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 7:30pm. Free, 21+

March 03, 2013

Bitchin' Purge @ Jerry's

Jerry's Sandwiches, 1938 W. Division St., hosts Bitchin' Purge, an "experimental story slam" featuring service industry workers talking about customers, tonight at 8pm. Steve Shields hosts, and standup comedian Danny Kallas performs. $5 donation at the door benefits the Maebell Ward Foundation.

March 03, 2013

Here's the Story @ Stage 773

Here's the Story, a storytelling series combined with a potluck is back at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, tonight. Doors open at 7:30pm, show starts at 8pm. This month's featured performers include Ian Belknap of Write Club, author Paulette McDaniels, musical duo River Rising, and actress Audrey Flegel. There is also an opportunity to sign up for open mic slots, to be drawn. Tickets are $8 or free if you bring a dish to share for the potluck. Buy tickets here.

February 28, 2013

An Evening of Speculative Fiction @ Open Books

The Chicago Writers Conference hosts "an Evening of Speculative Fiction" tonight at Open Books, 213 W. Institute Pl., tonight from 6:30 to 9pm. Readers include Mary Anne Mohanraj, Holly McDowell, Richard Chwedyk, William Shunn, Wesley Chu, Jody Lynn Nye and Matthew Darst. Admission is free.

February 21, 2013

Peculiar Poetics @ Design Cloud

Design Cloud, 118 N. Peoria #2N, hosts Peculiar Poetics, an evening of poetry by Matthew Corey, Susan Hogan, Paul Luikart, Ira S. Murfin, Jason Noah and Mylo Reyes. The show runs from 6:30 to 8:30pm. $5 suggested donation.

February 18, 2013

Dr. Strangelove Staged Reading @ SPACE

Tonight at 7:30pm at SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave. in Evanston, Nate Herman directs a staged reading of the classic Stanley Kubrick film Dr. Strangelove, featuring Randy Craig, Gary Houston, Tim Kazurinsky, Warren Lemming, David Pasquesi and others. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door; reserved tables are $25. All ages.

February 13, 2013

Solo in the 2nd City @ Beauty Bar

Solo in the 2nd City celebrates its first anniversary at Beauty Bar Chicago, 1444 W. Chicago Ave., tonight at 7pm. Hosts Melinda McIntire and Carly Oishi welcome back guests who appeared throughout the year, including Samantha Irby, Charlotte Hamilton, Jasmine Davila, Chris Bower and Blake Dinwiddie. DJ Continental spins. Free champagne from 7 to 8pm with RSVP. 21+

February 10, 2013

Valentine's with Chicago Romance Authors @ Sheffield's

Chicago romance authors get together to talk sex, love and romance in the city tonight at 7pm in the back room at Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave. Authors Beth Kery, Julie James, Julie Ann Walker, Jennifer Stevenson, Adrienne Giordano, Kate Meader and Shannyn Schroeder will read from her book and participate in a Q&A. Free, but registration is requested. 21+

February 05, 2013

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

The Tuesday Funk reading series returns to upstairs bar at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., tonight. It's the "Not Your Parents' Valentine's Day" edition, with readings by Mary Pat Bohan, John Everson, Gina Frangello, Hanna Martine, and Patricia Ann McNair. Sara Ross Witt and William Shunn host. Doors open at 7pm, show's at 7:30pm. No cover. 21+

February 02, 2013

The Paper Machete

The Paper Machete this week features readings by Chad Briggs, Dan Granata, Margaret Hicks, Peter Kremidas, Brett Neveu and Christina Slyter, plus music by Abraham Levitan and Todd Hembrook & the Hemispheres. As always, Christopher Piatt hosts. 3pm today at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway. Free, 21+

January 29, 2013

Fictlicious @ Hideout

Fictlicious reading and music series returns to the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., tonight at 7pm, featuring writers James Tadd Adcox, Patrick O'Keefe, Dana Norris, Jesse Giallombardo and Micki LeSueur, and musicians Liam Davis, Stephen Leonard and Ingrid Graudins with Steve Frisbie. $10 at the door, with proceeds benefiting Coat Angels. 21+

January 28, 2013

Pride and Prejudice: A Live Reading

The Jane Austen Society of North America - Greater Chicago Region presents Pride and Prejudice: A Live Reading today in the Block 37 pedway at 108 N. State St. from 7am to 7pm. Groups of volunteers will take turns reading Austen's classic novel. Preview in Book Club. Free.

January 25, 2013

2nd Story @ 57th Street Books

The 2nd Story hosts a reading from their recent anthology, Briefly Knocked Unconscious By a Low-flying Duck, at 6pm tonight at 57th Street Books in their new location, 5751 S. Woodlawn Ave. Enjoy lively performances from 2nd Story's Literary Director Megan Stielstra, Chair of the Columbia College Chicago Fiction Writing program Randy Albers and Columbia College faculty member Lott Hill. Readers are all featured contributors in the anthology. Pick up a copy and hang around after to chat with the readers. Free.

January 23, 2013

The First Time: First Child

CHIRP's First Time series returns to the Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave., tonight at 8pm. The theme this time is "First Child" -- watch as Susan Messing of Annoyance Theater, Matt Spiegel of Tributosaurus, Megan Stielstra of Second Story, Gerald Dowd of Justin Roberts & the Naptime Players, and Erin Shea read their stories and The First Time Band performs songs of the readers' choosing. Jocelyn Geboy hosts. $10 donation benefits CHIRP Radio. 21+

January 19, 2013

The Paper Machete

The Paper Machete "live magazine" this week features Nancy Friedrich, Mike Lehrer, Abby McEnany, Gus Menary, Katie Rich and Steve Waltein, and Amelia Scott, plus Chad the Bird and musical guests The Congregation and Justin Hayford. Christopher Piatt hosts at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, at 3pm. Free. 21+

January 18, 2013

Brain Frame @ Happy Dog Gallery

Brain Frame "performative comix" reading series holds its tenth installment at the Gallery Formerly Known as Happy Dog, 1542 N. Milwaukee Ave., 2nd floor, tonight at 9pm. Readers include Ezra Claytan Daniels, Sara Drake, Lyra Hill, Grant Reynolds and Andy Roche. Refreshments will be available, as well as prints, posters and related Brain Frame merchandise. $7 at the door.

January 12, 2013

The Paper Machete

The Paper Machete "live magazine" this week features comedian Matt Braunger, Neo-Futurist Lisa Buscani, Machete house historian Dan Granata, playwright Ike Holter, iO's Rachel Mason and Second City's Katie Rich and Steve Waltien, plus Chad the Bird and musical guests Reformed Whores and Bethany Thomas. Christopher Piatt hosts at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, at 3pm. Free. 21+

January 08, 2013

George Saunders @ Lincoln Hall

George Saunders, author of In Persuasion Nation and The Braindead Megaphone, will be reading from his forthcoming short story collection Tenth of December tonight at 7pm at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave. The reading will be followed by a discussion with Chicago-based writer Adam Levin and a book signing. Tickets are $5, copies of Tenth of December $5 with ticket purchase. 21+.

January 06, 2013

Here's the Story @ Theater Wit

Here's the Story presents unscripted, old-fashioned storytelling -- as well as a potluck -- the first Sunday of every month. This month they're at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., to make room for Chicago Sketchfest at Stage 773. Tonight's show features Jamila Woods, Emanuel Vinson, Amanda Rountree and Darren Stephens, plus five readers who sign up at the show. The potluck starts at 7:30pm, and the show starts at 8pm. Admission is $8 or free if you bring food.

January 03, 2013

Story Club

Story Club holds a holiday-themed storytelling night in the back room at Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Rd., tonight. Featured readers include The Snackpot's Keith Ecker, writer Jill Summers and The Paper Machete's bird-about-town, Chad the Bird. Open mic sign-up begins at 7:30pm, show starts at 7:45pm. $5 suggested donation. 21+

January 01, 2013

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

This month's edition of Tuesday Funk features author Julie Ganey, Gapers Block editor Andrew Huff, writer and poet Sondra Morin, and writer Christopher Sweetin. Hosts Sara Ross Witt and William Shunn lead the show, which is at 7:30pm in the upstairs bar at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St. Free, 21+

December 29, 2012

The Paper Machete

The Paper Machete this week features JC Aevaliotis, Kim Bellware, Hannibal Buress, Randall Colburn, Marcus Gilmer, Samantha Irby and Megan Stielstra, Fawzia Mirza, and musical guests Homer Marrs and Miss Jackie and the Sass. Christopher Piatt hosts at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, at 3pm. Free.

December 14, 2012

Naked Girls Reading A Christmas Carol

If you've always thought that Charles Dickens needed more nudity, you're in luck: tonight at 7pm, Naked Girls Reading reads A Christmas Carol, as well as other holiday favorites, at the Everleigh Social Club, 939 W. Randolph St. Spiked hot chocolate will be served. Tickets are $20, or $35 for two.

December 12, 2012

South Side Story Club

Story Club takes its show to the Co-Prosperity Sphere 3219 S. Morgan St., tonight. The evening's featured storytellers include stand-up comic Kelsie Huff and role-playing game designer Kenneth Hite. Open mic sign-up starts at 8pm, show starts at 8:15pm. $5 suggested donation.

December 11, 2012

Solo in the 2nd City Reading Series: Home (Alone) for the Holidays

Solo in the 2nd City Reading Series: Home (Alone) for the Holidays is tonight at 8pm at Beauty Bar Chicago, 1444 W. Chicago Ave. Solo in the 2nd City is a blog and reading series with stories of what it is to be single, dating, falling in and out of love, sex, and the like in Chicago. Being single is not required to attend nor read, as all have been single at least once. The reading is hosted by Carly Oishi and Melinda McIntire. Featured readers include: Annie Taylor, Bill Bullock, Eileen Dougharty, Reyna Jacqueline Pena, Ian Belknap. Free, 21+

December 07, 2012

Chicago Writers @ Uncharted Books

Uncharted Books, 2630 N. Milwaukee Ave., hosts a reading on the subject of obsession at 7pm tonight, featuring Robyn Okrant, Scott Onak, Michael McCauley, Chai Wolfman and Micki LeSueur. Hosted by Sarah Terez Rosenblum, who will read from her novel Herself When She's Missing. Free.

December 06, 2012

Story Club

Story Club holds a holiday-themed storytelling night in the back room at Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Rd., tonight. Featured readers include Monte LaMonte, Stoop Style Stories co-host Lily Be and Kendra Stevens. Open mic sign-up begins at 7:30pm, show starts at 7:45pm. $5 suggested donation. 21+

December 04, 2012

Tuesday Funk @ Hopleaf

Tonight at 7:30pm in the upstairs lounge at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., Tuesday Funk features readings by Julia Borcherts, Jodi Eichelberger, Maggie Kast, Stephen Markley, and Andrew Reilly. William Shunn and Sara Ross Witt host. Free, 21+

December 04, 2012

Wit Rabbit Reading Series @ Quenchers

The Wit Rabbit Reading Series presents Annah Browning, CM Burroughs, Anne Elizabeth Moore and Marcus Wicker at Quenchers, 2401 N. Western Ave., tonight at 7pm. Free, 21+.

November 26, 2012

You, Me, Them, Everybody @ Hungry Brain

You, Me, Them, Everybody celebrates its third anniversary at the Hungry Brain, 2319 W. Belmont Ave., tonight starting at 8pm. Hosts Brendon Wetherbee and Esmerelda DeLeon welcome Brian Babylon, Katie McVay and musical guest Deadbeat. $5 suggested donation. 21+

November 20, 2012

Write Club @ Hideout

The first rule of Write Club is that three sets of two writers create stories about opposing concepts, and then read them. The second rule of Write Club is that the audience picks the winners. The third rule of Write Club is that it's at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., at 7pm. The fourth rule of Write Club is that it costs $10 and you have to be 21 to get in. More details here.

November 19, 2012

Essay Fiesta @ Book Cellar

For Essay Fiesta's third anniversary show at the Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave., tonight at 7pm, cohosts Keith Ecker and Alyson Lyon say goodbye and hand the reins over to Willy Nast and Karen Shimmin. Readers include David Finch, Dana Norris, Janna Sobel, Adam Guerino and Rachael Kossy. Free, but donations (benefiting 826CHI) are accepted.

November 17, 2012

The Paper Machete

The Paper Machete "live magazine" holds its last edition at the Horseshoe, 4115 N. Lincoln Ave., before moving permanently to the Green Mill today at 3pm. Guests include Chad Briggs, Adam Burke, Stephanie Douglass and Joe Janes, Nancy Friedrich, Kyle Kinane, Arnie Niekamp and Whit Nelson. Bethany Thomas and the Two Johns are the musical guest, and Christopher Piatt hosts. Free.

November 14, 2012

South Side Story Club

Story Club takes its show to the Co-Prosperity Sphere 3219 S. Morgan St., tonight. The evening's featured storytellers include Moth GrandSLAM champion Stephanie Douglass, Stoop Style Stories co-host Lily Be and actor/ctoryteller Erin Kahoa. Open mic sign-up starts at 8pm, show starts at 8:15pm. $5 suggested donation.

December 00, 0000

Augusten Burroughs @ Unabridged

Tonight at 6:30pm, author Augusten Burroughs (Running with Scissors and Wolf at the Table) reads from his newest book, This is How: Surviving What You Think You Can't, at Unabridged Books, 3251 N. Broadway. This unconventional self-help book address all of those areas you think you can't do and turns your argument on its head. The book will be available with a signing to follow. Free.