Chicago’s literary scene heats up this weekend at the relaunch of the Poetry Brothel’s local chapter. For those who like their poetry with a side of burlesque, this event bills itself as a “sexy immersive literary cabaret” in which a “madam” presents a rotating cast of poets, artists, burlesque performers and other sultry characters, with one-on-one poetry readings available in private rooms. Poetry Brothel events were a nightlife favorite in New York City and chapters have opened across the world.
This month’s column provides all the details on this steamy new Chicago lit event, along with some tamer author conversations at bookstores across the city, the return of The Moth storytelling series, a free day at the American Writers Museum, and a new exhibition at the Poetry Foundation based on a one-word poem.
And speaking of books: don’t forget to support your favorite local indie bookstore this holiday season! Many stores survive the winter based on seasonal sales, and shopping local supports Chicago authors, too. You can find signed copies of books in stores citywide.
More Light!
Now through January 11, 2025, at the Poetry Foundation, 61 West Superior Street, Chicago
Free admission
The Poetry Foundation’s latest exhibition invites guests to consider the meaning of Aram Saroyan’s controversial single-word poem “lighght” through an immersive light installation. More Light! features Chicago-based studio Luftwerk’s site-specific interpretation of the poem as a dynamic, shifting prism of colored light. Whether or not this beautiful display changes your view of minimalist poetry, it provides a space for reflection and contemplation—and a welcome respite from the cold, hectic streets beyond.
Conversation with June Skinner Sawyers about We Take Care of Our Own: Faith, Class, and Politics in the Art of Bruce Springsteen
Friday, December 6, at 6 pm, at 57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th Street, Chicago
Free admission
Prolific Chicago-based writer (and TCR contributor) June Skinner Sawyers is the author or editor of more than 30 books, including three prior volumes on “the Boss”: Racing in the Street: The Bruce Springsteen Reader (Penguin), Tougher than the Rest: The 100 Best Bruce Springsteen Songs (Omnibus) and Long Walk Home: Reflections on Bruce Springsteen (Rutgers). On December 6, at 57th Street Books, she discusses her latest book, We Take Care of Our Own: Faith, Class, and Politics in the Art of Bruce Springsteen, which follows the acclaimed singer's life, examining his albums and a variety of influences (both musical and nonmusical) to show how Springsteen became an outspoken icon for working-class America. The conversation with Aaron Cohen will be followed by a Q&A and book signing.
Conversation with Jaclyn Youhana Garver about Then, Again
Saturday, December 7, at 2 pm, at The Pile Bookstore, 7117B W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn
Free admission
I first met Jaclyn Youhana Garver at the Himalayan Writing Retreat in India, where we were inspired by views of the mountain range from our breakfast table. But Youhana Garver grew up near Chicago and worked for three years at The Daily Journal in Kankakee before penning her first novel, Then, Again. She will appear at The Pile Bookstore in Berwyn on December 7, for a conversation about the book with Jeff Julian. (A second event is scheduled at The Book Cellar in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood on January 16.)
Youhana Garver’s witty and heartfelt debut is about a woman whose husband is in a coma, but it is also a laugh-out-loud exploration of young women’s sexuality and coming of age as an Assyrian American teen. Anyone with a tumultuous first love story, or any love story, will relate to Asha’s journey as the book moves between three periods of her life, contrasting her first relationship with her marriage and eventual reunion with her once-angsty paramour. Asha’s Iranian father provides the encouragement and support she needs throughout, a touching thread that explores the generational differences navigated by any immigrant family.
The Poetry Brothel Chicago: Sultry Solstice
Sunday, December 8, at 8 pm, (doors at 7 pm) at Kashmir, 160 North Ogden Avenue, Chicago
Tickets available HERE for $40-$75
Must be 21+ to attend; Mid-century cocktail attire encouraged
Hosted by Chicago producer and “madam” Candace Angelica Walsh, The Poetry Brothel’s official relaunch here on December 8, promises a steamy evening of poetry fused with burlesque and other cabaret acts, including artists/writers C. Russell Price, Lisa Marie Farver, Spencer Diaz Tootle, and Kro, The Traveling Typist. Guests can have their tarot read by Julia Fetty or engage a poet of their choosing for a private, one-on-one reading of their original work in a secret, lavish chamber. Despite its sexy theme, Poetry Brothel events are no-contact and consent-driven, creating a safe environment for guests to explore and indulge in literary delights throughout the evening.
The Moth Mainstage: Who Do You Think You Are?
Friday, December 13, at 8 pm, at Auditorium Theatre, 50 East Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago
Tickets available HERE for $34–$94
Presented by WBEZ, celebrated live storytelling series The Moth returns to Chicago on December 13. “Who Do You Think You Are?” features five diverse storytellers and a notable host across two acts, with live music interspersed throughout. Imagine the most interesting personal essays you’ve ever read, but performed to you live, without notes. The theme for the evening is stories of provenance—nagging truths, startling discoveries, and hard-fought wisdom, not dissimilar to the journeys of protagonists/antagonists in great holiday films, from Scrooge and The Grinch to George Bailey. This event is a live taping for The Moth podcast and broadcasts on WBEZ.
American Writers Museum Free Day
Sunday, December 15, from 10 am–5 pm, at American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Avenue (2nd Floor), Chicago
Free admission
At the American Writers Museum’s Holly Jolly Free Day on December 15, visitors and families can enjoy holiday-themed activities and festive crafts while exploring the museum, including the special exhibit Level Up: Writers and Gamers. Free day programming includes a holiday tour throughout the day that explores “the timeless tales and cherished traditions that have shaped our holiday celebrations through the power of words.” Worth noting: free admission to the American Writers Museum is available on the third Sunday of every month.
Now through December 31, Third Coast Review is raising money to support the diverse roster of writers you know and appreciate for their thoughtful, insightful arts and culture coverage in Chicago and beyond. Everything raised during this time will go directly to paying these writers a well-deserved year-end stipend; you can make a contribution here. Thank you!