The Drinking & Writing Brewery presents the first annual "Drinking & Writing Festival" on Saturday, June 11, from 2 to 7 p.m. at The Hopleaf Bar (upstairs), 5148 N. Clark St. The afternoon and evening include discussions, performances, and, of course, beer, all tied to the traditions and ideals surrounding drinking and writing. Events include panel discussions about famous drinkers/writers, a book sale, the history of beer, drinking music from the Old Town School of Folk Music, a guest performance by UK performer and poet Nathan Penlington, and a writing competition with a chance to win your weight in beer. Other beverage activities include tastings of homebrewed and handcrafted beers from Rock Bottom Brewery, Rogue Brewery and others, as well as samples of special Belgian style beers, and perhaps a little belly dancing.
The event will culminate with a performance and live recording of the top three winners of the 10-Minute Radio Play Contest. The Drinking & Writing Brewery has been soliciting radio play submissions since February, and winners will be selected by Bill Savage of Northwestern University, Rick Kogan of WGN Radio, MAD TV and SNL writer Rich Talarico, MAD TV actor Stephnie Weir, Neo-Futurist writer Ayun Halliday, and Atlanta writer Hollis Gillespie. Nick Digilio, from WGN Radio as well as Factory Theater’s Artistic Director, will direct the radio plays, which will be performed at 8 p.m. at the Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. Tickets at $20 include beer samples (must be 21) and the radio play performances. Tickets at $5 include radio play performances ONLY. For more information, call (773) 793-9408, or visit www.drinkingandwriting.com. |
