Whether you’re a longtime fan or attending for the first time, we think there will be something for you at The Frunchroom’s 2nd anniversary shows tonight and tomorrow, 730pm at Beverly Woods Restaurant.

South Side Weekly named us one of the Best of the South Side and with this edition, we think you’ll see why.

Here’s everything you need to know. Even if you’ve been to The Frunchroom before, there’s new info here for you like the artists whose work you’ll see and details on our craft cocktails.

Who are the readers?

Wednesday, April 26th
Ayana Contreras
Radio host/producer, DJ and writer

Daniel Kay Hertz
Writer, reader, mapper, spreadsheeter

Rodney Walker
Author, educator, South Side native

Tom Cramer
Blogger, 70s kid, craft beer geek, native South Sider

Sue Sadlowski Garza
Alderwoman 10th Ward, CPS Counselor, Progressive Activist, Grandma

Thursday, April 27th
Jahmal Cole
Founder of My Block, My Hood, My City

Bridget Gainer
Part-time pol, full-time Chicagoan, reader, mother & dual citizen 

Lendon Sadler
Activist & actor; performer, raconteur, unabashed lover

Kevin Coval
Poet; community builder; artistic director, Young Chicago Authors

Kim Bellware
Huffington Post reporter, bike adventurer and full-city wanderer

What’s the time?
730pm. But show up by 7-715pm to guarantee yourself a seat, chat with friends, get a drink from the bar and settle in. Even in our bigger location, we always pack the room and standing room only is a possibility.

Where’s the place?
Beverly Woods Restaurant (11532 S. Western Ave.) in the Caravan Room.

What’s the cost?
We ask for a $5 donation at the door to support the work of the non-profit Beverly Area Arts Alliance, which co-produces the show, sets up the room and coordinates the beautiful art you’ll see in our space.

Wait, there’s art?
Yes, we will have gorgeous visual art from Kevin Demski of Sixty Four Creative who will have new work on display and some of his signature decals for sale (see above and at right). Another great reason to come early. Kevin will be raffling off some of his art (2 tickets for $5, 5 for $20).

Where do I park?
Beverly Woods has parking. Park in the north lot and you’ll be closest to the entrance for the show. But again, earlier is better as if there is another event there that night the lots may fill up.

How do I get there via transit? 
It’s a 15-20 walk from Metra’s 1115th St. stop on the Rock Island Line. Or you can take the Western Avenue CTA bus (note to North Siders: this is a reaaaaally long ride) or the Pace 349.

Where can I eat? 
We will have some light apps for sale for $5. Get there early and you can eat in Beverly Woods’s restaurant area (try their famous rolls). Snapper’s is right next door for some fast-food fish and Lumes Pancake House is across the street. For more nearby restaurants, there’s this list from Yelp.

You mentioned drinks?
Beer, wine and liquor will be available at the cash bar. Also, Lizzy Benner of Horse Thief Hollow will mix up frozen daiquiris and two signature, not-found-anywhere-else cocktails: The Minion (blueberry lemonade vodkas) and The Duke of Earl Gray (Earl Gray tea with bourbon and lemon).

What are the stories like?
Some are sincere, some are tongue-in-cheek. One may be a call-to-action, another might make you think. One might be historical, one might make you remember a place you haven’t been since childhood. Basically, like having a conversation with someone you haven’t seen in a while. This review from South Side Weekly really captures what we’re about.

Who’s helping you with this?
I’m producing this in partnership with The Beverly Area Arts Alliance (or The Alliance, for short).

A big thanks to Monica Wilczak, Sal Campbell, David Barsotti, Jane Zia, Chris Wilczak and Lizzy Benner who’ve given this event material, financial and moral support. And a huge thanks to the McGann family and Beverly Woods for hosting us. (You can thank them by purchasing beverages and tipping profusely.)

And, of course, huge thanks to all our readers and, in advance, to you for coming.