With the show moving from Beverly Woods to the Beverly Arts Center, we’re in uncharted territory here, which is to say we’re going to be adjusting on the fly and improv’ing as we go in a new space. But there are a few things we know for sure:

Who are the readers?

Tina Jenkins Bell
Writer, President of FLOW, Educator, and MOB

Parneshia Jones  
Author, poet, editor, Chicagoan

Troy LaRaviere 
Kay’s son, Zahran’s father, Your brother

Francine McKenna  
Writer, reader, teacher, traveler

Marisa Novara 
Superpower is curiosity

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, check out the art (see below) and settle in. We’ll close the balcony at BAC to keep things a bit more intimate and cozy.

Where’s the place?
Beverly Arts Center at 2407 W 111th St. (the corner of 111th and Western).

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?
Hoo boy, there is.

This is Beverly Art Walk Week in the neighborhood so Beverly Arts Center will have all kinda of things going on in its galleries.

First, there’s the Elevation show in the Simmerling Gallery upstairs.

There will also be work by St. Xavier University students and work from twelve 19th Ward (K-8) schools – including most of the public schools in the ward – curated by their teachers. Morgan Park High and VanderPoel are new additions to the exhibit this year.

Where do I park?
Beverly Arts Center has parking just west of the building.

How do I get there via transit?
Take the Metra Rock Island Line which departs from the LaSalle Street Station in the Loop. Get off at 111th Street. Head west up the hill for about three blocks. The BAC is the big red building on the corner.

Where can I eat?
Waldo Cooney’s is across the street for pizza. Manzo’s is on the other side of Western for burgers. Up the street is Open Outcry Brewing for Neopolitan pizzas and craft beer.

You mentioned drinks?
Beer, wine and liquor will be available at the cash bar before and during the show. The post-Frunchroom festivities will continue at Open Outcry Brewing.

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 Beverly Arts Center for stepping in as a host when we had just a couple weeks to find a new space.

See you there!