“Passing Souls” by Preston Thomas

Usually at this time, we’re lamenting the winter: the cold that descends upon us each year, the snow that’s piled up around our feet and the homebound feeling that keeps our bodies wrapped in sweaters and blankets and our butts firmly planted on our couches.

While this winter has been more mild than most, tonight’s lineup is still the best reason to get out of the house, hang out with friends and neighbors and feel the warmth of a night of South Side storytelling.

Here are tonight’s storytellers:

Dennis Foley 
Author, The Blue Circus

Angela Jackson
Poet, novelist, playwright

Nneka Jones Tapia|
Psychologist committed to justice

Preston Thomas
Photographer, musician, writer

Lisa Wilberding
Quilty as charged

What’s the time? And where?
730pm. But show up to the Beverly Arts Center (2407 W. 111th St.) 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 usually close the balcony at BAC to keep things a bit more intimate and cozy unless the crowd size demands it. 

Wait, there’s art?
Come early, grab a drink and enjoy the photography of Preston Thomas, one of tonight’s storytellers. His work will be on display in the BAC lobby, including the image above, “Passing Souls.”

Where do I park?
Beverly Arts Center has parking just west of the building and another lot on the south.

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?
Places nearby include Manzo’s Burgers and Waldo Cooney’s Pizza on 111th Street and Americanos, Open Outcry Brewing and Horse Thief Hollow on Western Avenue.

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, Lizzy Benner, Chris Castaneda, Corinne Rose and Cicely Harris who’ve given this event material, financial and moral support. And a huge thanks to Beverly Arts Center for sponsoring the show.

See you there!

The Frunchroom is presented by The Beverly Area Arts Alliance and sponsored by Beverly Arts Center.