(Clockwise from left: John Brand, Griselda Garibay, Kambium Buckner, Frank Williams, Tim Samuelson)

The Frunchroom, the live storytelling series about the South Side of Chicago that makes its home in Beverly/Morgan Park celebrates its 4th anniversary with a new lineup that celebrates all aspects of the South Side.

The next show will be at 730pm on Thursday, May 23rd at Beverly Arts Center (2407 W 111th St, Chicago). A $5 donation to benefit the Beverly Area Arts Alliance is requested.

Scheduled to appear at The Frunchroom’s January show are John Brand, owner of Open Outcry Brewing; Illinois State Representative Kambium Buckner (D-26th); Griselda Garibay, National Director of the Mujeres Leadership Program for Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE); Chicago cultural historian Tim Samuelson; and realtor and fair housing advocate Frank Williams.

“When the Arts Alliance and I started this project, I’m not sure any of us imagined it would be a years-long endeavor,” said Scott Smith, host and co-producer of The Frunchroom. “We’ve received so much support from the community. That’s what makes it possible.”

Attendees are encouraged to dine before the show at Ellie’s Cafe and Catering (10701 S. Hale, Chicago). Anyone who brings a meal receipt from Ellie’s for that evening can show it at the door in lieu of a donation.

The unique mix of art, cocktails and stories at The Frunchroom is sponsored by The Beverly Arts Center. The event continues to be produced as a showcase for original written work and presented in partnership with The Beverly Area Arts Alliance, the organization responsible for local arts events like the Uprising Craft Market and Local Art on Tap.

The Frunchroom has played to packed houses since it began in April 2015. Previous readers include local residents and business owners; radio and podcast hosts, teachers, poets, politicians and artists. In addition, The Frunchroom has featured reporters and anchors from the Chicago Tribune, South Side Weekly, Bloomberg News, WBEZ-FM and WGN-TV.