The Frunchroom, the original live storytelling series about the South Side of Chicago that makes its home in Beverly/Morgan Park, kicks off Beverly Art Walk week this month.

Its 25th show will be at 730pm on Thursday, January 18th 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 are writer, editor and Funny Ha-Ha host Jennon Bell Hoffman, teacher and organizer Nora Flanagan, artist / painter Nate Otto, author and speaker Angel Simmons, and poet / radio host / dive bar enthusiast Mario Smith.

“With eight years of shows behind us, it’s the right time to bring back some past storytellers to mix in with new voices,” said Scott Smith, host of The Frunchroom. “Angel and Mario go back to our days at O’Rourke’s Office while Nora, Nate, and Jennon are experienced artists and storytellers appearing for the first time.”

The unique mix of art, cocktails, and stories is presented in partnership with The Beverly Area Arts Alliance, the organization responsible for local arts events like the Backyard Music Series and the Uprising Market. 

This edition of The Frunchroom coincides with the 10th Anniversary of the Beverly Art Walk, which will be held on Saturday, September 23rd from noon to 5pm. Featuring more than 200 artists at more than 40 venues throughout Beverly and Morgan Park, this year’s Walk will feature live music, artist demos, a craft market, and family-friendly events. 

The Frunchroom has played to packed houses since it began in April 2015 and has called the Beverly Arts Center home since October 2017.

Previous readers include local residents and business owners; radio and podcast hosts, teachers, poets, politicians and artists. In addition, the show has featured reporters and anchors from the Chicago Tribune, South Side Weekly, Bloomberg News, WBEZ-FM and WGN-TV.