If the ability to record thoughts, images and events in narrative form is what separates us from animals, the ability to numb the mind’s perception of these events, images and thoughts is what makes our human-hood tolerable. Luckily, round about 9000 BC, some creative Egyptian came up with a little something called beer, and well, the concept stuck. Now, about 100 centuries later, U of I MFA student and Editor for HOBART: another literary journal, Aaron Burch has joined forces with Smile Politely with the intent purpose of combining that which makes us human and that which makes us tipsy. The result of this effort has been given the apt, if predictable name Stories & Beer. Read on to find out the when, the where and the why-you-should-care surrounding C-U’s newest literary event.
Stories & Beer
Awesomest graphic since this one!
HOBART and Smile Politely presents: Stories & Beer
Wednesday February 17 | 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Iron Post | Free
What is it?
For the next several months Smile Politely in conjunction with HOBART: another literary magazine, will be presenting a variety of local, visiting and U of I affiliated writers who will read from their work and then drink some beer, but not necessarily in that order. This Wednesday is our inagural voyage.
Why is it?
Long answer: Because Champaign-Urbana is home to a rich cross section of literary talent that, up until now, hasn’t regularly come together to participate in an ongoing blah, blah, blah…
Short answer: Because they don’t offer booze at any of the other local readings.
Who will be reading?
These guys:
Josh Bishoff
William Gillespie (of Smile Politely fame)
Paul Pedroza
Micah Riecker
Ted Sanders
Why should I come check it out?
Several reasons:
- It’s free.
- There will be stories (good stories read by interesting people).
- There will be beer.
- And finally, there will be magic. Yes, magic.
But what if it’s too snowy for me to ride my bike all the way to the Iron Post?
That’s a pretty shitty excuse.
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Stories & Beer is brought to you in part by the City of Urbana Arts Grant and Urbana Business Association.