Stories & Beer #3: open thine eyes
The idea behind Stories and Beer is painfully simple: get a group of people together who like to drink beer and hear stories — then provide them with stories and with beer. In the past you've been able to access the fun, post facto, via the audio clips we've attached to our recaps, but this time, ladies and gents, we've stepped it up a notch (cue 2001: a Space Odyssey soundtrack, NOW!): we have video!
Now continue reading so you can hear tall tales about major surgery, cannablism, guys who compare their love for their girlfriends to their love of their cars and a haphazard trip to the zoo...
And so you know: our next event will be on Tuesday May, 11 at the Iron Post. Bring a friend or two.
Of course, technology has its downside — or shall I say, my ability to use technology effectively has its downside, and unfortunately Ben Matheson, our first reader of the evening, fell victim to my apparent inability to distinguish between the "delete" and the "save" option on my camera. Alas, all that remains of his inspired slam-style performance (an S&B first!) is this photograph. Guess you'll have to check him out next time he reads at Bolitini Lounge in Champaign.
— —
Next up was recent Illinois MFA grad Arley McNeney. Arley diverged from her usual historical fiction to share an essay she wrote on having her hip replaced. Now, if I ever have to write about having major surgery, I'm thinking it'll read something like: they dressed me up in a blue gown and then they gassed me and I don't remember anything after that, amen. But Arley — well, she stayed awake for the whole darn thing. You definintely want to check this out.
— —
Matt Minicucci is a poet, he is good at being a poet, he likes being a poet, and so when I asked him what he would be reading, I expected him to say, well, "a poem." Instead he said, "a story." Shocking. He then quickly defended his infidelity by calling his story a poem with characters, and while I'm not sure if I completely agree with him on this, his is a story with an immistakable poetic intensity that is delivered through a kind of "movement without advancement."
— —
What is cannibalism? Is it the physical consumption of another human being or can it be the symbolic denial of something that is as much a part of you as your own flesh? Honestly, I'm not sure where Hanna's story comes down on this question which is why I love it so.
— —
Joe Meno finished off the night with, in Aaron's words, a killer reading of the first chapter from his novel The Great Perhaps released last year by W. W. Norton. Now, I'd tell you that this saga begins as a normal trip to the zoo, takes a hilarious but poignant detour into some awkward father-daughter interactions and ends with a moving jolt that ultimately opens the novel from which its read, but if I did that, I would make Joe's kick-ass reading sound much less awesome than it actually was. If you are still reading this, stop and click the play button below.
Many thanks as always to the Urbana Arts Grant Program through whom all things are possible.
3 comments
What time, guys?
Thanks for asking, Annie. At this point its up in the air, but we’ll definitely start sometime between 4-6 p.m. I’ll Splog once its been decided!
russell evatt
sometimes things get weird when you introduce a video camera into the mix. but not for these readers. thanks for the videos.
Most Recent Arts Comments
Local, I forgot to offer you a piece of sage advice. Don’t bag on 39 south because they represent your potential collector pool. Even though I haven’t lived in Champaign since 1997, 39 south is still the only arts entity that has promoted my work as an…
Lest 39 South feels picked on: Check this from the Urbana City Public Arts Program: “Calling all Champaign County Artists! We’re pleased to announce a Call for Entries for a new initiative called Murals on Glass, which will feature artwork reproduced in adhesive vinyl displayed on the…
You forgot Jonathon Fineberg was also personal pals with the Christo’s. I’ll agree that Dr. Fineberg has done a tremendous job communicating to undergrads why this stuff is important, but I won’t kiss the ring because he also contributed to the dismantling of crafts at the U…
And boom goes the dynamite.
I think the best and most exciting arts programming in Champaign-Urbana is at the Krannert Art Museum. The depth and quality of the museum’s permanent collection speaks highly to the intelligence of the art history faculty at the University. I have to say taking Art History with…
Another mystifying thing is 39 South touts the fact that when you consider all things that are considered “art”, i.e. music, exhibits, movies, performances, craft fairs, circuses, ect; art in Champaign County apparently generates $60 million dollars of “economic activity” every year, so says 39 South. And…
I have to agree, I’m a bit confused as to the purpose of 40 North, although I am aware that the organization is in a period of restructuring and re-examination. And yes, the “staff of 1” does work tirelessly to keep the operations afloat, but the fact…
“Making art accessible to everyone and cultivating the art and artists in Champaign County is 40 North’s main mission.” FACT: When the Urbana City Council proposed to form a new public arts council of its own in 2008, 39 South actually sent letters from board members Cody…
On behalf of the New Art Film Festival, I’d like to thank you for highlighting our event in this article. It is our pleasure to put together this showcase for the community and the recognition is highly appreciated by all of us involved in the NAFF. Also,…
Most Popular Arts Articles (60 days)
- New film showcases the wonders of the Linotype machine
- The intricate jest of Rob Delaney
- No foolin’, April is gonna be good
- An interview with Maya Bruck of Pixo
- Weiskamp makes poster printing a community experience
- Crispin Hellion Glover does it all
- Amelia Gray to close out the Carr series
- Mark Neely returns to C-U for S&B
- BEST Arts
- Ebertfest recap
Most Recent Comments
Looking forward to trying this place!
I’m in the middle (or the beginning or end, depending on how you look at it) of re-reading Slaughterhouse Five. What a great companion column.
Get yours early. The Rave’s CD will be available at Exile and at The C-U Flea on Saturday. C-U Flea details here: http://www.smilepolitely.com/news/sp_radio_podcast_c-u_flea_arrives/
I don’t know about Gerard and a random police sargeant. My (mild) outrage is based on this: “...he worked closely with Champaign City Clerk Marilyn Banks to make sure he was licensed properly as a transient food peddler, filling out the necessary paperwork and paying a $225…
Local Yocal pretty much nails it here. I suspect there will be merchants who oppose food trucks because they arguably don’t pay their fair share to locate their trucks in high traffic (high rent) areas. The food trucks take away business from rent payers, park in city…
Oh nice! I’d totally vote for Matt Campbell!
“Smile Politely sports writer announces candidacy for city government.”
I also got to visit Big Grove Tavern during the soft open and definitely enjoyed the pork belly the most of all the dishes I sampled. The cheesy grits and the vinegary pickled vegetables were a perfect compliment to the rich pork belly.
The Alan Partridge lookalike on the right in the first small photo has nothing to condescend to anyone about. AH HA!
Snell and the little Hitlers of the neighborhood association need to chill out. Legitimate businesses should have the freedom to exist without having to endure the slings and arrows of ignorant and misguided opposition.
represent, Matt.
Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
Food trucks are the start-up, small businesses of the future for those unable to afford real estate. No surprise, that merchants who pay rent, utilities, and maintenance on a property would despise the traveling competition. Or developers who build more empty retail spaces would want to close…
Not so much far-right Tea Party as a balanced, moderate viewpoint between letting businesses succeed and protecting society with reasonable regulations. In spite of what the city reps are saying, the interpretation of policy on this issue certainly has changed. Letting a business start up under one…
I think it’s neat that SP has turned rightward, now espousing a Tea Party-style frustration with government regulations & taxes.
This makes me so sad. (Happy to live in Urbana, though!) Crave Truck has been a GREAT addition to the food choices in C-U, and it’d be a travesty to chase them away. This town should be supporting small businesses. I’m glad to hear that they’ll still…
*slow. clap.* Still offering no threat of intelligence…. I know I said I thought you should just write this whole column yourself next year, Isaac, but now that you’ve gone and taken a “part deux” run at it, I’d like to modify my request: Best Music 2013,…
Actually, it’s kind of nice, the quiet. John Heoffleur’s engaging commentary/dialogue is sorely missed, however. In lieu of someone intelligent saying something, I’ve compiled a list of Honourable Mentions: BEST ROCK BAND: Take Care ::these gentlemen have four completely different sets at their disposal right now (which…
What? Echo! (Echo!) Where’s the dischord and dissent?
This weekend will mark the first appearance of Kayla Brown’s Fire Doll Candle booth at the Market. Check it: http://www.facebook.com/firedollcandles
Facebook
Twitter
Full Site
Thanks for the sage advice Mary Anna, but I’m long done with the sucking up and being thankful for the scraps. The most important thing an artist can do to live with yourself is tell the emperor he’s got no clothes, and spray paint something on his…