Mar 29

Reading Preview: Literary Death Match/Hideout

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Opium Magazine presents its fifth Chicago Literary Death Match at Hideout on this April Fools Day, featuring a panel of three judges presiding over four readers who read their work to the death, so to speak. Featherproof Books’ Zach Dodson, stand-up comic Cameron Esposito and Trap Door Theatre’s Tiffany Joy Ross are our judges for the evening, while the readers are The Encyclopedia Show’s Robbie Q. Telfer, Uncalled-for Readings’ Tim Jones-Yelvington, Green Lantern’s Caroline Picard and Kevin Leahy. Opium’s Todd Zuniga and Comedy Central blogger Dennis DiClaudio host the activities. A night of literary debauchery, Literary Death Match leaves some blood on the floor. It being April Fools and all, I wouldn’t be surprised if a few tricks were in store. (Tom Lynch)

April 1 at Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, (773)227-4433, at 8:30pm. $5-$8.

Nov 30

Discussion Preview: James McManus/Hideout

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Mark Bazer’s monthly Interview Show at Hideout continues to feature first-class guests, and this installment is no different. James McManus, author of the 2003 bestselling poker book “Positively Fifth Street,” returns with yet another book about the storied game, titled “Cowboys Full: The Story of Poker.” McManus ambitiously attempts to tell the full story of poker, its importance throughout history as both a social activity and a game of uniquely equal competition. He argues that, from the Wild West to today, poker is truly America’s pastime. (It should come as no surprise, McManus being a poker fiend himself.) Having only read excerpts myself, I can’t speak for the entire work, but I can say that having spoken with McManus on a couple of occasions, he’s a hell of a storyteller. As a bonus for this event, Audrey Niffenegger discusses her new, and best, novel, “Her Fearful Symmetry.” Rhymefest and Stephanie Izard also appear. (Tom Lynch)

The Interview Show takes place December 4 at Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, (773)227-4433, at 6:30pm. $5.

Apr 14

Reading Preview: Post-It-Note Reading Series/Hideout

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Think of it as sort of a literary event for writers with ADD. Created several years ago by former “This American Life” producer Starlee Kine and cartoonist—and former Chicago resident—Arthur Jones, the Post-It Note series is exactly as you’d imagine, writers and illustrators presenting works on Post-It Notes, with a little help from a slide projector. The charming method of storytelling came to life years ago when Jones worked as a graphic designer at a marketing company; Kine had booked a literary event at Hideout and asked Jones—who was not a writer—to contribute a piece. The doodles Jones crafted at work out of shear boredom became his inspiration as he conjured a tale through the little sticky Notes, projected it onstage and narrated. The pair have a come a long way since, striking a deal to draw twelve animated shorts for Lexus and even performing at Seattle’s Bumbershoot Festival. Tonight, the day after Jones and Kine’s appearance for the “This American Life” taping at the Chicago Theatre, they bring the Post-It Note series to Hideout, where “This American Life” contributor David Wilcox and local artist Derek Erdman supply stories as well. (Tom Lynch)

The Post-It Note Reading Series takes place April 20 at Hideout, 1444 West Wabansia, at 8pm. $8.