Chicago Literary Hall of Fame Events

Chicago Literary Hall of Fame Events

Events

Independence Poetry

Thursday, April 20, 2023
6-8 p.m.

Independence Branch
Chicago Public Library
4024 N. Elston Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618

Carlos Cumpian emceed a reading centered around our Chicago poetry anthology, Wherever I’m At. Cynthia Gallaher, Ruben Quesada, Raúl Niño, Paul Martínez Pompa, Mike Puican and Vincent Romero each read a selection of poems. All of the participants contributed poems to the anthology. There was also a short open mic that included a reading by Mary Hawley.

An ominous sky foreshadowed a storm that never came in the time just before the Independence branch reading last Thursday, April 20, 2023. (Photo by Donald G. Evans).

Later, Carlos Cumpian, the emcee, would comment on the dearth of library readings in CPL neighborhood branches. We bucked that trend at 4024 N. Elston Avenue in the Irving Park neighborhood on Chicago's Northwest Side. (Photo by Donald G. Evans).

Ruben Quesada signs copies of the limited edition hardcover edition of Wherever I'm At: An Anthology of Chicago Poetry. (Photo by Margaret Flynn).

Early arriving guests socialize as the start time approaches. (Photo by Margaret Flynn).

Booklist editor Donna Seaman catches up with old friends. (Photo by Margaret Flynn).

Carlos Cumpián welcomes guests and gives an overview of the evening. (Photo by Margaret Flynn).

Mike reads a selection of his poems, including his piece published in the anthology, "Tequila and Steve." (Photo by Donald G. Evans).

Paul Martinez Pompa ends his reading with his anthology poem, "How to Hear Chicago." (Photo by Donald G. Evans).

A nice, appreciative audience on a blah evening. (Photo by Donald G. Evans).

Cynthia Gallaher holds up her copy of the anthology. Among the selections she read was her anthology poem, "Making Books at Hull House." (Photo by Donald G. Evans).

Raúl Niño shares some of his poems, new and old. (Photo by Donald G. Evans).

Ruben Quesada delights the audience with some of his work. (Photo by Donald G. Evans).

Vincent Romero regales the crowd with stories and poems. (Photo by Donald G. Evans).

Mary Hawley was one of the three outstanding "open mic" readers. (Photo by Margaret Flynn).

Those assembled show their appreciation for the fine work showcased throughout the evening. (Photo by Margaret Flynn).

John Viramontes gets his personal anthology copy signed by Paul Martinez Pompa. (Photo by Margaret Flynn).

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Chicago Literary Hall of Fame
Email: Don Evans
4043 N. Ravenswood Ave., #222
Chicago, IL 60613
773.414.2603