Wednesday, October 7
The Hello In There Foundation Presents…
The Literary Heart of John Prine: A Performance and Conversation
Featuring Alejandro Escovedo and Silas House * Moderated by Mark Guarino
Presented with special support from Chicago Humanities
$51 / All Ages / Doors: 6pm / Event: 7pm-8:30pm
In 2009, Bob Dylan described John Prine’s songwriting as “pure Proustian existentialism. Midwestern mind trips to the Nth degree.” This conversation will look at how the songwriting of John Prine — the first Honorary Poet Laureate of Illinois — exemplifies many of the qualities found in the Midwestern literary tradition by writers as wide-ranging as Kurt Vonnegut, Lorrie Moore, James Wright, Thorton Wilder, and Sherwood Anderson — a minimalist approach to language, outsider narratives that reflect the insularity of small town life, surrealist portrayals of harsh realities, and wry humor.
Texas singer-songwriter Alejandro Escovedo and novelist Silas House join Mark Guarino in a conversation about how John’s songwriting reflects the world he came from in Chicago, and the ways songwriters use biography to create their most powerful work. Alejandro will close the evening with a special set of music.
Before attending this Metro event, kick off the evening with the Hello in There Foundation for a fun start to our celebration of John Prine’s 80th birthday, right next door at Gman Tavern. Gather with friends, family, and fans for an evening of good food, drinks, and shared stories, all in support of the Hello in There Foundation and our work to honor John’s legacy through community giving.
Every attendee will go home with an early copy of Found Dogs, John’s newly-curated archival album marking the 30th anniversary of Lost Dogs & Mixed Blessings. Pulled from the original 1995 recording sessions, the collection features alternate takes, acoustic performances, and five previously unheard originals, along with the new single “World Without Love.” You’ll have it in hand two days before its official release on October 9. Enjoy complimentary bites from Hattie B’s, alongside an open bar with the support of our partners Hop Butcher for the World and Bard Distillery.
Tickets for the Kick-Off Reception at Gman Tavern are available for purchase through this link here!
@ Gman Tavern:
Wednesday, October 7
Kickoff Reception for John Prine’s 80th
Tickets / 21 & Over / Doors: 5pm / Event: 5pm-6:30pm
