CHIRP Presents The First Time: First Digs


Scott Hess, Jessi Langsen, Steve Forstneger


Sondra Morin, Andrew Huff, Ingrid Graudins


Jocelyn Geboy, Liam Davis, Gerald Dowd, Steve Frisbie

Last week Jess and Sara and I went to a CHIRP event, The First Time: First Digs at Beat Kitchen. Like the last two times (1, 2, we had so much fun! This time I only knew one of the readers, Andrew, but as always, they were all great.

We went to Beat Kitchen early and ate dinner. It was half price pizza night and the pies were pretty decent. Because we were there early, we were able to get a seat in the second row. Actually, this time it seemed like everyone in attendance got a seat, where last time, it was so packed, it was standing room only.

All of the essays were good and I admire anyone who has the guts to write something and then stand up and read it in front of a room of people. That said, I loved Steve Forstneger’s story of when he moved to the super dangerous neighborhood of Lincoln Park. He had me rolling on the ground. Hilarious.

Again, after each essay, the band played a song of the writer/reader’s choosing. Again, the band was fabulous. They have such range, they played everything from the theme to Three’s Company to Cyprus Hill. Speaking of which, Insane in the Membrane was one of my favorites of the night. It was by the request of Andrew Huff. Here’s a short clip of it:

If you’re interested, you can read Andrew’s essay here.

The event was $10 and all proceeds went to benefit CHIRP. The next event is going to be in July. Follow CHIRP’s Facebook page to make sure you get alerted as to the exact date! You won’t want to miss it.