South Loop Writers Gather to Read

By Bonnie McGrath

South Loop Writers Showcase

There was a packed house on May 20 at Jazz Showcase. A smart eclectic crowd clinked glasses and smiled. They were more than pleased. Spellbound, actually. But there was no music in the venue that night. Only writers reading aloud. And only South Loop writers at that. It was the South Loop Writers Showcase.

Each of the participants who took turns onstage at the microphone, including the wonderful emcee, Ulrich Sandmeyer, owner of the renowned Printers Row bookstore of the same name, turned out to be not just a whiz bang on the old computer keys, but a solid entertainer as well.

First up was long-time South Loop poet, novelist, composer, and professor Regina Baiocchi, author of the story collection Indigo Sound and poetry collections Urban Haiku and Other Selected Poems and Blues Haiku. Regina gave a heartfelt reading from Indigo Sound, and with a twinkle in her eye, stopped just before the climax, urging her listeners to buy the book to see what happens. She read some selected poems, as well.

Greg Borzo, SLN board member and author of a spectacular history book, The Chicago L, talked about his love (and hate) of our local elevated transportation system and how his fascination started.

Poet Nina Corwin, who has organized many a poetry presentation in her stomping grounds at the old Gourmand (now Café Mediterra), read some powerful poems from her book, Conversations With Friendly Demons and Tainted Saints, that riveted us to our seats ... and to her.

Printers Row resident Beth Finke read a small portion from one of her books, Hanni and Beth: Safe and Sound in Braille. Blind since she was in her mid-20s, Beth also has written (and recited a portion of) a wonderful memoir called Long Time, No See. Beth did a great bit of comic sparring with Ulrich; they are great friends and have an interesting history promoting Beth's books.

Photographer Ron Gordon, who has chronicled the early days of Printers Row and was one of its first residents 30 years ago, and who has collaborated on two books with John Paulett - Printers Row and Forgotten Chicago - tantalized us South Loop neighbors with old photos from the early days on Dearborn, including one photo taken from inside the clock at Dearborn Station.

Dearborn Park resident and Art Institute professor Maud Lavin treated the audience to a powerful piece she wrote on female aggression from a not-yet-published book that will soon be added to the collection of her published works. Maud is best known in the neighborhood for her recent book, The Oldest We've Ever Been.

Thom Nicholson, a military veteran and an engineer, added to the diversity of the group by reading a rousing excerpt from his western-style novel, Stagecoach Graveyard. He also has written novels about Viet Nam and the Civil War.

Sharon Woodhouse, who runs the local publishing house, Lake Claremont Press, which publishes only books about Chicago, gave the 85-member audience hope that they too could publish a book if they come up with the right idea. For inspiration, Sharon passed out catalogs of the books she's published for many authors (and also offered many for sale), including books on such subjects as Billy Goat Tavern and Chicago's Maritime history. I bought three Lake Claremont books from Sharon. I would have patronized everyone else, but aside from Thom, who I just met that night, I know all the authors and have read all their books!