The Poetry Brothel Chicago: Blooming Ballads

Darlings! We want to do with you what Spring does to the Cherry trees...

This Spring Equinox, join The Poetry Brothel Chicago for poetry, burlesque, live music, magic, drag, mysticism and more inspired by the steadfastness of Spring: the tour de force that melts our Wintry woes away. Channel your inner Persephone as she aids her mother in the blooming of lush ground before she returns to be Queen of the Underworld. Unfurl your tightened buds and bloom with us in a sensual evening full of delightful surprises.

Event Details

• Age Requirement: 21+
• Doors Open: 6:00 PM
• Show Time: 7:00 - 10:00 PM
• Private Readings continue after the show concludes
• VIP tickets include priority seating in front of the stage, a swag bag with naughty and literary goodies, and a token to get your immersive journey started!

At The Poetry Brothel, a “madam” presents a rotating cast of poets, artists, and artisans who operate within self-constructed characters, “erupting into verse in public and luring guests into back rooms for private readings,” as described in The New Yorker. Central to The Poetry Brothel experience is the creation of character, which for each artist serves as a disguise and a freeing device, enabling The Poetry Brothel to be a place of uninhibited creative expression where artists and audience members alike can communicate more authentically.

Artists performing with the Brothel reflect the diverse identities of our great city of Chicago. Cis and trans women, cis and trans men, genderqueer, genderfluid, and nonbinary folks, people of color, queer, straight, emerging, established, local, and international poets make up our cabinet of poetry whores and brothel beauties. Their alter-egos may be faeries, sirens, witches, aliens, divas, royalty, demons, ancient forests, and everything in between. Some of the artists within The Poetry Brothel universe perform sex work in their off-hours (but not at this event!). The Poetry Brothel uses its platform to support sex workers and to educate audiences about the sex industry.

In addition to its poets, The Poetry Brothel presents artists and activists working in a variety of mediums both on stage and through its ever-changing array of intimate, interactive, and creative services.

~

On Consent: Behave with beauty, connect with intention. We are, by and large, a no-contact event -- here to blow your mind and nothing else! Always ask before touching anyone in our House, and report any discomfort to security, staff, or the Madam Herself without delay.

Our show may include flashing lights, reasonably amplified music, and a startling glimpse of your true self.

On Accessibility: This venue's entry is intentionally discreet, for more accurate address please note the entry door is directly next to O'Callaghan's: 29 W Hubbard Street Chicago, IL 60654

SPECIAL NOTE: THIS VENUE HAS STAIRS TO THE SECOND FLOOR, PLEASE REQUEST ACCOMODATION FOR THE ELEVATOR IN THIS BUILDING IF NEEDED BY EMAILING THE MADAM: candace@poetrysocietyny.org

Please see our FAQs for answers to common questions.

Follow us on Instagram @poetrybrothelchicago for updates and sneak peeks!

Host or Publisher The Poetry Society of New York