Literary Deathmatch in Chicago, IL!

Hi everyone! We just stopped by to let everyone know about this great event occurring in Chicago on January 14th, 2010. The Literary Death Match returns for LDM Chicago Ep. 4, an epic mid-winter battle that will electrify (and thus, somewhat, heat) the Windy City. The fundraiser event doubles as the midwest launch of Opium9: The Mania Issue. See readers James Kennedy (The Order of Odd-Fish) representing Featherproof Books, Rebekah Silverman representing Artifice, Andy Farkas representing Subito Press and Davis Schneiderman!

Plus, a trio of all-star judges that includes Kathleen Rooney (featured in Opium9), Girls Guide to Rocking scribe Jessica Hopper and Shawnimals genius Shawn Smith. Hosted by Opium founding editor Todd Zuniga.

Chicago Literary Deathmatch
Upstairs at Fizz, 3220 North Lincoln Avenue
Doors at 7, show at 7:30, afterparty: downstairs at 9
$10 (includes a free copy of Opium9, cover price of $12

Opium’s Literary Death Match, co-created by Opium’s founding editor, Todd Zuniga (pictured), Elizabeth Koch & Dennis DiClaudio, marries the literary and performative aspects of Def Poetry Jam, rapier-witted quips of American Idol’s judging (without any meanness), and the ridiculousness and hilarity of Double Dare.

Each episode of this competitive, humor-centric reading series features a thrilling mix of four famous and emerging authors (all representing a literary publication, press or concern--either online or in print) who perform their most electric writing (in eight minutes or less) before a lively audience and a panel of three all-star judges. After each pair of readings, the judges—focused on literary merit, performance and intangibles—take turns spouting hilarious, off-the-wall commentary about each story, then select their favorite to advance to the finals.

To satisfy your curiosity, here's a short video of an NYC LDM featuring Gavin McInnis & Todd Barry:



Hope to see you there!