Chicago: City on the Make

Celebrating 75 years of Nelson Algren’s classic through literature, history and music

Sliding scale admission of $5-$20!

A donation of $20 or more includes a limited-edition, handmade poster by Ethan D'Ercole.

Celebrate 75 years of a Chicago classic with readings, conversation, and music.

When Holiday magazine published Nelson Algren’s “Chicago: City on the Make,” the essay’s depiction of “Hustlertown” scandalized the city. Seventy-five years later, it continues to shape how we see Chicago—but how accurate is this portrait?

Poet Gregorio Gomez Aguayo, journalist Tom Barnas, author Meaghan Garvey, educator Tim Tuten, and more join historian Paul Durica and scholar Bill Savage to answer this question through readings from Algren’s essay, commentary on Chicago history, and conversations about the city today.

Setting the mood with music is Jefferey Thomas accompanied by Luc Mosley, Adam Shead, and Andrew Scott Young.

The event at The Hideout concludes a series that traces the text and Algren’s life through three Chicago neighborhoods. The series begins on September 18 at Bernice’s Tavern and continues on September 19 at The Old Town Ale House. Come for one or attend all three for the complete experience.

Chicago: City on the Make is produced by Pocket Guide to Hell, a series of walks, talks, and reenactments focused on Chicago’s past. For more information, go to pocketguidetohell.com