Ekphrasis: Stuff Happening August 2026 Edition

“Making music is like constructing a machine whose function is to dredge up emotions in performer and listener alike. Some people find this idea repulsive…they would prefer to see music as an expression of emotion rather than a generator…I’m beginning to think of the artist as someone who is adept at making devices that tap into our shared psychological makeup…” – David Byrne, ‘How Music Works’

Everyone hates AI flyers, but everyone loves live events. Right? Everyone I think is worth talking to feels that way. Well. Introverts are permitted. I am among you, introverts. Still worth it to go to some live events every now and again—community is important. Going outside is important. I tell my child this. Well. Sorry to hijack an Ekphrasis with some self-promo, but I didn’t design any of these flyers and think all of this stuff is cool.

Previous Entries: Punks | Nature and Abstraction | Old Phone Pictures | Sea Monsters | Werewolves | Underappreciated Nature | Grill Food | Lake Fish | Guitars | Herons | Haunted House | Ghost | Crabs | Original

ON THE ROAD CONCERT SERIES AT RIVERS & ROADS

a flyer for the On The Road live concert series at Rivers & Roads with Ester Avery Black of Routine Fuss B & The Shipwrecked Sailor August 20th at 7 p.m. 1259 W Devon Ave

This is tomorrow! Originally scheduled in July and postponed due to wildfire, Brendan and I are super stoked to be playing with Avery from Routine Fuss and Ester. We will play two songs off this record, but I will not tell you which ones.

WORDS // FRIENDS HOSTED BY SARA MATSON

a flyer for Words // Friends, an online reading series hosted by Sara Matson featuring reading readings by Mckendy Fils-Aimé Jothan Austin II Chris Corlew Bridget Gordon Madison McCartha recording live on Zoom Wednesday, August 26th 2026 7 p.m. CST / 8 pm EST free tickets to watch live at tinyurl.com/wordsfriendsummer

Absolutely thrilled to be a part of this, and flattered that Sara asked! Obviously I am a big fan of Mckendy and Bridget, and am excited to hear Jotham and Madison. I might read a couple new poems, too. You can reserve a spot on the Zoom call here at this link.

RIVERS AND READS AT RIVERS AND ROADS

a flyer for Rivers & Reads featuring Matthew Murrey, Donna Vorreyer, Adrian Sobol, Chris Corlew at 7 p.m. August 27 at Rivers & Roads Cafe 1259 W Devon Ave

Not a Lazy & Entitled reading, the café was just nice enough to ask! Matthew and I have been Bluesky mutuals for a minute, and it’ll be nice to meet him and Donna. The last time I saw Adrian, we were kayaking/paddleboarding on Lake Michigan together.

SQUEEZE IN THOSE BEACH DAYS HOMIES

a view of the Alder Planetarium and the south side of the downtown Chicago skyline, from the concrete walkway by Lake Michigan
credit: Wikimedia Commons, Jason Lee

Speaking of kayaking/paddleboarding. Only so many more weeks where you can take pictures like this without freezing wind whipping through your soul.

BACK TO SCHOOL

the ornate carved concrete entrance of West Pullman School
credit: Wikimedia Commons, Burnhamandroot

Much love to teachers, educational assistants, SECAs, front office workers, administrators, cafeteria workers, the security guard at my kid’s school (can’t vouch for other security guards), and of course, students. Learning is fun. Go have fun.

Sorry you got an email,

Chris

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