The Poetry Brothel Chicago: Blooming Ballads

Sun Apr 13 2025 at 07:00 pm to 10:00 pm UTC-05:00

Ghost Donkey - River North | Chicago

The Poetry Society of New York
Publisher/HostThe Poetry Society of New York
The Poetry Brothel Chicago: Blooming Ballads An immersive literary cabaret with private poetry readings, tarot readings, burlesque, vaudeville, and more...
About this Event

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

This Spring, 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: [email protected]

Please see our FAQs for answers to common questions.

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

Event Venue

Ghost Donkey - River North, 415 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, United States

Tickets

USD 7.18 to USD 75.00

Sharing is Caring:

More Events in Chicago

Lord of The Rings & The Hobbit In Concert
Sun, 13 Apr, 2025 at 06:00 pm Lord of The Rings & The Hobbit In Concert

Harris Theater

Pink Floyd's The Wall - Tribute
Sun, 13 Apr, 2025 at 06:00 pm Pink Floyd's The Wall - Tribute

Harris Theater

"There Were Signs" By Liz Allen
Sun, 13 Apr, 2025 at 06:30 pm "There Were Signs" By Liz Allen

Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro

El Mato a un Policia Motorizado
Sun, 13 Apr, 2025 El Mato a un Policia Motorizado

Outset

The Linda Lindas in Chicago
Sun, 13 Apr, 2025 at 06:30 pm The Linda Lindas in Chicago

Metro Chicago

\u00c9l mat\u00f3 a un Polic\u00eda motorizado
Sun, 13 Apr, 2025 at 06:30 pm Él mató a un Policía motorizado

Outset

TDONTD Presents: As You Like It
Sun, 13 Apr, 2025 at 07:00 pm TDONTD Presents: As You Like It

My Buddy's

Full Moon Bunny Yoga
Sun, 13 Apr, 2025 at 07:15 pm Full Moon Bunny Yoga

Cuddle Bunny - Club, Care & Community

Mount Eerie with Hana Stretton at Thalia Hall
Sun, 13 Apr, 2025 at 07:30 pm Mount Eerie with Hana Stretton at Thalia Hall

Thalia Hall

Mount Eerie, Hana Stretton in Chicago
Sun, 13 Apr, 2025 at 07:30 pm Mount Eerie, Hana Stretton in Chicago

Thalia Hall

Boleros de Noche featuring Tres Souls & Tr\u00edo Remembranza
Sun, 13 Apr, 2025 at 07:30 pm Boleros de Noche featuring Tres Souls & Trío Remembranza

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Chris Greene Quartet
Sun, 13 Apr, 2025 at 07:30 pm Chris Greene Quartet

Epiphany Center for the Arts

Chicago is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Chicago Events