For the masses who do the city’s labor also keep the city’s heart.

—Nelson Algren

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?

Artist and writer Dmitry Samarov, the Beer Culture Center’s Liz Garibay, 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 conversation about the city today.

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

Hop Butcher for the World will have Algren-inspired beer to share, and limited edition handmade posters by Ethan D'Ercole will be available as well. 

Suggested donation of $5 - $20 per person. A $20 donation includes a poster.

The event at The Old Town Ale House continues a three-part series in partnership with Pocket Guide to Hell that traces the text and Algren’s life through three Chicago neighborhoods. The series begins on September 18 at Bernice’s Tavern and concludes on September 20 at The Hideout. Come for one or attend all three for the complete experience.