January 2024 marked the fourth anniversary of the Thirsty Word series, presenting a reading of original works by a rotating mix of creative writers from all around the region every third Thursday of the month.
And, drumroll please, the series will begin the new season at a new venue: Cafe Paradiso, located at 101 N. Main Street on the Fairfield square.
Dubbed long ago as “Fairfield’s living room,” and widely known for its awesome acoustics and chill vibe, Cafe Paradiso will make a great host for the series through April, until the weather warms and the event shifts outdoors again to Petra Park for the summer.
Series curator and host Meredith Siemsen is thrilled to continue the Thirsty Word in a space that was designed as a listening room—because the Thirsty Word is all about hearing and being heard.
“Cafe Paradiso is a venue that’s got everything we want and need,” says Siemsen, “Great sound and lighting, an inviting ambience, and awesome drinks. In addition to an entertaining and varied listening experience, I’ve always felt strongly about providing the audience something pleasing with which to wet their whistles! We are called the Thirsty Word, after all.”
The series is committed to providing writers of every kind and caliber—from published authors to new playrights to hobby poets—a space, and an audience, for taking their new creative work for a spin.
The next Thirsty Word reading is on Thursday, February 15, 7:30–9:00 p.m., at Cafe Paradiso. Hear work by Katherine Eid Wilde, John Rainey, Steve Burns, Josie Overmyer, Judy Stephens, Craig Deininger, Meredith Siemsen, and Sasha Luse.
There is a $5 suggested donation. Please arrive early to order a toasty-hot bev or a cold brew from the tap—and raise a glass as this literary event celebrates four years.
Interested writers can submit their work to Meredith at sourceoffice@lisco.com.