NYK Event 2: German Beer festivities

Maifest Chicago was a fun experience. The hard part was figuring out how to put 3 days into a page. When I was there I talked to the man in charge, the President of Maifest Joe Matuschka. When I told him I wanted to interview him the first thing he asked was, “Do you want a beer?”

The Maypole dance. Photo by Becky Neems
The Maypole dance. Photo by Becky Neems

I talked to some spectators on the days I was there and most of them told me they were from around Lincoln Square, where it was held or heard of it from a friend.

Of course I tried the beer. Some of it was a little bitter, but it was mostly light-tasting draft. I also tried some of the German food. It was very rich and was mostly either meat or bread. Deadly but delicious.

The musical performances were fun with German anthems and drinking songs like Sweet Caroline. There were also people dressed in German garb and holding their pints.

On Sunday there were different German cultural dances like the Maypole dance as well as American entertainment like the Jesse White Tumblers.

Overall it was a fun experience. I just wish I could have had the beer for free.

The festivities are over, and so is the writing of my article. I’m glad I attended, and I may go next year just as a spectator.

Bitchin’ Purge, No really that’s what it’s called! Now You Know Events Event 1

On Sunday during the lovely Memorial Day weekend I was able to report on my first story for nowyouknowevents.com. The website is a blog that is dedicated to events that are happening in the city of Chicago. It’s a blog that consists of a calendar as well as brief descriptions before the events and an event recap.

My event was called Bitchin’ Purge 3: Battle of the Sexes Tournament featuring comedian Megan Gailey of the podcast Naked Sports Live and the TBS pilot “Sick Day.” It took place in Wicker Park on Division at Jerry’s Sandwiches. Coincidentally enough, my second cousins own the restaurant. They always have live jazz, comedians, standup and other live entertainment in their stage room.

The event was a lot of fun and had a relaxed atmosphere. Everyone was bashing bad customers they’ve had while drinking a pint.

I also looked into the Naked Sports Live podcast and Megan is super funny! I don’t have a keen interest in sports but she definitely maintained my interest!

Steve Shields and Emily Drews Westfall hosting the show
Steve Shields and Emily Drews Westfall hosting the show

Steve Shields, the guy who thought of the Bitchin’ Purge has dealt with many a unpleasant customers. He said 95 percent of customers are great, though five percent not so much…

He started making a documentary three years ago about the service industry and ironically enough, no one wanted to be on camera! I guess not everyone is like me. I’d pounce on an opportunity to be on camera.

Anyway, he decided to have a story-telling comedy slam to let the servers’ voices be heard. The event was hilarious yet disturbing at times. Steve’s brother talked about the terrible old days at RainForest Cafe while a woman Lindsay talked about how she had a stalker at one of the bars where she works.

Having Never been a part of the service industry, I learned a lot and it was eyeopening to hear what these people had to say. Moral of the story: Tip more!!