20×2 Chicago: Can You Explain?

Tonight, I had the chance to take the stage with 19 other Chicago creatives at 20×2, over at Gman Tavern. The question we all had to answer (in two minutes or less): Can You Explain?

Videos are coming soon of all the presenters. But for now, here are some photos from the night.

A view of the crowd, a bit before the show began.

Next to the stage, a small framed bit of embroidery that I’d missed. I’ve been here, standing in this spot a lot over the last year or two… and just noticed this. What’s it doing in the bar? What’s the story behind it?

I definitely need to ask around about this.

Me, giving a brief talk/rant about modern art.

Noah Ginex, getting ready to talk about puppets.

A really fun/interactive presentation by Gabrielle Lyon, on how to make great banana bread.

And on top of it all – she had sample to pass out to the crowd! Here, another presenter (Elizabeth Gomez) partakes.

I can’t tell you how much this epitomizes the 20×2 Chicago event. Really fun, really surprising, and you never know what to expect. One minute folks are watching a baking tutorial with flour being mixed on stage… and the next, everyone’s tasting some great banana bread with their beers.

Closing the show, Scott Lucas> of Local H performs.

There were a ton of great presenters tonight. And interestingly, I was reminded of a prior 20×2 event, given that several of the participants were/are favorites of mine.

Tonight, Keisha Howard, Juan Martinez, Elizabeth Gomez, and Edward Moses all performed. And it made me remember one of my all-time favorite 20×2 events, back when we were at the Hideout in 2017, answering the question How Does It Work?

Probably one of my all-time favorite events, ever.

After the show, Liz and I made a quick exit. We hadn’t eaten yet, and grabbed a late dinner over in Logan Square at Lula Cafe.

It’s been a hectic few days, since our trip to DC for the Marine Corp Marathon, to Halloween in Hyde Park, to now.

There’s been a series of big “events” for us, the last few weeks… and tonight was the last of them. It was fun to participate (as always), but a little bit of stress.

And as of now, it’s nice to be done with all of our events. Our dinner at Lula’s was a lovely, relaxing time. And for the first time in a long time, I think I might have actually felt relaxed.

Related:
Halloween in Hyde Park, 2024
Marine Corps Marathon 2024, Day 5: Race Day, Dinner at The Dubliner
Felix Jung, 20×2 Chicago: How Does It Work?