Illinois Humanities Presents A People’s Salon: Four Evenings of Curated Food, Performance, and Connection

From gauging the Climate to facing Fear, Illinois Humanities’ free series promises meaningful conversations accompanied by great meals.

CHICAGO, JULY 31, 2024 — Illinois Humanities presents its latest public conversation series: A People’s Salon. Over four evening programs hosted between August and November 2024 A People’s Salon will center pressing and timely themes and issues accompanied by a unique lineup of performances and a chef-forward menu provided by culinary studio TXA TXA Club.

Illinois Humanities Senior Director of Public Engagement Jane Beachy will serve as curator and will be joined by a new guest co-host at each event.

“The beauty of these ‘People’s Salons’ is that they create a way for us to gather and consider important questions and ideas in our lives in the company of people we might not otherwise encounter,” Beach said. “We’ll gather over a theme-centered meal from our friends at TXA TXA Club, share a glass of wine, and use the power of the humanities to explore–and start to create–the futures we want to see.” 

A People’s Salon will carry the spirit and evolution of the historical tradition of home-based salons at Haymarket House in Chicago’s Uptown Neighborhood, the community space that houses independent publisher Haymarket Books — both named after the 1886 Haymarket Riot and labor movement in Chicago. 

“A People’s Salon is a truly unique offering that speaks to the power of dialogue, engagement, and community,” Illinois Humanities’ Executive Director Gabrielle Lyon said. “Gathering in public–and creating and protecting space for public conversations–is one of the most important things Illinois Humanities can do–especially throughout this fall.”

Each salon will focus on a theme that addresses events and movements unfolding in the city and nation. The first event, THE CLIMATE on August 28, will take the temperature of our communities and city against the backdrop of the DNC, the unfolding of the 2024 national election, and the ongoing climate crisis. Illinois Humanities Board member, award-winning journalist, and broadcast veteran Sylvia Ewing will emcee the event alongside Beachy. Featured guests include Damon Williams and Daniel Kisslinger of Respair Media, Rachel Havrelock of the Freshwater Lab, and poet Timothy Rey.

Each salon will take place from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Haymarket House, 800 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60613. All events are free, but space is limited and RSVP is required. Lineups and special guests to be announced. The series will continue monthly through the fall:

• THE DREAM: A People’s Salon on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 will reflect on the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and what it means to be an American today.
• FEAR ITSELF: A People’s Salon on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 will present hope and courage in the face of understandably mounting anxieties about the state of the future.
• HOUSE & HOME: A People’s Salon on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 additional details coming soon. 

“Whether you have an appetite for a thoughtfully prepared shared meal or are hungry for engaging conversation, all are welcome. Bring a friend or come alone – either way, you will leave with new ideas and new connections,” said Beachy

Learn more about A People’s Salon at ILHumanities.org/Peoples-Salon.