Two of the very best writers in the city—Rebecca Brown (novelist, essayist, and Stranger Genius Award haver) and Heather McHugh (poet, essayist, and Stranger Genius Award haver, to say nothing of her motherfuckin’ MacArthur)—are the special guests this month. They will not be reading anything aloud. Just like you, they will come with whatever they feel like reading and sit there in the most elegant room in the city and read quietly to themselves while waiters wait on everyone. The reading party drink special is a $4 manhattan. Kyle O’Quin will be playing classical piano from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., but if you want a good place to sit, you should get there right at 6:00. (Sorrento Hotel, Fireside Room, 900 Madison St, 622-6400, 6 pm, free, all ages)

Christopher Frizzelle was The Stranger's print editor, and first joined the staff in 2003. He was the editor-in-chief from 2007 to 2016, and edited the story by Eli Sanders that won a 2012 Pulitzer...