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Monday night at Weeds, 1555 N. Dayton, Chicago, IL
There is, currently, a very vibrant poetry/spoken word scene throughout Chicago; something for practically everyone. Venues range from churches to bars; from schools and libraries to stores and restaurants. There are even a few outdoor gatherings where poetry can be heard. Most readings maintain a respectful and urbane decorum, and the poets that participate will usually recite poetry reflective of the atmosphere in which they read. Their poems bespeak of unrequited love, childhood memories, personal observations, pets, religious beliefs and musical preferences, all delivered in a tone that is somewhat hushed, bordering on the quiet. Conflict is avoided and never a profane word is uttered. One might refer to these readings, the poets and the audiences they attract, as the “ivory tower” set; dignified and proper and reeking of erudition. And then there’s Weeds.
Every Monday night, oh, let’s say around 10pm, people come to a bar to bare their souls (among other things), pour out their emotions, exorcise demons and attempt to heal their damaged and wounded psyche. Others come to drink and read their poetry. This bar is Weeds, and it’s very convenient location is 1555 North Dayton Street, (on the corner of Weed and Dayton, to be specific) just a few steps south of the CTA’s North and Clybourn Red Line subway station (think North and Halsted). During a recent visit, I had a most pleasant chat with Gregorio Gomez who is, depending on who you talk to, the MC, the ringmaster, a phony bastard, an ignorant cuss or the Seventh Son of Lucifer. It’s Gomez’ hosting style (or lack of style) that has elicited this range of “affection.” And while his off-the-cuff comments, extemporaneous ad-libs and freewheeling banter may have rubbed some people the wrong way, it’s also the reason(s) many others keep coming back. When one considers the fact that Gomez has been hosting Monday night at Weeds since 1986, one could logically conclude he must be doing something that people find appealing, or at the very least, entertaining. (Either that or there are a lot of masochists out there.)
Gomez’ stint as a host began as a lark. The first time he showed up at Weeds, over 22 years ago, he came just to read his poetry. The regular host/MC, however, was absent on this particular night and those in attendance were reluctant to assume the duties. It was then that Sergio Mayora, the bartender and part owner of Weeds, took charge of the situation. Tiring of the “you do it, no, I don’t want to do it, you do it” back and forth between poets, Mayora pointed to Gomez and said, “You do it.” Thus, a host was born. It didn’t take long for Gomez to develop an affinity for hosting. “I like the showmanship. I was able to utilize my talent of gab. And it also gives me a lot of freedom to just spew ideologies; whatever came to my mind.” Gomez developed the “schtick” of giving nicknames to poets based upon their poems and reading persona and he also would interject his instant critique. Some poets appreciated it and had no qualms about being fodder for Gomez’ on-stage antics. Other poets, those of the thin-skinned variety, were not so receptive, hence the reason Gomez elicits strong condemnation from a few within literary circles. Gomez’ response ? “Hey, we’re in a bar.”
You never know what you will hear or see on a Monday night at Weeds. Poetry, from divine sonnets to raunchy tirades, most definitely, but that’s only a starting point. Past gatherings have had the distinction of prompting women to bare their breasts and men to expose their genitalia. Gunshots to the floor have also been employed as an attention getting device, all done in the name of verse. Obviously, this is not a venue for the meek, but everyone is welcome and invited. As a matter of fact, I would suggest a visit to Weeds for those who claim they don’t like poetry, just as I would suggest taking in a game at Wrigley Field for those who don’t like, or know nothing about baseball. (It’s all about the atmosphere, baby.) Monday night at Weeds is interactive; equal parts poetry reading, theatre and town hall meeting and we have their stellar host, Gregorio Gomez to thank, or blame, for that.
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