Events - Month View

Michael Morisy, Founder & Chief Executive of MuckRock, will interview veteran journalist Miranda Spivack, who spent 20 years as an award-winning editor and reporter for the Washington Post, about her book Backroom Deals in Our Backyards at 7 p.m. on July 8. Backroom Deals in Our Backyards tells the story of five people from across the United States who started questioning why their local and state governments didn’t protect them from issues facing their communities and why there was a frightening lack of transparency surrounding the way these issues were resolved. The secret deals, lies, and corruption they uncover shake their faith in government but move them to action. Books will be available for purchase from Head House Books. RSVP is not required but it‘s appreciated.

Pipe club

All are welcome to "At Rise," a night of play readings. The way it works is: Members of the Philadelphia Dramatists‘ Center submit scripts which receive table readings at "At Rise . . ." after which they are discussed and critiqued by the attendees. These scripts can be submitted to Larry Beck (darkryder5@comcast.net) beforehand or brought in on the evening of, although previously-submitted scripts are given priority. They are usually sketches, one-acts or excerpts of full-length works in progress. The actor/readers who perform these pieces are sometimes chosen by the playwrights themselves, sometimes recruited by Larry or just chosen from whoever shows up. The event starts at 7pm and generally runs until 9pm or 9:15pm. Light food and refreshments will be provided and drinks (alcohol and non-alcohol) are available at the bar. The atmosphere is informal, the discussions, though structured, are freewheeling and spirited.

This open mic, hosted by Noemi Fuentes, is for creative people who want to be expressive through an any forms of writing: a comedic relief, a sad verse to a spoken word. This is a safe space to talk about struggles or share your thoughts or artistic literature (poems, spoken word, etc.) or funny moments. Sign up to read in advance by messaging emicanread on Instagram, or just show up for the open mic! This event is open to the public.

Join us for a laid-back night of comedy, storytelling, and writing games. Hosted by multi-city Grand Slam winner and Moth Radio Hour voice Juliet Wayne, this is your chance to grab the mic, share something true (or hilarious), and hear from some of Philly‘s sharpest voices. Sign-ups at 7 p.m. Come for storytelling, writing, and comedy!

Our monthly live, in-person Quizo tournament. Play solo or in a team. The winning team receives a $50 P&P bar credit.

Are you curious about the Pen and Pencil Club? Miss your old cubicle neighbor? Want to meet other journalists in the city? Come hang out with friends and your current, former or future colleagues at this inaugural session of our new monthly happy hour. Join us for karaoke starting at 9pm.

Join outlaw journalist and novelist Steve Corbett on Friday, July 25 at 7 p.m. for a reading and discussion about his latest novel Paddy’s Day in Trump Town Revisited, a reality-based saga of darkly comic yet savage hard coal country politics, fierce loyalty to Donald Trump and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Irish American bigotry run amok.

Join the Pen and Pencil Book Club! Our first book will be A Prayer for the City, a book about Ed Rendell‘s first term as mayor written by Pulitzer Prize winner Buzz Bissinger, who is in part known for his book Friday Night Lights -- among many other things. Bissinger had what the New York Times called in 1998 "extraordinary access to report the inside story of big-city politics in Philadelphia" granted by Rendell, who was previously a Philly District Attorney and later became governor. Join board member Aliya Schneider to discuss this Philly required-reading on Tuesday, July 29 at 7 p.m. The book is 448 pages, and this is a discussion meant for people who read the book, so hit up your local bookstore or dust off your Kindle and start reading. Please email aliyaschneider@gmail.com or RSVP here if you plan to attend. This book is the perfect way to learn about how Philly’s political past brought us to today’s news of the DC33 strike. The book is the result of journalist Buzz Bissinger’s incredible access to Ed Rendell’s first mayoral term, and it gives an inside look into his negotiations with DC33, which is crucial to understanding how DC33 got to where it is today. As reported by Sean Walsh, the P&P Treasurer, in his coverage of the strike for The Philadelphia Inquirer: “The concessions Rendell won from DC 33 and other municipal unions amid the city’s early ’90s fiscal crisis are a key part of his frequently celebrated legacy as mayor. But among most DC 33 members and leaders, it was one of the darkest chapters in the union’s history.” Walsh also reported that David Cohen – whose role as Rendell’s chief of staff is documented in the book – said Mayor Cherelle Parker and Council President Kenyatta Johnson have both talked to him about wanting to emulate the relationship Rendell had with then-Council President John F. Street.

An evening of comedy and laughs with some of Philadelphia‘s most poular up and coming comedians. Hosted by Sayburm/Saybeast, as seen on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. $15 cover, no drink minimum!

Sayburm is a Philly-based viral social media personality, content creator, and sketch comedian. He has over 430,000 followers across platforms on Instagram @sayburm and TikTok where he is known as @saybeast. You might recognize him as "the Philly guy" or "the Delco kid." Sayburm’s early content poked fun at the Philadelphia area, New Jersey, and New York City growing his audience on the east coast. He has now blown up into a national presence drawing viewers across the country. Come see Sayburm/Saybeast host a fun evening of comedy! "Say Somethin‘ Funny" will feature some of Philly‘s most popular up and coming comics, including Chris Aileo.

Grab your tickets today to join the fun at the Pen and Pencil Club on Wednesday July 30th at 7pm. Meet and greet with comics to follow the show.