Guild Literary Complex

❗️Join us for BrooksDay at the American Writers Festival, in partnership with Brooks Permissions.

The Guild Literary Complex’s annual celebration of Gwendolyn Brooks is held every year on her birthday, June 7th. BrooksDay honors her legacy as an artist and an iconic figure of generosity and civic conscience in Chicago and the nation.

Sunday, June 7th / 3:30PM
📍 Harold Washington Library Center
400 South State Street
Third Floor Stage

🔗 in our bio for more information.

🔥2 weeks away! .mag is having another Show & Tell at in Avondale/Logan Square!

Come by and SHOW a keepsake that’s dear to you, a favorite bit of junk, or a cute knick knack. TELL a story about your artifact and its meaning, a new poem, or some speculative fiction you’ve been working on.

The evening will begin with an open mic and archiving session, followed by a presentation from a past (and/or future) contributor.

Attendees are encouraged to bring ephemera and memorabilia that they would like scanned/archived for inclusion in the magazine’s upcoming issue.

🔗 RSVP ➡️ link in our bio.

🔥Check out keyboard player David Blair II at our Musicality of Poetry: Nikki Patin special event TONIGHT!

Thursday, May 14th at 7PM
Epiphany Center for the Arts
📍201 S. Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL

🔗Register: guildcomplex.org/event/musicality-of-poetry

DAVID BLAIR II is a singer, songwriter, and musician, creating thought-provoking, “celestial soul.” Inspired by Frank Ocean, Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder, his music blends soulful storytelling, alternative R&B, and gospel influence into a sound that is both intimate and uplifting. He has shared stages with artists including Jamila Woods, Mannaseh, and Michael Damani. David’s artistry is deeply rooted in faith, honesty, and emotional connection.

🔥Check out guitarist Marcus Darling at our Musicality of Poetry: Nikki Patin special event TOMORROW!

Thursday, May 14th at 7PM
Epiphany Center for the Arts
📍201 S. Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL

🔗RSVP: guildcomplex.org/event/musicality-of-poetry

MARCUS DARLING (b. 1989) is a genre-defying, multi-hyphenated soulfully relentless artist who fuses revolutionary rock with a DIY lofi aesthetic. Their sound—a self-described “black-folk music”—blends electronic soul, R&B, psychedelic rock, jazz, and folk into something both intimate and expansive; R&Beyond. Known for their collaborations with Manesseh and ABOLISHVICTORY!, a band with a politically charged style, Marcus Darling captivates audiences with what they call “mystical and empathetic presence.” Their music balances nostalgic grooves with modern experimentation, creating a quirky, cerebral sound that resonates deeply.

🔥Check out percussionist Hasani Cannon at our Musicality of Poetry: Nikki Patin special event TOMORROW!

Thursday, May 14th at 7PM
Epiphany Center for the Arts
📍201 S. Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL

🔗RSVP: guildcomplex.org/event/musicality-of-poetry

HASANI CANNON was born and raised in Oak Park IL, and has been developing his artist skills since the tender age of 5. In 2022, he received his BFA in visual arts at University of Illinois in Springfield and is currently based in Oak Park IL. During his highschool career, Hasani was a finalist in Congressman Danny Davis Art Competition, he was a featured Artist for the OPRFHS Art Gallery and he worked each summer since sophomore year with the Oak Park Arts Council Off The Wall project, even contributing to the Black Lives Matter mural in the summer of 2020. He had his first solo show in 2021 at Forest Park National Bank and took part in the Biennial Terrain show of 2021 along with several shows in the UIS Access gallery and in Chicago.

He is generally interested in the African diaspora, especially in the visual iconography and its evolution over time. His preferred medium is mixed media which includes the use of colored pencil, permanent marker, recyclable materials, and fabric.

Hasani is also a musician and a dancer being a drummer for Chicago based dance company Najwa Dance Corp along with drumming in Chicago band Family Junket. He is also a member of the Studiofreelove art collective since 2023. During his undergraduate college career, he was heavily involved and a student leader of the Art Student League, Afrobeat Dance Crew, and African Student Association. You can follow his instagram to follow his artistic endeavors.

🔥Check out Dhe-Di Beats Willoughby (DJ) at our Musicality of Poetry: Nikki Patin special event THIS THURSDAY!

Thursday, May 14th at 7PM
Epiphany Center for the Arts
📍201 S. Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL

🔗RSVP: guildcomplex.org/event/musicality-of-poetry

DHE-DI BEATS is a Chicago-based DJ known for blending soulful house, deep grooves, and high-energy mixes that keep dance floors moving. With a style that’s equal parts sexy, soulful, and unapologetically bold, Dhe-Di Beats brings a unique vibe to every set — from downtown lunchtime mixes to late-night events. Beyond DJing, she’s also a creative force in fashion, beauty, and visual storytelling, building a brand that celebrates confidence, rhythm, and individuality.