SFA | 2008 Events | Camp Chicago

Follow blues scholar Scott Barretta along Highway 61. Dish Chicago culinary history with Bruce Kraig, the Horace of hot dogs. Feast at West Town Tavern as Susan Goss pays homage to Edna Stewart and other old guard Chicago soul cooks. Take a bite out of a Mother-In-Law. Get the blues with Jimmy Burns at The Hideout. Shop the Maxwell Street Market. Wolf a catfish sandwich. Get in the swim at an aquarium barbecue pit. And more. Lots more.

Registration is just $85, and includes Saturday morning presentations, lunch at West Town Tavern, and catfish-n-blues at The Hideout on Saturday night. Plus you’ll get our handy Chicago Survival Guide, to aid as you choose-your-own-adventures in your spare time. Transportation and lodging are your own additional expenses, but don’t worry: we’ve secured a downtown block of rooms at a special rate ($179/night) for confirmed attendees. No tents needed at this camp!

For an additional fee, guests have the option of going on a Chicago X’Cursion. These mini-tours, guided by local folks who know their city best, will showcase the South in Chicago (Up South) and still get you to lunch on time.

Southside BBQ – Sample ‘cue with SFA members Elizabeth Karmel, a North Carolina native turned long-time Chicagoan, and Charla Draper, a Chicago native now residing in Alabama. Check out Lem’s ribs and Harold’s chicken wings before chancing to win some sweets at our carnival cakewalk. Transportation provided. ($55).
Chicago Bourbon – Chuck Cowdery, author of Bourbon, Straight, will be your guide to the taste of Kentucky in Illinois. Toast the connections between the South and Chicago’s entrepreneurial wealth with pours by Mike Miller at Delilah’s. Transportation’s up to you, but the El will get you there. ($55)
Mother-in-Law Sandwiches – Hike through Chicago with LTH forum leader (and mouse geneticist) Peter Engler, in search of M.I.L.’s – think tamales in a hot dog bun. Visit a tamale factory, and learn how these Delta treats arrived to the Windy City. Transportation provided. ($45)
Soul Food – Donna Pierce, writer and editor at The Chicago Tribune and former SFA board member, will lead you to Edna’s Soul Food for a plate full of Chicago’s civil rights history, as well as a few delicious bites of macaroni and cheese. Transportation’s your own, but the bus will take you straight there. ($45)

Download a registration form here in .pdf format. Fax it back soon to 888-870-8896, as SFA events sell out quickly and early registration is encouraged. Please do not use a cover sheet.