Uptown Legend Celebrated

Nelson Algren, author of such Chicago fiction classics as “The Man With The Golden Arm” and “Never Come Morning,” resided briefly in Uptown sometime during the 1950s and was a habitué of the “oldest established permanent floating crap game” (actually card games frequented by local cops and characters; thanks, Frank Loesser!).  His 101st birthday will be celebrated at St. Paul’s Church, 2215 W. North Ave., Saturday 3/27 from 7:30 – 11pm with refreshments, music and performances, including an appearance by legendary photographer Art Shay. The annual “Nelson Algren Awards” (not the Trib’s fiction honors) will be given to musician Erwin Helfer and filmmaker “The Other” James Bond.

Admission $10; $7 for students/seniors, but as Nelson always said, “If you’re a little short, come anyway!”  Sponsored by the Nelson Algren Memorial Committee.