Mr. Bear's Violet Hour

Mr. Bear cordially invites you to feast on stories from THE PREDATORY ANIMAL BALL by Jennifer Fliss against a background symphony by Sugar Whiskey. Catering provided by Miss Mousie’s Apothekarium; plus, take home an oracle to ring in the new year! RSVP not required.

Mr. Bear welcomes the winter solstice and closes out the year with a Nordic fairy tale, music by Sugar Whiskey, and a visit to Miss Mousie’s Apothekarium, where your favorite hand-drawn, two-dimensional rodent studying herbalism shares her "recipe" for cranberry sauce and more!

Mr. Bear reads from Clio Velentza’s dark and shimmering debut novel THE PIANO ROOM and other beautifully unsettling work. Featuring the bewitching music of Cookie Tongue (and a mini-interview!) to hypnotize your ears. Plus a visit to Miss Mousie’s Apothekarium for some bitter truths and a new oracle for the new moon.

Mr. Bear reads about the winter ways of animals from the 1922 account WATCHED BY WILD ANIMALS by Enos A. Mills. Featuring the activities of chipmunks, beavers, deer, wolves, mountain lions, mice, and more, social commentary, and a musical exhortation to look at the moon. Plus, Miss Mousie’s go-to warming broth, a Sweet Valley Oracle for the listener, and some shout-outs!

Mr. Bear reads from Beth Gilstrap’s achingly beautiful DEADHEADING & OTHER STORIES. Also featuring (once again!) the enchanting music of Gabrielle Griffis and introducing a new Sweet Valley Oracle, plus a visit to Miss Mousie’s Apothekarium complete with hawthorn berries.

Mr. Bear reads from Leah Angstman’s thrilling historical novel OUT FRONT THE FOLLOWING SEA, an epic tale of a woman accused of witchcraft and her brutal fight for survival. Featuring music by the Wisconsin duo Spare Animals, complete with werewolves and vampires, oh my! Plus, Miss Mousie goes acorn hunting.

Mr. Bear reads the inspiring work of Micaela Arenas, a 15-year-old writer and activist. Whether a poem on borders, a speech on building bridges, or a book about the power of story and imagination, her writing conveys the infinite potential of words. Also featuring a trip to Miss Mousie’s Apothekarium, where you’ll get an earful on onion tricks, garlic oil, and ground ivy!

Mr. Bear reads the psychologically penetrating work of Mileva Anastasiadou, stories aching and redolent in their probe of the human condition. From a child struggling to be seen to a grown woman losing her words to a family playing games in an uncertain world, these pieces blend soma and psyche, fear and hope, love and grief. Plus, singer-songwriter Tammy Peacy will crack open your heart with her lyrics and mini-interview. And what do botanical perfume, goat beards, and Manhattans have in common? Take a trip to Miss Mousie’s Apothekarium and find out!

Mr. Bear reads the riveting work of Cathy Ulrich—dark, poetic gems featuring murdered mermaids, girl detectives, astronauts, and more. Each tiny story is part of a glittering, infinite, kaleidoscopic whole that will make your heart spin. (You can buy her book GHOSTS OF YOU from Okay Donkey!) In the musical spotlight are the “alternative frantic angular indie punk solo bass compositions” of Puppet Midnight (along with a mini-interview!). Plus, Miss Mousie has the scoop on poop, or rather, not pooping.

Mr. Bear reads from Sudha Balagopal’s poignant novella-in-flash from Ad Hoc Fiction, THINGS I CAN’T TELL AMMA. Interconnected pieces illustrate the challenges of navigating a new culture, managing relationships and expectations, finding love, and remaining true to one’s self. Featuring found sound experiments, plus Miss Mousie talks about breath, sleep, the National Capital Puppetry Guild, linden, and more!