the Williamsburg Spelling Bee nears climax

The Williamsburg Spelling Bee last night was utterly fabulous, and won by newcomer Maria Luisa. Bobbyblue performed a shorter, punchier version of the spelling bee theme song (which he and I co-wrote a few bees ago), Block Magazine was in attendance as research for an article about the bee, bobby was wearing his spelling bee neighborhoodie, and a photographer was on hand to photograph all the contestants.

The theme of the evening was "short words are harder!" Contestants struck out on challenges such as "taiga" and "imago."

Bobby has done an amazing job of getting sponsors for the April 11 finals, including the Brooklyn Museum and ReadyMade Magazine. Also on hand last night was benjones from the Jigsaw Gallery, who kicked in a $25 gift certificate as a finals prize. The love just keeps coming.

I received an unusual number of compliments last night on my emceeing skills. I'm not sure what was different last night; I think it may have been a somewhat kinder, gentler Jen. Or else a crowd made up entirely of people I could totally date ;)

Best icebreaker answer of the night:
Q: "What flavor of Bubblicious gum doesn't exist but should?"
A: "Ham."

There is one more spelling bee before the finals:

March 28
7:30-9:00pm
Pete's Candy Store, 709 Lorimer St.

Also put April 11, 7:30 to whenever, on your calendar -- the finals will run longer, til 10pm, and then there'll be an afterparty up front in the bar. Still working on, um, spelling-themed drink specials.