Spelling Bee

“A mix of irony seekers and hardcore spelling nerds.”
- TimeOut New York -

“…the bar game of choice for self-proclaimed geeks and well-groomed lovers of logorrhea.”
- The Village Voice -

“…go for the cold drinks and the inevitable laughs derived from
watching a person who is tipsy try to spell trichotillomania.”
- The New York Times -

 

The Williamsburg Spelling Bee

The Williamsburg Spelling Bee is a real, cabaret-style, adults-only spelling bee that takes place every other Monday at Pete’s Candy Store in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn. Founded in September 2004, the bee has passed its fifth birthday, and over one hundred and fifty bees have been held.

The bee has received some good press, and has its own blog, located at http://www.williamsburgspellingbee.com.

As co-emcee, I have been reading the words at the bee and generally publicizing things since September 2004. Singer bobbyblue is the better half of this duo; he founded the bee in 2004, sings our original theme song, and has done an amazing job securing prizes from local businesses including Neighborhoodies, Lodge, Commune, and the Brooklyn Museum for contestants in the finals.

Photo by Brian Van

The Williamsburg Spelling Blog (with pictures!)

New Season 11 Dates (2010) (every other Monday, minus occasional holidays):
Feb 1 & 15
March 1, 15 & 29
April 12 & 26
May 10 & 24
June 7
F-I-N-A-L-S: June 21

Signup at 7pm, compete at 7:30
Free.  Bar tab and prizes for winners.
petescandystore.com / williamsburgspellingbee.com

Directions to Pete’s: Take the L train to the second stop in Brooklyn, Lorimer. Exit at the head of the train, and walk along Lorimer in the direction of the BQE. Pete’s is 1.5 blocks past the BQE, on your left. 709 Lorimer Street, between Frost and Richardson Streets. (718) 302-3770. (map)

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The spelling bee has been featured on NPR, in Time Out New York, and in these fine publications: