STORY JAM FAQ

WHAT IS STORY JAM?

It's a flippin' blast of a show! Story Jam combines personal story with original songs written for each story, played by a smokinhot ten-piece band. Some stories are kinda serious; many are hilarious. Music is played throughout the night, and there are often surprise performances and other fun moments. It's pretty darn entertaining, if I may say so!

WHO ARE THE PERFORMERS?

The storytellers are mostly fantastic local performers recruited from the Chicago storytelling scene. Many of them are Moth Slam/Grand Slam winners. Each Story Jam aims for a diverse line-up of interesting, talented people. Sometimes we simply find folks who *should* be on stage, regardless of awards and experience.



WHAT ARE THE "PERSONALIZED SONGS?"

The stories are sent to me ahead of time before each show. I draw out some of the highlights from the stories, and turn them into tunes! The band learns them ahead of time, and rehearses the day of the show.

HOW/WHY DID YOU START STORY JAM?

Stories cross cultural-racial-social-identity lines, increase our humanity, and unite people! This show was born out of a love for personal story, The Moth, live lit, and of course, music! Story Jam started with just a few shows about three or four years ago, and it has become a regular, pretty-much-monthly thing. I particularly love the challenge of writing six or seven new songs for every show, and I love gathering up a group of diverse, fascinating people to create a unique live experience. With tellers and musicians, there are around 20 performers at every show, which creates a lot of great energy!



WHEN IS THE NEXT SHOW?

Check out the website for upcoming shows.

DO YOU HAVE ANY UPCOMING PLANS?

We are currently producing a CD series of some of our favorite stories and their songs (the first cd will be released before 2020!); and we are broadening our scope with additional new venues. We are also tying to recruit a few "celebrity" tellers.

HOW LONG DOES THE SHOW RUN?

About two hours, with one intermission, and plenty of chances to take breaks, grab snacks or a drink, and even dance some!



FOR MORE INFO: http://www.storyjamshow.com