Last week's MLK Day show at SPACE in Evanston was yet another sold out lovefest! This is our fourth MLK Day celebration and I am very thankful for the opportunity and for the audience who came out in the below zeroes. 

This year, we called it "Stories for Peace" because there is much turmoil in the world and our community is very sensitive, in particular, to what is happening in the Middle East. Of course, one entertainment show can't solve much in terms of global policy, but we can be together in community and share our experiences, listen, and create something that is mentally and emotionally uplifting.

Storytellers Binkey Tolefree, Maggie Cain, David Barish, Margaret Burk, Aisha Jumah, and Mama Edie Armstrong brought the house down and made us laugh and cry with their true, personal tales about family, identity, heroes, discoveries, connections, social justice, marching with Dr. King, the privileges and challenges of health care, and more.

Singers and songwriters Toni DiDonato, Devin Thompson, Kari Nelson, and Jen Zias shared their stunning talents in response to the stories and in tribute to peace. The band—comprised of John Bowes (sax), Fred Simon (piano), Chuck Lacy (drums), Lamar Jones (bass), and Dave Hiltebrand (guitar)—was outstanding!

There was a beautiful video highlighting global peacemaker luminaries, created by Nicole Pamphilis, as Kari Nelson and Jen Zias shared their gorgeous song, "Look Around," which featured interwoven Dr. King speeches. A highlight!

Our gracious friend Anne Heaton joined us on Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, a heartfelt tribute to the music community's recent loss of singer Ingrid Graudins.

Finally, music marvel Xoe Wise sang impromptu songs for three stories (by Maggie Cain, David Barish, and Aisha Jumah) who each managed to artfully tell compelling, shocking, funny, and moving stories in under three minutes! It's even harder to craft a shorter story and they were excellent, hilarious, and well told.

As the producer of STORY JAM, I am, of course, deeply biased about this show, but I am very, very proud to be a part of it and to present this annual celebration. I am also very lucky to be surrounded by such phenomenal talent, and by people who are willing to share their hearts and souls with a group of strangers.

These photos are by the very talented Brandon Birdi. For more photos and videos coming soon, please visit us on FB.

Thanks to all who were there!