Story Slam
Monday, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell
Doors open at 6:30; live music and a cash bar precede the event at 7 p.m.
Information: 770-594-6232, www.roswellgov.com
Admission: $10 at the door; $5 with the donation of a children’s book
There’s something magical about speakers who can weave a good story. Not only can they enchant an audience; they also create a unique community connection. That’s the ultimate goal of Story Slam, a new event held on the third Monday of the month at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center.
The storytelling evening that spotlights 10 participants sharing their true-life anecdotes is the brainchild of the center’s Sarah Chandler, who wants to capitalize on the popularity of a concept that’s already found a following in other parts of metro Atlanta.
“We offer a place for people to connect,” she said. “I was really happy with the audience that showed up for the first Slam in June. There were people from 25 to 85 of all different ethnic backgrounds - and that’s not always something you see in parts of the metro area or Roswell. It made me hopeful that we can bring a diverse community together to share.”
About 45 folks showed up for the inaugural event, and Chandler expects more will participate July 21 when the second session starts at 7 p.m. Those who want to tell a story based on the theme of “freedom” can put their names in a hat before the show and hope to be randomly selected to stand up on stage.
“We also had people put their name in to judge the stories,” said Chandler. “But everyone was talking about the stories; there were people asking questions to others across the hall and talking to the people on stage. It was great.”
Becky Nelson, a Roswell resident and an account executive with Appen Media Group, was drafted to be the show’s June host, even though she’d never heard of a storytelling evening aimed at adults.
“I had attended plenty of poetry slams, but when I found out about this, I thought it would be fun, especially since the stories have to be true,” she said. “They give a glimpse into a person’s real life; it’s a cool concept.”
Along with keeping the score, Nelson was recruited to open the show with her own story.
“I love public speaking, I’m great on stage and I’m a fast thinker,” said Nelson. “But it was a very intimidating at first. I’m very proud of the 10 people who allowed themselves to be guinea pigs for the first event.”
Working off the theme of a “first,” Nelson entertained the crowd with tales of her first kiss (in kindergarten), her first “real” kiss (in middle school) and her first French kiss (in high school).
“It had a happy ending, since I found my soul mate, and the kisses were great,” she said with a laugh. “I had a great time and managed to come in under the 5-minute limit. I’m definitely going to put my name in the hat to tell a story at the next one.”
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