StorySlam Recap | “Good” Music

“This is the rhythm of the niiiight! Of the night! Oh yeah!” – Corona

Greeted by smiling faces and a fire playlist, as soon as I stepped foot into Arts@Large, I knew it would be a great slam. The stories at December’s “Good Music” StorySlam left my belly aching and my toes tapping as I laughed and danced in my seat all night!

The evening began with the grace and opulence of the fabulous emcee, Alexis Outlaw. Dawning a hot pink faux fur coat, Alexis didn’t skimp on the charm as she sashayed across the stage, setting the tone for each teller to come. Storyteller Wrangler Elaine had her hands full all night as the hat seemed to overflow with names. While there just wasn’t enough time to hear from everyone, the selected tellers did not disappoint.

Barbara shared a moving story of how music saved her. Anja told how she saved music. Like literally. Anja rescued an organ from being destroyed.

Carolyn brought the house down and was voted audience favorite for her story of making sweet music with her and her husband’s matching sleep apnea machines.

Jen H, who opened the night, Wayne, and Leia, all shared kind and funny stories of special connections with loved ones while Meg, Craig, and Peter made new friends through music.

Meg

Meg was given more than the gift of friendship after meeting Joann at a concert. After being called onstage to sing Cruisin’ with the King of Motown, #1 crooner himself, Smokey Robinson, Joann left all her personal belongings in her seat. While Meg wasn’t chosen for that special moment, she was able to go backstage! To return Joann’s belongings, that is.

Craig, or as his friends call him, Sparky the Apostle, told how he took his singing career to new heights when he scored the (non)lead role in his high school’s production of Jesus Christ SuperStar. Craig’s self-described mediocre singing voice made room for him to explore music through theater and inspire his children to do the same.

Peter was almost always the new kid at school. After moving yet again, Pete’s dad gave him the gift of 50 free copies of the Beatles’ (yes, those Beatles) album Abbey Road… four months before it came out! He had no problem making friends that time around.

The audience got in on the “Good Music” stories with UltraShorts.

Shaqita M wrote, “My dad woke me and my siblings up to Fantasia’s When I See You early in the mornings. Now at age 27, me and my siblings use that song to honor my dad <3”

Anonymous wrote, “In spite of being born deaf, I’ve always loved music. But for the first 10 years of my life I thought singing/music was the art of gibberish. I loved that people made beautiful weird sounds with their voices. It wasn’t until I was “performing” for my sister’s friends that I realized they were singing words!”

Marissa wrote, “Does your brain ever just think… OH OH OH O’REILLY’S auto parts”

(And now we’ve all got this stuck in our heads, haha!)

Since it is quite cold outside while I write this, I can honestly say this StorySlam really warms my spirit. HUGE thanks to everyone who made the evening special: volunteers, staff, sponsors, Arts@Large, members, audience – all of yah! I hope to catch you at the next one!