I am so lucky to have been tapped by Abby Lublin, the person who is really at the forefront of the community building storytelling movement in the Capital District right now, to take over hosting duties at the Olde English Pub in Albany. This will be my third time in the role, and I’m really starting to hit my stride. I’d love for you to come out and share a story on this month’s theme, “Oops.” Or, if you’re not into standing in front of a mic, we always welcome an audience that enjoys listening, laughing, crying, and having a good time. I hope to see you there next Monday! I think you’ll be surprised at how much fun you’ll have.

Last month I wrote about the Front Parlor Storytelling Night at The Ale House on River Street in Troy. I had such an awesome experience that I decided to get a similar storytelling evening setup in Saratoga Springs. I have lived here for 7 years now, and in that time I have been yearning for the kind of community feeling I got when I was in Troy. With some good pointers and a lot of encouragement from Abby Lublin, Front Parlor’s creator and reigning emcee, I set out to make this happen in my city. Luckily, I believe that I’ve found the perfect space in Virgil’s House on Henry Street downtown (next door to Scallions and behind The Parting Glass). This unique coffee house that serves more than just coffee will be exactly the intimate type of venue that I was looking for. So, I hope you’re able to set aside some time to stop by and listen to and/or share a story with us, and bring your friends!

This month’s storytelling theme is: Firsts (interpret as you will)

While you’re at make sure you say hi to me. I’ll be the big guy up front.

When: Monday, September 19th, from 7:00-9:00pm

Where: Virgil’s House, 86 Henry St., Saratoga Springs

How does this work??
10(+) Storytellers.
5-minute stories.
No notes or paper.
No props.
Narrative non-fiction. (True stories)
Come listen! If you want to tell a story, throw your name in the coffee can.
10 storytellers are selected from the can. (Sublime and ridiculous stories are welcome.)

No, you don’t have to tell a story, but you might find yourself inspired to do so!

Free. But please tip the waitstaff generously. Food and drinks (both alcoholic and non) available at Virgil’s House.

Also featuring audience-generated, flash nonfiction.
(One or two sentences on an index card pertaining to our theme)

Saratoga Speaks is a monthly, live storytelling event modeled after The Moth: http://www.themoth.org/

Samples here: http://www.themoth.org/listen (Or, download the Moth Podcast.)

Guidelines here: http://www.themoth.org/storyslams_participate
…but please note, Saratoga Speaks will not include judging. We’re all just here to share and have a good time.

* Special thanks to Abby Lublin of the Front Parlor Series: Trojan Storytelling (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=232932810085845) for inspiration and the format of this description!