We’ve had a run of bird stories at the Slams lately.  This one’s for pigeon-haters and bike lovers:

The next Slam is February 24th, and the theme is “I Think We’re Alone”  But stop into the First Person Salon on February 11th as we break in a new space!

…about which more will be said shortly!

Victoria Karkov’s story tugs at the heart-strings…and her 5-year-old leg, it turns out:

Animatronics…fun, but vaguely threatening!

A first-time StorySlammer, Eun bowled over the judges with a hilarious account of her unusual name and its persistence, despite amusing cross-cultural and familial mis-communications.  You’ll see Eun again at the 2009 First Person Festival Grand Slam in November!

About one third of the audience members scored all of the storytellers at last night’s slam, and when all the scores were tallied, Michael McCarry, the first storyteller of the night was the audience favorite!

Thanks for voting!

Found this written exchange on one of the audience-voting sheets:

You should grow that haircut.

I’m trying, don’t make fun.

You should grow that jacket.

I’m not that talented.  Stop rubbing your chapped fingers.

I can’t help it,

Stop taking me to your bad ideas!

I regret your friendship.

I’m going to kick you in the teeth and steal your wallet.

I’m going to spit my teeth onto your foot and smash your face with my gums.

…

Don’t let the weather deter you from coming out to L’Etage tonight for the first regular slam of the season at L’Etage.  Unfortunately Victor Fiorillo, the scheduled host has been temporarily felled by a bug, so we’re working on a new host presently.  See you tonight!

January 27th (Tonight!)
Theme: Bad Idea
Host: To Be Announced
Location: L’Etage Cabaret at 6th and Bainbridge (above Creperie Beau Monde)
Time: Doors at 7:30pm and the Slam begins at 8:30pm
Cost: $8 (or get your six pack of passes for $40 here!)

Also, enjoy Cassie’s story from Saturday night’s “Broke” Slam:

It should be available at iTunes fairly soon, but if you just can’t wait, you can get a podcast of Saturday night’s StorySlam right here.

The winner of a golden ticket to the 2009 StorySlam was none other than Ira A!  And, after tabulating the audience votes, you agreed with the judges…The audience favorite was ALSO Ira A:

With the *possible* exception of the 2008 Grand Slam, Saturday night’s crowd in the Commonwealth Plaza at the Kimmel Center may have been the largest EVER gathered for a First Person Arts storyslam!  The winner was Ira A with his story about an extraordinary casserole that could only have been assembled under the most impoverished of circumstances.  Congratulations, Ira, and see you at the 2009 Grand Slam!  And we’ll see the rest of you tomorrow night at L’Etage!

January 27th
Theme: Bad Idea
Host: Victor Fiorillo
Location: L’Etage Cabaret at 6th and Bainbridge (above Creperie Beau Monde)
Time: Doors at 7:30pm and the Slam begins at 8:30pm
Cost: $8 (or get your six pack of passes for $40 here!)

Here, first time storyteller Gail shares a story about her father’s broken bone before a rapt crowd:

Here’s Angel from the 2008 Grand Slam: