Didn’t get it quite right the first time? Neither did our ten storytellers at Tuesday night’s “Do Overs” StorySlam. We loved and lost a cartoon soul mate, declined the DMV worker’s fig newtons, and reclaimed “Jewessness” in Moscow. But it was our winning storyteller who sent us strutting across the dance floor towards reunion redemption.

Nothing says “Do Over” like a high school reunion. When you find yourself swallowing your sixth grade pride, surrounded by all the people who witnessed the most awkward years of your life, there’s only one thing left to do: ask to see baby pictures. Don’t miss the winning story behind Kevin’s high school reunion redemption in the video below.

P.S. Kevin, I think everybody liked you…

Congratulations Kevin! Congratulations also to Audience Favorite, R. Eric Thomas. Stay tuned for more videos from all over our storytellers coming soon to the First Person Arts YouTube channel.


Kevin, Do Overs Winning Storyteller


R. Eric Thomas, Do Overs Audience Favorite

Next First Person StorySlam:
FRIDAY, JULY 8
Location: Venetian Social Club (8030 Germantown Ave.)
Theme: Firsts
Time: Slam starts at 7:30pm
Price: $10 at the door. $8 for First Person members.

-Becca Jennings

Ryan Brandenberg is a photojournalist living in West Philadelphia. He has a degree in photojournalism from the University of Pittsburgh and a degree in documentary photography from Temple University.
Ryan feels that photography captures situations that might otherwise be difficult to access; he likes the immediacy of it and feels it’s the easiest way to interact with the world around him and preserve a situation.

Ryan has produced a book that brings together text and images he took of those people most adversely affected by Hurricane Katrina, those in the 9th Ward.

The Welcome House in Love Park

Work in Center City Philly?  Check out Love Park tonight!  It’s Design Philadelphia’s opening night celebration of the First Person Arts Welcome House!  Come to Love Park between 7 and 10 for the Festivities:  funky Broadzilla DJ’s…an amazing art installation…beer and wine…what more could you ask for? Check out the uwishuknew post HERE for more details!

Gentleman, scholar, storyteller, Kevin Lee is a favorite among many of the participants in the StorySlams.  Here’s his Grand Slam performance: