This week the first event I’ve ever put together happened not counting the dual racing slip ‘n slide birthday party of five year olds. It was the Field’s End‘s Island Story Slam.
(Graphic design by the awesome Christine Driggers.)
I had this idea while driving around whining to myself wishing I could go see a story slam like the ones I listen to on the Moth podcasts. But I live on an island and am lazy and cheap.
So, I said to myself, Self! You know writers, you know actors and other hammy types who enjoy the sound of their own voice, you even know the guy at the Treehouse! Let’s just do one here on Bainbridge Island!
Then I called Alfalfa and Delilah and the gang.
Actually, I contacted Field’s End, a local writers’ organization I volunteer for, and enlisted that most excellent of modern event promoters–Facebook.
Then I worried. I worried no one would come. I worried everyone would come, except for all storytellers. I worried the judges wouldn’t come. I worried the host wouldn’t come. I worried everyone would come and then be bored or hate it or leave saying, well, that was interesting… I worried I’d look like a babbling idiot on stage introducing the whole show which I pretty much did, see?.
But know what? Everyone came. Plus a hundred more. Standing room only. And they had fun.
The host, Bhama Roget, was funny, charming and so very supportive of all the amateur storytellers. The stories spanned a wide diversity of experiences and entertained and enlightened the crowd. Thank goodness, since we organizers had no idea what anyone would say!
We had an all-star judges panel of Dinah Manoff, Lynn Brunelle and Steve Stolee who scored everyone on story structure, performance and story relation to the night’s theme, Away From Home.
Third place winner Bridget Young modeling her prize, a Field’s End tote bag. 
First place winner Steve Brady sharing his family connections to China.
So, thank you everyone!! Now, I can breathe.
And I may have learned a lesson about follow-through on my ideas.
Like, do that. And so should you.
The Universe likes it when you do.
All photos used with permission by Michael Cyger, Bainbridge Island Magazine.
Don’t make this an annual event, make it a monthly event. No need for prizes and judges, just a host and a timer. Same “no notes, no props” rules, maybe longer time limits, less story tellers. Bhama was fantastic as a hostess but if she’s not available I’d be happy to volunteer, I’ve hosted and emceed before.
Hmmm, not sure if we could swing it as a monthly thing, but we’re talking about another one later, in winter when we all need a little warm, fuzzy community time. So, maybe twice a year?
I don’t know about no prizes. I’ve been hearing lots of coveting of the Field’s End tote bag!
And did you know there are folks gathering steam to have a similar event in Bremerton? Search Facebook for “Story Night in Kitsap.”
And thanks for participating, Jonathan!
It was so great, Wendy! I love listening to The Moth, too, and was thrilled to feel even more invested in listening to the stories live. I’m so happy and impresed that you made your idea flower so beautifully. I wish it could be a monthly, or even quarterly, event, but I’ll take twice a year. Little prizes are great, too! You could even ask all the stories to pay $5 to tell their story, and then distribute the money to the winners. I look forward to attending the next one!
Thanks, Patricia! And thank you for sharing your story about your family. Given the excitement about this one, we’ll have to figure out ways to have more. We’ll see what the future holds…
Wendy – you are the best! The team from Field’s End never doubted your ability to organize one of the best nights on BI in a very long time . Thanks again for just doing it and for the next one, and the one after that, and maybe a grand champion event called the Grand Slam, not to be confused with the artery choking breakfast dish by the same name.
You looked great, were a great host, and could have fooled me – never did something like this before? Really? If so, you’ve found more talent.
Thank you, Barbara! I am proud to be involved with the quality of Field’s End and to add to the great cultural offerings this island has. Here’s to more story slams (later, in a few months, at least…)!!
Wendy´s last [type] ..Of Isle Repute
Wendy, Any chance I could buy you lunch one day and you could explain to me why you don’t think this could be a monthly thing. Let me know.
Wendy´s last [type] ..Of Isle Repute