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Cynthia Angst wins the 2015 Grand Slam!

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Cynthia Angst wins the 2015 Grand Slam!

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Cynthia Angst won the 2015 West Chester Story Slam GRAND SLAM, earning the title of Best Storyteller in West Chester! Cynthia told the surprising and touching story of wanting a child and waiting for a "sign from God." She will have her name "immortalized" on the Storyteller's Cup with the previous Grand Slam Champions. Tonight's storytellers provided the audience with some fascinating tales. Maureen Egan told how the arrest of her family dog sent her father off on a neighborhood tirade. Cindy Heffron detailed her time as a hospice nurse and how it moved her. Pat Wendel told the hilarious story of her skydiving escapade. Luanne Sims explained how she came to create a Broccoli Pinata for her son's birthday party. Rich Eagles talked about what he has learned from his cousin's death in Afghanistan. Diane Yannick told of an early teaching gig that she quit after a year "with no regrets." Steve Clark told of his search for a soulmate. Marty Hoban talked about a dangerous trek home after a night of bar hopping. Johnny Walker described meeting his father for the first time and subsequently learning about his father's disturbing views.

Thank you to all our storytellers, our judges, and of course, the audience who came and cheered them on.

You can watch video of Cynthia's winning story below, and all the stories will be on the West Chester Story Slam YouTube channel shortly so check back soon! Also check out photos of the event below.

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2015 West Chester Grand Slam has TOTALLY Sold Out

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2015 West Chester Grand Slam has TOTALLY Sold Out

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Updated: October 30th: Tickets for the 2015 West Chester Story Slam GRAND SLAM have sold out. Thank you. IMG_5856The lineup is set for the 2015 West Chester Story Slam GRAND SLAM, which will take place on Tuesday, November 10th at the Chester County Historical Society. Tickets are moving fast so order yours now by clicking HERE. Also - if you order soon, you can choose to have your tickets mailed to you through regular mail at no additional charge.

The GRAND SLAM features the winning storytellers of the regular season as they go head-to-head for the title of “Best Storyteller in West Chester” and the opportunity to have their name immortalized on the legendary Storytellers Cup.

CCHS Facility Rentals Packet_img_1Storytellers who have earned a slot in the GRAND SLAM are: Diane Yannick, Rich Eagles, Maureen Egan, Johnny Walker, Gina Gennari and Pat Wendel, Cynthia Angst, Benjamin Levine, Steve Clark, Cathy Sikorski, Marty Hoban, Cindy Heffron and Luanne Sims.

The theme of the 2015 GRAND SLAM IS “No Regrets!"

For the GRAND SLAM, we will be strictly enforcing the 5 minute rule. Each Storyteller will be signaled at 4 minutes and 30 seconds, and then again at 5 minutes. Any story over 6 minutes will not be counted in the final scores.

We hope to see you on Tuesday, November 10th for what is sure to be a memorable night of storytelling, and join us afterwards for an after-party on the second floor of Side Bar.

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Our Blood and Guts Slam Ends in Tie! Grand Slam is November 10th!

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Our Blood and Guts Slam Ends in Tie! Grand Slam is November 10th!

IMG_8549With a theme like Blood and Guts, we knew it had to get wild - and it did! In the end Cindy Heffron and Luanne Sims walked away with with a tie, both earning slots in our November 10th GRAND SLAM! Cindy told the hilarious story of delivering a baby as a nurse. Luanne described the back and forth pranks she and her brother have played on each other over the years. Both stories were jaw dropping funny and touching in their own ways. We also heard some wild stories about people spilling their blood and guts. We heard about motorcycle accidents and firecracker mishaps, about scaring the hell out of a child and how a child scared the heck out of his mother. We heard about fist fights in bars and broken bodies in the Alps. Thanks to our storytellers, our judges and all those who came out and vociferously supported these wild stories!

Our 2015 GRAND SLAM is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10th, 8pm, at Chester County Historical Society. The theme is "No Regrets!" Tickets are on sale now and if you order soon, you can get them mailed directly to your house at no extra charge. Click HERE.

Here are last night's winning stories from Cindy and Luanne! To watch other stories told at the Blood and Guts Story Slam, click on over to the West Chester Story Slam YouTube Channel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwHzVIQxkok

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT1CAmRLWWo

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Our "Blood and Guts" Story Slam is October 13th!

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Our "Blood and Guts" Story Slam is October 13th!

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image1-7 Updated October 12th: Seats have sold out but a few Standing Room Only tickets remain. These include a few seats at the bar. 

It's October, so we're getting a little creepy.

Our October 13th Story Slam is themed "Blood and Guts!" You can order your tickets by clicking HERE. What type of stories are we looking for?

We want to hear stories about surviving danger, about bodily injuries, about taking bold actions. We want to hear stories about requiring surgery or needing stitches. Your story might be about a time that required "guts" to make an important life decision. Perhaps you spilled blood, or donated blood, or witnessed a bloodletting. Remember that time you watched your first saw your twelve year old son had a hole in his thigh the size of a quarter and you could see the bone? And how you nearly passed out when the doctor started stitching it? Have you been injured while skiing or mountain biking or hiking? Tell us your "Blood and Guts" story!

Our Story Slam is being held on the second floor of SideBar and Restauraunt, which is located right in downtown West Chester. The Slam starts at 8pm, but most people arrive early for drinks and dinner. If you want to tell a story, see Jim when you arrive. Seats for our Story Slams often sell out, so please order your tickets early by clicking HERE.

Here is a "Blood and Guts" type story told by Matt at a Story Slam last year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2tyEdYUFBM

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Our Center Stage: Race Event is September 26th, 8pm! 

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Our Center Stage: Race Event is September 26th, 8pm! 

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race-finalOn September 26th, 8pm, we're holding a special night of storytelling. Center Stage: Race will feature ten stories from diverse voices on how Race has shaped their lives. We'll hear stories about how our views on Race are shaped by our grandmothers and our neighbors, our fathers and our friends. Our views on Race are often distilled into us as children, but sometimes a new reality sets in as we mature. Sometimes our "aha moment" is while visiting another country or driving down a popular Philly street. Other times, our insights develop when we move into a new house or move to the USA. Let's face it, Race is not often talked about in public. It has often not been talked about in people's homes. These ten stories are meant to help us understand what we all have in common despite our racial differences. We're thrilled that the night's storytellers have agreed to share their personal stories and we're hoping that you will come out for a special night.

You can check out the full lineup of storytellers by clicking here.

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Please join us on Saturday, September 26th, 8pm, at the Chester County Historical Society for Center Stage: Race. Order your tickets HERE.

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Our "Saved" Slam ends in a Tie!

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Our "Saved" Slam ends in a Tie!

IMG_8011Our "Saved" Story Slam ended in a tie! Cathy Sikorski and Marty Hoban each earned slots in the 2015 Grand Slam, which will take place in November. Ben Levine, who has already secured a spot in the Grand Slam, was also tied for the first place win. Our night kicked off with a remarkably fun story by Benjamin Levine about attending a high school party. We heard from 2011 Grand Slam Storyteller Eli Silberman, who told the hilarious story about he started a German bar brawl. Chuck Bauerlein told about dating a girlfriend who was born again. Veronica Redd told the story of being saved at a low point in her life. We also heard stories of drinking on an army base, being locked in a closet, and being trapped in the consulting project from hell.

To watch the three first place stories, scroll below. All the stories will be posted on the West Chester Story Slam YouTube channel soon, so check back.

Our next story slam is scheduled for October 13th and the theme is "Blood and Guts!" Tickets are available here.

Center Stage: Race is Saturday, September 26th!

Our 2015 Center Stage is nearly here. Center Stage is a night of curated stories. Last year, we heard stories about Faith and this year we will hear stories on Race. We’ll be hearing personal stories from diverse voices, as storytellers reveal the moments in their lives where they realized the issue of race is ever-present, both in the USA and the world. Our current list of storytellers for the night can be found by clicking here. Please come out for Center Stage: Race. Saturday, September 26 at Chester County Historical Society. The event begins at 8 pm. Reserve your seats by clicking here.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0ItCEhBKc4

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September Events - "Saved" Slam and Center Stage: Race

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September Events - "Saved" Slam and Center Stage: Race

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This September, two storytelling events are hitting West Chester. We hope you will "save" the dates and tell your friends and family. We hope to see you soon. West Chester Story Slam: Saved (SOLD OUT!)

DownloadedFileOn Tuesday, September 8, West Chester Story Slam's theme is "Saved." Tickets can be ordered here. What do we mean by "Saved?"

We are looking for stories on being saved physically, mentally, or spiritually. Were you plucked from a car crash with the jaws of life? Have you been lost in the woods and had hundreds of people searching for you? Did you ever get stuck on a cliff ledge and had to have helicopters called in? Maybe you were lost at sea or caught in an avalanche. We want to hear stories about gaining the fortitude to leave an abusive relationship or finding a new job just as you were about to lose it on your "bosshole." Perhaps you were once stuck in a well or a cave and had a profound moment of enlightening that has changed your life.

Let's listen to stories on the theme "Saved." Tuesday, September 8 at Side Bar and Restaurant. The Story Slam starts at 8pm, but come early for drinks and dinner. Seats are moving fast so reserve your spot by clicking here.

West Chester Center Stage: Race

wccenterstageOur 2015 Center Stage is nearly here. Center Stage is a night of curated stories on a serious theme. Last year, we heard stories about Faith and this year we will hear stories on Race. We'll be hearing personal stories from diverse voices, as storytellers reveal the moments in their lives where they realized the issue of race is ever-present, both in the USA and the world. Our current list of storytellers for the night can be found by clicking here.

Please plan on coming out for Center Stage: Race. Saturday, September 26 at Chester County Historical Society. The event begins at 8 pm. Reserve your seats by clicking here.

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Steve wins the "Hunger" Story Slam

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Steve wins the "Hunger" Story Slam

IMG_7598Congratulations to Steve, the winner of our August "Hunger" Story Slam. Steve told a story of coaching a girls' basketball team to glory, winning the prized pint glass and and a spot in our upcoming Grand Slam. We heard stories of being sent to one's room without dinner, experiencing hunger in the Canadian wilderness, and trying to eat one's way through a vending machine. We heard stories about food not sitting right in one's system - of needing to puke and needing to defecate - both in unusual situations. We heard about the hunger to win a high school pageant and the hunger caused by a very specific diet. Thanks to all our storytellers, the judges and the rousing audience who came out on this beautiful summer night.

Check out Steve's winning story below. To see other stories from the "Hunger" Story Slam, check out the West Chester Story Slam YouTube channel.  A reminder - we have two events scheduled in September so save the dates!

DownloadedFileWest Chester Story Slam

Our September West Chester Story Slam is themed "Saved" and will take place on Tuesday, September 8th at Side Bar and Restaurant in downtown West Chester. If you want to tell a story on the theme "Saved," sign up upon arrival. The monthly winner of the West Chester Story Slam earns a slot in the November Grand Slam, where the winners from the season compete for the title of Best Storyteller in West Chester. Click on the Rules tab at the top of the page to learn more. Tickets for West Chester Story Slam can be ordered here.

wccenterstageWest Chester Center Stage: Race

On Saturday, September 26th, we are hosting West Chester Center Stage: Race at the Chester County Historical Society. We will be hearing personal stories from people of diverse races. This event is curated - stories are submitted ahead of time and laid out like an anthology of creative non-fiction. This event is not a competition. You can read more about the producers and storytellers by clicking here. If you have questions about this event, please email wcstoryslam@aol.com. Tickets for Center Stage can be ordered here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d47S0tCq4oQ

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Our August 11th Story Slam is "Hunger!"

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Our August 11th Story Slam is "Hunger!"

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image1-7Our August 11th Story Slam is themed "Hunger." Tickets are on sale now. Order yours by clicking here. What kind of stories are we hungry for? We want stories about the lack of food, the craving for food, the satisfaction of food. We want stories about the absence of substinence. How long have you gone without eating? Have you visited another country and gotten sick or experienced food poisoning? Perhaps you've visited a country and seen the devastation of true hunger. Have you dealt with anorexia or bulimia? Have you had to help a loved one through food issues? Perhaps you were lost in the woods and had to eat something extreme to stay alive. We also know people hunger for more than food. Have you had an insatiable craving for something out of life?

Our Story Slam starts promptly at 8pm on Tuesday, August 11th on the second floor of Side Bar & Restaurant in downtown West Chester, PA. We recommend arriving early for drinks and a bite to eat. Tickets are moving swiftly, so order your soon. Click here.

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Benjamin Levine wins the Freedom Story Slam!

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Benjamin Levine wins the Freedom Story Slam!

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image1-6Congratulations to Ben Levine! He won our "Freedom" Story Slam with his hilarious story of getting his first kiss. Ben won the prized pint glass and has earned a slot in the November Grand Slam. The theme of "Freedom" brought a variety of stories. We heard about having the freedom to roam, the freedom of living without keys, the freedom of getting out from under our parent's thumbs. We heard about drinking a toast to the freedom of having just been released from prison, and the freedom to say whatever the hell we want in old age. We also heard about the freedom that comes with wearing a thong!

Our next Story Slam is themed "Hunger," and will take place on Tuesday, August 11th at Side Bar and Restaurant in West Chester. Tickets can be ordered here.

Here is video of Benjamin's winning story, and all the stories will be posted on the West Chester Story Slam YouTube channel so check back soon.

https://youtu.be/VXfR5vlSs1M

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Our July 14th Story Slam is "Freedom!"

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Our July 14th Story Slam is "Freedom!"

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UPDATE: As of Friday, July 10th tickets for this Story Slam have sold out. Thank you. Tickets for the August Story Slam will go on sale Wednesday, July 15th. Have you experienced freedom?

image6The feeling of freedom can take many forms. A person may feel free when they retire or quit job they've endured for too many years. Perhaps you took a sabbatical and explored the world. Janis Joplin sang "Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose." Maybe you experienced a physical feeling of freedom - by hang-gliding or skydiving or kayaking or snowboarding. To some, freedom may come from moving out of their parents' house or getting divorced. Many people immigrate to the USA to experience freedom from hardships caused by war, racial intolerance, or an abusive government. What does freedom mean to you?

Our Freedom Story Slam will be held on Tuesday, July 14th at Side Bar and Restaurant in downtown West Chester. As of today (June 29th) our seats are sold out. Standing Room tickets, which includes a few seats at the bar, are still available. You can order your tickets by clicking here.

Want some inspiration for a "Freedom" Story? Peter Cunniffe told this story of the lengths his sister went to experience a day of freedom. We hope to see you July 14th!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpzYbCKxT5o

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Cynthia Angst wins the "Illusion" Slam!

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Cynthia Angst wins the "Illusion" Slam!

image1-3Cynthia Angst took home the prized pint glass after delivering her hilarious story of gathering her best friends around so she could try on a wedding dress. Cynthia has won a slot in the November Grand Slam, where she will compete against the other 2015 winners for the title of Best Storyteller in West Chester. Tonight's "Illusion" stories ran the gamut. We heard about the illusion one creates by dying one's hair, the illusion undertaken to be a good parent, the illusion of television, the illusion that was busted when someone meets their teen crush in person, and the illusion that one is on top of the world only to be handed a bill later. Thanks to all our storytellers, our judges and everyone who came out to cheer the storytellers on.

Our next Story Slam is July 14th at 8pm and the theme is "Freedom." Tickets are available here.

Here's Cynthia's winning story. Other stories will be posted on the West Chester Story Slam Youtube Channel soon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2ot6KWRRPY

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Our June 9th Story Slam is "Illusion!"

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Our June 9th Story Slam is "Illusion!"

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Our June 9th Story Slam is themed "Illusion!" A few tickets remain and you can reserve a spot by clicking here. What do we mean by "Illusion?"

DSC_0217We are looking for stories about seeing things differently than what they truly are. Did you ever fall under the illusion that there were boundaries holding you back? Perhaps you didn't apply for the job of your dreams until someone made you realize it was truly possible. Maybe you dealt with a significant other who had cast the illusion that they were the one, when really they were not. Infatuation is an illusion, but is love at first sight an illusion? Have you ever been part of a magic trick? Have you ever been involved in a scam or a pyramid scheme? Did you ever think someone was successful only to realize they had created an illusion? Have you ever joined a religious organization or cult that you later realized was not healthy? Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the tooth fairy are all illusions, right? We all hold closely some notions of the world that after age and experience we come to realize were youthful illusions.

Join us at Side Bar and Restaurant on Tuesday, June 9th at 8pm for our "Illusions" Story Slam. Most people arrive around 7pm to enjoy dinner and drinks. If you want to tell a story, sign up upon arrival. Order your tickets by clicking here.

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Our May Story Slam Ends in a Tie!

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Our May Story Slam Ends in a Tie!

DSC_0247After a remarkable night of stories, Gina Gennari and Pat Wendel came away with a tie at our "Wake Up Call" Story Slam. Both women have earned spots in our November Grand Slam. Gina told the heartbreaking story of coping with the death of her father. Pat explained how being the parent of a single child is much different than being from a large family. The range of stories based on "Wake Up Call" was amazing tonight. We heard about dealing with an aging parent, getting tested for testicular cancer, and "enjoying the sandwich," We heard how a hospice social worker decided to have "DNR" (Do Not Resuscitate) tattooed on her chest. We heard about teenage drunk driving, binge eating, a father receiving a new heart and a string of dating mishaps.

Thanks to all our storytellers, our judges and all those who hooted and applauded tonight.

Our next Story Slam is Tuesday, June 9th and the theme is "Illusion." Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Check out this slideshow below, and then scroll down to watch the two winning stories. To see all the stories, click over to the West Chester YouTube Channel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aibKoiDNZ8o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6pFni_ucaE

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Matt Benner wins the Late Night Story Slam!

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Matt Benner wins the Late Night Story Slam!

image1-2Matt Benner won our first ever Late Night Story Slam with a story about..... Sorry, but what happens at Late Night Story Slam stays at Late Night Story Slam.

These stories were truly too raucous to be recorded. Let's just say this - we heard some raunchy stories concerning the theme of Sex, Drugs and Rock 'n Roll. We heard about vast quantities of drug- and alcohol- induced sex in a variety of unorthodox positions, an unhealthy amount of absinthe, marijuana, nitrous oxide and cocaine, all consumed with a soundtrack of classic rock 'n roll.

image2-2As the winner, Matt took home the "Sex, Drugs and Rock 'n Roll" Prize Pack, which includedthe following:

To conjure up the romantic mood, a copy of Barry White's The Man on vinyl!

To sate those late night munchies, a $25 gift certificate graciously provided by Culinary Deliveries!

A copy of Greil Marcus's The History of Rock 'n' Roll in Ten Songs graciously provided by Chester County Book Company!

The Beatles Sgt. Peppers Lonely Heart Club Band CD, which Rolling Stone has deemed as the world's greatest Rock 'n Roll album ever.

If you want to catch an upcoming Story Slam, your best bet is to check out Delco Story Slam on Tuesday, May 5th at 8pm. The theme is "Awkward Pause!" and is being held at Maggie O'Neill's Irish Pub in Drexel Hill, PA. You can pick up tickets HERE.

Our May West Chester Story Slam has already sold out. Thank you. Tickets for the June Story Slam, themed "Illusion," will go on sale on May 13th.

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"The Sweet Life" Podcast is Available! May Slam is Sold Out!

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"The Sweet Life" Podcast is Available! May Slam is Sold Out!

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IMG_6016If you haven't been to our Story Slams in person, the next best thing is to listen to our monthly podcast. We feature three of the best stories from each month's live event on our podcast, and you can go back into the archives and listen to Story Slams from previous months. The podcast is easy to listen to - either from your computer or your smartphone. The "Sweet Life" podcast features Johnny Walker's winning story about working on a music video with the legendary R. Kelly. Cathy Sikorski tells a story about taking her mother in law to a wedding and Kathleen Martin discusses hew obsession with the legendary singer/songwriter Sting. Learn more about podcast options by clicking here.

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UPCOMING EVENTS 

mWe have only a handful of Standing Room Only tickets remaining for our next two live events in West Chester.

On Thursday, April 30th, We're holding a Late Night Story Slam at SideBar at 10pm. See if tickets remain by clicking HERE.

On Tuesday, May 12th, our next West Chester Story Slam will be held at 8pm at SideBar. See if tickets remain by clicking HERE.

Also - check out our other events. Delco Story Slam takes place on Tuesday, May 5th at Maggie O'Neill's Irish Pub in Drexel Hill, PA. Learn more HERE.

Our Lancaster Story Slam is always the fourth Tuesday of the month at Tellus360 in Lancaster city. Learn more HERE.

Our Lehigh Valley Story Slam debuts on May 20th. Learn details HERE.

Tickets for the June West Chester Story Slam will go on sale on Wednesday, May 13th.

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Johnny Walker Wins our April Story Slam

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Johnny Walker Wins our April Story Slam

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IMG_6016Johnny Walker won our April Story Slam with his engaging story of being the prop master for a music video shoot for the legendary R. Kelly. Johnny won the prized pint glass and a slot in our Grand Slam, where he will compete with the other winning storytellers for the title of Best Storyteller in West Chester. The night was filled with interesting diverse stories. We heard about surviving a divorce, and meeting a love through a dating website. Kathleen talked about her long-distance crush on rock music legend Sting. We listened to stories about the joy of achieving goals, tackling bucket list items and carrying a torch.

To see Johnny's winning story, scroll down. To see all the stories told on the night, click over to the West Chester Story Slam Youtube channel.

Remember - we have two Story Slams coming up:

LATE NIGHT STORY SLAM is Thursday, April 30th at 10 pm. The theme is Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n Roll. Stories will not be recorded. What happens at Late Night stays at Late Night! Order tickets by clicking HERE.

Our next WEST CHESTER STORY SLAM is Tuesday, May 12th at 8pm. The theme is Wake Up Call. For tickets, click HERE.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fVSmVywoa0

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"Late Night" Story Slam is April 30th! (Click Here!)

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"Late Night" Story Slam is April 30th! (Click Here!)

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In April, our regular Story Slam is sold out but we have some tickets for our special LATE NIGHT STORY SLAM. Read below to learn more: wcssWEST CHESTER STORY SLAM Theme: The Sweet Life Tuesday, April 14th at 8pm. Side Bar & Restaurant For tickets to West Chester Story Slam, click HERE.

THE APRIL 14TH STORY SLAM IS COMPLETELY SOLD OUT. THANK YOU.

What is The Sweet Life? We want to hear stories about candy, but we also want tales about living large and having friends with benefits. Perhaps you vacationed somewhere exotic and were treated like royalty, or were mistaken for a Hollywood star and given amazing free perks. Maybe you had a friend who got you backstage for some amazing show or were flown in a private jet to a remote Carribean Island. Perhaps you dated a "Sugar Daddy" while in college. Maybe your version of "The Sweet Life" only lasted for a few hours, like Cinderella. Perhaps it lasted a few weeks, months or years. If it came to an end, how? Were you arrested? Of course, we want candy stories too. Perhaps you worked at a fudge shop on the boardwalk or once OD'd on Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. One of our favorite stories of living The Sweet Life came from Terry Heyman. Watch her story by clicking here.

mLATE NIGHT STORY SLAM Theme: Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n Roll Thursday, April 30th at 10pm. Side Bar & Restaurant For tickets to Late Night Story Slam, click HERE.

At the Late Night Story Slam, we want to hear raucous stories – the stories you wouldn’t want recorded for YouTube or podcast. You know, those stories you don’t want your kids to hear. The stories you wouldn’t want your mom to hear. The winner of Late Night Story Slam does not earn a slot in the Grand Slam but will win a special prize. What happens at Late Night stays Late Night! The theme for April 30th is "Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n Roll!" Need we say more? Tell us about your high point or your low point. We want to know about the best/worst night of partying you ever had, your sexual escapades, or the time you quit your job to follow Phish or the Grateful Dead. Stories don't need to contain sex, drugs AND rock 'n roll but can contain any one, two or three of the three elements.

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Maureen Egan Wins our March Story Slam!

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Maureen Egan Wins our March Story Slam!

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IMG_5642Maureen Egan took home the prized pint glass tonight after telling her story of growing up the kid sister in an Irish Catholic family. The theme of the night was "Innocence." Maureen has earned a slot in our November Grand Slam where she will compete with other winning storytellers from the season for the title of Best Storyteller in West Chester. We heard a wide array of interesting stories on both Innocence and Innocence Lost. Chuck recounted the day JFK was shot. Alex recalled being on campus the day of the horrific Virginia Tech shooting. Heidi told about how being a mother has deeply changed her. We heard about innocence lost in a Dublin Bar, in a darkened stairwell, and in front of a classroom of students. We heard about being investigated by the FBI and being teased by fellow classmates. Thanks to all our storytellers, our judges and the audience for making this a stellar night.

Video of Maureen's winning story is posted below! All the stories from the night are posted on the West Chester Story Slam YouTube Channel.

STORYTELLING WORKSHOP - COMING SOON! Our Chester County Night School Storytelling Workshop starts Wednesday, March 18th. Click HERE to learn more and register.

ANNOUNCING - TWO APRIL STORY SLAMS!

In April, we're holding our regular monthly West Chester Story Slam AND a special Late Night Story Slam. At the Late Night Story Slam, we want to hear raucous stories - the stories you wouldn't want recorded for YouTube or podcast. You know, those stories you don't want your kids to hear. The stories you wouldn't want your mom to hear. The winner of Late Night Story Slam does not earn a slot in the Grand Slam but will win a special prize. What happens at Late Night stays Late Night!

So decide which slam you'll attend in April:

WEST CHESTER STORY SLAM Theme: The Sweet Life Tuesday, April 14th at 8pm. For tickets to West Chester Story Slam, click HERE.

LATE NIGHT STORY SLAM - Will go on sale shortly! Theme: Sex, Drugs and Rock 'n Roll Thursday, April 30th at 10pm. For tickets to Late Night Story Slam, click HERE.

Here's Maureen's winning story:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-kBoI6q3u0&feature=youtu.be

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March Story Slam, Storytelling Class, and Podcasts!

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March Story Slam, Storytelling Class, and Podcasts!

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IMG_5811MARCH STORY SLAM HAS SOLD OUT. THANK YOU. Our March 10th Story Slam is themed "Innocence" and tickets have sold out. Thank you. Tickets for the April Story Slam will go on sale March 11th.

This theme of innocence can be spun several ways. The Merriam Webster Dictionary definition:

Innocence: : the state of being not guilty of a crime or other wrong act : lack of experience with the world and with the bad things that happen in life : lack of knowledge about something

We want stories about losing one's innocence. Stories about naivete. We want to hear about being accused of something you didn't do. We want to know about how your lack of knowledge led to something traumatic - but hopefully turned out okay. Don't procrastinate because this Story Slam will sell out.

unnamedCHESTER COUNTY NIGHT SCHOOL If you are intrigued by telling a story on stage, but feel you would like help crafting your story, check out our upcoming two-night Storytelling Workshop through Chester County Night School.

The workshop consists of one night of two-hour instruction on crafting a compelling story, including basic story structure and creative language. On the second night, participants will tell their five-minute story and receive feedback from instructors and peers. Jim Breslin and Terry Heyman are class instructors.

Class nights are March 19 and March 25 and the class is being held at Henderson High School in West Chester.

Space is limited.

To register, click HERE.

397924_10151634587230225_1166262996_nUNUSUAL WORLD PODCAST Each month, we produce a podcast with three of our favorites stories from the live event. Thanks to our sponsor, Chester County Book Company, we're making these podcasts even better this year. You can download a podcast or subscribe to receive each month's podcast when it hits iTunes. Our Unusual World podcast features the winning story by Rich Eagles, plus crowd favorite stories by Chuck Bauerlein and Mike Mauger. You can listen to the podcast on your computer or on your mobile device.

To check out the West Chester Story Slam podcast on iTunes, click here.

To check out the West Chester Story Slam podcast for an MP3 player, click here.

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