2021
Story Jam Is Seven
October 1st, 2021
Marya Morris, Storyteller
Marya Morris is an event producer with Story Jam. She is also an urban planner, editor, writer, master gardener, and storyteller who lives in Wilmette, Illinois, with her husband, her mother, her inlaws, and one, two, or three adult children depending on the time of year. Her stories draw on the often absurd and usually relatable events in her complicated life. She is a two-time Moth Grand Slam Champion and will be performing live at the Moth Mainstage on October 9, 2021, in Champaign, Illinois.
Archy Jamjun, Storyteller
Archy Jamjun is a Story Jam team member and curator for OUTspoken LGBTQ Stories at Sidetrack in Chicago. Archy is a commanding storyteller, who blew the roof off at his sold-out debut solo show in 2019. He is a Moth Slam and Grand Slam winner, and he has told stories at almost every show in Chicago. Archy teaches storytelling and writing at Story Jam Studio, and he holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Roosevelt University.
Ronna Levy, Storyteller
Ronna Levy lives in Brooklyn, New York, but she’s been a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan. She’s been teaching for the City University of New York and telling her students stories for over 30 years. Now, she’s begun telling stories outside the classroom, well, on Zoom and has been featured in Stories from the Stage, Speak Up, Grit’s 7X7 and the Deja-True series, But That’s Another Story, The Otter Storytelling Hour, True Theatre, and she is a proud “99 Second Story” slam winner. Ronna is so happy to be telling stories on a stage, so THANK YOU Story Jam!
Maria Kostas, Storyteller
With over fifty years of working with people, Maria has witnessed the transformative magic that can happen through shared stories. She teaches meditation and often meditates while driving her convertible around the city she loves, something she does not recommend for beginners!
Shane Hendrix, Storyteller
Shane Hendrix is an actor, singer and storyteller from Chattanooga, TN. He has appeared on film, TV, and Chicago stages. Shane is excited and honored to be a part of Story Jam's 7th anniversary. Thank you, Stephanie Rogers, for the love and support you bring to the Chicago storytelling community.
Richard Munchkin, Storyteller
Richard Munchkin is a writer, director, and performer. He is the author of Gambling Wizards, and the cohost of the "Gambling With an Edge" podcast.
Melissa Reaves, Storyteller
Melissa Reaves (she/her) is a professional and award-winning storyteller and storytelling coach to executives. Melissa works with CEOs, Founders and Senior Executives to build their storytelling skills and enrich their leadership. This combination of sales, marketing, acting, writing, directing and producing storytelling shows, ultimately led her to found Story Fruition to help others find and tell their stories--with impact.
Nestor Gomez, Storyteller
Nestor Gomez is a household name in the world of storytelling. He has won more Moth Slams and Grand Slams (40 in total), nationally, than anyone alive. Nestor was born in Guatemala and he became a US citizen in 2018. He produces a popular storytelling show, "80 Minutes Around the World: Immigration Stories," which boasts a podcast on NPR. Nestor is one of the most sought-after storytellers in Chicago. You can find out all about Nestor here.
Stephanie Rogers, Singer/Songwriter/
Producer
Stephanie Rogers is the producer and creative director of Story Jam, a storytelling and music show, podcast, and storytelling school. A professional actor and singer, Steph holds a B.A. in acting from Northwestern University and an M.A, in writing from National Louis University, Steph is connected to the Old Town School of Folk Music as a former teacher, a storytelling workshop leader, and, with astounding persistence, she once cajoled a reluctant two year-old niece to attend Wiggleworms classes with her! Steph’s website: Hipchick.com.
Danny Shaffer, Guitar/Music Director
Danny Shaffer co-produces the music of Story Jam. He is a veteran of the Chicago music scene, having produced and played with hundreds of bands. Danny has toured, written, and produced music professionally since he was a teenager.
Rafe Bradford, Bass
Rafe Bradford, who studied double bass performance at the University of Illinois, has toured and worked with many great jazz, pop, and R&B greats, including Nancy Wilson, Stanley Turrentine, McCoy Tyner, Aretha Franklin, Lou Rawls, and David Foster. On The Tom Joyner Morning Show, Rafe performed with Luther Vandross, Mavis Staples, and many others in the live house band. He was in The Bonnie Hunt show band with Paul Shaffer, The Swell Season, and Dave Koz, and he is famous for playing bass for Patti LaBelle on Oprah’s theme song. Rafe teaches, plays all around Chicago, and he owns music mastering company.
Anne Harris, Violinist
Anne Harris is a Chicago based American Roots fiddle player. She has toured extensively and recorded with a wide array of artists including Otis Taylor, Guy Davis, Cathy Richardson, Cracker, Anders Osborne, Living Colour, Vieux Farka Toure, and hippie legends Jefferson Starship.
Lynne Jordan, Storyteller
Lynne Jordan is a Story Jam favorite. The mesmerizing singer-performer-diva extraordinaire is currently workshopping her much-awaited solo show, "A Great Big Diva," which features her incredible personal stories and gorgeous singing voice. A Northwestern theatre grad, Lynne leads her own popular event band, Lynne Jordan and The Shivers, and has performed to sold-out crowds in the US and abroad. Read more about Diva Lynne.
Melinda Hernandez, Storyteller
From Chicago's West side to Stanford, from poet to emcee, Melinda is a spoken word-music-writer and artist whose poems have since been featured on Button Poetry and Write About Now as well as featured in "The End of Chiraq: a Literary Mixtape" and "The Breakbeat Poets Volume 4: LatiNEXT". With a passion for lyricism and an ear for music, Melinda has released a handful of singles and an EP. Melinda (known on musical stages as Linda Sol) has had the pleasure of opening for artists such as 2 Chainz, Ella Mai, Shangela, Dreezy, A.Chal, Samaria, and Mereba as well as performing for Lollapalooza 2020.
Anne Purky, Storyteller
Anne Purky is a writer/storyteller/producer on the Chicago storytelling scene. She produces Stand & Deliver, a storytelling show in Lake Forest, and is a relationship manager & producer for Story Jam in Chicago. She is thrilled to be part of this powerhouse show, & loves Stephanie Rogers!
James R. Petersen, Storyteller
James R. Petersen was an editor/senior staff writer for Playboy for almost 40 years. He sums up the experience this way: "I wrote about sex when sex was new, when it was something you did in person." Now retired, he gets his breaking news from the History Channel. He discovered live storytelling in 2017 and has performed at over 30 Story Slams in Chicago, and at various bars and galleries around Chicago (some of which were actually hosting events). For the past year and a half, he participated in virtual storytelling events. "It was like a prison visit, picking up a phone, and talking to someone on the other side of a glass window." Like sex, it is better in person.
Kory May, Storyteller
Kory May, DTM, joined Toastmasters in 2006. Inspired by a mentor’s comment that she could see a future world champion in him, Kory promptly proceeded to make mistakes. He made so many mistakes so quickly that he began to improve at speaking. Kory is a twelve time District 19 (Iowa) speaking champion, including being a five-time Toastmasters International World Championship of Public Speaking Semifinalist, ranking in the top 20 in the world in 2015 and in the top 30 in the world in 2018. Recently, Kory began telling stories in story slams around the country. If history is correct, he’ll get better there too! Please welcome the tall guy with the short name, Kory May.
Carmenita Peoples,
Storyteller
Carmenita Peoples is a formally trained Montessori educator, financial services officer, and artistic performer who skillfully combines these unique talents to “edutain” audiences. With a brilliant, creative thread, she weaves storytelling, musical improvisation, and poetry to connect and elevate cross-cultural and generation gaps. Carmenita will offer an entertaining story, featuring her signature lovable sense of humor!
Sean Wellington, Storyteller
Sean Wellington is a displaced NYer living in NC. He likes Cuban salsa, pickleball and yoga. He dislikes hair and sleeves.
He is also the founder of GRIT: True Stories that Matter. Check it out.
Liam Davis, Songwriter
Liam is a multi-talented producer/songwriter/performer with a veritable rock star swagger. Liam has toured all over the world, and he’s been nominated for three grammys as a producer and songwriter. His brilliant songs for Story Jam are always a highlight of the show.
Liam’s website
Sarah Marie Young, Singer-Songwriter
Sarah Marie is an award winning singer, songwriter and musician. She was a semi-finalist in the 2010 Thelonious Monk Competition and the winner of the 2011 Montreux Voice Competition (judged by Quincy Jones). After being signed by the dutch label Snip Records in 2014, Sarah Marie released and toured Europe with her second album, "Little Candy Heart." Sarah's latest album, "Recess," was released in April 2016. Sarah Marie's website
Kari Nelson, Singer
Kari Nelson (vocals) has traveled all over the world, lending her voice to special events, concerts, recordings, and as a singer-songwriter. Following in the career of her musical family, Kari graduated from Berklee College of Music, and is now one of Chicago’s most sought-after singers, known for her signature stage presence and monster pipes.
Chuck Lacy, Drums
Chuck Lacy was encouraged to go into music by his talented family. He started playing drums at age 12 for his church and soon began working for various churches and community choirs. He went on to study music in high school learning to read and study different genres of music. In college he began working in local Jazz, Blues, R&B, and Rock clubs as well as working for many cooperate bands. Today he is a working fixture in Chicago’s music scene and beyond playing everything from country to neo-soul. He has worked with: Ana Popovic, Buddy Guy, Keb Mo, Rahsaan Patterson, Avery Sunshune, Regina Belle, Shirley Murdock, Angela Winbush, Miki Howard, K-Jon, Kenya, Mike Phillips, Shana Tucker, Vince Ingala, Steve Oliver, Marion Meadows, Norman Brown, Larry Carlton, Marc Antoine, Phil Denny, Paul Taylor, and many more. He tours with Folk/Rock artist Peter Himmelman, Gospel Legends The Caravans, Edwin Hawkins, Richard Smallwood, Donnie McClurkin, and many more. In addition to being a drummer he is also a songwriter and producer. One of the projects he produced, “Music Made Rhythm” by Kenya, was considered for a Grammy nomination. Another project he co-produced was #1 on the UK Soul Charts. He is also the music director for Just Friends as well as MTV Star Maker runner up Melody Angel. Chuck is equally busy on stage and in the studio drawing on his various influences to create good music. Chuck Lacy is a Sabian Cymbals and Reunion Blues artist.
Fred Simon, Keys
Fred is a master pianist and jazz composer who has toured the world and released several albums of original piano music. Fred is a favorite for both his playing and telling at Story Jam shows.
Rise Up! MLK Day Tribute
January 18th, 2021
RISE UP! is the collaborative effort of
Story Jam, 1000 Cuts, and Melanin Stories Matter.
Mama Edie Armstrong, Storyteller
Mama Edie McLoud Armstrong has been standing for justice since a child standing up for her family and friends. Participating in the march with Dr. King in 1966 at 15 years old was the beginning of several marches: from the one in Marquette Park in Chicago, to the marches against the Viet Nam War while in college to marching in the pilgrimage of Arba’een for an international peace conference in Iraq in 2017. Blending stories in Spanish and English, Mama Edie uses training as a speech and language pathologist to provide performances and workshops that highlight the importance of connecting beyond cultural and language differences in order to heal ourselves, the planet and the world.
Nathaniel Viets-VanLear, Storyteller
Nathaniel identifies as a Multiracial Activist, Youth Social Worker, Facilitator, and Teaching Artist. Born and raised in Chicago, Nathaniel is most passionate about work with children, youth, and young adults in under-served communities in the city. He values art and music based approaches for learners of all ages, and had incorporated these mediums across a myriad of demographics and audiences. With over a decade of youth leadership development experience, he strives to only grow more in his work through the youth of the social impact organization” My Block My Hood My City”. Nathaniel believes radical change can happen in communities with the right tools and investment: He is thankful for every opportunity to be a part of that change.
Ashton C. Clarke, Storyteller
Ashton Cynthia Clarke is a writer and true personal storyteller. In 2019, she was an invited, featured teller at more than 30 live performances throughout the Los Angeles area, and performed on multiple virtual stages in 2020. Most notably, she has appeared twice on RISK! -- Live in Los Angeles in 2019 and online in 2020, as well as having both of her stories selected for the podcast.
Ashton is originally from New York City and is now based in the Los Angeles area. In her regular 9 to 5, she has fun as an executive search consultant.
Find her on YouTube at Ashton Cynthia Clarke.
Cara Lopez-Lee, Storyteller
Cara Lopez Lee joins us from Ventura, California. She’s a winner of The Moth StorySlam and performs in storytelling shows throughout L.A., though lately she prowls the virtual scene wherever it takes her. She’s the author of the memoir, They Only Eat Their Husbands. You’ll also find her writing in many publications, including her essay Disaster Pants, recently published by the nonprofit Writing For Peace.
Taylor Fagins, Singer-Songwriter
Taylor grew up with a love of music in southern California and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Irvine for Drama. He became a playwright and actor and started producing his own work. His most recent plays are: LIVING: A Now Musical; Queen: A Wonderland Sequel,; A Song; and I'M NOT A RACIST!. During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the height of the Black Lives Matter Movement, his gift for songwriting served to spread healing and awareness with his latest singles we need more. and 8.28.20. Taylor’s greatest goal is to tell the stories that are unheard and give a voice to those who are unseen. He feels blessed to meet the beautiful people that will help him move this vision forward at a time when the world really needs it the most.
Stephanie Rogers, Singer/Songwriter/
Producer
Stephanie started Story Jam in 2014 after leading an event band for over ten years. Steph has been in many rock, pop, folk, and funk bands, and she holds a B.A. in acting from Northwestern University and an M.A, in writing from National Louis University. More info can be found at: Hipchick.com
Chandreyee Lahiri, Storyteller
Chandreyee is from Kolkata, India (via various countries in the Middle East) and has called the Boston area 'home' for over 20 years. By day she work's to protect the Environment as a GIS Specialist by day. In her free time, she's an aspiring-writer, StoryTeller and mother to an entertaining 14 year old son. She believes in incremental change and the value of small moments (http://silverliningscloudydays.blogspot.com/), tends to be maniacally optimistic and believes this will never let her down (QED).
Slipnote Music, “Look Around”
Slipnote Music is a sync licensing company that creates music for advertising, TV, film, gaming, brand design & development, and all multi-media content. Co-founders Jen Zias and Kari Nelson are honored to debut their song, “Look Around (MLK Tribute)”, for tonight’s show, written and produced by them with the invaluable assistance of Kraig McCreary (Lucky Penny Studios).
Slipnote’s mission is to cultivate a community of musical creatives in Chicago to share their art with the world through sync licensing! Find us at slipnotemusic.com or email us at Jen or Kari @slipnotemusic.com. We will officially launch next month - you’ll find us on social media and Spotify then! Peace and Light - Kari & Jen
Sasha Im, Storyteller
Sasha Im is a Moth GrandSlam winner from Seattle. She works as a web content strategist at the University of Washington and she is the editor of Table Tales - 150 word stories exploring food and memory.
Lynne Jordan, Storyteller
Lynne Jordan is a Story Jam favorite. The mesmerizing singer-performer-diva extraordinaire is currently workshopping her much-awaited solo show, "A Great Big Diva," which features her incredible personal stories and gorgeous singing voice. A Northwestern theatre grad, Lynne leads her own popular event band, Lynne Jordan and The Shivers, and has performed to sold-out crowds in the US and abroad. Read more about Diva Lynne.
Fred Simon, Pianist/Composer
Fred composed the music for the Dr. King montage at the top of the show.
Fred is a master pianist and jazz composer who has toured the world and released several albums of original piano music. Fred is a favorite for both his playing and telling at Story Jam shows.
Dr. Raymond Christian, Storyteller
Ray is retired Army Paratrooper, Combat veteran, Doctor of Education, Fulbright Specialist Expert in Education and Storytelling Narrative and former Adjunct professor teaching African American History and Storytelling at Appalachian State University. His stories have appeared in Reader’s Digest’s 2016 Best Stories in America and 2017 American Hero’s editions. As a competitive storyteller, Ray is a 12 time Moth Story Slam Champion, and winner of the 2016 National Storytelling Festival Story Slam. His stories have been featured on the “Moth Radio Hour”, “Snap Judgment”, “Back Story Radio” and the “Spooked”, “Story Collider” and “Risk” podcast. He resides in the remote, mountains of Watauga County, NC He host and produces the podcast What’s Ray Saying the podcas
Sarah Marie Young, Singer-Songwriter
Sarah Marie is an award winning singer, songwriter and musician. She was a semi-finalist in the 2010 Thelonious Monk Competition and the winner of the 2011 Montreux Voice Competition (judged by Quincy Jones). After being signed by the dutch label Snip Records in 2014, Sarah Marie released and toured Europe with her second album, "Little Candy Heart." Sarah's latest album, "Recess," was released in April 2016. Sarah Marie's website
Anne Harris, Violinist
Anne Harris is a Chicago based American Roots fiddle player. She has toured extensively and recorded with a wide array of artists including Otis Taylor, Guy Davis, Cathy Richardson, Cracker, Anders Osborne, Living Colour, Vieux Farka Toure, and hippie legends Jefferson Starship.