June Recap and Walk-up Winner!

June’s show was boldly revealing. Tellers recounted times of exposure and vulnerability– of the relational, physical and elemental kind. The night started with a look into the mind of a competitive swimmer; the poetic repetition of striving and hope and fear… and ended with the story of a personal journey that brought one woman to our show over two years ago (thanks, Jessica; we love you, too)! In between were stories of firsts… first sex, first love, first time outside(!), first car, first intestinal emergency in a car, first personal ad on craigslist, first time meeting a birth-mother, and first time hitch-hiking. As always, themes emerged during the course of the evening without us dictating them, and this theme of firsts seemed a sweet serendipity for the first show under the new name.

Clarance Browley won Audience Favorite walk-up teller last night, with perhaps the most…ahem… exposing story of the evening. We’re so glad Lily encouraged him to tell it, and super excited he’ll be coming back to feature next month.

On July 6th, Here Chicago will be back home at Stage 773 in the Thrust. We can’t wait to see you for true stories told live in a beautiful theater, in excellent company, and over a gorgeous potluck dinner. Until then, enjoy Matthew Williamson’s pics from last night, and check back here for our podcast in the next day or two.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many thanks to Dana Norris for joining me to co-host last night. It was great to play together. And thanks to storytellers Xavier Retana, Binkey Tolefree, Samantha Irby, Sarah Hollenbeck, Andy Marikis, Cristie Chamberlin, Bill Austen, Joe, Jessica, Clarence and Mari for telling us strong stories. And deep thanks to everyone who brought gorgeous dishes. Our recipe page will be back up to date soon, and we’ll resume sharing more widely what you all share so beautifully in the room. The healthy, decadent, inventive creations that fill our tables amaze me. Thank you for feeding each other.

Many thanks to Andi Nelson, Molly Emmons, Erin Kahoa, Kate Slagowski and Brandie Madrid for helping set up before the show. To Matthew for photos and sound, and to Cristie Chamberland, Emilla Parr and Zack Apman for helping break down. You are all the very, very nicest and best.

<3

Here, Chicago on July 6th
Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont
7:30 potluck/ 8pm show
$8 or FREE with a dish for the potluck