Unfortunately, our 2020 season has been placed on hold since the Coronavirus Outbreak. All Story Slams are cancelled. If you purchased tickets for the May event, please contact Brown Paper Tickets for your refund. We’ll update once Story Slams can resume.
Thank you to everyone who came out on March 10th. We hope to see everyone again soon.
Emcee Mikey Gleason with March Champion Steve Kernaghan.
Steve Kernaghan won our March Story Slam with his tale of exacting revenge on a peer. Steve won our prized pint glass and two tickets to a future West Chester Story Slam. Congratulations!
We heard about such guilty pleasures as lying about the occupation of one’s parents, watching imitation Elvis performers, watching too much reality television, reading obituaries, pogoing with the young punks, and more. Thanks to everyone who came out to tell a story, to our judges, and to the rowdy audience who cheered the storytellers on.
The next Ten Stories Story Slam will be held on April 14th and the theme is “Dumb and Dumber.” Check back to see if this event will be held.
The next West Chester Story Slam is scheduled for May 12th and the theme is “Chaos!” Please check back to see if this event will be held.
UPDATED: February 29th - Tickets for our “Guilty Pleasures” Story Slam have sold out. Thank you.
On April 14th, Ten Stories Story Slam takes place with the theme “Dumb and Dumber.” The next West Chester Story Slam will be held on May 12th and the theme will be “Chaos!” Tickets for both events will be available soon.
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Come on out to the first West Chester Story Slam of 2020! Our first story slam will be held on Tuesday, March 10th at SideBar and Restaurant and the theme is “Guilty Pleasures!” Tickets are going quickly, so order your tickets by clicking HERE.
What stories fit the theme of “Guilty Pleasures?”
Wikipedia defines guilty pleasure as "...something one enjoys and considers pleasurable despite feeling guilt for enjoying it. The "guilt" involved is sometimes simply fear of others discovering one's lowbrow or otherwise embarrassing tastes, such as campy styles of entertainment. Fashion, video games, music, theatre, television series, films, junk food and fetishes can be examples of guilty pleasures."
What is your guilty pleasure? Barry Manilow, playing your son’s Xbox, Bubble Baths, Smoking weed, re-gifting, Boy Bands, or Nutella? All are possible subjects for stories you could share on March 10th!
Still looking for inspiration? Our friend Joanne Rafferty told this story about her Guilty Pleasure at Lancaster Story Slam. It’s very funny. Enjoy!
West Chester Story Slam is back from hiatus!
In 2020, West Chester Story Slam and Ten Stories Story Slam are joining forces to provide our favorite town with monthly storytelling events.
Our Story Slams will once again take place on the second Tuesday of each month at Side Bar & Restaurant, located at 136 E. Gay Street. Doors open at 7pm and we start telling stories at 8pm.
Both West Chester Story Slam and Ten Stories Story Slam share the basics: anyone can sign up to tell a story upon arrival. We pull up to ten names out of a hat to hear stories based on the theme of the night. Audience Judges will determine a winner each night. Stories should be about five minutes in length. No notes, no props, no music.
What are the differences?
WEST CHESTER STORY SLAM is just as you remember it. Stories are judged on a scale of 1 to 10. Stories are recorded and uploaded to YouTube. For complete rules, click HERE.
TEN STORIES also has judges scoring stories on a scale of 1 to 10 to determine a winner, but at Ten Stories, the audience also votes for a second winner of the night as the “audience favorite.” Stories are not recorded at Ten Stories.
Whether you plan on telling your story live onstage or just want to listen, check out the dates and themes below and plan your next night out. Grab your tickets today!
TEN STORIES STORY SLAM
February 11th - Heartbreak Hotel - tickets available by clicking HERE.
April 14th - Dumb and Dumber
June 9th - Horrible Bosses
August 11th - Almost Famous
October 13th - Mean Girls
November 10th - It’s a Wonderful Life
WEST CHESTER STORY SLAM
March 10th - Guilty Pleasures - tickets available by clicking HERE.
May 12th - Chaos!
July 14th - Foreign Soil!
September 15th - Rise Above!
We hope to see you at one of the upcoming slams, and we’re looking forward to hearing your stories!
When West Chester Story Slam started in 2009, I didn’t know if it would catch on.
Well, I was surprised!
Over the past nine years, we’ve held 100 West Chester Story Slams, two West Chester Center Stage events, and two memorable Late Night Story Slams. In addition to the live events, people’s stories on the YouTube Channel have been viewed over 75,000 times, and the podcast has also proven popular.
The courage of people who have taken the mic and told their personal stories has been humbling. There are moments even today where I’m walking through West Chester and see someone who told a memorable story six or seven years ago, and I can recall their story and how it affected me. Being able to record these stories and see how they were shared among friends and story lovers has been personally rewarding for me.
But after nine years, West Chester Story Slam is taking a hiatus. Both our sons are out of college, and my wife and I are determined to tackle some life goals, including travel. For now, we don’t know what the future holds, but if you want to be the first to know if and when West Chester Story Slam returns, sign up for our newsletter by clicking HERE.
We will announce any future plans to those on the email list first.
Thanks so much to everyone who has told stories or cheered on from the seats!
Jim
Cynthia Angst and Diane Yannick won the title of 2018’s Best Storytellers in West Chester.
Congratulations to Diane Yannick and Cynthia Angst, co-winners of the 2018 West Chester Story Slam GRAND SLAM! These women won the title of Best Storytellers in West Chester and will have their names engraved on the Storyteller’s Cup!
Diane Yannick’s story about meeting her now-husband John as they both were recovering from challenging life issues and how they strived to create small happy moments perfectly captured the theme of “Happy Days.”
In the final storytelling slot of the night, Cynthia Angst told about a trip to Normandy with her brother and her history-loving son that fulfilled her son’s dream and also filling her with joy.
The other stories told at the Grand Slam were touching, funny and thought provoking. Thanks to all our storytellers, the judges, and everyone who came out for the sold-out show at the Chester County Historical Society.
Check out Diane and Cynthia’s winning stories below. To watch other stories told on the night (or throughout the years) click on over to the West Chester Story Slam YouTube Channel.
Tickets for the 2018 West Chester Story Slam GRAND SLAM are on sale now!
The theme for the GRAND SLAM is Happy Days! This GRAND SLAM will take place at the Chester County Historical Society on Tuesday, November 13th at 8pm.
The winning storytellers from throughout the 2018 season will compete for the title of Best Storyteller in West Chester on the big stage. This year’s storytellers scheduled to compete are: Diane Yannick, David Winston, Steve Clark, Paul Heck, Cynthia Angst, Patrick Carmody, Luanne Sims, Cathy Sikorski, Steve Kernaghan, and Ethan Tankel.
Pleaste note there is no food and drink at this venue, so grab your dinner in town and then walk over. We will once again have our after-party at Side Bar.
The GRAND SLAM has sold out in the past so please purchase your tickets soon by clicking HERE.
Emcee Mikey Gleason with winning storyteller Ethan Frankel
Ethan Tankel edged out his brother and the other storytellers to win our “Fright Night” Story Slam! Ethan won a prized pint glass and earned the final slot in the 2018 West Chester Story Slam GRAND SLAM, which will take place on Tuesday, November 13th.
Ethan told a story of sneaking into an abandoned mental asylum and accidentally ending up behind the fence of a prison. We heard many takes on the theme “Fright Night,” from hosting carnies, to poking one’s finger into a real life brain. We heard about a visitor who practically moved into a dorm even through they weren’t registered in the school. We heard about the panic attack of finding a man in one’s bedroom, and the fear of sleeping in a cabin in the Jersey Pine Barrens. Chuck talked about the fright of telling his parents he’d failed out of high school, and Cindy explained the tense moments after being in a car accident while nine months pregnant. Thanks to all our storytellers, our judges and everyone who came out on this fine night.
Tickets for the 2018 West Chester Story Slam GRAND SLAM are on sale now. The theme for the GRAND SLAM is Happy Days! This event takes place at the Chester County Historical Society on Tuesday, November 13th at 8pm. There is no food and drink at this venue, so grab your dinner in town and then walk over. The GRAND SLAM has sold out in the past so please purchase your tickets soon by clicking HERE.
Check out Ethan’s winning story below. To watch other stories told on the night, click on over to the West Chester Story Slam YouTube Channel.
Come on out to our October 9th Story Slam and listen to stories on the theme of “Fright Night!” Grab your tickets HERE!
What stories fit the theme of Fright Night?
We want to hear stories where you’ve experienced fear, dismay, or felt spooked by the supernatural. Tell us about your college house that was haunted or the time you were caught in a riot, bar fight, or a crossfire. Perhaps you were caught in a natural disaster such as an earthquake, a hurricane, or a wildfire. Maybe you were the victim of a Halloween prank by your older siblings. Whether your worst fear turned out to be true or overblown, we want to hear your story.
Join us for the final regular Story Slam of the 2018 season. We start telling stories on Tuesday, October 9th at 8pm. Most people arrive early for the best seats and to order food and drink. Grab your tickets HERE.
Also - save the date for the 2018 West Chester Story Slam GRAND SLAM, which will be held on Tuesday, November 13th at the Chester County Historical Society. Tickets for the GRAND SLAM will go on sale on October 10th.
First-time storyteller Steve Kernaghan won our “Panic Switch” Story Slam with his tale of sharing an awkward situation with his students. Steve took home the prized pint glass and earned a slot in our 2018 Grand Slam, which will take place on Tuesday, November 13th.
We heard some fascinating stories of panicked people tonight. We learned how a doctor relays surgery news to loved ones after the patient has caught fire. We heard about dealing with panic attacks with a therapist. We listened to a tale of panic while on an African safari, and tales of panic in a movie theater and a bus among other places. Thanks to all our storytellers, our judges and everyone who came out tonight.
Our next Story Slam is themed Fright Night and will take place on Tuesday, October 9th. Grab your tickets by clicking HERE.
Check out Steve’s winning story below. To watch other stories told on the night, click on over to the West Chester Story Slam YouTube Channel.
Don't panic, but we have only two more regular season Story Slams this year!
Our next Story Slam is scheduled for Tuesday, September 11th and the theme is "Panic Switch!" We start telling stories at 8pm, but most people arrive around 7 for drinks and dinner. Order your tickets now!
We've all had moments of panic, sometimes unfounded and other times our panic is all too justified. Panicked moments occur while traveling, while driving, while planning a wedding, while watching kids play sports or perform at school plays. Some people seek treatment for panic attacks, others thrive on the adrenaline rush. Come out and tell your story on the theme "Panic Switch!"
If you want to tell a story, see Jim when you arrive and we'll put your name in the hat! Grab your tickets for the September 11th Story Slam by clicking HERE.
Emcee Mikey Gleason and winning storyteller Cathy Sikorski.
Cathy Sikorski told about a fall that left her sick and in need of a good caregiver to win our "Sick" Story Slam! She took home the prized pint glass and has earned a slot in the Grand Slam, which will take place November 13th.
We heard about all types of sicknesses throughout the night - from drinking too much alcohol to gall bladder surgery to believing one was having a heart attack. We heard about fainting on the boardwalk and getting herpes from playing rugby. Stories also included "Don't drink the water" while boating on the Amazon and getting your ear blown out while visiting a hospital in Yugoslavia. Thanks to all our storytellers, and the audience and judges tonight.
Our next Story Slam is themed "Panic Switch" and will take place on Tuesday, September 11th. Order your tickets by clicking HERE.
Check out Cathy's winning story below. To watch other stories told on the night, click on over to the West Chester Story Slam YouTube Channel.
On August 14th, our Story Slam is themed "Sick!" Our Story Slam starts promptly at 8pm, and most people arrive around 7pm to secure good seats and enjoy dinner and drinks. Grab your tickets by clicking HERE.
What do we mean by "Sick?"
Sick can be taken so many different ways. Kids today often exclaim "that's sick" when they discover something awesome, so that works for us! Perhaps you've overcome addiction or alcoholism, or maybe you have a story about your struggles with physical or mental illness. Are you struggling with sleep apnea? Tell us about that time you got seasick on a boat or that occasion when you got food poisoning from eating bad sushi. Sometimes we get sick and can't find the source, other times we're sure of the cause. Maybe your hero became ill and you realized they weren't invincible. Perhaps you met someone who had strange fetishes that freaked you out. Tell us your sick story!
Our "Sick" Story Slam starts at 8pm on Tuesday, August 14th on the second floor of Side Bar and Restaurant. Order your tickets by clicking HERE.
Luanne Sims won our "family Feud" Story Slam with her tale of an ongoing prank battle with her brother over the years. Luanne took home the prized pint glass and has earned a slot in the 2018 Grand Slam, which will take place in November.
We heard stories about feuding siblings and irate dads, we listened to a tale of squirrel hunting and a story where dad really did turn the car around. We heard about an abusive stepfather and a mother who yells at her adult children. Thanks to all our storytellers for taking the mic and telling their family tales.
Our next Story Slam is Tuesday, August 14th and the theme is "Sick!" Let's hear stories about being physically ill, mentally distraught, or as the kids say when something is wickedly awesome, "that's sick!" Grab your tickets by clicking HERE.
You can check out Luanne's winning story below. Videos of the other stories told on the night can be watched over at the West Chester Story Slam YouTube Channel.
Come on down for the Family Feud!
That's the theme for our July 10th Story Slam. We start telling stories at 8pm, but most people arrive at Side Bar and Restaurant around 7 for drinks and grub. Pick up your tickets now by clicking HERE.
What kind of stories are we looking for with Family Feud?
We want to hear stories about sibling spats, paternal posturing and a mother's mayhem. We want to learn about your child's most infamous temper tantrum and your family squabble that erupted at the Olive Garden. Tell us about that political argument with your dad, the religious disagreement with your mom, or the flare up with your spouse. Perhaps your parents didn't react well when you came out, or got engaged, or moved away (or moved back in!) Has sibling rivalry destroyed your relationship with the family? Have you moved across the country to escape your family? Perhaps you married into a family without understanding what a hot mess they were.
Grab your seats while they last! We also have some SRO tickets for the bar area available, which will allow you to make a quick exit if you see your mother in law at the show. Ha! Grab your tickets by clicking HERE!
What a long, strange road trip these people have taken!
Patrick Carmody won our June Story Slam with his tale of a road trip to the Shop Rite! Pat won the prized pint glass and has earned a slot in the 2018 Grand Slam, which will be held in November.
Mikey told us about a road trip to Atlantic City as a poor college student. Lorraine talked about reuniting with her father for a year and taking road trips with him before getting homesick. Dwight discussed the joys of changing travel plans at the last minute. Peter told us about a harrowing night on the road with his father. Paul detailed his summer trip as a chaperone that almost ended in disaster because of a Snickers bar. Jacque told us about how a road trip to West Virginia had her worried, but that it turned out to be good news. Shari told of how a pleasurable retreat turned into a nightmare.
Thanks to all our storytellers, our judges, and all who came out tonight for a fun night of Road Trip stories. Our next Story Slam is Tuesday, July 10th and the theme is "Family Feud." For tickets, click HERE.
Check out Patrick's winning story below. To check out other stories on the night, click on over to the West Chester Story Slam YouTube channel.
Summer is Road Trip Season!
We're dedicating our June 12th Story Slam to the Road Trip! So if you are in West Chester, purchase your tickets and come on out to hear stories and perhaps tell your own. Tickets for our "Road Trip" Story Slam can be purchased by clicking HERE.
What constitutes a Road Trip story?
We want to hear travel stories. Whether you were driving cross country in an RV or making a weekend road trip to the Jersey Shore, we're sure you have a travel tale. Perhaps your road trip consisted of airplane travel or hitchhiking or train hopping. What was the reason for your road trip? Perhaps you traveled to see the Grateful Dead, or to re-kindle a romance? Maybe you spent your road trip talking to auto mechanics instead of being on the road. Did you travel through Europe or South America? Have you road tripped to breathtaking sights? Have you been stopped at the border? Some road trips change our lives and others sometimes ruin our lives. Life itself is a road trip!
Our Story Slams are held on the second floor of Side Bar and Restaurant in downtown West Chester. We start telling stories at 8pm, but most people arrive around 7pm for food and drink and the best seats. Grab your tickets HERE!
Cynthia Angst and emcee Mikey Gleason
Cynthia Angst edged out the competition to win our May Story Slam with the story of celebrating her 50th birthday with "the coven." The theme for the night was "Good Vibrations." Cynthia took home the prized pint glass and has earned a slot in our 2018 Grand Slam, which will take place in November.
We heard from five first-time storytellers tonight! We heard about overcoming fear after getting lost in the London Tube, and the joy of winning a softball season by mere chance. We heard about how dad communicates at a funeral, and how waking up to a bad vibe potentially saved a life. We heard about a bond between a daughter-in-law with her mother-in-law, that lasted well after divorce. We heard about how the Stanley Cup was nearly stolen, and how yoga class proved not to provide good vibrations.
Thanks to our storytellers, our judges, and all who came out to enjoy the night.
Our next Story Slam will be held on Tuesday, June 12th and the theme is Road Trip! For tickets click HERE.
You can watch Cynthia's winning story below or click on over to the West Chester Story Slam YouTube Channel to watch all the stories told on the night.
Join us on Tuesday, May 8th for our "Good Vibrations" Story Slam! We start telling stories at Side Bar & Restaurant at 8pm, but most people arrive around 7pm for dinner and drinks. Grab your tickets by clicking HERE.
What stories fit the theme "Good Vibrations?"
We're looking for stories about tingling connections and transcendent moments. Tell us about an overwhelming joy or a thrilling moment that left you shaken. Perhaps there was a moment when you realized you'd met the love of your life or found your tribe of people. Were these people emitting Good Vibrations? Good Vibrations can come from love or lust, success in business or just pure unadulterated pleasure. Maybe you have overcome an addiction, learning that your "good vibrations" were truly leading you to disaster. Let's hear about the good, the bad, and the ugly scenarios of "Good Vibrations."
Grab your tickets for the May 8th Story Slam by clicking HERE.
Everybody has work stories!
We heard from a record fourteen storytellers tonight, and when it was over, Paul Heck was deemed the winner of our "It's My Job" Story Slam for his tale of his short career as a deputy. Paul took home our prized pint glass and has earned a slot in our 2018 Grand Slam to defend his title! Paul won the 2017 Grand Slam!
We started out the night actually hearing about Jane's job studying the effects of Herpes, and that was an indication of just how fun the night would be. Stories included tales of stalking potential dates on social media, macing a stranger while delivering mail, teaching kids science through skateboarding, working on the boardwalk, sneaking candy while life-guarding, drinking Conan O'Brien's water, and meeting President Clinton.
We've never had so many storytellers sign up so quickly, and it's rare we even extend the night past 10-12 stories, but tonight was exceptional. Thanks to our storytellers for being concise and keeping their stories to the allotted time.
Our next Story Slam is themed "Good Vibrations" and will be held on Tuesday, May 8th. You can order your tickets by clicking HERE.
Watch Paul's winning story below. To check out other stories told on the night, click on over to the West Chester Story Slam YouTube Channel!
