Ask Me Stories Summer Slam

Cammi and I are super excited about our first Ask Me Stories Slam. Last month's show was our 2 year anniversary and it was amazing. We had amazing performers, a ridiculous raffle, and surprise cake shaped like a giant number 2, and a sold-out house.

This month we're letting you take the stage as we invite audience members to put their name in the hat, bag or bowl (vessel as-of-yet undetermined) and possibly be selected to tell a story. The time limit is 6 minutes. At 7 minutes I will come out and sweep you offstage a la Showtime at the Apollo. That will be weird and make everyone uncomfortable, so time your tale! 

We will be presenting a featured performer, the incredible, Moth GrandSlam-winning Erin Barker of Story Collider. So come check out the slam Thursday August 30th at 7pm at Le Poisson Rouge. 

There is NO THEME and the show is FREE!!!

More info at:

http://askmestories.com

http://lepoissonrouge.com/events/artist/5593

https://www.facebook.com/events/249508318502890/?ref=ts

The Story Collider: Body Plans

I am performing at a great science-based storytelling show next week on Wednesday May 18th. It's called "The Story Collider" and it's hosted by Ben Lillie. I'll be speaking about my battle with Crohn's Disease over the last few years. I've never publicly spoken about this before and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous as hell. I mean, some things are personal, but this is really personal. As much trepidation as I'm feeling, I'm actually quite excited to get it all out there in the open. People suffering from Crohn's have a suicide rate three times higher than the general public. Much of this stems not only from pain, physical limitations, and drug side effects, but also from the amount of shame and secrecy around the condition. It's this fact that keeps reminding me what a great opportunity I have in speaking to people about this insidious disease.

As heavy as all of this sounds, the story is quite funny and full of silver linings, which I'm always reminding myself to recognize lately. I've always loved the saying "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." So I will literally be attempting to make verbal lemonade before your very eyes and ears. After all, doesn't a spoonful of sugar make the medicine go down?

I hope you can join us.

"Body Plans"

Wednesday the 18th of May
8pm
Pacific Standard, Brooklyn, NY

http://storycollider.org/shows/2011-05-18

For more information about Crohn's Disease:
http://www.ccfa.org/info/about/crohns