2019
November 17th, 2019 @ City Winery
Patti Vasquez, Storyteller
Patti Vasquez is the host of The Patti Vasquez Show podcast, a stand up comedian, inspirational speaker, and an advocate for individuals with disabilities. Patti was born and raised in Chicago and is an internationally performing comedian. As a host, Patti quickly claimed the number 1 spot for late night radio. She has appeared as a commentator on WGN- TV Morning News and Fox Good Day Chicago. She also served as a fill-in host for WCIU’s You & Me in the Morning. Patti was recently honored by the National Museum of Mexican Art and The University Of Illinois for her contributions to art and advocacy work.
David Pasquesi, Storyteller
David Pasquesi has been improvising since the early 1980s, and is half of "TJ and Dave." He wrote and performed four reviews at the Second City (Chicago); has appeared at Steppenwolf and Goodman theaters, among others; and has many TV and film credits including Lodge 49, VEEP, At Home with Amy Sedaris, Strangers with Candy, Angels and Demons, and Ice Harvest.
Peter Sagal, Storyteller
Peter Sagal is, has been, and perhaps someday will be again, a husband, father, playwright, screenwriter, author, journalist, columnist, marathoner, Jeopardy contestant, dramaturg, podcast host, documentary host, foreign correspondent, wedding officiant, and magician's assistant. Sagal appeared as a panelist on the first broadcast of "Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me!", the most listened to show in all of public radio; and he eventually became its host. He has made appearances on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" and other television shows, and he appears on a narrowly popular podcast, "Nerdette Recaps Game of Thrones with Peter Sagal", because he is a giant nerd.
Antoine McKay, Storyteller
Antoine McKay has been acting and directing for over 20 years. He studied acting under the world famous coach, Uta Hagen, at Eastern Michigan. Mr. McKay has also been blessed to work on the Second City Main Stage in Detroit and Chicago, where he wrote and performed in over 20 shows. He has starred in numerous commercials and T.V. shows including: Detroit 187 (ABC), ER (NBC), Prison Break (FOX) , Sports Action Team (NBC) and in Feature films such as: “The Weatherman” with Nicholas Cage, ”Someone to Eat Cheese With” with Jeff Garland, “Standing in the Shadows of Motown” and “Osso Bucco” with Mike Starr. Antoine currently stars on the hit shows "Empire" and "Patriot", and he can be seen in "Review" on Comedy Central. His show, "Written off," in which Antoine stars as well s wrote and directed, has received awards and accolades.
Tracy Baim, Storyteller
Tracy Baim is publisher and executive editor at The Reader, and formerly Windy City Media Group, which produces Windy City Times, Nightspots, and other gay media. She started in Chicago journalism in 1984 at GayLife newspaper, one month after graduating with a news-editorial degree from Drake University. She has founded several Chicago-based LGBTQ publications as well as the Pride Action Tank, which works to improve safety, health, and progress in the LGBTQ+ community. She’s written several books, and in 2005, she won the Studs Terkel Award, which honors Chicago journalists that offer new perspectives on social issues. In 2013, Baim founded the March on Springfield for Marriage Equality, and in 2014, she was inducted into the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Hall of Fame.
August 14th, 2019 @ Ragdale foundation
Elizabeth Gomez, Storyteller
Elizabeth Gomez is a Chicago based comedian, writer, and storyteller. She established the city's first all female roller derby league, The Windy City Rollers, in 2004. She is the founding writer of a writing collective called Drinkers with Writing Problems, and an editor at Heauxs Magazine (a magazine where smart people talk about dumb things). Elizabeth spends her days working for an Alderman on Chicago's city council, and spends her nights trying to learn all the dance moves from Magic Mike. You can learn more about her at thatelizabethgomez.com.
Archy Jamjun, Storyteller
Archy Jamjun s one of Chicago's premiere tellers, originally from Lincolnwood, IL, and Story Jam's assistant producer. He is a member of Drinkers with Writing Problems, a writing/performance group, and he curates OUTspoken, an LGTBQ live lit series. Archy is a two-time Moth Grand Slam winner, professor, server, guncle, and proud father of a coddled cat. He recently performed his first solo show, "A Boy and a Diva," at Lifeline Theatre's 2019 Filet of Solo Festival (directed by Story Jam producer Stephanie Rogers) to sold out crowds and great reviews. Archy's website.
Arlene Malinowski, Storyteller
Arlene Malinowski is a playwright, actor, and teaching artist. Her perfomance work is an extension of the social justice work she has been committed to for the last 30 years, and her 5 award-winning solo shows have been produced nationally and abroad. Arlene is a resident playwright at Chicago Dramatists where she has developed the Solo/Storytelling curriculum. She’s a contributor to several publications and writes on the issues of disability. Her memoir about her crazy deaf parents is in the works. She's been a Ragdale Resident and supporter. Finally, she is, to her knowledge, the only actor to have appeared in Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure AND Dougie Howser in the same 24 hours. Arlene's website.
Paul Traynor, Storyteller
Paul Traynor is a Story Jam fave. He most recently appeared in the comedy “The Art of Motivation” at Stage 773 in Chicago, and in his own web series entitled "Turner." As a corporate speaker, he’s done presentations for dozens of Fortune 500 companies throughout North America and Europe. As a filmmaker, he's produced videos for hospitals, law firms, churches and non-profits. Paul wrote & directed the feature film "Witches' Night," and is currently working on several original projects. He lives in Wilmette with his beautiful wife, Lindley, and his five above-average children.
Anne Purky, Storyteller
Anne Purky has burst on the storytelling scene depicting the dark side of a privileged upbringing, stirring up trouble on the North Shore, and being the renegade mom of an astonishing, differently-abled daughter. She studied film & writing at Northwestern and the School of the Art Institute. Anne is active in politics, disability rights, and advocates for the homeless with PADS in Waukegan & Zion. Anne has performed at Story Jam, Chicago Dramatists, Truth Be Told, Beast Women, Story Lab, Pour One Out, You’re Being Ridiculous, and sold out her one-woman show at Lifeline Theatre's Filet of Solo festival this year. She resides in Lake Forest where she chronicles entitlement with raucous glee!
Jeremy Owens, Storyteller
Jeremy Owens hosts and produces You're Being Ridiculous, a live lit show which is regularly featured at Steppenwolf Theatre's LookOut series. He is also the co-editor for Heauxs Chicago, and a writer for Oy!Chicago. His writing has appeared in The Daily Dot, Story Club Magazine, Role Reboot, The JUF News, and Thread; and he has been featured in dozens of live lit shows, including Story Jam. He is a graduate of The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and has an MFA in performance from Roosevelt University.
JUNE 12TH, 2019 @ RAGDALE FOUNDATION
Archy Jamjun, Storyteller
Archy Jamjun is one of Chicago's premiere tellers, originally from Lincolnwood, IL. He is a member of Drinkers with Writing Problems, a writing/performance group, and he curates OUTspoken, an LGTBQ live lit series. Archy is a two-time Moth Grand Slam winner, professor, server, guncle, and proud father of a coddled cat. Archy recently performed his first solo show, "A Boy and a Diva," at Lifeline Theatre's 2019 Filet of Solo Festival (directed by Story Jam producer Stephanie Rogers). Archy's website.
Arlene Malinowski, Storyteller
Arlene Malinowski is a supremely talented performer and writer. Arlene's award-winning solo shows have been produced internationally, and she has performed on stages and film sets all over the U.S. An extraordinary talent, Arlene infuses depth and humor into every performance. She also teaches solo performance, and coaches writers and performers. She's surely the only person to have appeared in Shakespeare and "Doogie Howser" in the same 24 hours. Find out more at Arlene's website.
Stephanie Rogers, Storyteller/Creative Director
Stephanie Rogers is the creative director of Story Jam and Story Jam Studio. Steph has been acting, singing, and songwriting since college, and she discovered Chicago’s live lit scene in 2013. She holds a bachelor’s degree in theatre from Northwestern, and a Master’s degree in writing from National Louis. More here.
APRIL 7th, 2019 @ City Winery, Chicago
Jeremy Owens, Storyteller
Jeremy Owens hosts and produces You're Being Ridiculous, a live lit show which is regularly featured at Steppenwolf Theatre's LookOUT series. He is also the co-editor for Heauxs Chicago, and a writer for Oy!Chicago. His writing has appeared in The Daily Dot, Story Club Magazine, Role Reboot, The JUF News, and Thread; and he has been featured in the live-lit shows: Essay Fiesta, Fillet of Solo Theatre Festival, Guts & Glory, Story Club Chicago, Story Sessions, Story Jam, The Paper Machete, This Much Is True, That's All She Wrote, and others. He is a graduate of The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and has an MFA in performance from Roosevelt University.
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.
Marya Morris, Storyteller
Marya Morris has won a whole bunch of live lit contest shows because she is both hilarious and funny (haha). She is making her official Story Jam debut, and she is a valued member of the Story team. Marya is a city planner and freelance writer-editor living in Wilmette, IL with her husband, mother, three emerging adults, a puppy, and all of their cats. Lots and lots of cats. Marya began performing at Louder Than a Mom in 2015 and has since been on stage at You’re Being Ridiculous, This Much Is True, Is This a Thing?, Pour One Out, Appetite for Rock n’ Roll, and as a regular winner at local Moth StorySlams.
Arlene Malinowski, Storyteller
Arlene Malinowski is a multi-talented performer and writer. Arlene's award-winning solo shows have been produced internationally, and she has performed on stages and film sets all over the U.S. An extraordinary talent, Arlene infuses depth and humor into every performance. She also teaches and coaches writers and performers, and she's surely the only person to have appeared in Shakespeare AND Doogie Howser in the same 24 hours. Find out more at Arlene's website.
Anne Purky, Storyteller
Anne Purky has burst on the storytelling scene depicting the dark side of a privileged upbringing, trouble stirring on the North Shore, and being a renegade mom of an astonishing, differently abled daughter. Anne studied film & writing at Northwestern and the School of the Art Institute, and she is active in politics, disability rights, and advocating for the homeless with PADS in Waukegan & Zion. Anne has performed at Story Jam, Chicago Dramatists, Truth Be Told, Beast Women, Ragdale, Story Lab, Pour One Out, and others. She resides in Lake Forest where she chronicles entitlement with raucous glee!
Archy Jamjun, Storyteller
Archy Jamjun is one of Chicago's premiere tellers, originally from Lincolnwood, IL. He is a member of Drinkers with Writing Problems, a writing/performance group, and he curates OUTspoken, an LGTBQ live lit series. Archy also co-produces Talk Stories, an Asian American Storytelling Show, and he is a two-time Moth Grand Slam winner, professor, server, guncle, and proud father of a coddled cat. Archy recently performed his first solo show, "A Boy and a Diva," at Lifeline Theatre's 2019 Filet of Solo Festival (directed by Story Jam producer Stephanie Rogers). Archy's website.
MLK Day show
January 21st, 2019
at Space in Evanston
Archy Jamjun, Storyteller
Archy Jamjun is a gifted writer and storyteller, originally from Lincolnwood. He is a member of Drinkers with Writing Problems, a writing/performance group, and he is also curator of Outspoken GBTLQ stories, and co-producer of Talk Stories, An Asian American Storytelling Show. Archy is a two-time Moth Grand Slam winner, professor, server, guncle, and proud father of an undisciplined and coddled cat. He is also performing his solo show, "A Boy and a Diva" at Lifeline Theatre's 2019 Filet of Solo Festival (directed by Story Jam producer Stephanie Rogers) Archy's website.
Shannon Cason, Storyteller
Shannon Cason was a huge hit at Story Jam this past May, and he is back by popular demand all the way from Detroit! The incredible Mr. Cason has told stories all over the country with The Moth, Snap Judgment, and his own popular podcast, Homemade Stories. He recently launched a new show with WBEZ Chicago called The Trouble with Shannon Cason, available on Apple Podcasts. Shannon is a husband and a father, and he’s making a rare Chicago appearance for our special MLK Day show. Shannon's website.
Mama Edie Armstrong, Storyteller
Mama Edie Armstrong is nationally beloved veteran storyteller. A bilingual speech and language pathologist and percussionist, Mama Edie has been known to blend music and spoken English and Spanish word with Sign Language. She has traveled the world sharing her stories and songs, and captivating audiences. In 2007, Edie was published in a book, Tell the World: Storytelling Across Language Barriers with her chapter entitled "How to Reach a Multilingual Audience." Edie has also been featured on PBS, and has two award-winning DVD's. More about Mama Edie.
R.C. Riley, Storyteller
R.C. Riley is a queer warrior woman, writer, performer, and storyteller who began writing as a means of healing after a sexual assault. R.C.'s work challenges heteronormative views and seeks to find justice for and liberate those who have felt left out, forgotten, ignored, and unloved by our society. Her one-woman show, Wrong Way Journey, delineates her personal journey of healing from trauma to triumph. When she's not performing her solo show, R.C. can be found telling short stories around the Chicagoland area. R.C.'s website.
Nestor Gomez, Storyteller
Nestor Gomez has won more Moth Slams and Grand Slams than anyone ever (we've lost track of the count, but it's over 30). He has also won at North Side Stories, Here Chicago, and Joyfest. Nestor has been featured on NPR and Vocalo, and at dozens of storytelling shows in Chicago, including regular appearances with us at STORY JAM. Nestor started telling stories to overcome his childhood stuttering, and now his heartfelt stories are heard all over the world. Nestor's website.
Lynne Jordan, Storyteller
Lynne Jordan returns for her sixth visit to the STORY JAM stage. The mesmerizing singer-performer-diva extraordinaire is currently workshopping her much-awaited solo show, "A Great Big Diva," which features incredible personal stories and songs. 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 Europe. More about Lynne.
