JANUARY 15, 2024
MLK Day @ SPACE, Evanston, IL
Mama Edie Armstrong
Mama Edie McLoud Armstrong (storyteller) began this journey of professional storyteller as a speech and language pathologist. She recognized the blatant omissions in the education of her predominately African American students, which left them with little knowledge of the phenomenal contributions of people who looked like them. Images of people like the physician who performed the first successful open-heart surgery weren’t hung in places of honor among the others on the walls, even though this African American, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, also developed the first African American Hospital in the Country, Provident Hospital, which was right in their own neighborhood. Provident was created because Black people on the south side were dying on their way to Cook County Hospital on the West Side because they weren’t allowed treatment at the White- run hospitals that were nearby.
The stories, poems and songs that Mama Edie subsequently created and taught her children helped to fill these gaps as she incorporated this knowledge into their speech and language activities. Their pride, confidence and academic scores began to rise. They came to see that they too were capable of great things.
Mama Edie is grateful that when she left the public schools and began accepting invitations to tell her stories in other settings - for pay - that this new profession would allow her to continue her journey to educate, uplift and empower. She uses all of what she is to advance the cause of social justice. Today she shares with us, “I Walk by Faith.”
Xoe Wise
Xoe Wise (songwriter) is a singer-songwriter, and producer originally from a small town in NC, now based in Chicago. Xoe began playing music around 8 when she was enlisted as a triangle player for a local Zydeco band. Her releases have spanned folk to rock. Xoe has also been seen and heard in Netflix shows such as Sense8, and Showtimes Work in Progress. Xoe enjoys making records, comedic improv songs, and homemade hot sauce. In 2020 Forbes magazine and Chicago Tribune featured her series “Curbside Live” where she played pop up shows off her motor scooter to raise money for local music venues and bring some joy to carry out lines. Wise’s music has been recognized by NPR, and Huffington post. You can find her not only on stage but also developing songwriting and music programs for Chicago LGBTQ youth that help inspire self-exploration, like music did for her as a young queer artist looking for ways to heal. In addition to her work as a professional musician, she holds a BS in psychology and a master’s in social work from The University of Chicago where she focuses on music as body-focused (trauma responsive) psychotherapy and creative arts care.
Binkey Tolefree
Lawrence “Binkey” Tolefree (storyteller)
Hailing from Chicago's south side, Lawrence "Binkey” Tolefree’s original art form loves are hip hop and poetry. He also specializes in acting, improv, hosting, stand up, and so much more. Recently, he created Just Us Improv, a comedy troupe that has performed in venues spanning from local clubs to living rooms to sold out theaters across the U.S.
Some of his other accomplishments include the 2010 MGD Freestyle Champion, Mixtape Mondays Rap Battle Champion, Jokes and Notes Stand Up winner, and many more. Whenever he's not writing or performing music, he also teaches comedy and even independently produces his own shows in several countries around the globe. As an artist and performer, Binkey serves not only as a household name but as a community staple in a city that proudly claims him as one of its own.
Aisha Jumah
Aisha Jumah (storyteller), a vibrant 36-year-old of Nigerian descent, wears many hats. She's the heart behind Mon-ara LLC, where she flourishes as an esthetician, crafting experiences that merge beauty and wellness. Her zest for travel infuses her storytelling endeavors, a newfound passion she's embracing wholeheartedly. With a penchant for literature, Aisha's love for storytelling blossoms from her avid reading habit. Keeping her body and soul in harmony, she finds joy in dance and the art of cooking. A polyglot in the making, she's driven by the fascination of languages, amplified by her tenure as an interpreter for ECOWAS in 2012. Aisha's known for her captivating smile, illuminating every space she enters.
Dave Hiltebrand
Dave Hiltebrand (guitarist) has been a full-time musician for over 25 years. Since graduating from DePaul University School of Music, Dave has had extensive experience as a performer, composer and studio musician. Highlights include the Broadway National Tour of Jersey Boys, co-writing and co-producing two national top-ten songs, composing work for clients including the Oprah Winfrey Show, Nike and Allstate, and tours to South Africa, Cuba, Spain, Italy and Egypt. His debut solo guitar album Yoguitar, Vol. 1 was released in 2016. Dave is currently an adjunct professor of Digital Music at Elmhurst University.
David Barish
David Barish (storyteller) has been telling stories since his parents came home and asked what had happened while they were gone. Since then he has told stories at stages all over the Chicago area and has had his stories published by Chicago Story Press and Stitch. When he is not telling stories he is listening to them in his day job as a workers' compensation and Social Security disability lawyer.
Lamar Jones
Lamar Jones (bassist) was born to be a musician. A native of Chicago and coming from a musical family, he is a versatile bassist who has performed with a variety of musical groups during his 25 year career. Being a well-rounded musician, Lamar has played various genres spanning from smooth jazz, rock, gospel, r&b, funk and house-music in a variety of different venues from Music halls to outdoor festivals across the US and abroad.
His multi-faceted talent of being able to comfortably play by ear or read music quickly makes him a sought-after musician for touring and session work. “My interest in music began when I was 16 years old. I actually wanted to play the drums in church but quickly decided to give the bass a try since everyone in church wanted to be a drummer.” The wheels were set in motion from the time Lamar picked up the bass, being inspired by the mystical deep low-end bass sound. It was during this time that Lamar’s cousin, Barry Halliburton (deceased) being a masterful bass musician himself, inspired Lamar to pursue a now life long career in music. Self-taught throughout most of his life, Lamar is quick to learn various licks while continuing to showcase great timing and phrasing. “There are several clubs in the Chicago area where I have performed. The training ground back in the day was known as “The Jazz Bulls". Most of the well-known musicians who are playing with artists today such as: bassist and vocalist Larry Graham, bassist Mike Manson (George Duke), bassist Darryl Jones (Rolling Stones), bassist Richard Patterson (Miles Davix, Boz Scaggs, and David Sanborn), bassist Bill " The Buddha" Dickens and myself shared the stage with these now headlining performers".
Raised as a Christian, Lamar gained more experience by playing with Gospel bands and artists such as The Thompson Community Singers, Fred Hammond and Kirk Franklin. In addition, Lamar performs with multi-talented contemporary jazz artist Brian Culbertson, along with Steve Cole, Nick Colionne and Michael Manson.
Lamar currently resides in Chicago and has been blessed with two beautiful young daughters. When he is not on tour, you can find him building custom basses and performing in church.
Jen Zias
Jen Zias can be seen throughout the Chicagoland area fronting her own jazz combo, as the lead singer in Mr. Lucky & His Orchestra of Tomorrow, as one third of The Merry Janes Holiday Trio; and as a featured performer in The Paul Windsor Orchestra and The Lola Bard Holiday Carolers. Her original music has been featured in film and television series. As one half of Slipnote, she is honored and thrilled to perform their song, “Look Around”, at Story Jam!
Kari Nelson
Kari Nelson (songwriter, vocalist) 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
Chuck Lacy (drummer) 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.
Margaret Burk
Margaret Burk (storyteller) brings decades of performance, teaching and producing experience to her storytelling programs and workshops. She tells personal stories, as well as traditional folktales throughout the Chicago area, and on the nationwide virtual stage. Margaret’s one woman shows include: Civil Rights: A Personal History and Irish Roots. Margaret produces Tellers' Night, a monthly show in Forest Park and Back Room Stories OUTSIDE! in the summer months in River Forest. She was featured in the 2022 Women's Storytelling Festival in Fairfax, VA. www.margaretburk.com
Fred Simon
Fred Simon (pianist) 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.
Maggie Cain
Maggie Cain (storyteller) has been an actor for a long time and a storyteller for a short time. She has also been short for a long time. She has played old ladies in Pornography at Steep Theatre and in the Jeff-award winning Men Should Weep at Griffin Theatre. She played Amanda Wingfield in 100+ performances of The Glass Menagerie at Mary-Arrchie and Theatre Wit. She has also worked at Goodman, Steppenwolf, Northlight, Chicago Dramatists, The Factory, Broken Nose, City Lit, Pride Arts and Raven theatres, pretending to be everyone from Anne Frank to Mrs. Claus. She’s a three-time choral gold-medalist with Sweet Adelines International and is now a member of the champion New Tradition Chorus. You may have seen her on Chicago Fire, in her COVID TIME YouTube videos or Watching Game of Thrones with Your Mom. She is now enjoying performing as herself.
John Bowes
John Bowes (saxophonist) - - One of the “go-to” guys in Chicago when looking for a soulful sax sound, John’s early influences include Rufus, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Tower of Power, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, and almost anything Motown. He received musical training at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA.
John has recorded with and arranged for a variety of bands in Chicago, among them the Grammy-nominated debut CD of the 911 Mambo Orchestra, The Buckinghams, Pete Special, BrotherBrother, Dick Holliday and the Bamboo Gang, Uneek, and The Robert Cornelius 7.
Artists who have called upon John to lend his talents to their concerts include Aretha Franklin, Melissa Etheridge, The O’Jays, The Funk Brothers (Motown Studio Band), Bettye LaVette, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Lou Rawls, The Supremes, The Dells, and many others. He can be heard on the soundtrack to the Stanley Tucci film, “The Impostors”. Theater performances include “Love, Janis” (based on the life of Janis Joplin) at the Royal George Theater, Chicago, and “Imagine Tap”, which had its world premiere at the Harris Theater, Chicago.
Stephanie Rogers
Stephanie Rogers (producer) is the producer and creative director of Story Jam, a storytelling and music show. She’s also the founder of Story Jam Studio, a storytelling school where groups and individuals work on the art of first person storytelling. As an actor and singer, Steph has performed on many stages and in TV and film, and her personal stories have been published in three anthologies. She has also released three CDs of her original music on her label, Hipchick Records. Stephanie holds a B.A. in acting from Northwestern University and an M.A. in writing from National Louis University. Visit Steph’s website at: Hipchick.com.
Devin Thompson
Devin Thompson (songwriter, vocalist) started his music career in his early teens in the city of Joliet, just southwest of the Windy City. He was the product of a musical family, and, like many a soul great, he has a church background. His father was a choir singer whose voice attracted the attention of the famed producer Thom Bell, and his sister also led a choir.
Thompson increasingly segued into singing as the group played shows around the Midwest. “Because I was a horn player,” he says, “at first I didn’t really look to vocalists as any kind of inspiration. I was looking at instrumentalists — Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Guitar Watson. Those were the people I gravitated towards. Later on it was Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, the Staples, Donny Hathaway. Then I was introduced to the music of Joe Williams, the jazz singer, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett. I didn’t become interested in songwriting until I heard Prince, who became my favorite artist.”
Thompson has worked in Chicago-based society bands, including the Georgia Francis Orchestra and The CHicago Catz.
Thompson’s 2020 release, “Tales of the Soul” is bursting with tunes that offer a vital new take on the music’s ballad and dance traditions. But its most striking track, and certainly its most prescient, is the set-closing “Tell Me.” A pointed meditation on race in the style of Curtis Mayfield’s “We People Who Are Darker Than Blue” and Syl Johnson’s “Is It Because I’m Black,” it was written long before demonstrations began to roil the nation this summer.
“It’s just about the experience of being a Black man in America,” says Thompson. “The first thing I started with was, ‘Tell me what it is about my skin that you don’t like.’ It’s a real question — people who claim white supremacy can’t tell me why they don’t like me. But then it became a lot more real when Colin Kaepernick was going through some of the things that he was going through. The song is about challenging people to have empathy. In America, people seem to lack the ability to walk in someone else’s shoes.”
Though it was created half a continent away from his Midwestern stomping grounds, Devin B. Thompson’s Severn debut proved a surprising and rewarding experience for the musician, as it will for listeners.
Toni DiDonato
Toni DiDonato (singer) is the creative force behind Rendezvous Music. She hold a B.S. in Music from Northwestern University and has been singing many forms of music—including classical, pop, jazz, folk, R&B, and musical theatre—since she was a teenager!