Story Slam
October 26, 2022 Artifact Events
Elizabeth Gomez, Host
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, Judge
Archy Jamjun is a Story Jam team member and curator for OUTspoken LGBTQ Stories at Sidetrack in Chicago. Archy is a commanding storyteller, who blew the roof off at his sold-out debut solo show in 2019. He is a Moth Slam and Grand Slam winner, and he has told stories at almost every show in Chicago. Archy teaches storytelling and writing at Story Jam Studio, and he holds an MFA in creative writing from Roosevelt University.
Lawrence “Binkey” Tolefree, Judge
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.
Samotta Acklin, Judge
Samotta Acklin is the daughter of Chicago musical Superstar and Legend, Miss Barbara Acklin. Known for her Grammy Nominated hit song, "Love Makes a Woman," and for the many other hit songs she wrote, such as "Have You Seen Her" by the Chi Lites and Jackie Wilson and "Whispers Getting Louder”…to name a few! Samotta was raised in the industry and is known as a quadruple threat - Singer, Actor, Dancer, Choreographer - and she has recently added Producer to her many credits. She's won numerous awards in each category and she has performed in every major venue in Chicago and throughout the U.S. and internationally, including shows in Germany, Italy, Spain, Dubai and even for the Ambassador of Abu Dhabi.
STORY DUETS
SEPTEMBER 28, 2022
Artifact Events
Jacoby Cochran, Storyteller
Jacoby Cochran is a writer, educator, and master storyteller from the South Side of Chicago. He is the host of City Cast Chicago, a daily news podcast about all things Chicago! The podcast was named Best of 2021 by the Chicago Reader and Chicago Magazine calls it “the essential Chicago podcast.” Jacoby has collaborated with local initiatives, voiced national campaigns, and led international story workshops. Learn more at JacobyCochran.com
Marya Frankel, Storyteller
Long ago, Marya Frankel was an extremely mediocre office-temp in Chicago. These days, she and her 2nd husband enjoy their blended family of 6 kids, 1 cat, 2 dogs and sometimes a lizard. She loves Prince, swimming pools and Bolognese and before smart phones, actually read books and tried to be writer. Now Marya just watches documentaries about cults and Googles medical emergencies. This week it’s a heart condition. Next week… who knows!
Lily Be, Storyteller
Lily Be is a Chicago westside born and raised award-winning storyteller and story doula. Lily Be is the first Latina winner of a Moth GrandSLAM championship. She is the creator and producer of Stoop Style Stories live and Story Neighborhood storytelling game. She is also the senior producer and Education Director at Story Collider. A huge advocate for the marginalized, a lot of her storytelling work is centered around helping underrepresented people discover their voices and be heard. Most of her work is now behind the scenes, helping companies and organizations shape and frame stories to better serve their clients, customers, and communities. From team building to Ted Talks, Lily has coached clients worldwide to BE authentically and unapologetically themselves. Working with EVERYONE she can, from the inner-city to the upperclass, Lily’s talent for pulling stories that live within us is unparalleled. Storytelling has the power to transform and save lives and Lily Be is living proof.
Connor Gorman, Storyteller
Connor Gorman is a filmmaker, comedian, storyteller, and producer. He is the creator/ co-host of the show Karaoke Storytellers, where performers tell a short story about a song followed by a karaoke performance of the song. As a filmmaker he specializes in unscripted comedy, documentary, and music montage.
Ian Maksin, Musician
Breaking boundaries both musical and geographical, cellist, composer and multilingual vocalist Ian Maksin has created his own unique style by blending elements of different genres and traditional music from around the globe in a new way using his cello as the main unifying force. In addition to cello, he uses an electronic device called the loop pedal, which allows him to create "loops" or layers by recording and replaying his own playing in real time.
His diverse musical experience, including playing rock and blues guitar and passion for jazz and world music has allowed him to take the cello to a new dimension and develop his own distinct style as a musician and composer. In Ian's own words: "At some point I realized that music is much more than mere entertainment. Music is one of most powerful and unifying forces in the world.”
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.
Reba Meshulam, Storyteller
Reba Meshulam is a video writer, producer, director and editor, making a living telling her clients’ stories. After 30 years she decided to tell her own.
A native Chicagoan, she now lives and works in the northern suburbs. When she’s not baking sourdough bread, she’s down dogging in her yoga studio or speed-walking the neighborhood.
She’s a Moth storyslam winner, and has been telling stories all around Chicago for the last 5 years.
Story Jam Solo
AUGUST 31, 2022
Artifact Events
Shane Hendrix, Storyteller
Shane Hendrix is a brilliant actor, singer and storyteller originally from Chattanooga, TN. He has appeared in film, TV, and on Chicago and LA stages for decades and he has been a top featured storyteller at Story Jam for the last three years! Few artists can bring both humor and poignancy to the same moment like Shane. He is a rare talent!
Shane is excited and honored to be a party of Story Jam Solo this month where he honors his family legacy in story and song.
Lynne Jordan, Storyteller
In a city brimming with classic blues & jazz voices, Lynne’s talent stands out! She has performed at numerous Live lit shows & venues in Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Kyiv, Moscow and Paris. Lynne has honed her storytelling skills with every song, concert, and event and she has created a brilliant one-woman show “A Great Big Diva.” Lynne is a 3Arts Make a Wave Artist who just completed a “Diva Residency” as artist in residence at the Raue Center for the Performing Arts.
Arlene Malinowski, Storyteller
Arlene is recipient of a Fellowship at UIC Disability in the Arts, LA Theater Ovations Award, and the LA Garland Award. She was a finalist in the New Plays From the Heartland, semi-finalist at the O’Neill and Blue Ink Award, and nominated for 3 Arts. Two of her works have been Commissioned by 16th Street Theater. As an actor, she has worked in film, television and theater. As actor, playwright, and teaching artist, Arlene views her solo & story work as an artistic extension of the social justice work she has been committed to for the last 25 years. She has performed all across the US and internationally, and she is one of Story Jam Studio's most beloved and popular instructors.
Typhanie Monique,
Musician
Soul-infused-jazz vocal stylist, Typhanie Monique has been a force on the Chicago music scene for over twenty years. Typhanie’s daring rhythmic ideas and unique improvisatory delivery place her in an elite class of vocalists. As a versatile vocalist and master technician, she confidently defies categorization. She is a story-teller, a phraseologist, delivering lyrics straight from the heart taking you on an emotional journey through grooves and moods. Spontaneous compositions are revealed in every performance.
She is a fierce bandleader, known from her days at the Elbo Room with SUMO, Peking Turtle and Jive Council, lending her talent to Tributosaurus, leading her improv funk outfit, The Booty Movement Coalition, dropping House singles with Mr. Egg Germ. Typhanie has graced jazz’s most distinguished venues in the U.S. and abroad. and she’s shared the stage and recorded with Joe Lovano, Chris Potter, The Manhattan Transfer, Mavis Staples, Joel Frahm, Ken Peplowski, Victor Goines, and Tony Monaco to name a few. Typhanie’s latest project, CALL IT MAGIC, released on Dot Time Records was produced by Grammy award winning producer, Jeff Levenson.
LIVING TRUTH
July 27th, 2022
Artifact Events
Lawrence “Binkey” Tolefree, Storyteller/Musician
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.
Samotta Acklin, Storyteller/Musician
Samotta Acklin is the daughter of Chicago musical Superstar and Legend, Miss Barbara Acklin. Known for her Grammy Nominated hit song, "Love Makes a Woman," and for the many other hit songs she wrote, such as "Have You Seen Her" by the Chi Lites and Jackie Wilson and "Whispers Getting Louder”…to name a few! Samotta was raised in the industry and is known as a quadruple threat - Singer, Actor, Dancer, Choreographer - and she has recently added Producer to her many credits. She's won numerous awards in each category and she has performed in every major venue in Chicago and throughout the U.S. and internationally, including shows in Germany, Italy, Spain, Dubai and even for the Ambassador of Abu Dhabi.
Brennen Renteria, Dancer
Brennen began dancing in Corona, CA, and in 2011, he attended American Academy of Ballet summer intensive, training with ballet masters David Howard, Sean Lavery, and Galina Samsova. He earned his B.A. in Dance from Cal State Fullerton in 2014 then joined Thodos Dance Chicago where he worked with choreographers Brian Enos, Lucas Crandall, Garfield Lemonius, Brian McGinnis, and Kevin Iega Jeff, among others. He has danced with Elements Ballet and in various Chicago productions. He joined CRDT in 2017.
Archy Jamjun, Storyteller
Archy Jamjun is a Story Jam team member and curator for OUTspoken LGBTQ Stories at Sidetrack in Chicago. Archy is a commanding storyteller, who blew the roof off at his sold-out debut solo show in 2019. He is a Moth Slam and Grand Slam winner, and he has told stories at almost every show in Chicago. Archy teaches storytelling and writing at Story Jam Studio, and he holds an MFA in creative writing from Roosevelt University.
Nestor Gomez, Storyteller
Nestor Gomez is a household name in the world of storytelling. He has won more Moth Slams and Grand Slams (40 in total), nationally, than anyone alive. Nestor was born in Guatemala and he became a US citizen in 2018. He produces a popular storytelling show, "80 Minutes Around the World: Immigration Stories," which boasts a podcast on NPR. Nestor is one of the most sought-after storytellers in Chicago. You can find out all about Nestor at his website.
Catera Burgess, Dancer
Catera Burgess earned a BFA in Dance from Western Michigan University. During her time there she was cast in works including BAIRA, Kate Skarpetowska, Jennifer Archibald, Mike Esperanza, and David Curwen. She was a member of Western Dance Project under the direction of Whitney Moncrief, and performed at the American College Dance Association in 2018-2020 in works by Alyssa Brutlag and Monique Haley. Catera currently choreographs and teaches around the Midwest. She joined CRDT in 2022.
Danny Shaffer, Musician
Danny Shaffer co-produces the music of Story Jam. He is a veteran of the Chicago music scene, having produced and played with hundreds of bands. Danny has toured, written, and produced music professionally since he was a teenager. Danny also produces the Story Jam podcast, and serves as music director for the 10-piece Story Jam Band.
Stephanie Rogers, Host/Producer/
Musician
Stephanie Rogers is the producer and creative director of Story Jam, a storytelling and music show, podcast, and storytelling school. A professional actor and singer, Steph holds a B.A. in acting from Northwestern University and an M.A. in writing from National Louis University. Steph started Story Jam in 2014 after leading an event band for 15 years. Steph’s personal website: Hipchick.com.
CELEBRATE PRIDE!
Story Jam & OUTspoken LGBTQ+ Stories
June 29, 2022
Artifact Events
Delaney Roegner, Storyteller
You can frequently find Delaney Roegner camping in the woods, running along the lakefront, or on a patio with her friends. Delaney has lived in Chicago with her dog, Ollie, for 3 years and is currently finishing her masters and education specialist degree in school psychology. She is passionate about reforming the education system and providing psychological services in schools. She enjoys reading, dancing, jumping to conclusions, and all things queer.
Roderick Hawkins, Storyteller
Roderick Hawkins is the Associate Dean of External Affairs and Chief of Staff at Northwestern University’s School of Communication. In this role, he supports the strategic vision of the Dean of the school and leads the teams that manage communications, events, high school programs, and performing arts venues in Evanston and Chicago. Hawkins’ civic engagement includes serving on the board of directors of the Auditorium Theatre, the alumni board of the Manship School of Mass Communication at Louisiana State University, and the iHEART Media Chicago Local Advisory Board. From 2015-2021 he served on the board of directors of Lambda Legal, the nation’s largest legal organization serving the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV. In 2018, he was on the inaugural list of Chicago’s notable LGBTQ executives in Crain’s Chicago Business.
Archy Jamjun, Host/Storyteller
Archy Jamjun is a Story Jam team member and curator for OUTspoken LGBTQ Stories at Sidetrack in Chicago. Archy is a commanding storyteller, who blew the roof off at his sold-out debut solo show in 2019. He is a Moth Slam and Grand Slam winner, and he has told stories at almost every show in Chicago. Archy teaches storytelling and writing at Story Jam Studio, and he holds an MFA in creative writing from Roosevelt University.
Barb Sessler,
Storyteller
Barb Sessler grew up on the Southwest Side of Chicago, spending lots of time with her Polish grandmother and hanging on every word of the stories she often told. She works in the craft beer industry by day and is a Dolly Parton superfan by night. (And day. Who are we kidding?) In her spare time, Barb enjoys playing guitar, writing songs, and trading stories with folx over a good beer or a well-crafted cocktail or two.
Jack Rothmund, Storyteller
Jack is known by many names — on Instagram he’s @rothdaddy, if the government’s asking consider him Jackson McKenzie, and if you’re the sweet barista who knows his coffee order by heart, you’ll confidently call him Jake every single morning… he’s just never had the heart to correct her. Weighing in at 6’1'“ and standing tall at 173.4 pounds, Jack would describe his body type at 25 years old to be reheated “lean cuisine”. He’s a single November Scorpio with a passion for crying on the CTA and a recent chronic vertigo diagnosis — so if your kinks are emotional baggage and a lack of equilibrium, look for Jack out back after the show. With an open mind and degrees in sociology and political science, he considers himself an ally to the straight community this Pride month — it’s not that he has a problem with you, he just doesn’t know how to explain it to his kids. And though Jack can’t promise his story will be good, he *can* at least promise that it’s supposed to be!
Olivia Flanigan,
Singer-Songwriter
Olivia Flanigan, singer-songwriter and gender-affirming voice educator based out of Chicago, IL, found her passion for songwriting as early as age 4. She started as a choral and classical singer, and began writing songs and singing jazz in her teens.
Olivia holds a MM in jazz studies, voice, from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and spent the year after her graduation as the jazz voice faculty member there. She was then recruited to spend a year as the Director of Jazz Voice at Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Quito, Ecuador, a Global Partner of Berklee College of Music. Olivia has also been a guest clinician at Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana, and at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Outside of her teaching work, Olivia performs regularly in a variety of contexts and genres around the Chicagoland area. Her first album as a songwriter, Girl, was released on March 26, 2021.
Xoe Wise, Singer-Songwriter
Xoe Wise is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer originally from a small town in NC. Xoe began playing music around 8 years old and when she was enlisted as a triangle player for a local Zydeco band. Her releases have spanned from folk to rock. Xoe has also been seen and heard in Netflix shows such as Sense8 and Showtime’s 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 The Huffington Post and has shared the stage with artists Lisa Loeb, Guster, The Verve Pipe, and more. You can find her not only on stage but also developing songwriting and music programs for Chicago LGBTQ youth which 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) and creative arts care.
Stephanie Rogers, Producer
Stephanie Rogers is the producer and creative director of Story Jam, a storytelling and music show, podcast, and storytelling school. A professional actor and singer, Steph holds a B.A. in acting from Northwestern University and an M.A, in writing from National Louis University, Steph is connected to the Old Town School of Folk Music as a former teacher, a storytelling workshop leader, and, with astounding persistence, she once cajoled a reluctant two year-old niece to attend Wiggleworms classes with her! Steph’s website: Hipchick.com.
Xavier Sumpter, Singer-Songwriter
Xavier Sumter is a Conference Manager and professional Mixologist who has worked extensively in the events services industry. He’s done Customer Service, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Management, Bartending, and Product Development. You can find him slinging drinks and singing behind the bar at Nobody’s Darling in Andersonville!
DJ Chanté, DJ
Known for her ability to take even the quietest and sleepiest of audiences and have them dancing in minutes, Chanté is an exception to all the rules you think you know.
Between blazing her own path as a Chicago-based DJ, actor and comedian, raising three beautiful young boys, creating empowering event series Pu$$y Control & GRLS, founding her own organization—Cliché (Collectiv)—to encourage collaboration among creative women, and building a dollhouse inside of a bar to celebrate Women’s History Month, you could say being busy is Chanté’s specialty.
With a background in film and improv, her witty and self-deprecating humor is not surprising but reflective of the humility she possesses and encourages in others. But don’t let her humility fool you! She is the first to stand behind the causes she has spent so many years fighting for, both in her personal and professional life.