Local Storytellers Slam at Erie Tales

Saturday, Apr. 28

"To me, storytelling is the basis of art which makes it a really raw and genuine medium to interact with," asserted Penn State Behrend senior Elena Greenland. The senior, originally from State College, is organizing a unique night of compelling spoken word and storytelling, with tales that revolve around our shared community. "Erie Tales: A Local Story Slam" will be held at the Performing Arts Collective Alliance (PACA) stage, bringing together local raconteurs of varying backgrounds and experiences.

"I am a huge fan of spoken word and have been writing since I was very young," shared Greenland. The Arts Administration major sought out to create an evening in a style reminiscent of The Moth and other podcasts and performances such as Risk!, Snap Judgment, or True Story.

This format is one relatively untrodden in our community, and can serve as a vital outlet for creative self-expression. "I wanted to do something unique to really showcase what it is about art that's important to me and it really came down to just being able to listen to other people be vulnerable and really share themselves," Greenland detailed.

Finding an ideal match with the adventurous ethos of PACA, local responses grew organically, with several parties quickly becoming interested, filling out the evening fully. The subject matter varies, with each participant "telling a wide range of compelling stories anywhere from meeting K-pop groups by accident to struggling with a life of depression and addiction. There is a lot of variety so there is definitely something for everyone." — Nick Warren

7 p.m. // 1505 State St., second floor // free // all ages // facebook.com/erietales