Our "First Crush" Story Slam Ends in a Tie!

Marcus Grimm, emcee Melissa Snavely and Christian Carrion celebrate!

Our "First Crush" Story Slam brought out a slew of stories about grade school loves, television crushes, and rekindled romances! When it was over, the story slam in a two-way tie, with both Marcus Grimm and Christian Carrion earning prized pint glasses and slots in the 2018 Grand Slam, which will take place in November. Marcus told about following his crush through the years on classic television shows. Christian revisited the grade school playground and his attempts to win a girl's heart finally paid off.

Elam explained the challenges he faced as an Amish boy trying to woo a Mennonite girl in school. Terry explained how her schoolyard crush accidentally broke her arm, and how she kept it a secret for years.  Ashley told about how the love of her life started teasing her after she donned glasses in grade school. Karan told of an unexpected romance at a middle school dance. Kevin explained how a girl in a college brochure became his wife. Emily bared her ten year quest for the love of Jason Mraz. Thanks to all our storytellers, our judges, and our emcee Melissa Snavely.

Our next Story Slam will be held on Tuesday, March 27th and the theme is "Forgiven!" You can order your tickets HERE.

You can watch Christian and Marcus tell their stories below. To check out all the stories told at our Story Slam, click on over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube Channel.

Our February 27th Story Slam is "First Crush!"

Although our Story Slam is nearly two weeks after Valentine's Day, we'll still be feeling the love. Our February 27th Story Slam is themed "First Crush!" We start telling stories at 8pm, but people arrive early for grub, beer, and the choicest seats. Grab tickets for you and your current crush by clicking HERE.

What do we mean by "First Crush?"

We want to hear stories about your earliest loves, whether they were your first true enfatuation or your first imagined love. Tell us about passing out the Valentine's Day cards in third grade and who you saved your flashiest card for. Do you recall your first kiss? Perhaps your crush was a legendary teen idol like David Cassidy or Davey Jones or that boy who lived next door. Did you find true love on the first day of high school? We'd love to hear your story about how love also led you to discover your own identity. Tell us about your first crush!

Our February 27th Story Slam will be held at Tellus360 and begins at 8pm. Grab your tickets by clicking HERE.

Michael Evans wins our January Story Slam!

Winning Storyteller Michael Evans poses with emcee Luanne Sims

Our 2018 Lancaster Story Slam started out with the theme "New Beginnings," and first-time storyteller Michael Evans edged out the competition with his heartfelt story about beginning his life anew after his divorce. Michael took home the prized pint glass and has earned a slot in our 2018 Grand Slam, which will take place in November. Congratulations Michael!

The "New Beginnings" theme brought out stories personal, heartwarming, and sometimes funny. We heard about starting new jobs in different parts of the country, giving birth, holding a historically significant gun, the angst of trying to get a proper haircut, and noticing a moment of grace while attending church. Thanks to all our storytellers!

Our next Story Slam is scheduled for February 27th and the theme is "First Crush!" Tell us about your first fling, your first love, your first obsession, your first romance. You can grab your tickets by clicking HERE.

You can watch Michael's winning story below. To check out other stories told on the night, click on over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube Channel.

Our "New Beginnings" Story Slam is January 23!

Our fourth season of Lancaster Story Slam unfolds on Tuesday, January 23rd with the theme of "New Beginnings!" Come on out to Tellus360 to tell a story or to cheer on those brave enough to take the stage! Order your tickets by clicking HERE.

What do we mean by New Beginnings?

We're looking for stories about those transitional times in your life. Maybe you moved to a new city, or transformed yourself when you started college. Perhaps you hit rock bottom with an addiction and forced yourself to break away from old friends and bad habits. January is the perfect time to reflect back on new beginnings and to plan upcoming life transitions. Maybe you left your job to create your own thing, or walked away from a troubled marriage/relationship to start fresh. Tell us about your New Beginnings!

If you want to tell a story, sign up at the foot of the stage upon arrival. We start hearing stories at 8pm on January 23rd, but most people arrive early for drinks and food. We hope to see you at our "New Beginnings" Story Slam!

2018 Themes and Dates Announced!

We're excited to announce that Lancaster Story Slam is returning for a fourth season! The 2018 Story Slam Season will once again take place on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Tellus360. All events begin at 8pm. Tickets for each Story Slam go on sale the day after the previous month’s event and can be ordered by clicking HERE.

Mark your calendars, check out the themes, and start planning your story!

January 23 - New Beginnings

February 20 -  First Crush

March 27  - Forgiven

April 24 - Best. Day. Ever.

May 22 - Do Over

June 26 - Father Knows Best

July 24 - Fast Lane

August 28  - Beach Bum

September 25 - Homecoming

October 23 - Skeletons in the Closet

November 27 - Grand Slam: TBD

Tony Crocamo Wins the 2017 Grand Slam!

Grand Slam Champion Tony Crocamo poses with Lancaster Story Slam Producer Carla Wilson.

Congratulations to Tony Crocamo! Tony was awarded the title of "Best Storyteller in Lancaster" after winning the 2017 Lancaster Story Slam Grand Slam with his recollection of learning an important lifetime lesson at a grade school dance. Tony won the coveted "Best Storyteller in Lancaster" Trophy and gift cards to Buzz Coffee, Central Market, and our beloved Tellus360.

The ten winners of the 2017 Lancaster Story Slam season all wowed the crowd with their stories on the theme "Promises!" Thanks to Eileen Joyce, Beth Horenkamp, Matt McDunnell, David Smith, Brian Layng, Linda Silberman, Jim Pollak, Aaron Lewis, Brian william Gish and Cynthia Angst for sharing their stories.

Thanks to our Grand Slam Judges - Hippocampus Magazine Publisher Donna Talarico, Third Point Press's Editor in Chief Matthew Kabik, and the Fiction Editor for Philadelphia Stories Mitchell Sommers.

Also thanks to Michelle Johnsen Photography and Abigail Edwards for shooting photos of tonight's event.

You can watch Tony's winning story below. To watch all the stories told at the 2017 Grand Slam, click over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube Channel.

Thanks to everyone who packed the house for the Grand Slam! We're looking forward to the 2018 season!

Our 2017 GRAND SLAM is Tuesday, November 28th! Tickets on Sale Now!

Linda Silberman, Michael Pollak, and Eileen Joyce are three of the Grand Slam Competitors this year! Photos taken by Michelle Johnsen Photography.

The 3rd annual Lancaster Story Slam GRAND SLAM is being held on Tuesday, November 28th, 8pm, at Tellus360! Join us and cheer on the winning storytellers from the 2017 season as they compete toe-to-toe for the title of Best Storyteller in Lancaster! The theme of the night is "Promises!" Last year's Grand Slam sold out so please order your tickets ahead of time this year. Order your tickets below!

Storytellers who have earned a spot in the Grand Slam are: Eileen Joyce, Beth Horenkamp, Matt McDunnell, David Smith, Brian Layng, Tony Crocamo, Linda Silberman, Jim Pollak, Aaron Lewis, Brian william Gish and Cynthia Angst. We hope to see you on November 28th!

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Our 2017 Grand Slam is November 28th! Tickets on Sale Now!

Photo by Michelle Johnsen Photography

The 3rd annual Lancaster Story Slam GRAND SLAM is being held on Tuesday, November 28th, 8pm, at Tellus360! Join us and cheer on the winning storytellers from the 2017 season as they compete toe-to-toe for the title of Best Storyteller in Lancaster! The theme of the night is "Promises!" Last year's Grand Slam sold out so please order your tickets ahead of time this year. To order your tickets click HERE.

Storytellers who have earned a spot in the Grand Slam are: Eileen Joyce, Beth Horenkamp, Matt McDunnell, David Smith, Brian Layng, Tony Crocamo, Linda Silberman, Jim Pollak, Aaron Lewis, Brian william Gish and Cynthia Angst.

We hope to see you on November 28th! Help us crown the 2017 Best Storyteller in Lancaster!

Cynthia Angst wins our "Nightmares" Story Slam!

Emcee Luanne Sims with Cynthia Angst

Cynthia Angst won our October Story Slam with her tale of how one nightmare as a child came to haunt her years later. Cynthia won the prized pint glass and earned a slot in the 2017 Lancaster Story Slam GRAND SLAM, which will take place on Tuesday, November 28th. The theme for the GRAND SLAM is Promises! GRAND SLAM tickets are on sale now, click HERE.

Cynthia's tale edged out several excellent stories about nightmares of the real variety, as well as true dreamlike nightmares. We heard about strange doors and killer lobsters, losing a friend and finding a butcher knife, unsettling dreams about horror movies and recalling a father's pranks. Thanks to all our storytellers, our judges and to everyone who came out to catch our Nightmares Story Slam.

Check out Cynthia's winning story below. To watch the other stories told at the Nightmares Story Slam, click on over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube Channel.

Our October 24th Story Slam is "Nightmares!"

Photo by Michelle Johnsen Photography

Our next Story Slam takes place on Tuesday, October 24th and our theme is "Nightmares!" Join us for stories at Tellus360 starting at 8pm. This is our final regular season Story Slam of 2017, and we will discover who wins the final slot in the season's GRAND SLAM!

What type of stories fit into the theme of "Nightmares?"

We want to hear stories about the nightmares you dreamed and the nightmares you lived! Did someone scare you and give you frightening dreams? Did you live through a nightmare - perhaps a terrible job, a crazy boss, an abusive spouse or parent? What's a nightmare you endured and survived? Do you have a frightening Halloween story? Perhaps you worked in a morgue or at a funeral home. Prepare your Nightmares story!

Tickets for our October 24th Story Slam are available now by clicking HERE. If you want to tell a story, sign up at the foot of the stage once you arrive.

This is your last chance to win a spot in the 2017 GRAND SLAM! See you soon!

Brian William Gish Wins our "Old School" Story Slam!

Emcee Meg Martin with winning storyteller Brian William Gish

Congratulations to Brian William Gish, the winner of our "Old School" Story Slam! Brian told about how attending third grade with two broken arms led to a culinary treat. Brian won our prized pint glass and earned a slot in our Lancaster Story Slam GRAND SLAM, which will be held in November.

The competition was fierce tonight. We heard about how an allegedly evil kid saved a school girl, and how some pills led to an uncomfortably awkward moment with a college professor. We were entertained by an attempt at "old school" backpacking and how a young man learned to enjoy those of an older generation. We heard about life with a VW Vanagon, and a tale of trying to please a wife who really needed to pee, and seeing your accumulated points diminish. We heard about rifle enthusiasts and carnies, sunglasses and toilets, along with how to excite some Chinese tourists.

Thanks to Meg Martin for emceeing and our judges for judging. We appreciate everyone who came out tonight to cheer our storytellers on. It was a fun night!

Our next Story Slam is themed "Nightmares" and will be held on Tuesday, October 24th. Grab your tickets HERE.

You can watch Brian tell his story below. To watch other stories told on the night, click on over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube page.

Our "Old School" Story Slam is September 26th!

Our September 26th Story Slam is themed "Old School!" We start telling stories at 8pm at Tellus360. Grab your tickets by clicking HERE!

What stories fit the theme "Old School?"

We want to hear your stories about attending school back in the day, and we also want to hear your stories about solving issues with an "old school" attitude. The Urban Dictionary defines Old School as "Anything that is from an earlier era and looked upon with high regard or respect." Perhaps your story is about solving a school issue in an old style way. Bring your "old school" story as you see it!

We hope to see you September 26th, we start telling stories at 8pm. If you want to tell a story, sign up when you arrive!

Our "Hot Mess" Story Slam Ends in a Tie!

Co-winners Jim Pollak and Aaron Lewis

Congratulations to Jim Pollak and Aaron Lewis, co-winners of our "Hot Mess" Story Slam. Both storytellers told tales about hiking - and each story ended with a harrowing experience of exhaustion. Both Jim and Aaron have earned slots in the November Grand Slam.

In addition to the trail stories, the theme "Hot Mess" included tales about steaming piles of hot mess, relationships that turn into a hot mess, runs that turn into a dangerous situation and more.

Our next Story Slam is themed "Old School" and will be held on Tuesday, September 26th at Tellus360. You can order your tickets by clicking HERE.

You can watch Jim and Aaron's winning stories below. To view all the stories told at our Hot Mess Story Slam, click on over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube channel.

Our August 22nd Story Slam is "Hot Mess!"

To celebrate the dog days of summer, our August 22nd Story Slam is themed "HOT MESS!" We start telling stories at 8pm at Tellus360 in downtown Lancaster. You can pick up your tickets online by clicking HERE.

What type of "Hot Mess" stories are we looking for? 

We want to hear stories where you were very warm or uncomfortable, steaming or sweating, or maybe just downright sexy. Did you attend a disastrous wedding during a heatwave? Perhaps you drunkenly "hooked up" with someone who turned out to be a bit crazy. Have you ever been caught in a riot? Being caught in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation can make one sweat. Tell us your story about encountering a "Hot Mess!" 

We hope to see you on August 22nd at the air-conditioned Tellus360! Remember, we start telling stories at 8pm. If you want to tell a story, simply sign up when you arrive. The hilarious Luanne Sims is our emcee. Grab your tickets HERE.

Linda Silberman wins our July Slam!

Emcee Donna Talarico looks on as Linda Silberman shows off her prized pint glass.

Linda Silberman won our "That One Time" Story Slam with her story of getting lost in a Mexican desert. Linda took home the prized pint glass and earned a slot in our November Grand Slam!

The night got off to a raucous start with Mitch's story of how his college pranks ended with condom representatives showing up at his school. We heard about "that one time" when college student Nick drank too much and had a run in with the cops. Tony told about his attempt to get rid of a hand grenade while in Vietnam. We heard Cynthia's tale of trying on a wedding dress with "the coven." Marc told us about "that one time" he almost drowned. We heard Doug's story of ending up in a Lancaster-based reality TV show. Erik told about how his attempt to help a co-worker didn't end up as planned. We heard Beth's story of road rage, Laura's tale of being catcalled, and Liz's story about a wild night on the dance floor.

Thanks to all our storytellers, our judges, and the whole audience for your enthusiasm. Also a big thanks to our emcee Donna Talarico! As we mentioned, Donna's HippoCamp 2017 Creative Nonfiction Writers Conference returns to Lancaster this September with an amazing lineup. Learn more by clicking HERE.

Our next Story Slam is themed "Hot Mess" and will be held on Tuesday, August 22nd at Tellus360. Pick up your tickets by clicking HERE.

You can watch Linda's winning story below. To check out all the stories told on the night, click on over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube channel.

Our July 25th Story Slam is "That One Time..."

"Remember that one time?"

Our July Story Slam has a theme that can fit nearly any story! "That One Time..." is our theme for the July 25th Story Slam, which begins at 8pm at Tellus360 in downtown Lancaster, PA. Arrive early for the best seats, you can grab a pint and food in the front bar before the show. Tickets are available by clicking HERE.

What do we mean by "That One Time..." We all have classic go to stories that was share around the dinner table, or when we're at a bar with friends. It may be a story about an old lover, or a tale about an epic road trip, or a remembrance about an event that changed your relationship with family or friends forever. This is basically an open call for stories - any story fits - so bring your best story to our July Story Slam!

Tony Crocamo wins our "Awkward Pause" Story Slam!

Winning Storyteller Tony Crocamo with emcee Luanne Sims.

Tony Crocamo won our June Story Slam with his tale of meeting his future wife for the first time and knowing she was the one. Tony won the prized pint glass and will return in November to compete in our Grand Slam.

The theme "Awkward Pause" brought out several embarrassing stories such as being caught eyeing up a singer, pretending news journalist Ann Curry is your wife, and being stuck in an apartment door. We also heard tales about awkward job interviews, awkward children, and an awkward moment after the death of one's father. We heard about an awkward encounter on the Appalachian Trail, an embarrassing workout wardrobe malfunction and the awkward attempt to keep one's obsession with the Twilight books under wraps.

Thanks to our storytellers, our judges and all those who came out to support live storytelling. Our next Story Slam is themed "That One Time" and will be held at Tellus360 on Tuesday, July 25th. Tickets can be ordered by clicking HERE.

You can watch Tony's winning story below. To watch other stories told at our Story Slams, click on over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube channel.

Our June 27th Story Slam is "Awkward Pause!"

Come on out to our Tuesday, June 27th Story Slam to hear tales about "Awkward Pause!" Our Story Slams are held at Tellus360 and we start hearing stories at 8pm, so arrive early to get a pint and some grub. Tickets can be ordered by clicking HERE.

What are "Awkward Pause" stories?

We want to hear your story about an embarrassing moment where you realized something for the first time. Perhaps you said something you shouldn't have, or gave away a secret, or unwittingly informed someone of a looming surprise. Maybe you let it slip that you believed unicorns were real, like in this episode of This American Life. Did you reveal something about your personal life to your parents by mistake, or drunkenly tell your roommate you had a crush on them, or call your boss an obscene name only to turn around and see them standing behind you? We've all had awkward pauses in our lives, what is yours?

Join us on Tuesday, June 27th at 8pm at Tellus360! If you want to tell a story, sign up with Carla once you arrive. Secure your tickets HERE.

Looking for more inspiration? Frank Melvin has told some of our favorite "awkward pause" stories through the years. Here's one!

Brian Layng Wins Our "Don't Tell Mom" Story Slam!

Winner Brian Layng poses with emcee Eileen Joyce

Congratulations to Brian Layng!

Brian won our "Don't Tell Mom" Story Slam with his story of learning that there are some things you actually can tell your mother. Don't Tell Mom proved to be a popular theme - we heard twelve stories on the night. We heard how mothers know their daughters have a crush on a boy and how sons text their fathers certain details they wouldn't dare tell their mothers. We heard about mischief and health scares that mothers never knew about. We learned how a mother unknowingly saved her daughter from school trouble and how another mom found out the truth about her son's broken clavicle.

We were also excited to have six first-time storytellers joining six returning storytellers. Thanks to everyone who came out to listen to "mom" stories and cheer our storytellers on. Also thanks to Eileen Joyce for emceeing the night. Our next Story Slam will be held on June 27th and the theme is "Awkward Pause!" Tickets are available by clicking HERE.

You can watch video of Brian's winning story below. To watch other stories told this night, click on over to the Lancaster Story Slam YouTube channel.

Our May 23rd Story Slam is "Don't Tell Mom!"

"Don't Tell Mom!"

You've said this many times, or perhaps you have overheard your kids whispering this in the next room. Well, now "Don't Tell Mom" is the theme of our May 23rd Story Slam! Join us at 8pm at Tellus360 for "Don't Tell Mom" stories. Grab your tickets by clicking HERE.

We want to hear those stories where you broke a lamp in the house, scratched the car, or snuck a boyfriend/girlfriend into your bedroom. Trying to keep a secret from mom isn't easy - they have that extra sense for knowing when something is amiss. Maybe you withheld vital information about your true identity, your whereabouts, or your most recent lover, because you were concerned about mom's reaction. Have you ever had to tell your mom you were moving away, that you wrecked her new car, or that you were arrested? Tell us about your mother's reaction when she finally put the puzzle pieces together. We want to hear the stories you successfully kept from your mom AND stories you were not able to keep hidden!

"Don't Tell Mom" is the theme! Come on our May 23rd at 8pm at Tellus360!