African American Heritage Center Hosts First Story Slam Tonight
Starting at 6:30pm tonight, September 5, the Jefferson School City Center’s African American Heritage Center (JSAAHC) will host a Story Slam, featuring eight storytellers. This month’s theme is “Grits.”
“We were brainstorming about this season’s programming and [we wanted to] have something fun and in line with the mission here,” explained Assistant to the Director Mia Haruko Logan. “Part of the story slam is honoring the tradition of oral storytelling, and just paying homage to that and bringing it into modernity and having contemporary storytellers.” Each month will feature a different theme related to African American cultural heritage. October’s theme is “Gravy.”
Logan stressed that this event is not for professional storytellers, and that anyone of any age is welcome to come and tell a story. The slams will be held on the first Friday of each month with a final competition, the “Slamma Jamma” in late spring, where winners from each month will compete against each other.
The cost is $5 for JSAAHC members (includes one free drink ticket) and $8 for nonmembers (includes one free drink ticket). Individuals who sign-up for a JSAAHC membership will get in for free.
Official Rules for the Heritage Center Story Slam are as follows:
1. Storytellers register upon arrival—please try to arrive promptly at 6:30 if you want to tell your story. Names are usually drawn out of a hat to decide order of presentation.
2. Stories should fit into the theme of the night.
3. Stories should be true as you remember it.
4. Stories should be under five minutes in length! 6 minutes and you hear a whistle—8 minutes and you get the hook.
5. No Notes, No Props, No Music.
Three judges will be selected from the audience. Each storyteller is given a score on a scale of 1-10 on the following criteria: sticking to the theme, sticking to the five minutes, and audience response. The storyteller with the highest score wins and is given a spot in the final slam off.
The JSAAHC is also looking for a logo for the Story Slam and t-shirts. Design must say Jefferson School African American Heritage Center Story Slam 2014-15. Winner gets $50 and two free tickets to the October slam. Send designs to admin@jeffschoolheritagecenter.org.
Raffle, Game Night Happening at Mary Williams Community Center
JABA’s Mary Williams Community Center will be raffling two pairs of tickets to an upcoming concert at Carver Recreation Center featuring “Touch the Band.” Proceeds from the raffle will support JABA’s Home Delivered Meals program in Charlottesville & Albemarle county. Raffle tickets are available at the center and at JABA’s Hillsdale location for just $1.00 a chance. Concert tickets are valued at $18.00 each and include refreshments catered by Mel’s Cafe. The winners will be drawn on Monday September 8. “Touch the Band” will be performing on September 12, 8:30pm-11:30pm at Carver Rec.
Mary Williams Community Center Manager Kelly Carpenter also reports that the Center will be partnering with Charlottesville Parks & Recreation to host a weekly Games Group. Beginning Sept. 17, each Wednesday through December 17 from 2:15pm to 3:15pm, the Center will be open to individuals who would like to play dominoes, checkers or scrabble. While the group is geared to seniors everyone is welcome. There is no fee to participate. Call the Mary Williams Community Center for questions and to reserve your spot at 434-987-8433.
Touch the Band to Perform at Carver Recreation Center
On September 12, Charlottesville Parks & Recreation will present a concert by TOUCH the Band from 8:30pm-11:30pm at Carver Rec. The cost is $18 per person.
TOUCH is a six-member ensemble that play soulful blues, smooth jazz, and R & B. The band has won many awards and is known for its ability to get the audience dancing and singing along. More information about the group can be found by visiting their website at www.touchtheband.com.
This program is open for anyone ages 18 and up. Included in the cost is heavy hors d’oeurvres by local favorite, Mel’s Café. No alcohol is permitted. To purchase tickets, please call (434) 970-3053. Tickets may also be purchased in person at Carver Recreation Center. There are a limited number of seats available.
Jefferson School City Center is a voice of the nine nonprofits located at Charlottesville’s intergenerational community center, the restored Jefferson School. We are a legacy preserved . . . a soul reborn . . . in the heart of Cville!
