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The Moth GrandSLAM — The GrandSLAM is hosted by Birmingham comedian + artist Chris Davis. (The Moth)

It’s no secret that Birmingham is home to creative leaders, minds and storytellers. To add to the already impressive art scene, The Moth is bringing storytelling events to our city—eager to uncover new stories nationwide.

Birmingham’s Inaugural GrandSLAM Championship is coming up on September 18, and you don’t want to miss it. Why? Keep reading to find out.

What you need to know about The Moth Birmingham’s Inaugural GrandSLAM

The Moth storySLAM — Hear from storytellers across Birmingham at the GrandSLAM. (The Moth)

Leading up to the GrandSLAM, The Moth’s StorySLAMs take place at Red Mountain Theatre. Audience members who want to participate put their name in and 10 are chosen at random to compete.

Starting with a theme, the storytellers run with it and create a unique, intimate and enlightening experience for the audience. At the end of each show, the audience chooses a winner.

At the GrandSLAM, you listen as 10 StorySLAM winners compete to be the next GrandSLAM Champ.

What: The Moth Birmingham’s Inaugural GrandSLAM Championship hosted by Chris Davis
When: Monday, September 18 | 8PM (doors open at 7PM)
Where: Dorothy Jemison Day Theater, 800 19th Street N. Birmingham, AL ,35203
Tickets: $35 plus fees

What is The Moth? — the story behind the stories

Since its launch in 1997, The Moth has made it a goal to promote the art of storytelling and celebrate the diversity and commonality of human experience.

As a Georgia native, founder George Dawes Green was reminiscent the feeling of summer evenings when moths were attracted to the light on the porch.

To recreate this in his new home of New York, he and his friends would gather to spin spellbinding tales. The first New York event was held in George’s living room and now, live storytelling events happen monthly across the U.S. and internationally.

You can support this mission by donating, sponsoring, hosting a story circle + more. Find out how you can help grow the storytelling scene in Birmingham.

Pop-Up Porch allows passersby to experience The Moth’s mission

Another exciting community event offered is the Pop-Up Porch Tour. The Pop-Up Porch is a custom-built home fitted with a tiny porch designed for sharing and listening to stories.

At the Pop-Up Porch you can:

Attend a community event featuring local musicians, artists + creators
Learn how to craft and pitch your own story
Listen to stories from The Moth archive
Meet story directors, instructors and producers
Take part in workshops with local community organizations

Hundreds of strangers, fans and passersby came to last year’s Birmingham Pop-Up Porch and several visitors came to Red Mountain Theatre the next week to take the stage at StorySLAM.

Bringing The Moth to Birmingham

Moth shows are renowned for the range of human experiences they showcase. We talked to the Regional Producer to learn the role this community has in Birmingham.

“I feel like Birmingham has its own special and unique story.

Whether that’s the history of our Civil Rights Movement and how that plays a role in the activities we do today, like Sidewalk Film and Jazz Festivals, the art of storytelling is very centric to Birmingham.”
Jasmine Shaw, Regional Producer, The Moth

We couldn’t agree with Jasmine more. The Magic City is a special place.

Come see this creative work in action at the The Moth’s Birmingham Inaugural GrandSLAM Championship on September 18, and check out other live storytelling events.

Keep up with The Moth at their Website, Facebook + Instagram.

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