Passing the mic to Chicago’s storytelling competition contenders

Passing the mic to Chicago’s storytelling competition contenders

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On Saturday, the Viaduct Theatre hosts the Windy City Story Slam, a live storytelling competition hosted by Chicago writer Bill Hillman and Irvine Welsh, the author of many books, including the international hit Trainspotting. This year’s roster includes one of Chicago Public Media’s own: Luis Perez from Vocalo.

Eight Forty-Eight invited a few competitors to show off their storytelling chops Friday. Since the Slam doesn’t have to follow FCC guidelines, things can get a little vulgar, as evidenced by the contest’s promotional videos. To avoid any hefty fines, they were asked to keep things radio-friendly and under three minutes so that a few stories could be slotted in the show.

Here’s what they came up with:

Scott Whitehair, “Rock Bottom”

Whitehair is a 36-year-old Pittsburgh native who’s lived in Chicago for 7 years; founder and producer of This Much Is True, a monthly storytelling series in Chicago.

(WBEZ/Kate Dries)

Lily Be, “My Mom the Mouse Hunter”

Be, 33, is a virtual call center manager.

(WBEZ/Kate Dries)

Patrick Salem, “Chicago”

Salem is a 46-year-old soon-to-be CPS teacher.

(WBEZ/Kate Dries)

Shannon Cason, “The Dentist”

Cason is 36 years old, and a regular on The Paper Machete.

(WBEZ/Kate Dries)

Luis Antonio Perez

Perez is a Host/Producer for Vocalo.