Matthew 25 is excited to announce the launch of Storytellers of Cedar Rapids, a unique series of performances showcasing the voices and talents of our local community. This curated event will feature five local storytellers, three open mic slots, and live music, all hosted by the acclaimed local artist, Akwi Nji.
Storytellers for the inaugural performance are Courtney Ball, Jason Edwards, Eric Gutschmidt, Akwi Nji, and Ruth Morrow. The performance with the theme of “What are you good at?” will take place on Wednesday, September 11th, at Groundswell Cafe, 201 3rd Ave SW, Cedar Rapids. Additional performances in this series are planned for late 2024 and into 2025.
Courtney Ball, Community Building Director at Matthew 25, shared his enthusiasm for the event:
“A huge part of my work (both at Matthew 25 and as a writer) is having conversations. I’m always amazed by the diversity of experiences and stories people have to share. I often think, ‘Other people need to hear this!’ So, this series is born from that desire to give that gift of these good stories to a bigger audience than myself. But I also think it will be a community-building event, a fun way to spend part of an evening together.”
Leading up to the event, storytellers will participate in weeks of preparation to hone their skills for live performances. Eric Gutschmidt, one of the participants, shared his thoughts on the experience:
“I’ve been interviewed several times, but telling my story on stage is a new thing for me, so I was intrigued when I was invited to participate. I’m enjoying getting to know the other storytellers, and I’m excited to see how this event comes together.”
Adding to the excitement, we are thrilled to announce that Iowa’s renowned Blues artist, Kevin “B.F.” Burt, will be performing at the inaugural event.
Join us on September 11, 2024, for an evening of captivating stories and soulful music at Groundswell Cafe. The performance will begin at 7:30 pm, with doors opening at 7:00 pm. Tickets are priced at $10 for adults and $5 for students and can be purchased in advance at www.matthew-25.org/storytellers. Tickets will also be available at the door.
The series is proudly supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Iowa Arts Council, within the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your community and hear the incredible stories that make Cedar Rapids special. See you there!
