3rd Thursday of Every Month Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro 3905 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago 7:30 PM (Doors at 7:00) FREE |
New Voices Telling Fresh Stories
Join us for an intimate evening of storytelling in the cozy back room of one of Chicago's best pubs. Each month, an entirely different lineup of up-and-coming storytellers will share their stories.
Over the last 13+ years, we have provided the space for 900+ people from every walk of life and experience level to share their true personal stories with packed houses of attentive listeners. Each show is an unpredictable mix of the hilarious and the heartbreaking featuring memorable tales from your friends, neighbors, and fellow Chicagoans. Hosted by Scott Whitehair.
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June 19th Cast
Destiney Hadden

Destiney Hadden is a mother, Detroit native, and 2022 graduate of The University of Michigan. As a youngster, when asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she confidently declared, “Retired!” thus beginning her arduous journey along the road less traveled. Currently, Destiney works part-time as a nanny. When she’s not busy wrangling her own rambunctious two year old son, she’s off finding joy in the simple pleasures of life, which for her include writing, singing, dancing, hiking and rediscovering everything that makes her inner child squeal with joy. Destiney is a Leo sun, Aries moon, and Sagittarius rising, and - hold your applause - was born in the year of the dragon to boot! Come with the fire department on speed dial, and she’ll be sure to arrive with a diaper bag well stocked with sunscreen and snacks.
Gibran Hadj-Chikh

Gibran Hadj-Chikh (ji-Brawn Hodge-Sheikh) is a Chicago native by way of Baltimore, Detroit, Dubai, and Pittsburgh. He has made a career out of being in ridiculous situations often involving politicians, engineers, and hippy space machines. He has taken to publishing his memoirs as a series of essays on Medium entitled, “The Department of Crazy: Tales of a Failed Innovator.” He currently lives in Lincoln Square with his wife, extremely teenage son, and their dog, Maddie.
Shawn Murray

Shawn Murray AKA Uncle Alice has dabbled in many crafts for many years- including filmmaking, acting , songwriting and storytelling. Shawn believes that inspiring laughter and light is her super power and purpose.
Joseph Anthony Rulli

Joseph Anthony Rulli is a transplanted Hoosier, living in Chicago since 2006. A 1987 graduate of the University of Notre Dame (BA, History) and a 1992 graduate of St. Meinrad School of Theology (MDiv) he taught Social Studies, Religion, Philosophy and History at the elementary, high school, and university levels. From 1992 to 2006, he served as a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. After a major emotional breakdown and having been outed to the bishop, he was “invited” to look for another vocation (btw, no laws or vows were broken). He began writing as a career upon his arrival to his second city in 2006. Since then, he has had two short stories, three brief Chicago histories, and one satirical novel published as well as three stage plays performed around town.
Michele Smith

Michele Smith is a retired Alderman of the 43rd Ward, and has lived in and around Lincoln Park almost forever. She arrived in Chicago in her dad's 1967 Rambler Rebel to attend law school, and fell in love with the city immediately and permanently. Since then, she has been: a law clerk, a federal prosecutor, an in-house corporate attorney, an Alderman, and now a arts non-profit manager. She's also been married, divorced (more than once), a mom, and a very proud grandma. Before all that she was an intern on Capitol Hill, and a bit of a student rabble rouser and a bit of a Nader's Raider. She met her best friends at Chicago Walkers, a race-walking club that meets every Saturday outside the zoo. She keeps promising herself to get back to it more regularly.
Monica Kennedy volini

Born and raised on the northeast side of Chicago, Monica Volini has survived almost 2 decades of Catholic school and is living to tell. The youngest of 5 children, her Irish-American mother and Italian-American father created a home where laughter, song, activism, compassion and food (!) were paramount to expressing love and connection in an often difficult world. At age 58, she is still trying to figure out just what in the heck is going on....but she thinks she might be close to finding an answer. She is new at getting up in front of others to tell a story, and hopes that what she shares might spark a sense of joy in others.
Scott Whitehair (Host)

Scott Whitehair is a storyteller, teacher, and producer living in Chicago, IL. He is the producer of This Much Is True, Chicago's longest running monthly personal narrative series, creator of Story Lab Chicago, which has put 900+ new storytellers on stage since 2011, and director of Do Not Submit, a grassroots network of open mics across the city bringing people together to connect with each other. Scott tells anywhere someone will listen, including The National Storytelling Festival Exchange Place, Steppenwolf Theater, and the historic Green Mill. He is a frequent guest instructor at the city's top universities, and his personal narrative class has been selling out every month since 2012. Scott is in demand as a coach and trainer, spending his days helping individuals, companies, and non-profits develop their voices as storytellers. In 2014, he was the featured instructor at Hong Kong Story Worthy Week, headlined by David Sedaris, and in 2015 taught an intensive at All Hallows College in Dublin. He is honored to be a 2024 Meier Foundation Award winner.
Tell YOUR Story
Story Lab Chicago is open to anyone wanting to share his or her story, regardless of experience or background. Click here for more details on getting started. |
Take a Class
Do you feel like you need a little more guidance and experience before taking the stage? Click here for more details. |