Mix Episode 1: Julie Polk
Modern Stories Mix debuts with a story from Julie Polk, a NYC writer and storyteller — and an actor who has certainly paid her dues, as you’ll hear in her story of life on the road, “The Best Gig”.
Category: Storytellers
Storytelling in Song: Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood
Today I’d like to draw your attention to the two songwriters behind the band Fountains of Wayne, Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood. Some of the most emotionally rich and intellectually original songs I can think of have come from their heads and hearts.
NYC Storytelling Shows: Flowers Fade, Flowers Bloom
We all know what the big, stalwart shows are. But for every Moth, RISK! or Soundtrack Series, there’s another 10 shows quietly making an impact (and giving new voices a mic). Here are some of the more interesting ones that have appeared (or reappeared) on the landscape, plus some notes on shows that have stopped or gone on ‘pause.’
Storytelling in Song: Maggie Roche
Maggie’s lyrics tell tales of heartbreak, obsession, longing and regret. Mixed in is a kind of doleful whimsy. Who else could write an eight-and-a-half-minute song about finding the perfect winter coat? And make it work? No one other than Maggie Roche.
Storytelling in Song: Warren Zevon
I love Zevon’s lyrics for their intelligence, literacy, tenderness and dark wit. These things are only enhanced by the fact that most of his stronger pieces (and there are many competing for that rank) feature interesting characters and and a compelling storyline. They often sweep you through geography, history and intimate events, all in just a few verses and choruses.
Jane Siberry: The Alchemy of the Everyday
While I don’t always like what she creates, I love and respect her as an artist. Siberry takes enormous risks and follows her heart, refusing to stop growing. As she put it in an interview, in which she discussed divesting herself of all of her possessions in 2006, it was “change or die.” She’s totally fearless. “Release the superhero inside!” Siberry implored us this evening. She’s done that for herself. What a great role model for anyone who’s endeavoring to unleash an idea.
Storytelling in Song: Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood
Today I’d like to draw your attention to the two songwriters behind the band Fountains of Wayne, Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood. Some of the most emotionally rich and intellectually original songs I can think of have come from their heads and hearts.
NYC Storytelling Shows: Flowers Fade, Flowers Bloom
We all know what the big, stalwart shows are. But for every Moth, RISK! or Soundtrack Series, there’s another 10 shows quietly making an impact (and giving new voices a mic). Here are some of the more interesting ones that have appeared (or reappeared) on the landscape, plus some notes on shows that have stopped or gone on ‘pause.’
Storytelling in Song: Maggie Roche
Maggie’s lyrics tell tales of heartbreak, obsession, longing and regret. Mixed in is a kind of doleful whimsy. Who else could write an eight-and-a-half-minute song about finding the perfect winter coat? And make it work? No one other than Maggie Roche.
Storytelling in Song: Warren Zevon
I love Zevon’s lyrics for their intelligence, literacy, tenderness and dark wit. These things are only enhanced by the fact that most of his stronger pieces (and there are many competing for that rank) feature interesting characters and and a compelling storyline. They often sweep you through geography, history and intimate events, all in just a few verses and choruses.
Jane Siberry: The Alchemy of the Everyday
While I don’t always like what she creates, I love and respect her as an artist. Siberry takes enormous risks and follows her heart, refusing to stop growing. As she put it in an interview, in which she discussed divesting herself of all of her possessions in 2006, it was “change or die.” She’s totally fearless. “Release the superhero inside!” Siberry implored us this evening. She’s done that for herself. What a great role model for anyone who’s endeavoring to unleash an idea.