Lowell “where I’m from” slam Reveals Rich Stories

  On Tuesday, November 15 Back Page in Lowell filled with about 60 people;  about 54 more than the average Tuesday according to Courtney, who single-handedly and very cordially managed the bar.  People from all walks of Lowell life gathered for the first massmouth Lowell slam, to hear and share stories on the theme, “where I’m from.”

The Back Page

Seconds before the evening started, I heard first-time producer and co-host, Obehi Janice, ask off-mic to Andrea Lovett, massmouth co-founder, “How do I start?”  I feel the same way about this blog: How do I begin to describe an evening with such a rich menu of stories?
The evening began and ended with heartfelt stories about finding life’s true touchstone: love.  Raw stories elicited the joy of holding a first born, to the wonder of re-meeting a middle school crush in time to hold his hand through a terrible illness. The theme brought forth stories of childhood beginnings.  Joe Hungler, Executive Director of the Lowell Boys & Girls Club, gave us an insight into why he is where he is today.  “It doesn’t matter where I was raised; where I come from is the Boys & Girls club,” that took a shy “wallflower” and transformed him into a leader. On the other hand, Craig Thomas is lucky to be alive after his experience ski jumping in Vermont to the light of a self-made, heavily doused in gasoline fire.
The theme brought forth stories of heritage. Gilbert Gandia elicited howls of laughter as he described his Puerto Rican mother as a “true G.”  As a girl living in Puerto Rico she stood on the corner waiting for a turn to ride around the block on the neighborhood’s only bike.  When a tough boy took one turn too many, Gilbert’s mother spent little time snatching the bike away.
And, the theme brought forth stories of finding home and establishing roots.  Breanna Bradley endeared herself to the audience telling how she found home as a freshman in a new high school with romance with an upperclassman -- a senior, no less.
The evening’s winners represented the theme’s broad inspirations.  Audience Choice went to Emily Levine, a self-described, “Lowell cultist.” Her ultimate measure of a boyfriend is his interest in her new city Lowell, whether picnicking at Kerouac Park, or roaming empty mill buildings at night.  Second place was awarded to Y Sok whose story about cooking the Thanksgiving turkey came full circle back to her Cambodian heritage, tipping her chef’s hat to her mother. 

David Sullivan 1st place winner

First place was well-earned by David Sullivan. He had the audience laughing at his days of high school truancy, forging forms, being discovered by his father(the assistant principal), and suffering his father’s rage in silence.  The story turned as the father’s shoulders slumped and he told his son, “I just can’t take this anymore.”  This was his father’s way of admitting defeat to cancer.  The silent boy became a man who was able to rescue a failing high school career and receive his diploma from the hands of his father.



Co-host was Jessica Wilson, Executive Director of ONELowell, who was dressed to impress in Lowell haute couture, an original from the (r)evolving museum.

Obehi Janice and Jessica Wilson  hosting

Obehi and Jessica charmed the audience with their asides, their enthusiasm, and their insights.  The slam was co-sponsored by COOL who gave the winners a copy of Lowell Anthology 2011.  
All in all, a feeling of being satisfied but not quite full left the audience mulling around after the evening had officially ended.  I think they wondered, as I did, “How do you end such an incredible evening?”  Perhaps, a second Lowell slam …?

 Nicolette Nordin Heavey has been a professional storyteller for ten years.   Her curriculum based workshops and residencies include:  How to Create a Story without Writing a Word(elementary);  Hello the Past(historical narrative for 5th and 8th graders); Fairytales Revisited(middle school).   She has  lectured on story at Emerson College.