islandstoryslampionshipfinalStorytelling is one of the oldest forms of creative expression. It’s also one of the more powerful forms of human connection, creating empathy, compassion, and a chance to share experiences with one another. There are so many different ways to tell a story- think about all the workshops/articles/classes (entire majors) dedicated to the perfection of this art. And, for the most part, people are pretty perceptive to the stories of one another- which is why programs like The Moth (“true stories told live”) and Lore (a podcast that delves into the historical events behind well-known folklore) are so popular today.

Earlier this year, a few organizations including the Jesup Library, Criterion Theatre, and My Desert Island Podcast (Nicole is a cohost) decided to collaborate to bring a live storytelling event to Mount Desert Island. “The Island Story Slam” became MDI’s very own live community storytelling competition, modeled after the popular Moth podcast and program (https://www.themoth.org/). If you live locally, over the past month, you may have seen posts about The Island Story Slam. Nicole and Nina used a series of Facebook Live videos (filmed in their cars) to get the word out.

Everyone was invited to come out to preliminary events in Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and at College of the Atlantic to share stories in front of an audience and some judges. The top three from each event are contending for a cash prize at the main event this Saturday, October 22 at the Criterion Theatre.

The emcees for this event (and for the feeder events) were My Desert Island Podcast hosts Nicole Ouellette (right here from Breaking Even) and Nina St. Germain. Their podcast interviews locals around the island who have great stories to share about life on MDI, so they’re already pretty familiar with encouraging others to share a tale.



The theme of the evening? Dark & Stormy (which is open to interpretation). Storytellers had a bit of an advantage in that they got to know the prompt in advance. Although not allowed to read from a script, there was an opportunity to plan ahead a little bit. Stories must be true, told live and be under 6 minutes.

The production not only involves twelve storytellers (three from each of the four preliminary events), the Jesup Library, the Criterion, and the My Desert Island Podcast but also local musicians, producers, drink mixers (yes, there is a non hard alcohol but still alcoholic version of the Dark and Stormy beverage that fits in with the Criterion’s liquor laws), judges, and more. It is an event that literally involves hundreds of people.

Like most events this size, it’s been a lot of work but will hopefully also be a lot of fun. Nicole will attempt to audio record the event but honestly, it will be best to be there in person. You can by tickets online on the Criterion’s website or at the door tomorrow night (event starts at 7 p.m.)! It’ll be a great time to hear some true stories told by friends and neighbors, as well as a community bonding experience. And, it looks like the weather will be…dark and stormy. Hope to see you there!

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Photo from the first preliminary event. Yes, Nicole and Nina’s ‘Canadian tuxedos’ were intentional.

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