In 1997, George Dawes Green wanted to recreate that feeling of warm summer evenings with friends sharing stories on the screened porch. So, he launched The Moth, a nonprofit that had a few simple rules involving your own stories, told live, and without notes. And the rest, as they say, is history. The series has moved to a popular NPR show, The Moth Storytelling Hour, but also produces standing-room-only audiences worldwide when it tours.
It also sparked a movement in cafes and coffee shops all over the world. Here in Grand Rapids, the SpeakEZ opens its doors to this community-engaging act of storytelling by hosting the monthly MartiniMOTH.
The program of the night is inspired by the international Moth as they invite locals to gather and compete at this North Monroe hotspot known for the best in eclectic, live entertainment, but also creative and couture cocktails and delicious meals for every palette or diet.
Typically, the MartiniMOTH sets the night's theme a month in advance and at the start of the event, those wishing to tell their story put their names in a hat.
"The rules are fairly simply as stories need to be under five to seven minutes long and true-ish," says Ellie Frances, SpeakEZ Lounge Entertainment Manager. "We wanted our event to capture the feeling you experience when you are just chatting with your friends."
Each month they invite three judges -- two guests, and the winner of MOTH from the month before. The winner of the night not only gets their name on the MartiniMOTH Chalice (23 ounces), but for the next month, the winner gets to come and drink any beverage they want out this goblet. Their first drink is regularly priced, then half off the rest of the night. This month for their one-year anniversary, Rapid Growth's G-sync Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen will be one of the guest judges.
As for its namesake, it dates back to when Green would host these events on that screened porch. Moths would seek that tiny hole in the screen to get closer to that light. Lucky for you, it is as simple as liking SpeakEZ's Facebook page to make that connection to the month's theme.
Admission: Free
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