What make this internationally organized event such a hit with so many all over the world is the fast-paced, any-topic-goes presentation format of a PechaKucha night.
Presenters work off the 20x20 format. Each person is asked to prepare 20 slides and talk just for 20 seconds on each one as the story leaps (like clockwork? HAHA) to the next projected image.
PechaKucha Night began in Tokyo in 2003 but has since grown to more than 800 chapter cities around the world as citizens take to the stage sharing their passion with a local audience.
For Volume Eleven, the Grand Rapids chapter will offer a diverse sampling of speakers, including Clayton Boothe on How To Do Anything; musician Sara Quashine on creating an Alzheimer’s Playlist; SiTE:LAB’s artist Mandy Cano Villalobos on her life as an artist, Molly O’Malley-Beyer on the topic of zombies and how to learn to love the undead, and many more.
The one I am most intrigued to see is Elliot Yared, whose decision to live his life out in the open and on his own terms is sure to inspire others in our community as this hair stylist and make up artist shares his story within the 20x20 storytelling format.
If you are a fan of story-driven programming like
The Moth or enjoy the richness of a literary compilation like McSweeney’s, then PechaKucha Night Grand Rapids is a perfect night out for you.
Advance tickets: $3.10 (pre-register at this
link.) $5. at the door (if available.)