Lit Lounge returns... In Support of The DoVE Project.

The brainchild of Islander Cara Briskman, Lit Lounge was inspired by similar events in other parts of the country and by programs like the Moth Radio Hour. Cara began working with Open Space’s Maria Glanz to craft this new program for Vashon.

In early September, Mary Marin and Janie Starr approached Cara and Maria with an eloquent, heartfelt request - could the October Lit Lounge help support The DoVE Project?

Mary says: “I feel like the act of storytelling is one of the most powerful expressions that keeps cultures sustainable, memories more vivid and emotions more relevant. It’s where people risk parts of themselves, share parts of themselves when they wouldn’t do it in other settings. There’s a strength and power in speaking, in telling your story. The Lit Lounge creators have made a space that is intimate, safe, where you are free to feel and not be judged. It resonates in me in ways that feel familia oriented. My family sits around kitchen tables all the time and shares stories upon stories upon stories. Lit Lounge brings me back to those moments… I love the gamut of expression and emotion. I love it.”

Cara Briskman felt an immediate resonance with The DoVE Project, stating “For me, Lit Lounge is an open forum; a thematic word is suggested, and then it is up to the participants to give that word life. In the same way the subjects chosen for Lit Lounge can be interpreted in so many ways, The DoVe Project provides so many ways for our community to find support, education, help and so much more. DoVe is an organization I truly believe in and personally support. It was an obvious partnership.”

The Lit Lounge / DoVE Project event was dreamt up around a table, full of conversation and peals of laughter, along with one or two tears of gratitude - a reflection of the whole Lit Lounge experience. Janie Starr brought her own eloquence to shine on it:

I smile
I sigh,
In gratitude
for bold and
bodacious and
beautiful
heart-full
women.
It is an
honor
to
be
in
YOUR
midst!!

People who bring a story will drop their name in a hat at the door when they enter - and names will be drawn as the event unfolds. If your name is drawn, up you come to tell your story. Between 10 to 12 names will be drawn - and it’s up to fate and the storytelling gods and goddesses to determine whose names those are.

At our past Lit Lounge events, stories have ranged from the poignant to the outrageous. We invite tales of truth (or at least a kernel of it.) Stories should be no longer than 5 minutes. People who bring a story will drop their name in a hat at the door when they enter - and names will be drawn as the event unfolds. If your name is drawn, up you come to tell your story. Between 10 to 12 names will be drawn - and it’s up to fate and the storytelling gods and goddesses to determine whose names those are.

The DoVE Project will be accepting donations at Lit Lounge. Information about DoVE programs and services will also be available.

Stories are one of the most ancient ways of gathering, of making sense of life, of sharing oneself with others. Join us to share your own story, or simply to listen to others.

Sunday, October 25, 4pm.  Admission is $10, and tickets will be sold at Vashon Bookshop, brownpapertickets.com, and at the door. As always, no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

All ages are welcome, but the event is not intended for children. Stories may include mature language or themes.
Lit Lounge was created in part due to a grant from 4Culture.