An interesting event at a local bar for those who love listening.

On January 19th, while most SVC students were begrudgingly returning to their dorms after the first day of classes, there was a unique event in Bennington. Story Night is inspired by a regular podcast and National Public Radio (NPR) segment called The Moth. Like The Moth, Story Night features people telling stories centered around a theme — extraordinary, happy, sad, ridiculous — any story goes.

A local artist, Forest Byrd, has started hosting Story Nights in the Bennington area. They now have a more permanent home and a regular schedule at the Tap House at Catamount Glass. The January 19th Story Night was themed “Easy as Pie.” Twelve different people told a variety of stories about difficult obstacles in their lives; the struggles were daunting, yet in retrospect were “easy as pie.” Stories about love and relationships, careers, and so forth entertained the small crowd of about 40 people.

The next Story Night events are scheduled for February 14th and 16th at the Tap House. I will be attending the February 16th event, themed “it wasn’t me.” I may even tell a story about fruit loops there, depending on the temperature of the crowd. The only way you’ll know more is if you show up. Last time was mostly older locals, and the venue is due for some fresh blood from the local colleges.

See you there!