Story Slam Turns 10 – and Karen Terra Takes the Spotlight
Every year, Library Foundation & Friends Board Member (and former President) Karen Terra, resolves to do a “step-out-of-my-comfort-zone” challenge. One year, she went skydiving. Another year, she bungee jumped. This year, at the 10th anniversary of the Library’s beloved Cabin Fever Story Slam series, she put her name into the orange bucket.
Story Slam is an event that invites community members to enter their names for the chance to tell a five-minute, true story (without notes) based on a theme. Since debuting at Pinky G’s in 2015, Story Slam has popped up at 11 different venues, from cozy bars to outdoor patios to online screens during COVID lockdown, becoming a local favorite for laughter, connection, and surprise storytelling brilliance.
The celebratory January slam was held at the Virginian Lodge, with the theme “Age.” Emcee Jeff Moran tossed out Story Slam trivia between performances, and the judges’ panel included hosts from across the event’s decade-long history.
Throughout the night, contestant after contestant stood before the audience and told their stories, while those whose names remained in the orange bucket waited expectantly and perhaps nervously. Finally, the last name was drawn from the bucket and handed to Moran, who smiled.
“Here’s a longtime supporter of the Cabin Fever Story Slam--please help me welcome Karen Terra!”
Karen stepped on stage, took a breath, and shared a funny, relatable tale about a dysfunctional iPhone when she needed it most, her quest for help to fix it, and a case of mistaken identity. The story struck a chord, and the crowd erupted into cheers. Karen later described her first-time Story Slam experience as having a real connection with the audience. She said she felt seen, appreciated, and that the audience was truly entertained.
When the final scores were tallied, third and second place winners, Forrest Lewis and Tony Cross, were announced. Then, for the second time that night, Karen’s name was called - this time as the night’s first-place storyteller. The crowd erupted once more as she was handed the coveted donkey piñata trophy, a perfect symbol for a night when courage met celebration.
Way to step outside your comfort zone, Karen! And what a joyful way to honor ten years of storytelling, laughter, and community.