Storytelling Comes to Eddie's Attic

April 13, 2012 - PRLog -- Eddie’s Attic is reaching out to Decatur and metro-Atlanta’s growing audience of storytellers and listeners with a new show “Stories on the Square.”  Eddie’s Attic has scheduled shows through December 2012 on the second (2nd) Tuesday of every month.  The show starts at 7:30 p.m.  There is no cover charge.

The tellers you will hear at Eddie’s Attic are not your grandfather’s storytellers—their contemporary stories are drawn from personal experience and are poignant, heartfelt, hilarious and reflective.
   
Stories on the Square’s host and director is local storytelling favorite, Shannon McNeal.   “Shannon’s peculiar, sometimes dark, and regularly hilarious Alabama family provides plenty of grist for the popular storyteller’s mill,” says Randy Osborne, organizer of Carapace.   Osborne describes Shannon McNeal’s stories as “mildly disturbing but laugh-filled tale(s). . .Think  “Southern Gothic” with a heavy dose of humor, and you’ll think Shannon McNeal.”  You can see and hear one of Shannon's stories at http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20840208/Torch%20For%20The%20Lord....

The telling of stories creates a commonality among audiences.  Personal tales highlight the similar experiences everyone shares, those things that make us human.  Catherine Burns of The Moth, was recently quoted as saying, “people who refuse to be vulnerable and refuse to trust the audience and let them in don’t do well.’’  The trick is apparently to tell on yourself!

The show is an open mic performance, with each show being kicked off with a tale from Shannon McNeal.  All who wish to share a personal tale, without notes, as time allows, are welcome.  The rules were simple.  No notes, singing, music, poems or fiction.  No political or ex-lover rants.  No stand-up comedy routines are allowed.  The stories must be true, and you have a 7-minute time limit.  There is no theme for the show (but one will be suggested), just come and tell your best story.  You know you have one!  Stories are told until all have a chance at the microphone or Eddie’s Attic closes, whichever comes first.

For more information contact Shannon McNeal at (404) 626-4453, or email at StoriesontheSquare@yahoo.com or the show’s Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/StoriesontheSquare

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Shannon McNeal grew up in a storytelling family. She loves to share her stories about growing up in Alabama and her adventures after moving to Atlanta. If you love southern porch stories, you will love Shannon McNeal.