The next installment of Ex Fabula’s storytelling series, “Terminal Milwaukee,” will take place Saturday, January 28, 8 p.m., at Kochanski’s Concertina Beer Hall, 1920 South 37th Street, in the Burnham Park neighborhood of Milwaukee.  The theme will be “Generation Gap.”

Tom came to this project as a standout storyteller from Ex Fabula All Stars 2010 and a self-described “terminal” Milwaukeean.  His visceral personal stories are gripping, vivid and filled with detail and affection for the neighborhoods in which they are set.

Burnham Park and the surrounding neighborhoods were an old stomping ground for Crawford.  He worked a handful of jobs in and around the Menominee Valley and when he was not working, he spent time in a smattering of south side establishments including The Outer Limits, The Daily Planet and the former Art’s Concertina Bar, now Kochanski’s Concertina Beer Hall.

The theme “generation gap” is indicative of a typical night out in these south side neighborhoods when Tom was young.  Whether it was the Prog Rock crowd at The Daily Planet or the congregation of Polish and German Milwaukeeans at Art’s Concertina Bar for polka, each of these bars, jobs and experiences shaped Tom’s life in a multitude of ways.  Furthermore, the “gaps” created by Milwaukee’s viaducts created a far deeper chasm than just generational during the racial strife of 1960s Milwaukee.  This gap had a profound impact on Tom ,creating a generational epoch as he moved from his north side neighborhood, south across the Menominee Valley as a teen.

This event, like all the Terminal Milwaukee events, will feature additional storytellers preselected from neighborhood residents. Time permitting, audience members will have the opportunity to share their memories and experiences of the neighborhood as well.  Finally, Milwaukee historian, John Gurda, will contribute historical vignettes to this and every event throughout the Terminal Milwaukee Series.

There is a suggested donation of $5 for this Terminal Milwaukee event. Seating is limited, so the audience is encouraged to arrive early to ensure a spot.  This event will not only feature terrific storytelling and historical insight, but in keeping with historical role of Art’s Concertina Bar and the contemporary flair of  Kochasnki’s Concertina Beer Hall, the evening will feature Vern & The Originals performing polka music opposite the storytelling stage.

“Terminal Milwaukee” is funded in part by a major grant award from the Wisconsin Humanities Council. The Wisconsin Humanities Council supports and creates programs that use history, culture and discussion to strengthen community life for everyone in Wisconsin. The WHC receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the State of Wisconsin.

For more information about Ex Fabula, Terminal Milwaukee, or to view the Terminal Milwaukee series trailer visit https://www.exfabula.org/terminal-milwaukee/, or call Amy Schleicher, Project Director, at 414-840-3930