The word community is relative to one’s social ideals and practices. Often times we only scratch the surface of communities; not knowing that each individual, each entity has their own unique tale rife with elements that blindly connect each of us.
Our first experience with community is family. There’s the one we’re born into, the one we create or perhaps a collective of like-minded individuals.
Jennifer Hoepner. Photo by Art Montes.
Along with her daughter, Jennifer Hoepner enjoys the support of family members at home and within the community. “My daughter has had the same group of school friends for years and those friends have great families. Our Fratney Family community is fabulous!” A contributor of Draw Write Here, Jennifer feels fortunate to be involved with this collaborative community of local artists & writers.
Alecia Altstaetter. Photo by Art Montes.
Alecia Altstaetter is a mother to four children, five if you count the foreign exchange student from Switzerland. Community for her includes volunteering at her children’s school, as well as being a member of Ex Fabula’s Volunteer Committee. Alecia shares, “This year, I started doing stand-up and I look forward to doing more performing.”
Rick Karlson. Photo by Art Montes.
Community is sense of self. Currently working on his sixth do over in life, Rick Karlson pondered,“When was the last time you got to completely stop and just be?” Having lived the corporate suburban life, he finds pleasure in rediscovering himself and what motivates him as an individual. “I realize now more than ever that I was born to tell (stories). I’ve been doing it since I was able to talk. So, this (storytelling) was one of the BIG steps into getting back to me; sharing stories that have meaning. I’m looking forward to being that (person) again.”
Bobby Drake. Photo courtesy Bobby Drake.
If one dares to dig below the surface of communities you will find life, words & sounds accompanied by……the perfect opening and closing of a car door? Of course! Influenced by a multi-talented family, music producer, 14th Annual Spoken Word Album Nominee & special guest Bobby Drake describes Hands Down as “a spoken word album with music, but it’s not only me speaking over tracks (I produced). It includes hooks from singers and feels like an alternative hip hop album. Its poems in song format.” He readily admits that he is “in uncharted territory with this album”, however given the constant evolution surrounding the ever revolving music industry, along with a growing fan base, this gifted independent artist is already on his way to creating timeless & meaningful audio gems a la Quincy Jones. In addition to currently having the opportunity to record and have his next album mixed & mastered, he is looking forward to future opportunities to perform. Bobby Drake has been a featured teller at Dasha Kelly’s FoxTales and is one of the many talented artists featured in Christopher McIntyre Perception’s incredibly powerful artistic platform Br(OK)en Genius.
Now that you know a little bit more about some of the ALL STARS, what are you waiting for?! Advanced purchase tickets, $12, are still available and can be purchased online through the Pabst Theater box office. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Thanks to event sponsors Milwaukee Turners at Turner Hall, Colectivo Coffee & Milwaukee Business Journal. Special thanks to Season 6 sponsors BelAir Cantina and Transfer Pizzeria Café for their continued support
All proceeds help Ex Fabula continue programming efforts, which includes workshops, StorySlams and fostering community collaborations; giving Milwaukeeans the chance to be heard, bond & learn through the art of storytelling. Interested in becoming a sponsor or donating to Ex Fabula? Please support our community building efforts by making a contribution. Your sponsorship efforts are very much appreciated.
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