Step into Jacksonville’s most intimate, high-energy storytelling space — BABS’LAB.

Join us at BABS'LAB on Friday, April 10th for a storytelling showdown bursting with Tales + Treats + Libations. Hosted by Babs Colaciello, Story Slams deliver a lively mix of heart, humor, and surprise.

This month's theme: Divine Disruptions — those moments that interrupt the script of our lives and send us down a new path.

Disruption can arrive as grace, coincidence, catastrophe, or comic timing. Sometimes dramatic, sometimes subtle. But looking back, we realize that interruption changed everything.

When did life suddenly change direction?Who appeared at exactly the right moment?When did life shake you awake?What small moment turned out to be huge?When did the detour become the destination?

Somewhere in your life, a divine disruption is waiting to be told.

Your Role in the Room
Step up to the mic or settle in as an audience conspirator — because the audience doesn't just watch, they vote. At the end of the evening you pick your favorite story. Come ready to listen, feel, and choose.

Dress the Part
We're inviting you to gold it up— a shimmer, an accessory, a full glamour moment, or something mystical and earthy. Interpret it however feels like you. Just bring a little gold into the room.

🎁 First Place Our first-place storyteller wins a $50 gift certificate to Castaways Vintage to Modern — an antique shop and record store offering art, furniture, gifts, boutique and more. Our favorite place to dig for treasures.

✨ Second Place Second-place storytellers receive a $20 gift certificate to a local Jacksonville spot — plus an invitation to our pre-Grand Slam run-off story marathon for a chance to earn a spot in the Grand Slam in May.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

DATE: Saturday, April 10, 2026

WHERE: BABS’LAB, CoRK Arts District 603 King St. Entrance located on Phyllis St. on the path between metal fence and palm tree across from Yellow House!

SHOW TIME: 8:00PM

RECEPTION: 7:15 PM Reception

TICKETS: $18.00 https://www.barbaracolaciello.com/register/aprilslambabslab-2026

WHAT’S A STORY SLAM?

• 10 people's names are picked from the hat.
• Storytellers have 5 minutes each to tell a TRUE personal story based on a THEME.
• At the end of the evening the audience Votes for their favorite storyteller.
• Story must connect to the Theme.
• No notes. No props.
•Please no political ranting, no preaching.

For more info: babslab@barbaracolaciello.com

SOMETHING EXTRA /

The Divine Detour Ride

An ART BIKES JAX x BABS’LAB Experience I Sunday, April 12 at 3 PM

In celebration of BABS’LAB’s April Story Slam theme, Divine Disruptions, Art Bikes Jax and BABS’LAB are teaming up for a one-of-a-kind Sunday adventure through the tucked-away corners of Avondale and Riverside.

This is not just a bike ride. It's a rolling salon.  
A pedal-powered pilgrimage. A cultural treasure hunt with handlebars. 🚲

We’ll glide by on electric Art Bikes to under-the-radar locations, curated by Ron Rothberg, discovering hidden textures of Jacksonville along the way. Some stops may surprise you. That is part of the detour.

At each stop, we’ll pause just long enough to play, reflect, and experience the moment together. Light storytelling. Simple interactive invitations. A few unexpected delights. Just a fresh way of seeing where we already are.

The ride begins and ends at Tucker Cycles in the Shoppes of Avondale. We’ll close with beer, wine, and light bites to celebrate the journey and raise a glass to the art of the detour.

$70 per person includes an electric Art Bike rental.
$40 per person if you bring your own bike.

BOOK NOW. Limited Spots  https://artbikesjax.com/tours-and-events/

CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION TO BABS'LAB!

Your Donation allows us to offer scholarships covering
tuition fees for classes, support artist fees, fund production costs,
and facilitate community outreach initiatives.
Thank you for being a part of our story!

barbaracolaciello.com/donation