NEW STORY CYCLE 2025–2026: IGNITE THE STAGE!

🎤 Theme: FIRST SPARK

Featuring Yhang Quintero of WILDCRAFTERS serving up his legendary KAVA and craft MOCKTAILS.
His signature flavors and unmistakable vibe bring an extra spark you won’t want to miss.

Join us at BABS’LAB for an exciting evening of true stories hosted by Babs Colaciello. Get ready to indulge in a magical blend of TALES + TREATS + LIBATIONS at our September Slam. Expect a lively mix of heart, humor, and surprise in this storytelling showdown. Whether you take the stage or listen from the audience, you’ll feel the joy of community connection that makes Story Slam one of BABS’LAB’s most beloved traditions.

What’s a Story Slam?
A Story Slam is an evening of true stories told live, without notes, in five minutes or less. It’s raw, surprising, and full of energy—where everyday people step up to the mic and share moments that have shaped their lives. The audience plays an important role—listening with care, being part of the circle, and ultimately voting for their favorite tale.

This Slam’s Theme: FIRST SPARK
Every story begins with a spark—an idea, a chance encounter, a moment that changes everything. Maybe it was the first time you said “yes,” the moment you walked away, or the instant you knew you’d never be the same. What was your first spark?

🎁 Winner’s Prize: 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 & more! It’s our Fave favorite place to dig for treasures.

WHAT’S NEW THIS STORY CYCLE

Second Place Winners Get Love!
 Each second-place storyteller will receive a $15 gift certificate to a local Jacksonville spot. Plus, they’ll be invited to a pre-Grand Slam “run-off story marathon” to earn a spot in the Grand Slam.

Perfect Attendance = Prizes!
 Audience members who attend all eight slams this season will receive a special prize at the Grand Slam.

WHAT THEY SAID: A listening game where audience members jot down the lines that STICK with them. Quick and intuitive, it’s a practice in catching the art of words as they fly. Together, audiences help build a living “Wall of Quotes,” where standout lines from the night may find new life on a t-shirt, mug, or in our archive. (Inspired by Anna Jacobson, the Queen of Capturing lines)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

DATE: Friday, Sept 12, 2025

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

SHOW TIME: 8:00PM

RECEPTION: 7:15PM

TICKETS: $18.00

barbaracolaciello.com/register/septslambabslab-2025

ABOUT 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 ranting,no preaching, no politicizing.

For more info: babslab@barbaracolaciello.com

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