Everyone Has a Story: Performance by Nestor Gomez
(Photo by Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
When
Mar 23, 2024
6:30pm–8:00pm
Cost
Free
Family Friendly
In-Person and Virtual via Zoom
Schedule: live performance by Nestor "the boss" Gomez 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. | Reception 8:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Narrated by dynamic, award-winning storyteller Nestor Gomez, this intimate and immersive performance tells Gomez’s personal stories of his American dream – in particular, his family’s immigration to the United States and the social, cultural, and linguistic struggles he has navigated ever since. Initially undocumented (now a citizen), Gomez moved from Guatemala to Chicago at the age of 10 in the mid-1980s. He began his storytelling career on a whim, winning first prize at his first Moth Storytelling Slam in Chicago over a decade ago. He has since won 35 Chicago Moth Story Slams and more than 30 others in cities across the nation.
For those interested in learning to tell their own stories, in writing or performance, join Nestor for an in-depth storytelling workshop on Sunday afternoon.
This live performance is free and open to audiences of all ages.
About Nestor Gomez
Nestor "the boss" Gomez was born in Guatemala and moved to Chicago in the mid 80's. He told his first story at a Chicago Moth Slam as a way to get over stuttering. Surprisingly, he won the slam that night and has not stopped sharing stories ever since.
Nestor has won thirty-five Chicago Moth Slams, fourteen Milwaukee Moth Slams, seven Madison Moth Slam, and one Louisville Kentucky Moth Slam. He has also won virtual slams in Twin Cities (twice), Atlanta, Washington D.C (twice), Vermont, Seattle, Texas (twice), England (twice), Detroit, Miami, Denver, Portland and Alabama, one Eastern, one Central zone Virtual story slam plus three Chicago Moth Grand Slam and one Milwaukee Grand Slam; for a grand total of 79 Moth Slams wins.
Nestor is also the winner of the 2022 National Storytelling Network Grand Slam. Nestor is also the creator/producer/curator and host of 80 Minutes Around the World an Immigration Storytelling show which features the stories of immigrants, refugees, their descendants, and allies.
About The NEA Big Read
This event is part of our NEA Big Read book groups and events series.
This year, The NEA Big Read: Reconsidering the American Dream invites Illinoisans to explore themes of class, migration, and belonging. Free book groups and events will be centered around two books: Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth by Sarah Smarsh, and Infinite Country by Patricia Engel. Find a book group near you and join us for screenings, discussions, and writing workshops around the state.
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