Festival Time

Disclaimer: This post relates to an event put on by First Person Arts, of whom Editor Jill is an employee. However, Editor Jill did not have a hand in writing or editing this post. (With the Festival going on this week, she wouldn't have time to, even if she wanted to.)

A little while back, we told you about the First Person Story Tour and its colorful "mascot," the Story Tour Van. The Story Tour was a promotion to build up some buzz for the First Person Festival. Well, it's that time. The festival kicks off today with a wide range of events. The events are priced from free to $35 (the two most expensive events include food as part of the ticket price), and there's a bit of something for everyone. The Festival takes place entirely at 2111 Sansom Street, home of the Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival, so no matter which event you're going to, you'll know where to be, and you won't have to scramble from one location to another when you're going to multiple events.

So what are we looking forward to? Here's one pick for each day of the Festival.

The Lost Ravioli Recipes of Hoboken, tonight, 6:00-8:30 p.m., $35
Laura Schenone wanted to track down her great-grandmother's ravioli recipe and how to make it in authentic Italian fashion. Her mission took her all the way to, yep, Italy. She's sharing her story, and the event includes wine and buffet-style dinner.

Not Buying It, Thursday, Nov. 8, 5:00-6:30 p.m., FREE
We're a consumer culture, and Judith Levine wanted to buck the trend by not buying anything but the essentials for a whole year. How'd she do? Found out tomorrow night.

Life and Death Over Coffee, Friday, Nov. 9, 6:00-7:30 p.m., $10
When Michael Gates Gill lost his job, family and health all at the same time, he resorted to taking a job at a Manhattan Starbucks. The experience changed, and may have saved, his life. Meanwhile, Mark Malkoff had the brilliant idea of visiting all 171 Starbucks establishments in Manhattan in one day, buying something at each one, and filming the experience. They'll both be sharing their Starbucks experiences. This event probably will sell out, so get your tickets in advance.

The Grand Slam, Saturday, Nov. 10, 8:00-11:00 p.m. (free reception 7:00-8:00 p.m.), $10
We really dig the First Person Story Slams, and this event brings together this year's previous Slam winners to riff on the subject of "Musical Moments." This is another sure-to-sell-out event. Get your tickets soon.

When the Van Is A-Rockin', Please Come A-Knockin', Sunday, Nov. 11, 7:00-9:00 p.m., $10
We've told you about the Story Tour Van before. Now see what all it did for the month it was zipping around the city collecting stories. The good folks at Red Tettemer, who brought you the Van, will be recounting their month of stories.

Image via First Person Arts.