SMCC story-telling comes to Ahwatukee's CoffeeBuzz

When Kelly Davis tried to sign up for a class at South Mountain Community College in 2007, story-telling was the only class open. Almost three years later, she has “fallen in love” with the art, and helps organize monthly storytelling events at The CoffeeBuzz in Ahwatukee Foothills.

Davis also teaches a storytelling class at SMCC in Phoenix. She encourages her students to attend and participate in the events that are open to the public.

Annie Gustafson took a storytelling class last semester, where several peers encouraged her to perform.

“This has been a really supportive environment for a new person like myself. Even if I mess up, I’m going to get a round of applause from people I know and people I don’t know,” Gustafson said.

Davis organizes the “open-mic” style events for the sense of community that they create, she said.

“I call it a human connection. Storytelling is sharing, not just talking at someone. It’s sharing a part of yourself with the listener.”

Gustafson also praised the speaking series for its neighborhood vibes.

“It’s bringing together local people and local talent at a local business in a unique and fun way.”

Although the event is titled “Stories for Grownups,” it is appropriate for all ages, and anyone interested is welcome to attend, Davis said.

Davis and co-organizers Paulette Friday and Clem Condon choose a different theme for each month’s performance.

February, “a month of love,” Davis said, is themed, “Love Makes the World Go Round.”

Gustafson plans to perform an ex-boyfriend tinted story, opposing the old saying, “first thought is the best thought.”

She calls it “fun and poignant.”

Gustafson also performed at the group’s holiday-themed December show, and spoke about an old family tradition.

“I shared a story about Swedish meatballs,” she chuckled. “I really hated them at first, but then slowly came to embrace them.”

Performers can contact Davis prior to the event, or just drop by. Stories are about five to seven minutes long, and do not need to be approved ahead of time, she said

Past stories have ranged from folklore to humor or personal.

“It’s great to bring different groups together that have a common denominator,” said CoffeeBuzz co-owner Dimitri Lazarescu. “To open eyes to all the things that happen in Ahwatukee, for the enrichment of the community.”

Performances are held the first Sunday of every month, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at The CoffeeBuzz, located at 4804 E. Chandler Blvd. The next event is Sunday, Feb. 7.

The CoffeeBuzz also periodically hosts art shows and photography and painting exhibits. For more information on future events, call CoffeeBuzz co-owners Dimitri or Carol Lazarescu at (480) 393-3430.

For more information on future events, e-mail Davis at kkvanessa@aol.com.

Kathleen Gormley is interning this semester for the Ahwatukee Foothills News. She is a sophomore at Arizona State University.