Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Time: 6-8 PM
Location: Canteen Brewhouse, 2381 Aztec Road Northeast Albuquerque, NM, 87107 United States (map)
Theme: unbelievable
We’ve all heard the term, “Stranger than Fiction,” when real life is ore surprising, bizarre or unbelievable than made-up stories. This month’s theme begs for stories that are so odd or dramatic that they seem impossible to believe — or for stories that point to the unbelievable nature of your or another’s reality. Whatever it is, we’re interested in hearing your story.
FEATURED TELLERS: We will welcome newcomer Sheri Goldberg to the stage — along with returning tellers Marcos Gonzalez and Annie Morrill.
OPEN MIC slots are wide open! There will be space and time for FOUR (perhaps FIVE, time permitting) open microphone tellers. If you have such a story, put your name in the hat early in the evening for a higher chance of being chosen in the random, on stage drawing.
FORMAT: THREE FEATURED & FOUR OPEN MIC TELLERS
ABOUT US: Founded in 2018, Duke City Story Slam is Albuquerque’s only story slam (a friendly storytelling competition). An accessible event including both Featured Tellers and Open Mic-ers telling true personal stories on a theme. All tellers receive a certificate for two to attend a future DCSS event, as is the lucky winner of an audience raffle. Everyone is a winner at DCSS — with our gratitude.
FEATURED TELLERS are recruited ahead of time and are provided with story crafting support and a rehearsal before the slam with our professional coach, Barry Simon.
Featured tellers get 10-minutes on the mic to tell their story. Canteen Brewhouse also provides a small stipend to featured tellers.
OPEN MIC TELLERS can prep their story beforehand or spontaneously put their name in the hat for a chance to tell their 5-minute true story on that month’s theme. Open mic tellers often progress to being a featured teller at another event.
OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: We are wide open for three volunteers to serve as time keeper, emcee assistant and a photographer. Thanks for letting us know if you can participate — and score a free beer/drink at the slam. Be part of the story! Interested? Email HERE
OUR TEAM: Sarah Malone, DCSS Producer, is a founding member of our parent nonprofit, Storytellers of New Mexico, and an enthusiastic supporter of DCSS since its inception in 2018 by former Producer and STNM Board President, Nash Jones. Many thanks to our professional coach, Barry Simon, formerly of the popular Liar’s Game. We acknowledge Kory Chandler, STNM treasurer, for her steadfast presence at the gate. A hearty thanks to Marvin Cotton, our emcee.
PITCH US A STORY! We are booking several months in advance - so it is never too early to pitch us a story that might just be the theme for an upcoming show. info@storytellersofnewmexico.org
Are you interested in a quick introduction to personal storytelling? Check out this 9 minute You-Tube video by Phillip Humm, offering 5 basic steps to creating your own personal stories. It’s exceptional! Click HERE
Storytelling guidelines:
True Story
Your Story
No notes, props, or music
No -isms will be tolerated
Storytelling, not stand-up
Storytelling, not therapy
Stay within the time limit