True Storytelling Events in Oakland
Live Taping April 16th
"Aggravated Ethnic Merman" comedy special

About this special comedy show:
This month we interrupt our regularly-scheduled open-mic storytelling show with a special event: the live videotaping of Inanc’s comedy special:
“AGGRAVATED ETHNIC MERMAN”
You’ve seen him at The Moth. You’ve seen him at StorySlam Oakland as co-host. You may have seen him at many venues over the years doing comedy open-mics. And headlining comedy shows.
Now, award-winning storyteller Inanc “Ino” Karacaylak is finally filming his long-awaited comedy special.
His unique comedy style blends hilarious stories from his life, including his time as a foreign exchange student from Turkey navigating language barriers, anecdotes of his career as an ocean kitesurfing instructor, and his sharp take on the challenges of becoming a U.S. citizen as a “brown guy.” But did you know he is great at riffing? His quick wit and brilliant crowd work will keep you laughing from start to finish.
But that’s not all! Two talented opening acts, Nina G., and Charlie Spink, will kick things off with their own distinctive comedic styles.
The Sound Room serves delicious food, homemade desserts, and beer and wine. So come hungry! This night is set to be an unforgettable mix of comedy, culture, and creativity.
Come support Inanc, be part of this epic moment, and witness the making of his comedy special. You won’t want to miss it! Note: this show is not an open-mic show. All performers are featured performers only.
Doors open at 6:30 PM
This program will include live videotaping and all audience members consent, by their attendance, to possibly being photographed.
Where: The Sound Room, 3022 Broadway, Oakland
Time: Doors open at 6:30PM, show begins at 7:30.
Tickets are $25 online or at the door. Get your ticket now as this show WILL SELL OUT.
ABOUT STORYSLAM OAKLAND (normally the 3rd Wednesday of every month):
StorySlam Oakland is Oakland’s longest-running true storytelling show, where people tell short and true stories from their lives. Or just listen and laugh. The theme changes every month.
Get on the email list to be advised of new shows and themes as soon as they are announced.
Where: The Sound Room, 3022 Broadway, Oakland
How The Show Works
We present one pre-booked Featured Storyteller from our wonderful storytelling community. These are people who have won awards at various shows, or just are known to us for their great storytelling style and charisma. The Featured Storytellers tell true, personal stories, but a little longer than the open-mic stories. They normally close out the show.
Sometimes people show up in the audience who we know are really fun storytellers. And we may pull one of them up as a “special guest” and bypass the hat.
All the other storytellers are pulled at random from the names in the hat. We usually have time for 8 to 10 storytellers at each show.
StorySlam Oakland rules for storytelling:
- Put your name in the hat for a chance to tell
- Stories must be about YOU
- Stories must be TRUE
- Keep it short! Length should be about 5 to 6 minutes, but no longer
- Stories must be told aloud, not read and NO notes! Tell it just like you’re telling friends around a dinner table.
No pressure! Just have fun. There is no voting and no judging.