What's Your Favorite Story?

Storytelling has been the most popular form of entertainment since we all lived in caves. It is the basis of literature from Bible stories, Aesop’s fables and Homer’s epics to television shows, blockbuster films and online presentations. That’s why “Do Not Submit Oak Park,” a storytelling open mic” presented by the Eastgate Café, 102 Harrison St. on the 2nd Friday of every month has become a “must attend” event for so many people in the Western suburbs of Chicago.

“Do Not Submit” is hosted by Margaret Burk and Peter Legrand. They started the Oak Park chapter of this citywide network of storytelling in public spaces three years ago. Margaret is President of Illinois Storytelling Inc, a state-wide association of storytellers and performs for groups and in clubs on a regular basis. Peter is not only a writer and humorist, but an entrepreneurial woodworker who builds objects from fine art pieces to boats and teaches elementary school. Both are talented professional performers who also coach others in how to write and present their stories.

Everyone is Welcome to Tell their Favorite Story

Storytellers are invited to start signing up at 6:30 PM to participate in the performance at 7:30 PM. Then they can order drinks and dinner as they wait for their turn to perform. Once 12 people have signed up, the list is closed. Each storyteller is given seven minutes to perform their narrative. Some read their stories from notes. Others tell them extemporaneously. Several short story writers have become regular performers, sharing their work – fictional or autobiographical – every month. The subject matter is totally up to the storyteller and ranges from touching tales memorializing love ones to hilarious tales of vacations gone awry.

The Eastgate Café is the perfect venue for this event.

Located in the heart of Oak Park’s Arts District, the restaurant has the ambiance of Greenwich Village coffee house that allows storytellers to see their audience and the audience to see and hear them – even without an elaborate sound system. Telling your story at the Eastgate is like talking to a room full of old acquaintances. And by the end of the evening, story tellers and audience feel as if they’ve made a room full of new friends.

Full-course Dinners Including Cocktails are Served Every Night.

A full-service restaurant, Eastgate offers freshly made salads, soups and appetizers, followed by a wide choice of entrees including fish, beef, pork and pasta. And, to top it off, there’s showcase of gourmet desserts! Before, during and after dinner, patrons can enjoy the services of a talented bartender who specializes in creating different cocktails each week as well as offering the usual selection of wines, beers and liquors.

Join us for the Next “Do Not Submit” on Friday, March 13.

Insider tip: The Eastgate is a small restaurant and seating is first come, first serve. “Do Not Submit” is a full evening of entertainment so people tend to stay for several hours. To make sure you get a seat, try to come in for dinner before 6:30 PM. We know you’ll be glad you did.

Details: "Do Not Submit" - Friday, March 13, 6:30 - 9:00 PM at Eastgate Cafe, 102 Harrison Street. There's no cover charge but customers are expected to order a minimum of $15 for the evening.