Stoop Storytelling Series

05/14/2026

The Stoop, in partnership with Bikemore, presents Commuter Chaos — an evening of true, personal stories about the unpredictable, hilarious, stressful, and sometimes magical moments that happen on the way from point A to point B.

From missed connections and near disasters to surprising encounters and small victories, these are the stories that prove the commute is never just a commute.

With musical guests, Jawschua & Yellow Velvet!

Hear stories from:

Sarah Hilton
Ronnie Pasztor
Leonard Van de Graaff
Jason Howard Heat
Emily Aaron
Event Date: May 27, 2026
Event Time: 7:00 pm
Venue: Checkerspot Brewing Company
Address: 1421 Ridgely St. Baltimore, MD 21230

04/29/2026

We wanna dance with somebody… before 9pm.

Join The Stoop for a 2-room throwback dance party takeover at Ottobar!

NEON: 80s upstairs
FLANNEL: 90s downstairs
Fri, May 8
5-9pm (because we have things to do in the morning)
Tickets: theottobar.com

A portion of proceeds benefits the Human Trafficking Prevention Project.

03/12/2026

FRIDAY, MAY 08
Doors: 5 pm
Ottobar
WANT TO REQUEST A SONG?
CLICK HERE: https://forms.gle/vPoy23NmBro4Q1RX7
Stoop Productions presents

I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY….before 9pm
an early bird dance party!
TWO ROOM TAKEOVER!
DOWNSTAIRS- 90’s Dance Party w/ DJ AMSIES
UPSTAIRS- 80’s Dance Party w/ DJ KING COLE
21+
5-9pm

Get tickets here: https://theottobar.com/event/i-wanna-dance-with-somebody-before-9pm-an-early-bird-dance-party-5/ottobar/baltimore-maryland/

A portion of proceeds will be donated to The Human Trafficking Prevention Project–

03/01/2026

Zoo Stories: Celebrating 150 Years of the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

Join The Stoop Storytelling Series for Zoo Stories, a special evening of true, personal stories celebrating the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore’s 150th anniversary. Plus music from June Star!
From behind-the-scenes encounters and childhood memories to surprising animal moments and lifelong connections, people with deep connections to the zoo will share heartfelt, funny, and wildly true tales inspired by one of Baltimore’s most cherished institutions.

Come celebrate the history, magic, and community that have grown around the Maryland Zoo for a century and a half — one story at a time.

Currently seeking story submissions!
https://stoopstorytelling.com/event/zoo-stories-celebrating-150-years-of-the-maryland-zoo-in-baltimore/
Date: April 25, 2026 Time: 6:30 pm
Venue: The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Live Music: June Star

02/24/2026

Stoop is looking for storytellers for these upcoming partnership events!

Marking Passages: Mezuzah-Inspired Stories
Stories about the moments that mark us, the transitions, rituals, objects, and doorways that change who we are. In partnership with the Jewish Museum of Maryland.

Zoo Stories: Celebrating 150 Years of the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Whether you worked at the zoo, visited as a kid, or just have a story about a creature that changed you, we want to hear it! In partnership with the The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.

The B-Side of Baltimore: Untold Stories of Charm City
Not the postcard version. The real stuff. The complicated love. The strange, beautiful corners. The moments that make you say, “Only in Baltimore.” In partnership with Visit Baltimore.

Commuter Chaos: True Stories from the Streets, Seats, and Sidewalks
Because nothing reveals character faster than trying to get from Highlandtown to Mt. Washington when everything goes wrong. Missed busses, bad drivers, unexpected kindness, & public meltdowns. In partnership with Bikemore.

Tickets + submit your story:
https://stoopstorytelling.com/events/

02/12/2026

Join the Jewish Museum of Maryland for a night of mezuzah-inspired stories in partnership with The Stoop, a live storytelling series and WYPR podcast. Hosted by Stoop Executive Producer and Live Show Producer, Jessica Myles Henken and Stoop Live Show Producer Aaron Henken, the program will feature live tales shared by project participants, an open mic storytelling opportunity, and stories shared in the Museum’s new audio/visual production studio.

01/29/2026

01/29/2026

Stoop 20th Anniversary Event “Built with Love (and Probably Duct Tape): Stories of Baltimore’s Creative Communities” at Creative Alliance.

This February, The Stoop turns 20 years old, and we’re celebrating with two very special anniversary shows — February 20 & 21 — back where it all began at the Creative Alliance. “Built with Love (and Probably Duct Tape): Stories of Baltimore’s Creative Communities“.

FRIDAY, 2/20
Music from Caleb Stine and Letitia VanSant
Stories from:

Eze Jackson, Emcee, artist, and activist
Tecla Tesnau, owner of The Ottobar
Bri Mobley, founder of BLK Ass Flea Market (BAFM)
Wendel Patrick, professor, composer, sonic architect
Margaret Footner, co-founder of the Creative Alliance
Rupert Wondolowski, co-owner of Normal’s Books and Records
Jason Weems, comedian Kathy Fahey, visual artist, puppeteer, and maker of Crannies

SATURDAY, 2/21
Music from Caleb Stine and J. Pope
Stories from:

Brad and Ken Kolodner, Charm City Junction and Helecon
Erin Stellmon and Amanda Dice, co-founders of Gunz of Steel
Val Perez Schere, co-founder of Fluid Movement
Doug Powell, comedian
Joseph Ritsch, performer/playwright and Education Director for Everyman Theatre
Aran Keating, founder of the Baltimore Rock Opera Society (BROS)
Thomas Dotstry, Baltimore Improv Group (BIG)
Eric Hatch, co-founder of the New/Next Film Festival

Tix: https://creativealliance.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/ #/events/a0SUp000007vLZxMAM

12/31/2025

https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/section/artsentertainment/stoop-storytelling-series-baltimore-celebrates-twentieth-anniversary/

Since Jessica Henkin and Laura Wexler’s very first Stoop show at the Creative Alliance in February 2006, more than 4,000 people have stepped up to the mic to tell a seven-minute, purportedly true tale.

12/18/2025

Keep the Light On: Stories about hope, persistence, and waiting

Join us for a night of stories about holding on when it would have been easier to let go — about waiting, hoping, surviving, trying again. Tales of the tiny flicker that gets us through. Stories from: Cherie Barco
Farid Salloum
Ronnie Pasztor
Emily Demsky
Maxine Bickerstaff
Halaine Steinberg

With musical guest, Letitia VanSant!
Event Date: January 22, 2026
Event Time: 6:30 pm
Venue: Pikesville Armory
Address: 640 Reisterstown Rd. Pikesville, MD 21208

12/17/2025

Stoop co-founder Laura Wexler’s piece on the Rhinelander scandal is live on The New York Times.

Rhinelander v. Rhinelander was one of the most scandalous trials of the Jazz Age. 100 years later, it reads as a tragedy about the country’s original sin.