SHINE: "Coming of Age"

When did you “grow up”? Storytellers recount their “Coming of Age” at the next SHINE storytelling event on Thursday, July 17 at 7:30pm at the YWCA Santa Monica/Westside. Stories in July will involve early life transitions such as first loves, jobs, or children…and later leaps in maturity such as taking care of an adult parent, surviving divorce, or forgiving a lifelong grudge.
 
SHINE is a storytelling series featuring professionals and amateurs coming together on the third Thursday of every month to share inspiring true stories.  Participants and audience members enjoy a relaxed community atmosphere, powerful and entertaining stories, refreshments, mingling, and live music. 
 
Live music in July will be provided by Amanda McAllister, a singer/songwriter who began her musical journey as an opera singer.  After becoming an accomplished, prize-winning operatic soprano, Amanda felt drawn to expand her creative boundaries and began writing original music. Combining her love for compelling lyricism, catchy melodies, jazz, soul, and classical music, she recorded her debut album, Metamorphosis. The album is an exciting introduction to her bold, new sound that genre-smashes her influences with the newest technology and sounds.
 
Professional storytellers for SHINE are chosen from some of the nation’s top award-winning storytellers and writers. Amateur storytellers of all ages and walks of life also take the stage. Submissions are accepted before the event and two slots are reserved for audience members selected through a random drawing.