April Storytellers Canvas - Beatnik Under the Moon

January Storyteller's Canvas – Beatnik Under the Moon
Where Jazz Meets the Spoken Word Under the Moon

Step Into the Cool Cat Groove
Picture the smoky haze of a bohemian café, the rhythm of snapping fingers, and a three-piece jazz band riffing to the beat of your words. This January, Storyteller’s Canvas transforms into a tribute to the legendary hangouts of the Beat Generation—echoes of San Francisco’s City Lights Bookstore, New York’s Cedar Tavern, and the coffeehouses of Greenwich Village. Inspired by Jack Kerouac’s spontaneous prose, Allen Ginsberg’s haunting verses, and the electric pulse of bebop, we’re inviting you to immerse yourself in a night of improvisational stories, music, and soul.

Under the glow of the moon, our Club Stage awaits, alive with the atmosphere of a classic beatnik haunt. Here, a live jazz trio will accompany your stories, adjusting their rhythm, mood, and tempo to match your words. Want a cool, slow vibe? They’ll lay down a mellow groove. Feeling frenzied and fast? They’ll pick up the pace. Or, if you prefer the rawness of unaccompanied words, ask the band to “take a beat” and let the silence carry your voice.

Unleash Your Story
Bring your tales, poems, and dreams to life on the Club Stage. Whether you channel Ginsberg’s raw honesty, Kerouac’s free-flowing rhythm, or your own unique voice, this is your space to let your creativity shine. Poets, storytellers, musicians, and spoken-word artists all have 7 minutes to transport us through their art.

Sign-ups happen the night of the event, so arrive early to secure your moment in the spotlight. Between performances, enjoy classic coffeehouse vibes, warm drinks, and candlelit conversations that hum with jazz-fueled inspiration.

Dress the Part
Embody the counterculture cool of the Beat Generation—think berets, black turtlenecks, and shades—or come as your own bohemian self. Whether you’re a beatnik or a rebel poet, your vibe is part of the story.

Awarding the Groove
At the end of the night, the audience will choose a storyteller whose rhythm resonates most deeply. It’s not about perfection—it’s about capturing the spirit of the moment. The audience favorite will receive a special gift from our sponsor, Mariah Fralick of Bell, Book & Candle (@bellbookandcandleslc).

Event Details:
Location: The iconic charm of Lark Studio, transformed into a beatnik dreamscape, hosted by the inspiring Brooke (@larkxcostudio).
Capacity: 39 dreamers, poets, and storytellers.
Story Slots: 13 electrifying performances.
Extras: Coffeehouse drinks, tea, and jazz-infused camaraderie beneath the moonlight.

Let your words riff, your stories swing, and your soul syncopate. This January, join us for a night where the beat goes on. 🌙🎷

Info: The first set of 6 performers

Info: Meet and Greet, anyone who hasn't signed up can fill the rest of the slots. We'll also have a guest Beat Performance

Info: The second set of 7 Performers

Info: The audience will do silent votes on who embodied the spirit of the night the most. Our audience favorite will then be pinned

Info: Feel free to hang out and chat for a half hour before we ship you off into the night.

Also check out other Entertainment events in Salt Lake City, Music events in Salt Lake City, Arts events in Salt Lake City.