Philly is a town full of stories and storytellers, so it makes sense that we're home to the world's only festival dedicated to storytelling, spoken word and memoir arts—the First Person Festival.  Starting November 10, First Person Arts will kick off an 11-day, story-filled celebration, taking place in multiple venues across Old City in Philadelphia.

For over ten years, First Person Arts has provided a platform for everyday (and some not-so-everyday) people to share glimpses into their worlds through storytelling.  Many of the stories shared at their monthly slams are humorous, some are even downright silly, but many are powerful tales about the triumphant and often fragile human experience. 

In keeping with their mission to foster appreciation for our unique and shared experiences, the First Person Festival is filled with the provocative, playful and personal programs they are known for. This year's programming includes theater, storytelling (of course), documentary film, workshops, author readings and more—each inspired by real life experience. 

Make sure you visit the First Person Arts website to check out the jam-packed festival schedule. In the meantime, take a look at my top picks to get you started!

James' Top Picks for the First Person Festival:

Peace Is A Haiku Song

Sunday, November 13

7 - 9 p.m.

Christ Church Sanctuary & Courtyard

20 N. American Street

Join the incomparable Sonia Sanchez, as First Person Arts and the Mural Arts Program kick off their collaborative project exploring how haiku communicates peace and urban transformation. Sonia will premier new poetry written for this project and will lead the audience in a haiku writing experience, the products of which will become a visual installation during the festival.  

Philly Youth Poetry Movement: My Life In The 215

Friday, November 18

7 - 9 p.m.

Painted Bride Art Center

230 Vine Street

The dynamic poets from the Philadelphia Youth Poetry Movement (PYPM) share the stage with their heroes from Spoken Soul 215. Mentors like Just Greg, Lyrispect and Vision will share their own poems alongside the teens of PYPM. No judges or scores, just beautiful and brutally honest lyricism about life in the 215 from some of the best and brightest young poets around.

Liberty City

Friday, November 11, 12, 18, 19

Christ Church Neighborhood House

20 N. American Street

April Yvette Thompson’s powerful one-woman show, takes place at the end of the 1970’s Black Power Movement in Miami. Liberty City weaves a rich story of family, race and the value of understanding your history while forging your own path. With chameleon-like skill, Thompson brings to life the many people that shaped her experience, including her Cuban-Bahamian father and African-American mother. The show climaxes with the infamous Liberty City riots and the journey a young girl must take to protect her family.

Behind The Scenes At Reading Terminal Market With Rick Nichols

Saturday, November 12

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Reading Terminal Market

51 North 12th Street

Two Philly food icons come together when Rick Nichols leads you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the historic Reading Terminal Market. The Market is about to get a major overhaul, including a brand new demo kitchen. Get a first hand peek at the renovations, explore the underground staging areas, and try samples from select food stalls. Savor the market’s history and get a taste of its future with insights from Nichols, The Philadelphia Inquirer's former food columnist and other local experts.