“I leave my Santa gear in the car. What’s socially acceptable at Lambeau is not necessarily socially acceptable at Subway.””
Joy to the Word is an event that comes once a year that features five incredible storytellers, four great stories, two musical artists, and a partridge in a pear tree. This in-person show starts at 7 pm on Thursday, Dec. 16th, and is hosted by B.J. Hollars and Jonathan Rylander with musical performers Derick Black and The UKE Klub.
I had the pleasure to interview the five storytellers in a series of mini-interviews. One storyteller is Ken Szymanski, an Eau Claire Writer in Residence and author of Home Field Advantage, a book of local non-fiction stories. According to Ken’s website, the book is about childhood, family, sports, and many other events that feature people and places in Eau Claire. Ken will be reading a story from Home Field Advantage titled “Lambeau Santa”.
Aidan Sanfelippo: Why did you pick this story?
Ken Szymanski: I’ve written several Christmas stories, but “Lambeau Santa” has the biggest range of emotions. (Joy to the Word musician) Derick Black really tapped into this range when he created a soundtrack, which he will play live on guitar while I’m reading. With his music, he’s able to take the story to a new level. We had a lot of fun rehearsing and fine-tuning it, and we think the audience will enjoy the two art forms woven together.
AS: What is a quote from your story that stands out to you?
KS: “I leave my Santa gear in the car. What’s socially acceptable at Lambeau is not necessarily socially acceptable at Subway.”
AS: What is your most joyful winter memory?
KS: My most joyful winter memories come in two parts. First, growing up, I loved sledding with friends and brothers on Eau Claire’s north side. Secondly, I’ve enjoyed taking my own kids sledding on some of those same hills. Sledding at night was—and still is—my favorite.
Joy to the Word will be held at the Pablo Center at the Confluence at 7 pm on Thursday, Dec. 16th. More mini-interviews of the other storytellers and tickets for Joy to the Word are available on the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild Website.