THE INNER COMPASS
Sunday, January 26, 2025
DOORS @ 5:30PM CT, STORIES @ 6:00PM CT
Haymarket pub & Brewery (737 W Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60661)

Identity can be both innate and shaped by context and environment. It can both inform our choices and cause our identity to evolve moment by moment, choice by choice. But what happens when something happens to challenge our sense of self? When our circumstances drive us to grow—or unravel—in unexpected ways? What version of ourselves do we owe to others? 

Join us for three compelling stories that delve into the complexities of identity: as a source of stability, as fluid and atmospheric, and as an ongoing process of discovery and becoming. Perhaps the journey to understanding ourselves is as much about navigating the maps we inherit as it is about forging new paths.

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Curated by Deb Lewis*
Directed by Reshmi Hazra Rustebakke*
Produced by Stephen Patrick Bell
Music by Nathan Kistler

FEATURING STORIES BY:

Audry Farber, Maegan Gwaltney, Geneva Norman

*denotes 2nd Story company member.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2025
Doors @ 7:30pm CT, Stories @ 8:00pm
THE DAVIS THEATeR | 4614 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

We could all use more love in our lives. We hope that you’ll join 2nd Story for a one-night-only, story-and-song filled celebration of all the many facets and faces of love. Sure, we’ll celebrate romantic love, and we’ll also celebrate the many ways that we love (and are loved by) our communities, friends, elders, children, mentors, students, parents, and pets. We’ll revel in how we can show up for each other, how we can love ourselves, and how we can support each other in the struggle and the joy.

This is more than just a celebration; it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Every year 2nd Story supports a number of schools and not-for-profits via our community partnerships, many of which are pro bono. Your support will help us continue our work with these community partners, ensuring that love and connection continue to flow through every corner of our world.

Here’s how you can help: 

• Attend the event: Your ticket purchase helps us sustain 2nd Story’s work with our community partners!

• Donate: Can’t make it? You can still contribute! Every dollar brings us closer to creating a world where love wins.

• Share the love: Spread the word about 2nd Story and Love Uncovered. Together we can create a more compassionate and empathetic world. 

Because love, in action, can change the world.

A NOTE ABOUT TICKETS:

2nd Story offers tiered ticket prices. There are three ticket options available:

• Leader - $75

• Standard - $50

• Access - $25

• Stream Later - $25

YEAR 26: VI
Sunday, February 23, 2025
DOORS @ 5:30PM CT, STORIES @ 6:00PM CT
Haymarket pub & Brewery (737 W Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60661)

About 2nd Story’s "Point of View'' Programming
Given the nature of 2nd Story's work and the diversity of artists we collaborate with, we have the unique opportunity to build community among and share the stories of folks who share a particular identity or circumstance by building teams for our shows that share a particular point of view. It is our honor to be a conduit for these collaborations.

This show is presented as part of 2nd Story's "Point of View" programming. Given the nature of 2nd Story's work and the diversity of artists we collaborate with, we have the unique opportunity to build community among and share the stories of marginalized groups by building teams for our shows that share a particular point of view. It is our honor to be a conduit for these collaborations. This show is led, produced, and performed by Black artists and will be focused around themes of Black love.

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Curated by Earliana “Earl” McLaurin*
Directed by Devin Christor
Produced by Stacey Saunders
Music by Dionne Addai and Tracie Kunzika

FEATURING STORIES BY:

McKenzie Chinn + Mykele Deville, Kim Hunt, Darren Meyers.

*denotes 2nd Story company member.

SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2025
8:00PM CST
ONLINE FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS

Wrap yourself in a blanket, brew a cup of tea (or make yourself a cocktail), and join us for three expertly crafted stories and some sing-a-long worthy music, all from the comfort of your own home. Inspired by the Danish concept of “hygge” (pronounced “HUE-gah”), this virtual-only show will celebrate the simple joys of connection, coziness, and community.

Don your favorite slippers, light a candle, cozy up under a blanket, and let the stories unfold. Together, let’s create a night to remember and a future with more stories, more empathy, and more light.

This special event isn’t just about sharing stories to warm your soul; it’s also about extending that warmth towards a future with more stories and more connection. Hygge Night is a fundraiser for 2nd Story to support our efforts around arts worker care and pay equity across the arts sector. Together, we can bring more light and comfort to others. 

Here’s how you can support/join us

• Attend the event: Your ticket purchase helps us sustain 2nd Story’s work around arts worker care. 

• Donate: Can’t make it? You can still contribute! Every dollar brings us closer to creating a world where love winds.

• Share the love: Spread the word about 2nd Story and Hygge Night. Together we can create a more compassionate and empathetic world. 

FEATURING STORIES BY

jessica young chang*
Sheree Greer
Lauren Sivak

*denotes 2nd Story company member

A NOTE ABOUT TICKETS:

2nd Story offers tiered ticket prices. There are three ticket options available:

• Treat Yourself - $125. Join the show AND receive a care package filled with cozy goodies hand picked by 2nd Story artists! Limited tickets available until Friday, February 21

• Leader - $75

• Standard - $50

• Access - $5

YEAR 25: VII
Sunday, March 23, 2025
DOORS @ 5:30PM CT, STORIES @ 6:00PM CT
Haymarket pub & Brewery (737 W Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60661)

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Curated by CP Chang*
Directed by Aliza Feder
Produced by Julia Alvarez

FEATURING STORIES BY:

Rukmini Girish, Jessica Kadish-Hernández*, Connie Shirakawa

*denotes 2nd Story company member.

SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2025
Doors @ 7:30pm CT, Stories @ 8:00pm
Great Central Brewing Company | 221 N Wood St, Chicago, IL 60612

FEATURING STORIES BY

Matthew Braun
LaTanya Lane*
Sarah Zematis*

*denotes 2nd Story company member

A NOTE ABOUT TICKETS:

2nd Story offers tiered ticket prices to increase financial accessibility. There are three ticket options available:

• Leader - $100

• Standard - $80

• Access - $30

This show will not be live streamed or recorded. This particular party is in-person only.