WKTV Voices brings live storytelling to the Wyoming, Kentwood communities

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Detroit author William Kienzle often would say that every person has a good story. Local resident and WKTV volunteer Donna Kidner Smith is hoping to encourage people to share their stories.

The Stray Cafe, located at 4253 Division Ave., Wyoming, is where the WKTV Voices’ Storytelling Project will take place on Feb. 24. (Supplied)

This month, on Feb. 24, Smith will be the host of the WKTV Voices’ Storytelling Project. The program will take place at Wyoming’s The Stray, 4253 S. Division Ave., at 7 p.m.

The idea for the project came from Moth Radio Hour, which airs on NPR stations across the nation. The program features storytellers who share stories that honor both the diversity and commonality of human experience, and satisfies a human need for connection.

“I thought this is such a wonderful program and wondered why we didn’t have a local version,” said Smith, who teaches a story making class at Grand Valley State University.

Stories were the essential way that traditions and information were passed from people to people and generations to generations, Smith noted. It is an art form as well as an important way that communities stay connected.

In the fall, a friend invited Smith to attend a musical program at the newly opened The Stray.

“I saw the place and knew it would be perfect for this event,” Smith said.

Hunter VanKlompenberg, who oversees the programming at The Stray said they felt like the WKTV Voices’ Storytelling Project seemed like a good fit as well.

The logo of The Stray Cafe features immortalizes the family pet. (WKTV)

“It sounded like a cool idea,” VanKlompenberg who with his parents, Chip and Karen, and his partner, Victoria LATeano, own The Stray. Chip VanKlompenberg is the president. Karen VanKompenberg is the creative director, Victoria LaTeano is the cafe manager and Hunter VanKlompenberg is the music and arts manager.

The coffee house officially opened in September, but the foursome had been working on the project for well over a year, VanKlompenberg said. They selected the location on Division Avenue because of its high traffic but also the building, located at 4253 Division Ave., provided enough space for the group’s vision. That vision was to create a coffee house that would offer live music and other programs as well as a place for local artists.

Work from local artists are on display and available for purchase. Plans include artist studios in the back of the building and there will be a patio space come spring.

Currently, The Stray features the café in the front of the building. The menu features a selection of coffees and non-coffee items such as tea, hot chocolate and Brix soda. There is also a lunch menu of sandwiches and salads and in the evening, the offerings include flat breads and a selection of beer and wine.

The seating area is a mix of tables and sofas, all of which Karen, an artist and interior designer, found searching social media sites, according to VanKlompenberg. The design is definitely a homey, welcoming feel which is an ideal setting for the live performances.

In evening, The Stray Cafe offers flat breads and a beer and wine selection as well as its regular offerings off coffee, teas, and sandwiches. (Supplied)

“We try to create a listening atmosphere, building an intimate connection between the artist and the audience,” VanKlompenberg said, adding the focus is on the performer, giving the person a chance to get feedback from the audience and the audience and opportunity to learn about the performer. VanKlompenberg said the response has been positive with both the performers and audience members.

Smith was one of those audience members who felt that welcoming vibe and found the opportunity to really make a connection, which is something she wants to do with the WKTV Voices’ Storytelling Project.

“The program is about connecting with the community, our community,” Smith said. “I hope people will share their stories and those who come will listen, learn and laugh with our storytellers.”

About 13 community members have signed up to share story vignettes that will be about four to six minutes in length. The entire event will be recorded by WKTV and aired on Comcast Channel 25 at a later date.

Smith said the goal is to host the WKTV Voices’ Storytelling Project on a regular basis. She is currently working to gather a group of storytellers for the next event, which will be announced. Those interested in participating in the WKTV Voices’ Storytelling Project can connect with Smith at kidnersmith5@gmail.com.

The Stray is open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Live performances are usually on Friday and Saturday starting at 7 p.m. The WKTV Voices’ Storytelling Project will be on Thursday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m. For more about The Stray, visit thestraycafe.com.