Bouchaib Khribech and Ora B. Nance have started a storytelling series. After years of work and saving at Billy Goat Tavern, Bouch had finally saved enough to bring his bride to the U. S. and start his own business. With food, drink and customs like the hookah, Marrakech Expresso, 4747 N. Damen Ave., was Bouch's dream come true. He opened up the door of his establishment to the arts and other small businesses. Overnight, business groups were meeting and using the wireless Internet service or the extra meeting spaces provided. Paintings filled the walls because he invited artist collectives to have their shows at Marrakech Expresso Music, lattes and laughter filled the air from the joy of musicians from Homolatte, a group from the Old Town School of Folk Music.
At the same time, native Chicagoan Ora B. Nance returned to town after 18 years of acting, writing and producing small theatre in Los Angeles and New York. She had just finished performing at Victory Gardens Theater in "Shoes" and was starting to promote her first book, "Diving: Poems & Prose for the Fearless Explorer," while looking for a place to start her dream of an "artists' salon," when a good friend asked her to meet at Marrakech Expresso for a honey crepe and hot tea. Ora fell in love with the place and wanted to bring friends and fellow artists there to enjoy it. Stories, etc. was born!
This celebration of stories of every form, from 9 to 11 p.m., will run every first and third Tuesday of the month. Customers will enjoy poets, storytellers, playwrights, improvisators, filmmakers and novelist from around world while enjoying authentic Moroccan cuisine. $3 at the door gets you in to enjoy the show and even join in on the open mic portion of the show. One-third of the door proceeds will go to Literacy Chicago. Marrakech Expresso is located at 4747 N. Damen Ave. The telephone number is (773) 271-4541. Visit www.marrakech.com. |
