The late American writer and journalist Joan Didion said, “We tell ourselves stories in order to live.” Bonfire Storytelling continues to keep this tradition alive in Chico.
Creator Bonnie Pipkin says the event encourages community and connection in a unique way that has resonated with the local audience.
"There is a really special thing that happens in the simple act of listening to someone's story," Pipkin said. "You can actually feel the empathy in the room in just taking the time to listen to someone's story for 10 minutes."
Pipkin is the event’s host. What started as a small gallery gathering has blossomed to greater heights, and tickets are becoming more challenging to come by.
"It just hit at the right time or something," Pipkin said. "A time when people were really craving that kind of connection."
Each event selects a theme and storytellers from different generations. There are six storytellers per show representing the age groups of teens, 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond.
"[What] I really try to do when I curate each show is to really have storytellers from various backgrounds and really, like a lot of representation,” Pipkin said. “People of color, queer people, like across the board, really trying to present the most diverse range of voices that I possibly can.”
The style of storytelling is reminiscent of “The Moth Radio Hour” and draws inspiration from its renowned storytelling model.
Bonfire Storytelling features storytellers from different age groups and also has occasional story slamstyle events that invite audience members to participate, with names drawn randomly for selection.
“It has become a pretty diverse audience, which is very cool, and I think people are very connected to that experience in the audience,” Pipkin said. “It's pretty special for the community here.”
This month, in celebration of ARTober FEST in downtown Chico, the event is taking over Chico State’s Laxson Auditorium. The theme of the evening is “For Art! For Love! For Money!”
“It's kind of going to be more game showy, we have past storytellers who are judging and prizes,” Pipkin explained. “First prize will get $200, second place will get $100, and then the audience favorite will get a very cool prize from The Pilates Barre, a private lesson and a month of unlimited pilates.”
Pipkin is a former resident of New York who spent close to two decades in the city. While there, she immersed herself in diverse storytelling events, which sparked her interest and passion.
A Chico native, upon returning to her hometown, Pipkin yearned for creative outlets and engaging activities. She recognized the potential for a vibrant storytelling community in Chico and envisioned bringing her experiences and enthusiasm to the city.
“I think distilling that into an experience on stage is why Bonfire is so special. It is just ultimately humans being humans,” Pipkin said.
With the help of her friend, local artist Ama Posey's art studio space, she launched Bonfire Storytelling in 2023.
“It is a special connecting experience. And stories are powerful and important and ultimately human,” Pipkin said.
Ticket holders can put their name in the hat, and eight people will be drawn to share a five-minute story on stage.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.
