Chris “Twice, I do” Godwaldt

Christopher Godwaldt, a confirmed coffee-holic and lover of all things Dutch, is the co-owner of Cafe Oranje, a small cafe in the downtown #HamOnt core. Chris is passionate about creating spaces for community development and engages in conversation bridging the gap between the Christian and LGBTQ+ communities. He is on the board of New Direction, a ministry supporting gay Christians. Chris and his husband Kevin live in downtown Hamilton & love the city they can live, work and play in!

Nathalie “Pants-no-longer-on-fire”  Zur Nedden

Born French, educated in German, and now living in English, Nathalie Zur Nedden is a life-long learner constantly seeking out new adventures. She’s always made time for the ethereal, esoteric, and at times, the ephemeral.  Nathalie led lives in Montreal, Germany, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Vancouver, Boston, and Toronto.  She’s known for always concerning herself with what’s next.

Michael “Wingin’ it” Vallely

Michael Vallely is a Montreal-born son of Irish immigrants. He moved to Hamilton in 1997 with his wife to be. He is the owner of Upper Ottawa Physiotherapy, where his practice is focused on the injured hand. Mike teaches clinical skills at McMaster University. He is singer/songwriter and a father of three.

Edith “Mexico City survivor” Chavez

Edith Chavez was born and raised in the heart of Mexico City.  She holds a BA in Business Communication, and loves to learn about other cultures and ways of life.  Edith is the mother of a toddler, which makes her life very colourful.  One of her favourite quotes comes from Ramon De Campoamor: “Nothing is true and nothing is false. All depends on the colour of lens through which we look.”

John “The Real Deal” Mills

John describes himself as an average guy trying to do something meaningful.  Originally from Prince Albert, SK, John has spent most of his career working in IT.  Though Hamilton has been his home since 2011, John has lived in Saskatoon, Nanaimo, Edmonton, Oregon and Toronto.   He is an active volunteer with City Housing’s Community Access Program, the Campaign for Adequate Welfare and Disability Benefits, and the Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction’s  ‘Speak Now Hamilton’ Speakers Bureau, where his stories about the impacts of poverty help to make Hamilton a better city for everyone who lives here.

We’re one week away from “Faking It” and it’s time to introduce your storytellers!

Chris “Put the ram in the rama-lama-ding-dong” Farias

Chris is a dreamer of dreams and a builder of brands. A designer, columnist, and award-winning entrepreneur who is not afraid to wear pink pants after Labour Day.  That being said, he is his own brand. His own superhero. And even his own super villain. He’s over the top and everywhere in between. Some might call him a little vain, but seeing as his Steel City Story is about him, he’d be ok with that.  To quote one of his idols, RuPaul: “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?” Can he get an Amen?

Stay tuned this week for full details on our exciting lineup of storytellers.

Our next event is almost here!

Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 7pm

Come in from the cold and join us next Saturday at Mills Hardware for an evening of storytelling. Hear six Hamiltonians tell true tales from their lives, in 10 minutes each, without notes or props… all on the theme of “Faking It.” You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll be glad it wasn’t you. In the end, you’ll know six Hamiltonians just a little better than you did before.

Hosted by Greg Tedesco, and featuring stories by:

Chris “Twice, I do” Godwaldt
John “The Real Deal” Mills
Edith “Mexico City survivor” Chavez
Michael “Wingin’ it” Vallely
Nathalie “Pants-no-longer-on-fire” Zur Nedden
Chris “Put the ram in the rama-lama-ding-dong” Farias

Intermission with refreshments by Relay Coffee and Mills Hardware.

Seating is limited, so get your tickets now! Our Ticketfly event has all the details:

http://www.ticketfly.com/event/766545