Founded in 2002, Porchlight frequently takes place at the Verdi Club, putting on an amazing show for audience members. However this past weekend we attended the SF Sketchfest event at the Great American Music Hall, featuring some of my favorite comedians and actors, including Bob Odenkirk (aka Saul Goodman) and Cristela Alonzo, among others. If you like to hear others' stories or enjoy sharing your own, this is the event for you. Because it was part of SF Sketchfest this past Saturday, there were a lot of comedic elements integrated into the material, on the theme of travel. But they do different themes on different nights, and can evoke all kinds of emotions from storytellers and audience members (some of the storytellers ARE audience members), so there's lots of room for creativity and expecting the unexpected. read more

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Beth Lisick and Arline Klatte have been hosting Porchlight for the past 8 + years and there's a reason it endures. True stories told live, on stage, without notes. Beth and Arline always arrange a unique and varied line-up of storytellers, one or more of whom will make you grin from ear-to-ear and laugh aloud. And these are stories you'll try to repeat to your friends the next morning... but they are always best the first time around, told by those who lived through them. A goldmine. Preceeded by an early dinner at the Slow Club (across the street), this is my idea of a perfect night out. read more

I'm embarrassed to admit that I'd never been to Porchlight before tonight, and what a night it was! The theme was Kitchen Confidential, and everyone from the owner of Delfina to a Nopa line cook to a former Moose's server got up to tell tales of hilarity and horror from front of the house to the back. My favorite story was from an audience member who explained how he bought a breadmaker and used it frequently as a method of gleeful procrastination, therefor rewarding the act of putting things off and assuring that he would never in fact pick up his work again. They ended up having to part ways with a tearful farewell, he and that breadmaker. The performers were really pretty hit and miss, but the show got better and the night went on, or the more whiskey and cokes I had. The crowd was kind of cute-nerdy. Lit lovas, unite! read more

Stand-up comedy is great, but it can be sort of phony, exagerated, and desperate. The comedians have a profession and money to make. On the other hand -- storytelling is often pretty damn funny and is totally genuine. By the time the stories reach porchlight, I imagine they have been perfected by a million retellings and refinements. Porchlight rocks because it finds the best storytellers and puts them up in the spotlight. They're not doing it for money, like our friends the comedians, they are doing it because its a damn awesome oral tradition. Check it out! read more

What a wonderful way to spend an evening. The Porchlight Storytelling series combines so many of the things that I love: real people/real stories, humor, unfiltered creativity, live entertainment - you name it! The old adage of successful writing advice applies here: "Write about what you know" - in this case, it's speak about what you know. In 10 minutes or less. The only connection among the speakers is a common theme, and in the case of last night's show, it was "Busted". We heard the most varied and unusual tales from a truck driver, a former lawyer, a crossword puzzle creator, a music journalist, etc. I can't remember the last time I laughed that hard. There was not one moment when I was not at the edge of my seat, waiting to hear how each story turned out. We even heard from the audience! At intermission, you were able to submit your name to be drawn for an opportunity to tell your tale in 1 minute. They chose 5 audience members who had a turn speed-talking their way through their experience. A certain green bunny that I know got her awesome self up there and did herself proud. The venue was great - the theater at the Swedish American Club (next door to Cafe du Nord). The dark, carved wood and high ceilings give it has an old-timey feel, very small-town America, which made a perfect backdrop for the storytellers - almost as if you are watching a radio program live. You can sit on the main floor on folding chairs, or up in the balconies. A piano player is on hand to play music as a 1-minute warning to each speaker. The lovely hosts give a brief blurb about each guest, but do not spend a lot of time on stage, as the focus is on the stories. All in all, an excellent experience that I look forward to enjoying again and again. Thank you, Beth V., for letting me know about this event! read more

I may have been a bit spoiled because my first show was their anniversary celebration and it was a 'best of' show of the favorite storytellers, however, it was a mesmerizingly good time. The theme was 'Busted' and the tales were each wondrous, funny and amazing. The best of the storytellers held me, breathless, in the midst of the tale. If you enjoy a good story, a bit of comedy, spoken word or theater - come to this usually monthly show. I cannot recommend it highly enough. read more

This is what you do, sluggo. Listen carefully. 1. Find yourself a smart and sexy lady (preferably puerto rican) who has the kind of strut that can only be described as "va va voom". She might be a little on the wild side but you should already be use to that, sluggo. And without being creepy, and with using all the charm you can scrape up, try to convince her that it would be a good idea that you two should go out and be alone together. (This might be a hard step since you're fat and broke.) 2. Take her to an event that is unique and brilliant. Listen to the well spun stories carefully. You will laugh at the funny ones because their funny. You will wince at the tragic ones because you're not a robot. 3. Remember to bring cash- they don't fuck with credit. This step is crucial in avoiding the dreaded "I know I said I was buying you a drink but I was wondering if I could borrow, like, 5 dollars?" moment. 4. After Porchlight has ended, walk a block up and take her to that neighborhood dive. They have free popcorn and cheaper drinks. It's quiet, so you can discuss all the amazing stories you two just heard and throw in a few of your own. At this point you might be getting a little over confident. You might already be thinking about naked wrestling. You might already be thinking about nasty, animal, make the walls collapse, dirty things that would make a stripper blush. That it's just a matter of time. 5. I need you to slow down here, sluggo. You may be a slut sometimes but you're always a gentleman. Tell her you need to catch the last train back to Oakland. Tell her the truth. Tell her you had a great time and she was amazing company, and if she responds back with, "Why don't you stay for another drink? If you're cool with it, you can crash at my place tonight. I'll tell you a story when we get there." If she responds like that, well then.... 5 stars! read more

This has actually moved next door from Cafe du Nord to the Swedish American Hall. There is nothing I can say that the storytellers couldn't say about 1,000 times better. So I'll just say "be there". It is hip, brave, and creative all at once. How many things can you say that about? Ok, besides public s-x? Update: It moved back to Cafe du Nord. Yup. read more

NAB SEATS RIGHT WHEN THE DOORS OPEN!!!!!! This event has a lot of character. I don't know exactly what I was expecting, but I was surprised by the sheer popularity of it. It was sold out, it was a full house. It's nice that storytelling is alive and well, at least here. -Hostesses are hilarious... love them! -Libations a-plenty. Everyone and their mother (except me) was drinking like a fish. -Chairs are terribly uncomfortable. Terribly. But somehow that adds to the charm. -So many white people and hipsters!!!!! My boyfriend and I made a game of trying to find other black and Asian folks. We're in the Mission, and it's SF. How did diversity disappear all of a sudden? Interesting how certain events draw certain crowds... -Modest venue, no drama. And of course, lots of laughs; somehow humor was found in even the darkest stories. read more

Storytelling. Is that right? You want me to spend an evening listening to people tell stories? Well, I guess that's what you do when you go hang out with people anyone, but these might actually be good. And they were. Admittedly it was a night with some favorite storytellers returned so all of the stories were strong across the board. The theme was luck or lack there of. It went from a guy stealing a dog from a homeless person to a guy who kept winning contests all the way up until hitting a jackpot on his first night in Vegas to an ER nurse redeemed after drug abuse to a guy who met Evil Kneval. Another plus, there was a raffle...but I didn't win. Next time. read more

Went to the Litquake Porchlight reading featuring Arielle Eckstut, Joyce Maynard, and some lesser talents (maybe bigger names, but lesser talents!). They filled up the Swedish American Hall, the entrance line ran around the block, like it was a rock show. Minus 1 star for having crappy booze from their sponsor, minus a star for me not being able to find them during intermission for audience participation, and plus like a billion for featuring my girlfriend in a previous show! read more

Hands down one of my favorite events in the city! For someone looking for literary events, Porchlight will deliver you a dose of culture full of laughs, tears, live music and solid hosting. Beth and Arline?! Gimme a break! If you're a fan of TAL, The Moth and/or RadioLab, you got yourself something right around the corner that's deliver the same product with local ingredients. It's great! :) read more

If you're into comedy and hearing great stories, then check out Porchlight. Beth and Arline (the hosts) are hilarious and the stories (which are based on a different theme each month) were funny and moving. Real people get up on stage and have 10 minutes (and sometimes 1 minute) to tell a story. The theme was politics but the stories ranged from family politics to office politics to politics politics and offered great morals without being preachy. A great atmosphere! Fun, energetic, and uplifiting. It inspired me to start writing again. I'll definitely be going every month! read more

Can this be every Monday night instead of once a month? Please? Minus the guy who smoked too much crack first though. And minus the people who don't know that when it's quiet and someone is on stage, it's time to shutup. Oh porchlight, how I've missed you. I promise it won't be another year and half. Beth and Arlene were graceful and hilarious as usual. I gotta say though, I much prefer the Swedish American Hall to Cafe Du Nord -- better seating, viewing, and acoustics. read more

Porchlight is a must do for any san franciscan. Your neighbors tell the most hillarious stories and they might be about you! The hostesses have polished this event to offer the smoothest, funniest performances that can be packed into two hours. Libations are reasonably priced and food is available and well-regarded. This last week was kitchen confidential,great topic with a diverse array of speakers. A previous event was, "epic fail," featuring adam savage of mythbusters. Maybe he will return post east bay mayhem and offer part two of "biggest epic fail." this event cant be beat for entertainment value, you will be laughing long after! read more

Arline Klatte and Beth Lisick host Porchlight, a real gift to the city. Touching, often funny, thoughtful, sometimes horrifying, and almost always engrossing storytellers tell ten minute tales. It is a monthly treat we try not to miss. read more

Porchlight is a monthly storytelling series hosted by Arline Klatte and Beth Lisick at Cafe DuNord. Guest storytellers tell a ten-minute tale revolving around a specific theme, like House Cleaning, Brushes with Fame and Creepy. Sometimes the stories are good and sometimes they're bad, but they're always entertaining. Get there early to get a good seat. In fact, get there early if you want a seat at all. For more information on dates, themes and speakers visit: http://www.porchlightsf.com/ read more

This is some of the best entertainment you can get in SF for the money. It reminds me of a similar event we used to go to in NYC called M.O.T.H. . Porchlight is a easy night out and a few good laughs after a long hard day at the office. A great value and a peephole into someone elses crazy messed up world/ head. The hosts are cute, funny and cordial and recruit a great range of storytellers from all walks of life on many different planets. I wish they would move the venue back to Cafe Du Nord or another equally chill and comfortable spot and drop the price to $10 per program, but I can;t complain and will keep coming back until this gets so popular that it devours itself. read more

I almost hate to review Porchlight because they can't handle much more of a crowd. This is such an interesting concept -- just some folks telling you their stories in such an intimate setting. My only complaint is that I missed Pat Montandon! Please bring her back! read more

Good stuff. I've gone three times and every show has been stupendous. This is what the performing art scene is all about. The storytellers are always very professional, and the venue is nice. Porchlight makes for something interesting to share with your friends the next day. read more

Porchlight is a great venue for hearing stories of all kinds. Especially nice is the fact the events occur in a more casual setting, with cocktails and reasonably decent chairs! read more

Love hate Porchlight. Love the idea. Hate having to stand in Cafe Du Nord for five hours. Love going to Porchlight when it's at the Swedish American. Why can't it always be at the Swedish American? read more

My favorite literary night out with my peeps. Porchlight is a storytelling treasure, highlighting diverse experiences, both comedic and serious . You tap into collective humanity in the evening. Arlene and Beth are fun hosts and one is never disappointed. Go check it out! read more