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My buddy, Jon Carlson, is a railroad man and a poet. Our friendship began when we were classmates in a course taught by Loren Niemi at the American School of Storytelling (AMSS) in Minneapolis. After completing the course, Jon and I dove into open-mic events at the AMSS and at other venues. We quickly graduated from students to regular performers in the Twin City’s story-telling scene.
 
Apparently, we suitably impressed our teacher, since Jon was enlisted by Loren to perform at the Twin Cities Fringe Festival in 2025, and Loren offered me a solo show at AMSS in early 2026.
 
Jon helped me prepare for my AMSS show, and we began rehearsing at his art space in St. Paul — a rather hard-scrabble warehouse that he dubbed the Storyteller’s Lair. After rehearsals, and over beers, we bounced around ideas for hosting events in Jon’s space. Then, on April 25th, 2026, our plans became reality when we presented the Earth Day Party and consecration of The Lair.

Shown above are the wine-soaked sign-up lists for two open-mic periods that were part of the Earth Day Party. The party included socializing, music, early and late shows for storytelling and poetry, and a dance party that ran into the wee hours of the morning. About 40 people attended the party and 16 artists performed, including a number of AMSS regulars and the AMSS founders, Loren Niemi and Christine Mounts. By all accounts, the event was a smash success.
 
Jon and I busted ass to make this happen, as did Jill Waterhouse, an artist who also has a studio in the building and who’s contributions were essential. Now, properly  consecrated, The Lair may well be the site of quarterly events.
 
I think that lessons learned at the first Lair event (like having a damn cork screw available) will make our future events even more spectacular. And we have a deep roster of talented performers to draw on — there will be no lack of fine art to showcase. The Lair has arrived. Long live the Lair!

— Peter