Hello Kerouacians! We’re showering you with cool events this April!
This weekend, on Saturday 03/28 from 7-10pm a special edition of Storytelling @ the Kerouac House will feature Jack Kerouac Estate literary executer and Jack’s nephew Jim Sampas. Our in-house ring mistress, Victoria Dym, will emcee and perform.
Sunday 03/29 from 4-6pm (doors 3pm) Craftsman House Presents acclaimed singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Zoe Lewis.
Thursday 04/09 at 6pm we are hosting this month’s version of Dharma Jams Open Mic, our monthly gathering of and performances by local musicians.
Saturday, 04/11 from 12 - 5pm is our quarterly Volunteer Workday. We have a variety of tasks that need to be done, none of which require special skills.
On Sunday, 04/12 from 7-10 pm (doors @6) our Songwriter Club concert series will welcome recording artist Eric McFadden and local favorite Geri X to Jack’s family room.
Saturday, 04/18 from 1-4pm we will host a Poetry Workshop taught by Victoria Dym.
Also on Saturday, 04/18 from 7-10pm, Ed’s Shed returns with their deliciously goofy sketch comedy troupe.
On Tuesday 04/21 from 7-10pm (6pm doors) Songwriter Club brings you upcoming Brooklyn-based artist Victor Jones.
Saturday 04/25 from 7-10pm this month’s Storytelling @ the Kerouac House will feature Maria Schaedler-Luera & Will Luera will open.
On Sunday, 04/26 from 3-6pm this month’s Coffee and Poetry at Jack’s will be a double feature with Maureen McDole & Claire Convoy.
Of course, all of the above (and below) will be held at your friendly neighborhood Jack Kerouac House of St Petersburg at 5169 10th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710. Details and ticket info about each event are provided below and on our Facebook page.
Storytelling @ the Kerouac House
This month’s Storytelling @ the Kerouac House will be on Saturday 03/28 from 7-9 pm (doors 6:30) featuring the Kerouac Estate's literary executor and Jack's nephew Jim Sampas. Jim is coming all the way from Lowell, Massachusetts to tell his story, so don't miss it. Our own in-house storyteller extraordinaire Victoria Dym will emcee and also tell.
Jim Sampas is the nephew of Stella (Sampas) Kerouac, and met his uncle Jack as a very young child. Sampas was born in Stoneham, MA, and raised in Lowell, the city in which his uncle also grew up and was buried when he died in 1969. Sampas is the Literary Executor of the Jack Kerouac Estate, a role he assumed in 2018. He also had earlier experience with the organization – he was the estate’s Executive Director from 1993 to 1999, when he worked closely with the previous Literary Executor, John Sampas.
Although he began an early creative career as a musician, band member and songwriter, he turned his hand to record production, building on his educational experience and time in studios, and the music industry more broadly, eventually establishing his own independent label. His first project appeared in 1997, Kerouac: Kicks Joy Darkness, a spoken word tribute album to his uncle that included tracks from a significant gathering of major cultural figures of our time, including: Joe Strummer, John Cale, William Burroughs, Warren Zevon, Patti Smith, Hunter S. Thompson, Jeff Buckley, Jim Carroll, Steven Tyler, Morphine, Juliana Hatfield, Eddie Vedder, and Michael Stipe.
Since that debut, Sampas has produced many Kerouac themed musical and film projects working with the likes of Tom Waits, David Amram, Michael Polish, Kate Bosworth, Jean-Marc Barr, Radha Mitchell, Josh Lucas, Ben Gibbard, Jay Farrar, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Sam Shepard, Patti Smith, Carolyn Cassady, Robert Hunter, Aimee Mann, Eddie Vedder, The Cowboy Junkies, Johnny Cash, Hiss Golden Messenger, Sufjan Stevens, Patti Smith, Chrissie Hynde, and Ben Harper, to name a few.
Most recently he is the co-founder, with Sylvia Cunha, of Sal Paradise Press which to date has released four well received new Jack Kerouac titles: The Buddhist Years: Collected Writings, Self Portrait, Desolation Peak, and a book of quotes, Truth and Beautiful Meaningful Lies. In 2025 he also executive produced several Jack Kerouac audiobooks for Blackstone Publishing, including: Scattered Poems, Book of Blues, Lonesome Travelor, Book of Blues, Visions of Gerardand others.
After the featured stories are told, there will be a storytelling open mic (sign-up with emcee Victoria Dym at the event for a 5-7 minute slot, telling, no reading) and libations and snacks for sale. Tickets are $10 plus tax, limited Seating, Advance Tickets Recommended.
Tickets for Jim Sampas Storytelling Event
Craftsman House Presents Zoe Lewis
Sunday 03/29 from 4-6pm (doors 3pm) Craftsman House Presents acclaimed singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Zoe Lewis at the intimate setting of the Jack Kerouac House.
Affectionately known as “a band in a body” Zoë Lewis plays vintage jazz and world beat grooves on anything from the piano to the spoons! Originally from the UK, she’s called Provincetown her home for the last 28 years. She's traveled to over 70 countries picking up musical grooves and stories along the way, released ten albums of original material, toured with Judy Collins, the Indigo Girls, Richie Havens, Nanci Griffiths and has even opened for Pat Benetar on the ukulele!
Her “Small is Tremendous” CD was signed to Judy Collins’ Wildflower record label, another song was signed to Putumayo records and became #1 in the satellite radio kids charts for 18 weeks, she has won numerous songwriting awards, and her songs have appeared on Broadway, in documentaries, movie soundtracks and in commercials. She has 9 CDs of original material and has written 2 musicals; SNAIL ROAD and ACROSS THE POND which were staged in Provincetown to packed houses. She also leads a theatrical 1920's SPEAKEASY which has become a big hit with the Cape Cod summer crowds performing prohibition era jazz.
Zoë has played at numerous music festivals, teaches musical workshops, performs on Olivia cruises and takes her show to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico every winter. As much known these days for her storytelling as for her songs, her performances are upbeat and fun, almost circus-like yet poignant and oftentimes political. Zoë is an entertainer from a bygone age. This show sells out every year, so don’t miss the chance to see Zoe in Jack Kerouac’s living room!
Call (727) 424-5245 for tickets.
Dharma Jams
This month’s Dharma Jams Open Mic will be on Thursday, April 9 from 6 - 9 PM in the intimate, listening environment of the family room at The Jack Kerouac House, 5169 10th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710. Dharma Jams is open to all musicians, musical genres, and music lovers, but due to space limitations, only solo, duos and trios please. Light drumming (cajon, congas or bongos, brushes) is great, but no full kits or sticks. A small PA, microphones, amps, DI boxes, cajon, and Jack’s piano will be provided. Spontaneous collaborations are encouraged. Doors at 5:30, music starts at 6pm. Admission is free; donations to the Jack Kerouac House non-profit are greatly appreciated.
Hosting the event will be Jack’s House Band featuring Ken Burchenal, Joe Krivanek, and Kablan. Snacks and soft drinks will be served and a cash/donation bar will be open for your drinking pleasure.
Sign up for the open mic with Joe Krivanek, our emcee, when you arrive. The show is FREE but please RSVP if you know you’re going to attend by emailing here: stpetekerouachouse@gmail.com
Quarterly Volunteer Work Day
Please consider joining us at Jack’s House on Saturday, April 11th from 12-5pm for our quarterly work day. Although we try to keep the property in great shape for our events and other visits, occasionally it needs a little extra TLC. We have a variety of chores to get done, including yard work, garage clean-up, window washing, touch-up painting, archive cataloging, organizing t-shirts and closets, and deep cleaning. No special skills are required, but if you have some (carpentry? plumbing? electrical?) we can probably use them. We will provide all supplies and tools needed, as well as snacks and refreshments. We will be at Jack’s doing the chores from 12-5pm, but come for however long you can. We are also compiling a list of volunteers willing to work at events when needed.
All volunteers will get 1 free admission to either our monthly poetry or storytelling events. So, if you are able and willing to lend a hand, please RSVP via email at: info@stpetekerouachouse.com
Songwriter Club presents Eric McFadden + Geri X
On Sunday, 04/12 from 7-10 pm (doors @6) our Songwriter Club concert series will welcome internationally recognized recording artist Eric McFadden and local favoriteGeri X to Jack’s family room. Don’t miss this chance to see these great musicians up close and personal.
Hailing from the crossroads of the Southwest and the heart of New Mexico, Eric McFadden has crafted a rare and enticing brand of high desert blues and gritty, flamenco-infused rock that leaves listeners spellbound. McFadden’s sound has not only charmed audiences all over the world, countless musicians have been taken by his inimitable playing and musicianship, with McFadden receiving invitations to tour with the likes of funk legend George Clinton, The Animals’ Eric Burdon, and New Orleans sweethearts Anders Osborne and Tab Benoit. Right from the moment Joe Strummer spotted him in San Francisco, nicknamed him ‘Lightning,’ and gave him a gig opening for Strummer & The Mescaleros, Eric McFadden has claimed his place amongst the greats. This rare solo, acoustic show will definitely sell out.
Opening for Eric is Geri X. Bulgarian-born Geri X is a composer, a musician and a singer hard to put a label on. Fans and critics spotted it from the moment she broke onto the Tampa Bay music scene: Geri is an artist with a singular sound you have not heard before. What started with a classical training in piano, guitar and voice, evolving out of a broad and eclectic blend of influences, has become wonderfully her own.
There are very limited seating and capacity for this songwriter listening room series, as the artists perform in Jack Kerouac's living room with the audience seated in the living room and additional seating stretching out into the enclosed patio. Please join us for a night of songs and stories in this historic atmosphere. Tickets are $25 plus tax and fees. There will be a donation bar and snacks benefitting the Jack Kerouac House non-profit.
Tickets coming soon: https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/songwriter-club-presents-eric-mcfadden-geri-x-host-shawn-kyle-at-the-jack-kerouac-house-st-pete-2026--143108?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ6ef5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFFdUplZ2h2WXRhZHhZVjdnc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtwWtzd-y0Q9sNQ4Uqt0jadR9CufLFDVb47a5eglOhNkdZkzROSKQaTG4ByF_aem_6WFsn1O_XFSOTwkKb1vD7g
Poetry Workshop @ the Kerouac House
On Saturday 04/18 from 1-4pm we are continuing our ongoing series of workshops and seminars with a Poetry Workshop led by award-winning poet Victoria Dym. Participants will earn how to write poems in the historic home where Jack wrote his last poems.
Is it possible to draw a poem? We’ll take a poet's walk to get the juices flowing and take notes of things that we see. Look at the world as a painter might. Whether we use these notes or not is up to the writer, but it refreshes the good habit to write down words and phrases. Metaphors and similes will eventually develop. We will draw a poem or make a map, guided specifically and slowly. We will use photographs or artwork to spark the ekphrastic muscle. This workshop will help the poet ground his/her/their poetry in Place and help to flesh out poems from notes, maps and drawings. Participants are encouraged to bring in artwork or photographs that speak to them, as well as, thin and thick markers in colors of their choosing. a pen and of course, a notebook. You may also bring poems that you are working on.
Participants will take part in guided prompts and short exercises designed to help uncover poems and begin shaping them in real time. Sharing aloud is encouraged; this is a supportive, low-pressure space focused on exploration rather than performance. Victoria Dym, is the Poet-in-Residence and the host of a monthly reading series, Coffee & Poetry at Jack's House and wiill be your guide. She has earned her MFA from Carlow University and has authored four poetry collections and teaches both poetry and storytelling workshops for the Kerouac House. Prerequisite: Willingness
Victoria lives in the Tampa Bay area where she teaches poetry, improv, storytelling, and facilitates Laughter Yoga workshops. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn with one of central Florida’s best artists and teachers in the inspiring environs of Jack Kerouac’s living room.
$30 advanced ticketing required, limited seating
Ed's Shed LIVE at the Jack Kerouac House!
On Saturday April 18th from 7-10pm local fave Ed's Shed returns to the Kerouac House for another Kerowacky evening of sketch comedy and other hilarious mayhem.
Open the doors to the Shed and come inside where puppets, dinosaurs, and oddballs hide. It’s a lo-fi extravaganza with a variety of skits, gags, songs, and tomfoolery. Explore the shed and scratch your head. Sweet Potato is so excited! Rocco and Royce’s rent is due. There’s a giveaway every night with secret decoder glasses and a winning haiku.
Ed's Shed has won many awards including the Tampa International Fringe Festival’s 2023 MOST FRINGE WINNER and the Best of the Bay - 2023 WINNER EXPERIMENTAL ACT category.This show is PG-13 and has some themes that may not be suitable for young children, mimes, school marms, or the terminally judgmental. The truly Mental should do just fine.
Snacks and libations will be offered for a donation benefitting the Kerouac House.
Tickets are limited and they are $10 each plus tax and fees.
Songwriter Club presents Victor Jones + Guests
Tuesday 04/21 from 7-10pm (doors @6) Songwriter Club at the Jack Kerouac House presents international touring artist Victor Jones as well as our music czar and emcee Shawn Kyle. Special guests will be announced just before the show.
Victor Jones is a dance rock singer/songwriter based in Brooklyn, NY who has attracted recent national attention. Victor first gained success with his concept album Zookeeperand singles such as “Mother Theresa” and “I Got Hurt,” the latter reaching millions of people on social media. On this special performance Victor accompanies himself solo on guitar and piano. For more info and music go to: https://www.victorjonesisaconstruct.com
There are very limited seating and capacity for this songwriter listening room series, as the artists perform in Jack Kerouac's living room with the audience seated in the living room and stretching out into the enclosed patio. Please join us for a night of songs and stories in this historic atmosphere. Tickets are $25 plus tax and fees. There will be a donation bar and snacks benefitting the Jack Kerouac House non-profit and plenty of free good feels.
Tickets for Songwriter Club featuring Victor Jones
Storytelling @ the Kerouac House feat. Maria Schaedler-Luera
This month’s Storytelling @ the Kerouac House will be on Saturday 04/25 from 7-9 pm featuring Brazilian artist, author, and creative facilitator Maria Schaedler-Luera. The opener will be Will Luera. Our own in-house storyteller extraordinaire Victoria Dym will emcee and also tell.
Maria Schaedler-Luera is a Brazilian artist, author, and creative facilitator whose work explores resilience, imagination, and the power of narrative to transform our lives. She is the author of Be the Protagonist and is currently writing her second book, The Resilient Protagonist.
With a background in applied theatre, mindfulness, Ayurveda, and arts integration, Maria has spent more than two decades creating experiences that invite people to reflect, connect, and reimagine their stories. She co-founded Atomica Arts with her husband, improviser Will Luera (who will open the show), blending theatre, creativity, and wellbeing in workshops and performances across the U.S. and internationally.
Find out more about her at www.atomica-arts.com
After the featured stories are told, there will be a storytelling open mic (sign-up with emcee Victoria Dym at the event for a 5-7 minute slot, telling, no reading) and libations and snacks for sale. Tickets are $10 plus tax, limited seating, Advance Tickets Recommended.
Tickets for Storytelling featuring Maria Schaedler-Luera
Coffee and Poetry at Jack's House feat.
Maureen McDole and Claire Conroy
Don’t miss this chance to celebrate National Poetry Monthwith a double feature of two great poets, Maureen McDole and Claire Conroy, on Sun 04/26 from 3-6pm.Local writer, poet, storyteller, comedian, and actor Victoria Dym will emcee and also read.
Maureen McDole is the author of four books of poems, Exploring My Options (2006), Longing for the Deep End(2011), Feast (2021), and recently released Mending the Nets (2026). Her poetry has been set in a variety of different ways including: film, dance, spoken word, art installations, Sprechstimme, and traditional vocal works. Maureen has been leading workshops and speaking about creativity and leadership for over 20 years. She founded the literary arts organization Keep St. Pete Lit in 2013 because she believes wholeheartedly in the power of literature to change the world. She is the artist-in-residence at GISJane, working in the fields of water restoration, climate adaptation, nature-based solutions, and community resiliency and lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Beat Poet Laureate of Maine 2024-2026, Claire Conroyself published two books of poetry (“Listen” in 2018 and “Silent” in 2022) and a chapbook (“Rumors From Dead Lips” in 2024). Born in Portsmouth, NH, she is a board member of the Portsmouth Poet Laureate Program and hosts their open mics, The HOOT and Painting Poetry. Claire lives in Sanford, Maine and is a board member of the Sanford Arts Commission. She also hosts Beat Night at Flourish in Biddeford, Maine. Claire has been published in over 40 anthologies, participates in global online events and will travel… for love of poetry.
So come on by and grab a cup of joe and complimentary pastries at the historic Jack Kerouac House. The reading starts at 3pm (doors at 2:30). You can sign up to read (limit 2 poems) with our resident poet and emcee Victoria Dym when you get to Jack’s house. Tickets are $10 each plus tax and fees.