First Time: First Step - James Swanberg

James Swanberg is able to do something that so many cannot. He can write songs that are memorable, songs that stick with you and follow you home, songs that you find yourself singing in the shower the next day, songs that are bonafide hits.

The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.

The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers, Andy Vasoyan, and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.

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First Time: First Step - Sonal Aggarwal

Former international street performer turned emcee, Sonal Aggarwal has brought her talents to Chicago as an actor, comedian, producer and movement artist.

Her one woman show The Alchemy of Bliss played for a sold out weekend at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater and you can see her on Netflix’s Easy as well as the short A Period Piece which debuted at SXSW 2020. She is a regular host of the Moth.

The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.

The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers, Andy Vasoyan, and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker

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First Time: First Step - Edward Kelsey Moore

Edward Kelsey Moore is the author of two novels, including the New York Times and international bestseller, "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat." A feature film
adaptation of which is currently in post-production at Searchlight Pictures. He has recently completed his third novel.

His work has appeared in the New York Times and numerous literary journals and has also been featured on Chicago Public Radio and Minnesota Public Radio.
In addition to his writing, Edward maintains a career as a professional cellist.

The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.

The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers, Andy Vasoyan, and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.

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First Time: First Step - Andy Vasoyan

Andy Vasoyan is a writer, audio editor/producer, and DJ at CHIRP radio. He grew up in Los Angeles, California, a place with decidedly too many hot people for most people to live there permanently.

After he received a highly lucrative MA in journalism from USC, Andy worked as a freelance writer, as well as a producer and Weekend Edition host at an NPR affiliate, until moving to Chicago in 2021. He currently produces The First Time show and edits The First Time podcast, as well as hosting a show on CHIRP, Thursdays at 10.

The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three.

The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Produced by Bobby Evers, Andy Vasoyan, Noah Janes, and Julie Mueller. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.

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