About Us

SOLO SUNDAY is an event series in Chicago, IL.

Founded in September 2022 by storyteller Scott Whitehair, the goal of the series is to make a dedicated space for intimate solo performance, one that is affordable for audiences while supporting the artists. Performers at this series are asked to front no money or take any financial risk, only to partner with us in bringing theater to people. We take care of production concerns, they bring the art, and all proceeds are split down the middle.

Shows take place on select Sunday and Saturday afternoons in an intimate pop-up theater at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro.

THE JEKOT THEATER, our pop-up theater space, is the namesake of Joe Jekot, a treasured member of the Chicago storytelling community, supremely talented storyteller, and good friend. We lost Joe in 2019, and he is greatly missed by so many.

He was a teacher, a professional storyteller, a published author, an athlete, a scholar, a father, a true believer in the power of storytelling, and so much more.

Joe was absolutely mesmerizing on stage, sharing a wide variety of tales, and his booming laugh from the audience was a priceless gift. He no doubt would have been our first booking for this series. We are honored to help keep his memory alive, with the blessing of his family, by naming our theater space after him.

LAUREN KEE is the producer of SOLO SUNDAY.

Lauren (she/her) is a Chicago storyteller, host, and producer. She loves sharing about girlhood, growth, and the messy moments in between. Her recent solo show, Dealbreaker, is about herpes, heartbreak, and the death of the one-night stand, and is making its way to theatres across the country. Lauren has told stories all around Chicago, including This Much is True, Is This a Thing?, Tenx9, the Moth, Story Sessions, and Voicebox. She co-hosts the Printer’s Row edition of Do Not Submit and would love to see you there!. Lauren gets inspiration from her fellow Chicago storytellers and loves to support them in bringing their stories to the stage. Outside of storytelling, you can find Lauren running on the Lake Shore path to Taylor Swift, playing soccer, working as a project manager, or (kindly) chasing the cats on her street. Follow her storytelling journey and stay updated on Chicago’s storytelling scene on Instagram.

SCOTT WHITEHAIR is the founder and former producer of SOLO SUNDAY.

Scott is a Chicago storyteller, producer, and teacher. He has told stories anywhere somebody will listen, including The National Storytelling Festival (Exchange Place), Steppenwolf Theater, Second City, The Green Mill, and for NPR, The Risk Podcast, Sirius XM, and more. Scott is the producer of This Much Is True, the city's longest running monthly personal narrative series, creator of Story Lab Chicago, which has put 700+ new and first time tellers on stage since 2011, and founder of Do Not Submit, a citywide network of storytelling open mics. He teaches a perpetually sold out monthly storytelling class, works with organizations, companies, and individuals to develop their voices and stories, and enjoys his life. More info at scottwhitehair.com.

MRS. MURPHY & SONS IRISH BISTRO opened in a converted 1920's-era funeral home in 2005, the brainchild of Jim Murphy, owner of the legendary Wrigleyville bar Murphy's Bleachers.

The bistro is 8-Time Champion at the North Center Ribfest, and features a massive hand-crafted teak bar imported from County Wexford.

Come enjoy scratch made Irish pub cuisine, a thoughtful assortment of craft beer, a friendly wine list, and a deep list of Irish whiskeys. Most days, you can pair your meal with a live Irish music session, English Premier League soccer, pub trivia, or, of course, storytelling.

PETER LEGRAND was instrumental in making this all happen.

Peter is a master woodworker, storyteller, school teacher, show producer, and all around good guy.

In past years, he has used his woodworking skills to construct a bespoke bike-pulled stage, countless unique trailers, and even his own boat. During the holiday season, he frequently crafts dozens of beautiful wooden toys to donate to homeless shelters.

This project would not exist without his immeasurable contributions.