Stories from Amador County

Friday the 13th.

Your Neighbors with a Microphone.

What Could Happen.

That's the only rule. The story itself doesn't have to be about Amador — about the Gold Rush or the wineries or the drive up 88 in the snow. It just has to come from someone who lives here, or grew up here, or has put down enough roots to call it home. Stories from Amador County, not stories about it.

Think The Moth. Think RISK. A person, a microphone, and five minutes to tell you something true — no slides, no script, no acting required.

Longtime locals. Newcomers. Anyone who calls this county home. I'll pick ten and coach every one of them, so nobody's standing up there alone.

About Mel: I've spent more than 20 years storytelling, directing, coaching actors, and running rooms where people tell the truth out loud. I moved to Fiddletown in 2025, and I run Mel’s Messy Love Lab LIVE at Volcano West Gallery (when it’s available) — a few blocks from BAKED in Amador, who's hosting this with me. I’m so excited to be here and to be a part of this community!

It's a bakery, a gallery, and some of your neighbors, telling stories.

The Office @ BAKED — date TBD, coming soon based on availability for the group of storytellers we get and the space! I’m thinking it will probably be in October/November.

Apply here — I read every application myself.

— Mel