ENCINITAS, California (Press Release) — Featuring more than two dozen storytellers, some full-time and internationally known, a storytelling festival March 17 at the Encinitas Library (540 Cornish Drive, Encinitas) is being held in conjunction with World Storytelling Day, when performances, concerts and festivals all over the world celebrate the art of storytelling. The San Diego Storytelling Festival is regarded as one of the premier festivals in California, and the only one that is free to the public – made possible through grants and the generous support of individuals and our community.
“Wise Fools” is the 2018 theme of World Storytelling Day and every hour there will be a different show in the community room.
10:00 am, Storytime. Pre-schoolers and their families will be delighted by stories with puppets, rhymes and sing-a-longs that are sure to keep them engaged and leave them giggling.
10:00 am, Crafting Personal Stories is a workshop by Scott Whitehair, a dynamic storyteller and producer from Chicago.
11:00 am, A proclamation from local dignitaries followed by a storytelling show for general audiences.
12:00 pm, Local elementary school students will perform folktales, culminating an arts residency, followed by an “open mic” for any kids who have a story to share.
1:00 pm, “Tales from the Emerald Isle” by acclaimed puppeteer Randel McGee and Groark in honor of St. Patrick’s Day followed by
“Stories of Art: Art of Stories” spotlighting takes of birds by visual artist Stacie Birky Greene who creates a large painting on stage as the stories are told.
As part of our on-going “Real People; Real Stories” series, military veterans will share their personal experiences followed by a presentation by San Diego Surfers.
Workshops will include “Puppetry 101” by the San Diego Guild of Puppetry and “Bible Storytelling” by a pastor and former Navy chaplain.
Among the featured storytellers at the festival will be Scott Whitehair, Randel McGee, Patti Christensen, James Nelson-Lucas, Marilyn McPhie, Sandy Jenkins, Jim Dieckmann, Fred Laskowski, Mindy Donner, O. J. Mozon, David Schmidt, Linda Whiteside, San Diego Jewish World drama critic Eric George Tauber, and more. An Open Mic for Adults will give attendees a chance to share from the main stage. The festival will conclude with a concert of stories by several of San Diego’s most noted tellers and visiting guest tellers.
The entire daytime festival is free to the public.
7:30 pm, “Irish Songs and Stories” an evening concert by San Diego Folk Heritage. The separate, ticketed concert features musicians Heloise Love, Jim Hinton and Gemini Junction and storyteller Eric George Tauber.
“The festival is a great chance for people of all ages to fill their hearts and imaginations with the magic of stories brought to life.” -Patti Christensen, professional storyteller
For more information, call the Encinitas Library, 760-753-7376, or Marilyn McPhie, 858-484-1325.
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Preceding provided by the Encinitas Library.