Storytelling Festival
TELLING TALES 5: STORYTELLING FESTIVAL 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
1pm - 5pm (Doors open at 12:30pm)
Berkwood Hedge School
We encourage you to walk, bike, BART, bus,
or carpool to the festival. Berkwood Hedge is
4 Blocks from the Downtown Berkeley BART.
Bicycle parking available
Food and drinks available for purchase.
(Please no pets, alcohol, or glass containers.)
Questions
Contact Heather Halprin
(510) 883-6994 or
Purchasing Tickets
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 18
Purchase tickets online here or on the phone by calling Heather at (510) 883-6994
Tickets may also be purchased at the event.
Storytelling Gallery
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About Storytelling
When we share our stories, our true voices come alive.
Via storytelling, we pass on family and cultural history and values, teach factual and conceptual information, entertain each other and form bonds of friendship. Stories reinforce a sense of identity and pride, building a bridge between the past and the future.
Nationally-recognized and celebrated storytellers will headline "Telling Tales 5: A Fall Storytelling Festival" a community-wide celebration of oral tradition and individual creativity. Numerous local tellers, reflecting a rich variety of storytelling styles, will also perform.
With an "all ages, all stages" approach, this family-friendly event is open to the public. Light snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase, as well as CDs and books by featured storytellers.
When You Tell a Kid a Story
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Find out what why Berkwood Hedge School's Annual Storytelling Festival is so magical and such a powerful learning experience ... "when you tell a kid a story ..." View the Video |
Featured Storytellers - 2011
With a lifelong love of story, literature and the visual arts, Kirk Waller masterfully fuses them together in spoken word, rhythm, music and movement to create an unforgettable storytelling experience. He has garnered national recognition for his artistic abilities and for being an articulate voice in promoting storytelling. He brings commitment, passion and a wide range of skills to his craft. Kirk has performed throughout the nation, including in September at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee.
Muriel Johnson delights audiences with her versions of traditional folktales from Africa and the American South. She was born and raised in Maryland where her mother and grandmother introduced her to the beauty of language and richness of African American culture. "My mother was an English teacher and read to me all the time, so often that I would go to sleep and dream of every story." As an adult, Muriel's domestic and international travels have given her an even greater understanding and appreciation for the oral tradition as a common bond between all people.
Willy Claflin was born before television. He grew up in the woods of New Hampshire impersonating wild life. When he had to get a job, he taught school. Then he met a troupe of hand puppets that changed his life. A full time performer and writer for the last 25 years, he tells original and traditional stories, sings his own songs and plays a lot of blues & rock and roll. Willy is the speaking-mouth person for Maynard Moose, a famous storyteller with whom he travels the storytelling circuit. Willy is a favorite at the National Storytelling Festival as well as festivals across the land.
Community Storytellers - 2011
Berkwood Hedge parent and "Telling Tales" co-founder, Maryclare McCauley brings her characters to life before your eyes. Young and old alike love to enter the worlds she creates as a storyteller and solo performer.
Award-winning storyteller Ruth Halpern has been telling stories for a long time. How long? Her parents say, "since she could talk." Children say, "since she captured my attention, and I lost all track of time." Her audiences say, "not long enough! more!" And so the story goes on....?
With over twenty years of summer camp experience, Berkwood Hedge parent Tom Meyer is eager to give the community a voice as he facilitates the return of the "Open Mic" in the tradition of telling campfire stories.
Hosting an "Open Mic" session, Berkwood Hedge dad Bill Lynch will instill laughter, suspense and the silliness of the growing up as he opens with the adventures of his childhood friend Hershey Lemon.
Around the Bay, Walker Brents, III has children - and adults - spellbound as he weaves his web of tricksters, fools, and ancient myths.
Wayne Harris brings history from John Henry to the Civil Rights Movement to his own family traditions to life on the stage. Pull up a chair as Wayne draws you along with every line of his tales.
Yassir Chadly is a gifted musician and storyteller who brings together Western and Sufi traditions in an innovative style. With his many talents and distinctive personality, he works for peace, tolerance and understanding.
"The Tale Tellers" of Berkwood Hedge have worked with Maryclare McCauley exploring the art of storytelling. Be prepared to hear great stories as these talented and very local fourth and fifth-graders spin a tale or two!
Plus Music! As local as it gets, Berkeley's Henry Street with Richard Moe on harmonica and Berkwood Hedge parents John Heisch on mandolin and Sarah Herbold on guitar welcome all to "Telling Tales 5" starting at 12:30pm.
Schedule | |
| 12:30pm | Gates open. Music with John Heisch and Sarah Herbold. |
| 1:00pm | Muriel Johnson on the Main Stage |
| 2:00pm | Kirk Waller on the Main Stage |
| 3:00pm | Community Stages with Bill Lynch, Maryclare McCauley, Ruth Halpern, Tom Meyer, Walker Brents, Wayne Harris, Yassir Chadly, and the "Tale Tellers of Berkwood Hedge" |
| 4:00pm | Willy Claflin on the Main Stage |
| 4:50pm | Acknowledgements and closing on the Main Stage |
Please be aware that although we try to avoid it, changes may occur.
Additional Information
Food and Drinks
Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase at the festival from popular local businesses including Peets Coffee.
Marketplace
Books and CD's from many of the tellers will be available for purchase at the festival's Marketplace.
Directions
Berkwood Hedge School is located at 1809 Bancroft Way between McKinley Avenue and Grant Street, four blocks from the Downtown Berkeley BART station.
Accessibility
Berkwood Hedge School is wheelchair accessible through the Grant Street gate. Disabled parking available. A Sign Language interpreter is available if requested by September 30, 2011.
Recycling
Berkwood Hedge is a Certified Green School and we encourage everyone to recycle at the Telling Tales festival.
Find more answers to your questions in our Storytelling FAQ