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The Tejas Storytelling Association is proud to announce that the 1997 Texas Storytelling Festival is almost HERE! Taking place the weekend of March 20 through 23 in Denton, Texas, just north of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, this year's festival features some giants of storytelling (and an author or two). Expect excellent performances and informative workshops throughout the weekend. For registration materials, or if you have questions, you may e-mail me at jmaroon1@airmail.net, or call the TSA office at (817) 387-8336. Some of America's finest storytellers to be featured include... Donald Davis Acclaimed national storyteller and author, Donald Davis comes from a rich southern Appalachian storytelling tradition. Recognized as a leader in the Renaissance of American storytelling, Donald served as President of the Board of the National Storytelling Association and now performs full-time. Donald’s stories invite his listeners to come home--remembering both the joy and pain of human experience. His book, Listening for the Crack of Dawn, was recently optioned for a movie to be directed by Penny Marshall. Patricia McKissack Award-winning author, Patricia McKissack comes from a storytelling family and draws upon a combination of her rich heritage of African American traditions and meticulous research for her stories. Often writing biographies and histories with her husband, Frederick, Patricia’s well-known works include Flossie and the Fox and Mirandy and Brother Wind. A keynoter at the National Storytelling Association’s Conference in Fort Worth, TSA is proud to have both Patricia and Frederick with us for Festival. Tom McDermott Our own UKETELLER@AOL.COM, Fort Worth-based storytelling minstrel Tom McDermott is a master at blending music and the spoken word. A former United Methodist minister, this Pied Piper now tours nationally as a storyteller, performing in schools, hospitals, and medical camps. Tom has spent the past 7 years exploring uses of storytelling to empower healing moments for adults in recovery and children suffering from chronic illnesses. Using an eclectic array of instruments, Tom’s stories awaken the spirit and spark imagination for one and all. Mary Ann Brewer Texas’ own Mary Ann Brewer captivates audiences with her animated stories in both Spanish and English. From keynoting foreign language conferences to appearing on Barney and Friends, Mary Ann’s rollicking folktales and charming personal experience stories have nurtured emerging readers, entertained and inspired listeners. Educator and early childhood specialist, Mary Ann has devoted much of her life to teaching Spanish and appreciation of Mexican culture--and she does it with astounding flair. Barbara McBride Smith Barbara McBride Smith divides her time between working as a professional teller, public school librarian, teaching seminary classes, and serving on the Board of the National Storytelling Association. One of Barbara’s specialties is Greek myths and she spins them better than anyone else--with down-home characters you’ll swear you know. A much sought after festival teller, Barbara tells Bible stories with a twist, family lore, and folktales sure to bring a smile to your face. J.J. Reneaux Wild and racucuous J.J. Reneaux brings her swampland storytelling and delta blues back to the Texas Storytelling Festival for an up-beat serving of Cajun style entertainment. A nationally known teller and prolific author, J.J. comes from a long lineage of Cajun storytellers. Her stories-both folktale and family-revolve around that unique Louisiana life-style. She combines her musical talent with story like no one else does, all of which makes for an unforgettable experience. Last but certainly not least... Ghost Tales with Chuck Larkin! From chilling ghost stories to eerie tales of the supernatural, the evening of Thursday March 20th kicks off the festival with a special concert featuring a wide array of tellers. This special evening will be hosted and emceed by Georgia ghost teller Chuck Larkin, legendary pioneer of the modern storytelling renaissance and strict adherent to the traditional art of folktelling, not to mention bluegrass banjo picker and infamous prevaricator. The Texas Storytelling Festival is one of the major storytelling events in North America, and should not be missed. Write back to me and I'll send you info on the many workshop opportunities offered by these fine artists, or you can visit the Tejas Storytelling Association's website, URL below. --Jim Maroon jmaroon1@airmail.net The Storytelling Home Page: http://members.aol.com/storypage