February 2009
* MI Story *
Storytelling Event Calendar
Yvonne Healy, Editor - Judy Sima, Distribution Editor
All events are located in Michigan unless otherwise noted.
SUBMISSIONS: Stories@YHealy.com by 15th of month
1/31/08
Avoid omissions or typos…
Send your listing in correct format by the 15th to Stories@YHealy.com
· So many opportunities for hearing and telling stories! Find one at updated local guild listings at end of MI Story. Thanks go to Lois Sprengnether Keel for chasing down the info.
· Send your event listings in as soon as you know time & place to Stories@YHealy.com The earlier you send them, the longer they’re online at www.MichiganStorytelling.COM; and the greater number of people will come to your event. Listings are posted online years in advance.
FEBRUARY
February 1, Ann Arbor 2:00 pm
“Kerry Tales: Pies and Pancakes with Mother Goose” Storyteller, Trudy Bulkley, entertains as Mother Goose with rhymes and stories. 1/2 hour program for young and old alike. 2 p.m., Kerrytown Market and Shops in Hollander’s, 410 N. Fourth Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI. Free. 734-769-3115
February 10, Commerce Township, 6:45 p.m.
Talkin’ Tales, Tunes and Tappin’ – Karen Czarnik presents this fun collection of stories and songs that help audiences play a part in the program. Commerce Township Public Library, 2869 North Pontiac Trail, Commerce Twp., 248-669-8108
February 13, Petaluma, California, 7:30 pm
Yvonne Healy (MI) joins Cathryn Fairlee in California in“Irish Valentine”, an evening of Irish stories for adults. Proceeds benefit the non-profit National Storytelling Network. 120 Eastman Court. Reservations & information 707-433-2297 (limited seating). Desserts served.
February 13, Tennessee 7:00 pm
Marjorie Shaefer (MI) joins David Claunch (TN) in “What Was the Best Worst Thing to Ever Happen to You?” This performance serves as their final project for Masters Degrees from ETSU. International Storytelling Center, Jonesborough, TN. Info: dr.dilly.dally@gmail.com
February 26, Casper, WY
Michigan’s Karen Czarnik presents a daylong workshop for adults interested in designing programs for children with storytelling, improv theatre, song and crafts. Natrona County Public Library, Casper, WY. Registration & info: 307-237-4935
February 21-28, various, South Carolina
Yvonne Healy tours South Carolina with public and school performances and workshops for families, kids, and adults. Public presentations are presented by a consortium of South Carolina communities with locations throughout Colleton, Dorchester and Charleston counties. Dates and times: Jeanne Caron 843-549-6946 or stories@YHealy.com
MARCH
March 1, Ann Arbor 2:00 pm
“Kerry Tales: March Along with Mother Goose” Storyteller, Trudy Bulkley, entertains as Mother Goose with rhymes and stories. 1/2 hour program for young and old alike. 2 p.m., Kerrytown Market and Shops in Hollander’s, 410 N. Fourth Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI. Free. 734-769-3115
March 5, Ann Arbor, 4:30 pm
In “Kids Tell It Write”, Sue Black (IL) teaches adults how to use storytelling to teach writing to children. Presented by the Ann Arbor Storytellers Guild, The Ark, and the Ann Arbor Public Schools at Washtenaw Intermediate School District, 1819 S. Wagner Rd., Ann Arbor 48106. Fee waived for Ann Arbor Public Schools employees. Two Professional Development hours are awarded to AAPS teachers who attend and register online on KALPA. Registration required by March 2. Info: Judy Schmidt – 734-971-5763 FransDotir@aol.com
March 6, Brighton, 6:30 – 8:45 p.m.
CAST – Crafts, Arts & Storytelling Theatre with Storyteller Karen Czarnik is one of many classes available during the Brighton Community Education Dept’s Fantastic Friday event. Hornung Elementary, 4680 Bauer Rd, Brighton, Fee & registration info at http://scnc.bas.k12.mi.us/~commed/, 810-299-4130
March 7, East Lansing, 1:00 pm
“Adventures with John James Audubon” is the keynote performance by storyteller Brian “Fox” Ellis (IL) at the Michigan Audubon Society Conference, Kellogg University Conference Center, S. Harrison St. He also presents an afternoon workshop on creative writing and storytelling, “Bird is the Word” at 2:00 pm. Public welcome. Info: 517-886-9144 or mas@michiganaudubon.org, or www.michiganaudubon.org
March 7, Ann Arbor 7:30 pm
PG-13 storytelling for adults and teens. No children, please! Ark Storytelling Festival, in a new partnership with the Ann Arbor Storytellers Guild, offers a fresh take on this classic event with urban, adult storytelling by Antonio Sacre (CA), and the hilarious tales of marriage and motherhood from Sue Black (IL). Local tellers Beverly Black and Jeff Doyle also offer stories. Info: www.Ark.org.
March 8, Ann Arbor 1:00 pm
Storytelling for Kids is the second and final concert of the Ark Storytelling Festival. Info: www.Ark.org
March 8, Detroit 2:00 pm
“Target Family Sundays” at the DIA presents “True Beauty” – Gutsy girls and wise women twist your take on ‘fairest of them all’ in lively stories by award-winning storyteller Barbara Schutzgruber. Detroit
Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave. Info: www.DIA.org
March 9, Novi, 3:00 pm
Opening day of “LOL – Laugh Out Loud Kids Improv” with Storyteller Karen Czarnik. Registration required for this 4 week performance based class for grades 5th-6th. Novi Meadows School, 25549 Taft Road, Novi. Fee & registration info at www.novi.k12.mi.us/district/communityeducation, (248) 449-1206
March 9, Novi, 6:00 p.m.
CAST – Crafts, Arts & Storytelling Theatre with Storyteller Karen Czarnik 4 week storytelling based class for grades K – 4th. Novi Meadows School, 25549 Taft Road, Novi. Fee & registration info at www.novi.k12.mi.us/district/communityeducation, (248) 449-1206
March 10-11, Holland 7:00 pm
Storyteller and author, Carmen Agra Deedy, will be at the Herrick District Library in Holland each evening at 7:00 pm in the Hazel Hays Auditorium, Herrick District Library, 300 S. River Ave. Info: Marilyn Brown, Head of Youth Services at 616-355-3731 or mbrown@herrickdl.org.
March 12, Ann Arbor 7:00 p.m.
“Girls with Grit”: Adult Concert. Josie Barnes Parker and Laura Pershin Raynor will share poignant stories based on personal experience. Talented musicians Betsy Beckerman and Sara Melton Keller offer songs filled with wisdom and wit in honor of Women’s History Month. Invite your favorite friends for a grown-up girl’s night out with a trip back in time and great sing-alongs at the Pittsfield Branch Library, 2359 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor. Info: Laura Pershin Raynor, 734-327-4226 or raynorl@aadl.org
March 15, Detroit, 2:00
“Target Family Sundays” at the DIA Award winning storyteller, Judy Sima, brings to life stories of Jewish American families in fact, fiction and folklore to help celebrate the DIA’s Norman Rockwell American Chronicles Exhibit. Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave. Info: www.DIA.org
March 17, Waterford 7:00 pm
Special St. Patrick’s Day Event! Rare chance to see “Ballyhoo: Tales from my Irish and American Homes.” Yvonne Healy’s show received standing ovations at the Pittsburg Fringe NSN. Featuring the show-stopping story “Granny’s 1st Whiskey.” Free presentation at the Waterford Township Public Library, 5168 Civic Center Drive, Waterford 48329. Info & reservations: Jaema Berman 248-618-7690 or jberman@waterford.lib.mi.us. Irish tea and refreshments served.
March 22, Detroit, 2:00
“Target Family Sundays” at the DIA Award winning storyteller, Judy Sima, brings to life stories of Jewish American families in fact, fiction and folklore to help celebrate the DIA’s Norman Rockwell American Chronicles Exhibit. Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave. Info: www.DIA.org
March 28, Bloomfield Hills, 10:00am, 1:00pm and 3:00pm.
5th Annual Storytelling Festival at the Bloomfield Township Public Library, 1099 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Hills. Co-sponsored by Bloomfield Hills Schools and the Friends of the Bloomfield Township Public Library. The stories will be performed by middle and high school student storytellers. For children ages 6+, parents, and other interested adults. To register, call the Youth Services Department at 248-642-5800 beginning March 1. Free.
APRIL
April 5, Ann Arbor 2:00 pm
“Kerry Tales: April Showers for Mother Goose” Storyteller, Trudy Bulkley, entertains as Mother Goose with rhymes and stories. 1/2 hour program for young and old alike. 2 p.m., Kerrytown Market and Shops in Hollander’s, 410 N. Fourth Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI. Free. 734-769-3115
April 7, Birmingham, 2:00
Judy Sima presents “Riddle-de-dee: Stories to Solve and More” at the Baldwin Public Library, 300 W. Merrill. For more information: 248-647-1700.
April 24-26, Green Lake, WI
Don’t miss the Midwest’s Event of the Year! Northlands Storytelling Conference gives you more bang for your buck with Story Circles, Story Slams, Workshops, Concerts, Fringes, Coaching and a State Gathering. All levels of storytellers and storylovers welcome. Ride & room shares available by contacting info@northlands.net. Presenters are nationally known storytellers and educators. Grab this affordable way to renew your spirit and your storytelling. For listeners and tellers alike, the beautiful Green Lake Conference Center beside stunning Green Lake offers comfy rooms and yummy food at a price to please your pocket. Michigan presenters include Yvonne Healy, Karen Czarnik, and Judy Sima. www.Northlands.net
FIND-A-Storyteller:
STORYTELLER DIRECTORIES links at http://www.michiganstorytelling.com
STORYTELLING ORGANIZATIONS/MEETINGS
Michigan guilds are also found at www.MichiganStorytelling.org
National Storytelling Network (NSN):
Benefits = subscription Storytelling Magazine; Special Interest Groups (SIGs) & Discussion groups (e.g., Healing Stories Alliance, Youth Storytelling, Event Organizers, Diversity Focus, Storytelling in Organizations, Intergenerational Telling,); Source Book Listing (option for professional/event listing in on-line directory), grant opportunities. NSN advocates nationally & regionally for storytelling. Michigan Liaison: LoiS-sez@LoiS-sez.com. NSN 1-800-525-4514 or www.storynet.org.
National Association of Black Storytellers (NABS):
Promotes and perpetuates the art of Black storytelling-an art form which embodies the history, heritage, and culture of African Americans. Black storytellers educate and entertain through the Oral Tradition, which depicts and documents the African American experience. A nationally organized body with individual, affiliate and organizational memberships, NABS preserves and passes on the folklore, legends, myths, fables and mores of Africans and their descendants and ancestors. http://nabsinc.org/home.asp
REGIONAL:
Northlands Storytelling Network:
Regional organization offering support & annual conference for tellers in or near North Central states. Michigan Representative: Jean Bolley. For info: Northlands, P O Box 1055, McHenry, IL 60051-1055, email: info (at) northlands.net or www.northlands.net
LOCAL
Ann Arbor Storytellers Guild:
4th Sunday of each month Sept.-June. Located at Nicola’s Books, Westgate Mall, 2513 Jackson Rd at Maple Road, Ann Arbor. Free. Bring a story to tell or listen to swapped stories. 2-4 pm. Info: www.AnnArborStorytelling.org email Info (at) AnnArborStorytelling.org or phone Judy Schmidt (734) 971-5763 and http://www.annarborstorytelling.org .
Birmingham Storytellers Guild of the Community House:
meets from September through June at the Community House at 380 Bates St., Birmingham. Info: Cynthia Casey call 248-625-3825 or email: cyn.c01 (at) comcast.net or Linda McGuire, Early Childhood Director at the Community House, call 248-644-5832 .
Detroit Assoc of Black Storytellers:
313-442-3227/442-DABS for info contact Linda Pierce, President, call 313-861-8843 or Ivory D. Williams, call 313-822-6483 or email effy1 (at ) aol.com
Detroit Story League:
3rd Saturday of every month except July (12:00-3:00) various locations in Greater Detroit Area. Since 1912 the DSL meets to tell stories, share resources. DSL sponsors Tellabration & Annual Storytelling Festival with performances & workshops led by tellers of national renown. Info: http://www.detroitstorytelling.org/
Flint Area Story Tellers (F.A.S.T.):
Main Branch Flint Public Library, 1026 Kearsley, Flint. Storytelling, workshops, sharing, supports Michigan Storytelling Festival each July. Library Contact: Brenda Harris: Email: bharris (at) fpl.info ; Phone: 810-249-2170
Flint – Society of Afrikan American Storytellers-SAAS:
Meets and prepares community performances. Contact: Brenda Harris, PO Box 13296, Flint Mi 48501, 810-235-1844, Email: beyondwallz (at) gmail.com
Grand Rapids Story Spinners:
7:15 pm Third Tuesday of each month at Heron Woods apartment complex. (Common Room), 2110 Leonard NE, Grand Rapids across from Yankee Clipper Library. Info: http://www.Storyspinners.net or contact Grace Wolbrink, call 616-299-9698 or email grace_wolbrink (at) hotmail.com .
Lansing Storytellers:
2nd Monday of each month 7-9pm at Plymouth Congregational Church, 2001 East Grand River, Lansing 48912, at Fairview St. & Grand River in Lansing (I 96 to Lansing, exit I 27 north – Saginaw/Grand River exit. Follow Grand River west to 2nd light (Fairview St). Contact: Jean Bolley, phone 517-281-8036 or email bolleyj (at) hotmail.com and/or Shirley Bradley – storylady12 (at) comcast.net .
Lenawee Storytellers Guild:
First Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Jan Richardi, 526 Comstock; Adrian Mi 49221, 517-263-5197 or email janrmcv (at) yahoo.com .
Mid-Michigan Area Storytellers (MAST):
Meets every 1st Wednesdays 7:00-8:30 pm, Grace A. Dow Memorial Libary, 1710 West Saint Andrews Rd, Midland MI 45860-2698. Info: Eileen DeLorenzo, lead coordinator P.O. Box 1304, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 1-866-835-5988/989-773-2429 emdelorenzo (at) msn.com.
Montague/Whitehall:
Tellabration: A Tale For Two Cities is an annual storytelling festival, celebrated in November in Montague/Whitehall area. Info: Helen Fink (231) 893-5323, helenfink (at) charter.net or www.atalefortwocities.org.
Mother Goose Guild Center:
Joanne Ladd, 7300 100th St., Flushing, MI 48433, 810-639-7556 or 810-743-7773 or email mothergoose73 (at) comcast.net .
Montcalm County Storyweavers:
The Montcalm County Storytelling Guild meets 1st Thursday monthly at 6:30 PM. Info: Georgia Schad (989-291-5518) email: gmschad (at) chartermi.net or Janet Wulf-Marvin (989-831-4168) email: wulfmarj (at) yahoo.com
Muskegon Yarnspinners:
Second Wednesday of each month 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Torrent House, across the street from the Hackley Library, downtown Muskegon, MI except meet at members’ houses in June, July and August . Contact Sue Kobza, 231-766-3953 home, 231-727-2118 work, jjkobza (at) comcast.net
Richland Story Caravan:
Gull Lake High School Story Caravan. High School student storytellers serving southwest Michigan, Robin Nott–faculty contact person, 269-488-5020 ext. 1698, rnott (at) gulllakecs.org . Gull Lake High School Story Caravan, 99550 E M-89, Richland, MI 49083.
New Baltimore Biblical Storytellers:.
Contact: Katie Dailey 586-716-9543 daileystory (at) yahoo.com for information.
Warren – Chatterton Parent-Tellers:
Meets at Chatterton Middle School, 24333 Ryan Road, Thursday mornings from 9:30-11:30 during the school year. You don’t have to be a parent to attend. Judy Sima contact person. judsim (at) hotmail.com
White Lake Township:
North Oakland County Storytellers (NOCS) 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7:00-9:00 at the Fisk Farm schoolhouse. Highland Road (M-59) & Fisk Road. For more information contact: Lois-Sez (at) LoiS-sez.com
Or http://www.northoaklandcountystorytellers.org
Yvonne Healy, storyteller
Managing Editor, MI Story
810-225-2204
2004 Storytelling World Honor Book
2004 VOYA Five Foot Bookshelf selection
2005 Anne Izard Storyteller’s Choice Award
2005 NSN North Central Service and Leadership Award
2003 MAME Ruby Brown Award for Individual Excellence
