RALEIGH – Storytellers at the North Carolina State Fair may offer up drumming, strumming or song and dance this year. It will be part of the exhibit from the N. C. Department of Cultural Resources, whose 2008 theme is “Telling Our Stories.” The family friendly free performances will be made available at 6 p.m. most evenings in the Folk Festival Tent, in cooperation with the N.C. State Fair.
Ray Mendenhall, president of the North Carolina Storytelling Guild, will share a tale or two. He grew up in a storytelling family, and especially likes songs that tell a story. Mitch “Gran’daddy Junebug” Capel is a master storyteller, who uses “sto’etry” because most of his stories are in poetic verse. Patti Priscilla Best, retired media coordinator, delights audiences with stories and chants.
Beverly Burnette, president of the North Carolina Association of Black Storytellers, enjoys teaching and telling stories that combine cultural insights through storytelling and folktales. Claire Ramsey has never missed a fair or carnival since by choice since she was old enough to enjoy them, and came to storytelling through art, theater, and a career as a children’s librarian. Willa Brigham, host of the television show Smart Start for Kids, tells tales to stimulate and empower audiences of all ages.
So this year, along with the cotton candy fill-up, feed the imagination with a good story from a spirited storyteller at the State Fair.
The State Library of North Carolina, part of the Department of Cultural Resources, administers the “Telling Our Stories” program. Visit http://statelibrary.dcr.state.nc.us/NCSLHOME.HTM for more information. The N.C. Department of Cultural Resources is a state agency dedicated to the promotion and protection of North Carolina’s arts, history and culture. Now podcasting 24/7 with information about the Department of Cultural Resources, all available at www.ncculture.com
STATE FAIR “TELLING OUR STORIES” STORYTELLER SCHEDULE
Folk Festival Tent - 6. p.m. - Free
Thursday, Oct. 16 - Claire Ramsey
Friday, Oct. 17 - Not available
Saturday, Oct. 18 - Mitch “Grandaddy Junebug” Capel
Sunday, Oct. 19 - Braima Moiwai, Two Bells, Ella Stewart
Monday, Oct. 20 - Ray Mendenhall
Tuesday, Oct. 21 - Priscilla Best, Charles “Wsir” Johnson
Wednesday, Oct. 22 - Willa Brigham
Thursday, Oct. 23 - Not available
Friday, Oct. 24 - Bill Friedman
Saturday, Oct. 25 - Not available
Sunday, Oct. 26 - Willa Brigham, Beverly Burnette, Babi Jamal Koram, the storyman