Two Weeks Until the 29th Annual Storytelling Festival in Atlanta

March 5, 2011 - PRLog -- On Saturday, March 19th, Atlanta has the unique opportunity to see nationally renowned storyteller and Decatur native Carmen Deedy performing alongside John McCutcheon, folk music’s renaissance man, and, incidentally, her husband. They are the featured performers for the 29th Annual Storytelling Festival of Atlanta’s Southern Order of Storytellers (SOS), March 18 and 19.  The festival will be held at the UUCA Performance Space located at 1911 Cliff Valley Way, Atlanta.

Best known for her razor-sharp wit, and light, entertaining style, Carmen Agra Deedy is an award-winning storyteller, as well as a children’s book author.  Born in Cuba, she immigrated with her family here to Decatur during the Cuban Revolution.  Her family’s deep oral traditions, as well as the rich folklore of Georgia, form the basis of her wide ranging works.

John McCutcheon is a consumate musician, powerful singer-songwriter, storyteller, activist and author.  He is an award-winning recording artist with a storytelling style compared to Will Rogers and Garrison Keillor.  A master of a dozen different instruments, most notably the hammer dulcimer, he was called “the most impressive instrumentalist I’ve ever heard” by Johnny Cash.  

The Southern Order of Storytellers is thrilled to have such talented performers at this year’s storytelling festival, its 29th!  Carmen and John have only performed in joint concerts on a few occasions, so on Saturday night the audience can expect the unexpected with an electric blend of music, comedy, and poignancy. Saturday night’s performance is for grownups, although children are welcome.  Prices are $10 for children, $15 for students/seniors, and $20 for adults. Concert time:  7:30 p.m.

Friday night’s featured performance, March 18, 7:30 p.m., will be presented by Carmen Deedy in a special concert for children/families. The show is entitled “Coming of Age in a Free-Range World.”  She will give the audience a sampling of her personal stories, as well as stories taken from her numerous children’s books. Also on Friday, March 18, at 4:00 p.m., Carmen will lead a workshop sharing her expertise as a storyteller, as well as the process of writing children’s books.

Also on Friday evening, at 9:30 p.m., will be a show of seven storytellers who have graced the MothUP Atlanta stage at Manuel's Tavern in the last year.  MothUp Atlanta happens every 4th Tuesday of the month and has had standing room only crowds to hear personal storytelling.  There have been some amazing stories shared this year, and SOS is privileged to add this genre to the festival this year.  This is an adult show.  Tickets are $5.00.

Saturday, March 19, 10:00 a.m., John will lead a two-hour workshop for both folk musicians and storytellers.

Also on Saturday morning at 10:00, two workshops will be led by SOS tellers: Connie Dodge, “How to Make A Story Your Own” and John Beavin, “How to Tell Your Story in the Business World.”  The price of each adult workshop is $20.00.

A workshop for children at 1:00 to 3:15 p.m. Saturday, will be led by Natalie Jones. Price:  $10.00.

Four concerts by local SOS tellers will occur at 10:00 a.m., 1:00, 2:30, and 4:00 p.m. Saturday.

For detailed information, and to register online, visit the SOS website: http://www.SouthernOrderOfStorytellers.org/festival

Feriel Feldman, Director, 404-636-4090
BJ Abraham, Assistant Director, 404-633-3277

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Shannon McNeal grew up in a storytelling family. She loves to share her stories about growing up in Alabama and her adventures after moving to Atlanta. If you love southern porch stories, you will love Shannon McNeal. Shannon is assisting the Southern Order of Storytellers with publicity for its 29th Annual storytelling festival.