"Some people think of storytelling as a kindergarten teacher sitting down with children, criss-cross applesauce listening to a story that she is reading….and it is, but that is not what we are about,” explains Brenda Gilbert, co-founder of the Storytelling Arts Center of the South in Laurinburg. “It’s an art form, these are professionals, “ she continues.

More closely associated with performing arts and stand-up comedy, this weekend’s Storytelling Festival of Carolina won’t find the tellers reading stories, but spinning tales and entertaining their audience with nothing more than their voice, actions, imagination and talent to entertain.

The Festival, which runs all weekend will be held on the grounds of the John Blue House in large canopy tents. The cover not only offers protection from the elements, but also provides an intimate setting for the tellers -- performers that are world renown. If the kindergarten teacher reading a story is t-ball, think of these folks as hall-of-fame players.

“We are extremely privileged to have these celebrated performers on our stage, and we expect nothing less than an unforgettable program,” states Jan Schmidt, executive director of the Center.

“Our featured performers are absolutely the best when it comes to the talent, craft, and skill involved with storytelling. They all have a natural charisma that reaches into the audience with honesty, poignancy, and down-to-earth appreciation for laughter and wit,” adds Schmidt.

Headliners at this year’s Storytelling Festival of Carolina are Andy Offutt Irwin, Mitch Capel, Kim Weitkamp, Doug Elliott, and Gwen Rainer, with special guest Carmen Agra Deedy.



Ms. Deedy is a frequent guest at storytelling festivals across the country. Her accolades include over 40 national and international awards for children’s literature as well as honors from and recognition by Publishers Weekly, National Public Radio, and Parents’ Choice for her collection of twelve short stories for adults, Growing Up Cuban in Decatur, Georgia (Peachtree Publishers, 2004).



Deedy’s rich storytelling themes have evolved from her childhood experience of emigrating and growing up in the South following the Cuban Revolution. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes that Deedy’s experience as a refugee made her “an introspective storyteller with a keen insight into the workings of a child’s mind.” Cokie Roberts of NPR characterizes Deedy as “One of the true American success stories.”

For more information and a schedule of events contact the Storytelling Arts Center of the Southeast at 131 S. Main Street in Laurinburg, via phone at (910) 291-0929, and online at www.sfoc.info. Or simply stop out at the John Blue House and Grounds on Saturday or Sunday for an entertaining experience you won’t soon forget.

Weekend, day and family ticket packages are available at the gate. Festival admission passes range from $15 to $35. Tickets are also available for a special Saturday evening gathering at Cypress Bend Vineyard that will include a comfortable mix of story and wine.