[Libs-Or] Fourth Annual Storytelling Festival Features Entertaining Perform ances for All Ages

[LONG Shannon E]

Oct. 14, 2003

For immediate release

Contact:	Alison Kastner, Hollywood Library, 503.988.5391
	Terrilyn Chun, Public Relations, 503.988.5469

	Press Information Center
	(www.multcolib.org/news/index.html)

FOURTH ANNUAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL FEATURES ENTERTAINING PERFORMANCES FOR
ALL AGES

	Experience the magic of storytelling at Multnomah County Library's
fourth annual Tapestry of Tales Family Storytelling Festival, Friday and
Saturday, Nov. 21 and 22.
	The festival features performances by four renowned storytellers
(see below for biographies) performing in a range of styles at a number of
venues throughout the Portland area.  The festival features a workshop and
Story Swap on Friday. Performances include four family matinees geared for
all ages on Saturday and a finale on Saturday evening for adults and older
children.  Admission to the Story Swap and performances is free and the
public is invited to attend.
"Good storytellers-and we're featuring some of the country's best-make you
feel as if you were experiencing things right along side them," says Alison
Kastner, festival organizer. "That's why when Gay Ducey tells a story about
visiting a New Orleans graveyard at midnight, the hairs on the back of your
neck stand up, or why when Michael Parent describes his childhood visits to
his 'Grandmere's house' you can practically smell Sunday dinner. You leave
feeling like you've been transported to another place and time."
The following is a list of festival events:
	On Friday, Nov. 21, from 2-4 p.m. Gay Ducey presents "The Tie That
Binds," a storytelling workshop for adults. Learn how to find, develop and
use family and personal stories to help celebrate family traditions and
one's place in family history. There will be plenty of opportunities to tell
and hear good stories and to take home some new ideas for more. The workshop
takes place at First Unitarian Church, 1011 S.W. 12th Ave. in Portland. The
fee is $20 and pre-registration is required by Nov. 9. Call 503.988.6012 for
information or to register.
Also on Friday, from 7-8:30 p.m., storytellers and others will share a
selection of short stories at the Tapestry of Tales Story Swap at the
Hollywood Library, 4040 N.E. Tillamook St. in Portland.  Audience
participation is encouraged!
	On Saturday, Nov. 22, Tapestry of Tales Family Matinees will take
place at four Multnomah County libraries.  At 11 a.m., Gay Ducey and Rick
Huddle will perform at Central Library, 801 S.W. 10th Ave. in Portland.  At
1 p.m., Gay Ducey and Alton Chung will be featured at North Portland
Library, 512 N. Killingsworth St. in Portland.  Also at 1 p.m., Michael
Parent and Rick Huddle will appear at Gresham Library, 385 N.W. Miller Ave.
in Gresham.  At 3 p.m., Michael Parent and Alton Chung will be featured at
Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave. in Portland.
On Saturday, Nov. 22, at 7 p.m., the Tapestry of Tales Finale will feature
performances by Gay Ducey and Michael Parent.  The finale will take place at
First Unitarian Church, 1011 S.W. 12th Ave. in Portland. The performance
will have sign language interpreters.
Multnomah County Library's Tapestry of Tales 2003 Family Storytelling
Festival is made possible by The Library Foundation with additional support
from Louisiana Pacific, Oregon Public Broadcasting, First Unitarian Church
and Peter Appleton Productions.
	For more information about the festival, call 503.988.5402 or visit
the library's Web site at www.multcolib.org/events/tales/.
# # #
Biographies for Storytellers
Gay Ducey, from Oakland, California
A descendant of generations of Southern women who treasured independence,
spunk and a sassy mouth, Ducey enjoys telling personal and family stories
from her Southern heritage, as well as stories from a wide range of cultures
and traditions. Her wit and wry humor have captivated audiences across the
country. Commissioned by the Smithsonian Institute's Museum of American
History, she developed a story on women in the American labor movement. She
is particularly drawn to stories that promote tolerance.

Michael Parent, from Portland, Maine
www.michael-parent.com
Michael Parent, storyteller, author, musician and juggler, draws upon his
Franco-American heritage to perform a unique blend of stories and songs in
both French and English. He has been described as the storyteller of the
underdog and  "...almost a festival in himself," with "a magnificent voice,
an inexhaustible fund of stories, wit, charm, and a gift of mimicry..."
Perhaps more eloquently, one young listener once told him: "That was a good
story. I couldn't take my ears off it."

Alton Chung from Vancouver, Washington
Experience the exploits of strong women and clever warriors, of foolish
goblins and silly monsters, of ancient people and immortal deities.
Storyteller Alton Chung is influenced by the superstitions, stories and
magic of the Hawaiian Islands, where he grew up. He also draws inspiration
from his Japanese and Korean roots.

Rick Huddle from Portland, Oregon
As a descendant of a long line of teachers and Southern preachers, Rick
Huddle comes by his storytelling honestly. He tells zany stories about
dancing cows, princesses who slay dragons and monsters that play kickball.
Some are original stories and some are folktales, but all challenge
stereotypes and emphasize personal growth. Sometimes he'll surprise his
audiences by pulling out a guitar and holding an impromptu sing-a-long. 



Shannon Long
Multnomah County Library Administration
205 NE Russell St., Portland, OR  97212
503.988.5402     shannonl at multcolib.org