Michigan Story Festival to feature internationally acclaimed performers

Observer Staff

1/25/2005 12:00:00 AM

Diverse styles of storytelling - from musical expression to Hmong story cloths to recipe stories to workshops on using stories to help Alzheimer's patients - will highlight the second annual Michigan Story Festival Oct. 22 and 23 in Mount Pleasant.

The festival, a collaboration among Central Michigan University, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and the Mount Pleasant community, will incorporate a wide spectrum of activities related to storytelling, including presentations by national, regional and local storytellers, workshops for teachers and health care professionals, musical performances, artistic renderings, exhibitions, poetry, and more.

"What makes this festival one-of-a-kind is its interdisciplinary approach to storytelling," said Sue Ann Martin, dean of CMU's College of Communication and Fine Arts. "All kinds of storytelling styles and cultural approaches to narrative are presented.

"For example, a very exciting component of this year's festival is the call for recipes and stories that accompany them - a celebration of culture expressed through food. Another highlight will be workshop presentations of the TimeSlips project, which uses storytelling to help those afflicted with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia," she said.

Tickets are $50 for an all-festival pass, $40 for seniors and $29 for students. Prices for individual events range from $10 to $30, with discounts for senior citizens and students. Tickets are available online at www.michiganstoryfestival.org, the Central Box Office on the lower level of the Bovee University Center, or by calling (989) 774-3000 or (888) CMU-0111.

Headliners for the 2004 Michigan Story Festival include:

Dovie Thomason, an internationally respected storyteller who shares the wisdom of her Native American heritage as a member of the Lakota and Plains Apache Nations;

The Georgia Sea Island Singers, whose members continue the mission of group founder Miss Bessie Jones to preserve the rich African American heritage and culture nurtured in isolated island communities off the southern coast;

Syd Lieberman, a heralded storyteller, author and teacher known for his original historic pieces, signature versions of Jewish and literary tales, and best-loved stories about growing up and raising a family in Chicago;

Len Cabral, an acclaimed storyteller and author who enchants audiences with his unique, personable styles, including mime, poetry, song, humor and vivid characterizations;

Diane Wolkstein, known for her annual storytelling performances in New York City's Central Park, is recognized for her lively and passionate style of story telling and her diverse story repertoire, from amusing children's tales to epic adventures for adults;

The Cashore Marionettes, an internationally acclaimed group that has redefined the art of puppetry through amazingly convincing characters and actions that present a compelling and unforgettable theatrical experience.

Regional presenters include storytellers Tom Woodruff and Yvonne Healy, the Bluegrass music ensemble American Roots, the CMU male a cappella music group Fish'n CHIPS, the CMU chamber music ensemble Powers Woodwind Quintet, foot percussionist Nic Gareiss, and journalist Carole Eberle.

Exhibits will include shows on Hmong story cloths; "Woodland Stories," featuring the work of Indigenous artists Shirley Brauker and Richard Bedwash; "A Taste of Story," a collection of recipes and accompanying stories; "Stories of Our Town: Sharing Our Experiences," a mural of Mount Pleasant stories from the 2003 Michigan Story Festival; a celebration of the Clarke Historical Library's 50th anniversary; and Native American artwork and artifacts.

Event locations include CMU's Music Building, Health Professions Building, Moore Hall, University Art Gallery and Park Library. Off-campus locations in Mount Pleasant include the ArtReach Center, Broadway Theatre, Veterans Memorial Library and the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture and Lifeways.

More than 700 people attended the inaugural 2003 Michigan Story Festival.

"We had a great response last year; it was an extremely worthwhile and successful event," said Martin.

Additional 2004 festival information, including a complete schedule and ticket pricing, is available at www.michiganstoryfestival.org.

The festival is sponsored by the Michigan Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities; the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe; CMU's Office of the President; CMU's College of Communication and Fine Arts; William H. Meek; the Alden and Vada Dow Family Foundation; and Isabella Bank and Trust.

Additional support was received from Central Michigan Life, radio station WCFX, Charles V. Park Library, The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions, and CMU Public Broadcasting.