Joel Racker, President of the Utah Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau outlines some of the things to look for.
Returning for its twentieth year, the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, the second largest storytelling festival in the nation, will take place September 3-5, 2009 in its spectacular canyon setting. Commonly mistaken as an event for children, the 20th anniversary Festival is sure to entertain both adults and children as it features a stellar line up of national and international performers, as well as four exciting new evening events, delicious food from a variety of popular area restaurants, and live music and entertainment.
“The Storytelling Festival is about enjoying the entertainment and fresh air in Utah Valley, but it is also about sharing different perspectives – the stories help us understand ourselves, the community and each other,” said Festival Coordinator, Janet Low. “For this landmark anniversary, we have gone to great lengths to deliver a spectacular event.”
The Festival has gathered an extraordinary group of premier storytellers which includes Bill Harley, John McCutcheon, Donald Davis, Carmen Agra Deedy, David Holt, Heather Forest, Charlotte Blake-Alston, Bil Lepp, Angela Lloyd, Connie Regan-Blake, Barbara McBride Smith, and Syd Lieberman. Among these performers are Grammy Award winners, several members of the National Storytelling Network’s Circle of Excellence, and numerous Parent’s Choice and Storytelling World Award recipients.
“In contrast to its humble beginnings in founder Karen Ashton’s backyard, the Festival has grown to be a Utah Valley phenomenon,” said Joel Racker, CEO of the Utah Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Utah Valley is quickly becoming home to some of the most premiere festivals in the nation – thousands travel great distances to experience the Storytelling Festival and explore what the Valley has to offer.”
Events kick off with a bang Thursday evening – “Look Who’s Talking” allows listeners to indulge in a sampling of headline tellers; or choose one new showcase performance “Coming Home: Tunes & Tales from Appalachia,” or “Buttons, Pearls & Hindsight: Family Parables.” Also new this year, Timpanogos Park will host Friday and Saturday evening performances, in addition to the beloved “My Favorite Stories” and “Laughin’ Night” at the SCERA Shell. On Friday at 9:00 pm, “Shivers in the Night” performers will share some of their white-knuckle scary stories, and on Saturday night, husband-and-wife tellers John McCutcheon and Carmen Agra Deedy will delight audiences at “Side-by-Side” with a unique combination of two great storytelling traditions: storytelling and folk music.
Tickets are available in a variety of combinations, with passes available for the full weekend, Friday or Saturday, or for individual evening performances. Child rates (suggested for 8 and above) and family passes are also available.
Visit www.timpfest.org for more information about the Festival, participating performers, specific events and to purchase tickets.
For more information about lodging and other great Utah Valley attractions, visit www.UtahValleyFestivals.com, or contact the Utah Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau at 801-851-2100.
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