Orcas StoryFest is back on on island with great tales to tell

StoryFest returns for 8th year

Friday – Saturday, August 23 – 24

— from Nancy Wang for Eth-Noh-Tec —

It’s back. This is the ‘every other’ year for the Orcas StoryFest and Nancy Wang and Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo of Eth-Noh-Tec have invited national storyteller Sue O’Halloran, funny, poignant, and deep, as well as singer/songwriter Gary Lapow spinning stories.

All the way from Evanston, Ill., Sue is 1000% dedicated to a socially just world. Her podcast/blog/video stream called RaceBridges presents national storytellers telling their personal American stories. She presents workshops for corporations around diversity and is brilliant at it. And what a storyteller.

Gary Lapow is a household name for kids all over the Bay Area. He is fun, clever, and at the same time gets us where it counts in his popular performances. Eth-Noh-Tec has also invited local talent to perform: Rumi aficionado Anji Ringzen, Beth Dixon, and Orcas’ own storyteller Antoinette Botsford, who will grace the stages of this 8th Orcas StoryFest.

What once started as an ‘idea’ and a ‘thought bubble’ while floating in Cascade Lake, Nancy and Robert expressed how delightful it would be to have their friends visit them on Orcas. That ‘bubble’ became a reality in 2005 with the first Orcas StoryFest. They have brought dozens of nationally known storytellers from the cultures of Asia, Africa, Europe, Pacific Islands, Latin America, and Native America to entrance the story listeners and lovers of Orcas.

From the beginning, Orcas Friends of the Library has supported the festival, much thanks to Phil Heikkinen, library director.

Schedule & Locations

• Friday, August 23, 1 p.m.: “Wit and Wisdom” Orcas Senior Center. This potpourri of myths and folk tales, personal stories and a song or two will offer pearls of wisdom (sprinkled with humor and wit) drawn from traditions around the world and “Side Street” America. Free to the public.
• Friday, August 23, 7:30 p.m.: “In the Spirit of Stories and Songs” Emmanuel Episcopal Hall. Spiritual stories to enlighten, uplift and inspire may come from far, wide and the eclectic. Suggested Donation $15-$25 at the door.
• Saturday, August 24, 1 p.m.: “Family Fun” Orcas Library (outdoor patio) Tickle your funny bone, chortle and chuckle your way through a delightful hour of storytelling and songs. Have fun with audience participation. Free to the public.
• Saturday, August 24, 7:30 p.m.: “Shadows, Secrets and Other Stories” Orcas Center. Between shadow and light, stories illuminate our past and offer a glimpse of the future. Stories of social justice, murder, and who knows what else lurks to find your ears. $15 – $47. Tix at Orcas Center.

Eth-Noh-Tec was founded by Nancy and Robert in 1981. They are known for their kinetic storytelling style, weaving movement, music and the spoken word to tell the folktales and myths of Asia and the inspiring stories of Asian Americans. The mission of their non-profit is to create art that heals the divides within us and between us.

See you at the festival.