Storytelling Celebration

How is it that Carrie Sue Ayvar, with her Arabic surnamed and Eastern European Jewish heritage, can tell multicultural stories in Spanish and English? Perhaps it is because she is a third-generation award-winning storyteller who came of age in Mexico. Blending traditional, international and personal tales, bilingual storyteller Carrie Sue takes her listeners on a journey into the imagination connecting people, languages and cultures through her stories that flow effortlessly between Spanish and English.

With a comic sensibility and warm, energetic style, Beth Horner possesses a repertoire of stories that has been called “heartfelt, articulate, and truthful.” From her hysterical childhood farmyard escapades and eerie folktales of her native Missouri to a courageous tale drawn from her great-great grandfather’s Civil War diary to her comedic tour-de-force tale told with nothing but the buzzing cadences of a kazoo, Beth’s stories are renowned for their high comedy and stunning drama.

Among his peers, Oba William King is recognized as one of the most exciting storytellers. Since his debut in 2006 with the National Association of Black Storytellers, Oba has ignited audiences with his ability to capture their attention and gently release them into the playful realm of rhythm and rhyme. He masterfully combines professional theatrical training with a distinct poetic style. Oba is an entertaining educator sharing the traditional art form, as if it were a sacred gift.

Gene Tagaban (One Crazy Raven) is a teller of stories that teach, entertain and heal. Through oratory, song, dance, movement and transformation, Gene tells stories to audiences of all ages nationally and internationally. Gene shares traditional Native American stories as well as stories from his personal experience, family and historical events.

Brother John Anderson has been a working storyteller for more than 20 years. A member of the River and Prairie Storytellers guild, Anderson credits a librarian with helping him get his first paying storytelling gig. Anderson says he gains his creative ideas from everywhere in the things he finds intriguing – the stuff of life and folks around him. His personal motto is: "I Live and To Share!"

Storyteller Priscilla Howe travels the US and abroad with a bagful of puppets and a headful of stories. Her favorite audience is the one in front of her at any given moment. A full-time storyteller since 1993 and a former librarian, Priscilla lives in Kansas City, Kansas. She's also searching for the best restaurant.

Gary and Linda Kuntz have been telling stories together and separately for many years. While they tell all types of stories, Linda especially enjoys Folk Tales from around the world and Bible stories for their universal truth. Gary leans more to tall tales and personal stories (whether or not they really happened) because that way he can rearrange reality. Together their goal is to have each listener feel they are part of the story.

Joyce Slater was born and raised in Northeast, Kansas City, MO, not far from the Kansas City Museum. She began her professional career as a high school art teacher. She has been an artist and actress most of her life. In 1996, Joyce became a full-time freelance storyteller. Joyce lives in Kansas City with her husband, and their dog, Gracie. She has two children, six grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Jim Two Crows Wallen has been presenting historical programs since 1980. He is a National, Regional, and Local winner of many awards for his storytelling, historically accurate clothing, and artifacts. Two Crows has been featured at National Festivals, Corporate America, schools, state parks, historical and genealogy societies. His career has included programs in 46 states and 4 continents. Jim has performed at many Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites throughout the United States. He lives in Blue Springs, Missouri with his wife Deborah and their dog Libby.