The Timpanogos Storytelling Festival has been delighting fans of the medium for the past 31 years. And this year the festival will be more accessible than ever! The virtual event will feature some of the most renowned tellers in the business, many of whom you'll hear on today's episode of The Apple Seed, including Robert Jones, Kim Weitkamp, Charlotte Blake-Alston, Paul Strickland, and of course, Donald Davis. For tickets to see some of your favorite storytellers right from the comfort of your own home, visit timpfest.org

 

On today's episode, enjoy the following stories:

"Melvin V. O Droit Eulogy" by Paul Strickland

Paul has created a storytelling world that revolves around a trailer park-turned cul-de-sac called "Big Fib". And it's populated by people like 'Aunt True' and 'Uncle False'. His stories are smart, funny, tender, and filled with wordplay and good humor. And in this one, Paul recalls the time he was asked to write a Eulogy for a man no one in town liked all that much. 

 

"The Old Stained Man" by Kim Weitkamp

When people make a 'bucket list' they generally include things they want to accomplish or do before they die. Kim Weitkamp has a bucket list of jobs she wants to have on her resume before she dies. In this story she talks about her short stint as a waitress at the restaurant chain Bob's Big Boy. 

 

"Irene" by Robert Jones

Huddie Ledbetter (1888-1949), best known as 'Lead Belly', was one of the most influential performers in the history of American music. Reverend Robert B Jones has a storytelling program in which he performs as old Lead Belly himself. Here he can be heard performing the song "Irene".

 

"These Will Carry You Far" by Charlotte Blake-Alston

Charlotte Blake-Alston has been an Apple Seed and Timp Storytelling Festival favorite for many years. Her stories are rich with culture and wisdom, and frequently feature musical themes, as does this one. It's a Cinderella story of sorts, featuring an evil stepmother. And it's called "These Will Carry You Far".

 

"I Know You Have Stories" by Donald Davis

As a benediction to one of Timp's festivals, Donald Davis, 'The Dean', pleas with the audience to not only listen to and enjoy stories, but to share their own stories with others. That's certainly our hope on The Apple Seed as well.