A Taste of Storytelling set Sunday

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Staff report

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LaGRANGE — The Azalea Storytelling Festival community is celebrating 20 years of the Azalea Storytelling Festival and on Valentine’s Day will host a taste of the upcoming event.

Storytellers Barry Stewart Mann, along with locals Whit Perry, Sharon McLaughlin and Allen Keeble will perform Sunday at A Taste of Storytelling at LaGrange Memorial Library. Sponsored by Friends of LaGrange Memorial Library, the free event is designed to show what a storytelling performance is like.

“There is always laughter, and usually a tear or two,” states a press release from the committee. “It’s a perfect way to whet your appetite for the Azalea Storytelling Festival or just come out and see what all the hubbub over storytelling is about!”

This year’s performers promise to be something special. Retired judge Allen Keeble will emcee.

Keeble has emceed several storytelling events in past years and has been a teller a time or two as well.

“His dry wit and sense of comic timing will keep the audience entertained between stories,” the release states.

Whit Perry is an author, photographer, sculptor and local storyteller. His book “Delta Jacks and Other Cards” is filled with the colorful history of his family, and “In the Footsteps of Robinson Crusoe” chronicles his stint as an instructor at Camp Crusoe.

“Whit’s extensive world travel, during which he immersed himself in the cultures of the countries he visited, bring depth and flavor to his stories,” states the committee release.

Sharon McLaughlin is a retired educator known for her wit and stories. She has entertained friends and coworkers for many years.

“The Azalea Storytelling Festival Committee and the Lafayette Society for Performing Arts are thrilled for her to make her debut at A Taste of Storytelling!” the release states.

The featured teller is Barry Stewart Mann, a Harvard graduate with an masters of fine arts in theater from the University of San Diego. Based in Atlanta, he has been performing for more than 30 years, and he focuses strongly on social justice issues and a borderless world.

“Barry has done programs at several area schools and libraries in recent years, and has a reputation for bright, charming performances that capture audiences of all ages,” states the committee’s press release. “He is also an award-winning playwright and author.”

A Taste of Storytelling is 2–4 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 14) at LaGrange Memorial Library. Members of the Azalea Storytelling Festival committee will provide snacks. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, visit www.lsparts.org or www.thrl.org/friends-of-the-library.

IF YOU GO

A Taste of Storytelling is 2–4 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 14) at LaGrange Memorial Library. Members of the Azalea Storytelling Festival committee will provide snacks. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, visit www.lsparts.org or www.thrl.org/friends-of-the-library.

The Azalea Storytelling Festival is set for March 4–6.