MCC-Maple Woods Story Slam: Marilyn shares her first story

A small but dedicated crowd of guests and storytellers gathered at the Maple Woods Student Center Tuesday night to share stories of school days and family ties, and learn the tricks of the trade from other storytellers.

Please be advised that this video contains a couple instances of language that some might find offensive. The story itself is light and humorous, and the words are used in context, but please bear this in mind before showing to children or listening at work. :)

Story Slam TONIGHT!

Storytelling kicks off TONIGHT at MCC-Maple Woods with our Story Slam! 6:30, Student Center, goodies provided - see you there :)

The 12th Annual Kansas City Storytelling Celebration starts tomorrow!

It's alive! It's ALIVE!... Pardon the leftover Halloween spirit (Spirit? Get it? Ha ha ha!)... Anyway, the 12th Annual Kansas City Storytelling Celebration opens TONIGHT with the Story Slam at MCC-Maple Woods! Bring your friends, your family and your stories about your wacky, wonderful relatives! This event is FREE!

Ghosties, ghoulies and goblins, oh my!

Where: KCMO Public Library – Plaza Branch, Truman Forum

When: Nov. 4, 2010

Time: 7-9 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Featuring: Leeny Del Seamonds,Dan Keding,Loretta Washington and Gene Tagaban

Leeny, Dan, Loretta and Gene will share their bone-chilling stories of ghosts, ghouls, and things that go bump in the night. Are they true? Is there a headless, white lady wandering lonely rural roads late at night? A werewolf ready to maul his chosen victim around the very next corner? There’s no way to know…

But you’ll be checking your rearview mirror a little more closely and listening for clandestine howling, won’t you.

This event is for mature audiences, ages 16 and up. We don't want the little ones spooked all night - and neither do you!

Join us for the Main Event: The 2011 Storytelling Spectacular!

The flagship event of the Kansas City Storytelling Celebration, the Storytelling Spectacular, will launch at 7 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Kansas City Missouri Public Library Plaza Branch in the Truman Forum. Gene Tagaban, Loretta Washington, Leeny Del Seamonds and Dan Keding have a fabulous line-up of tales ready for the whole family!

This event is FREE and perfect for anyone over 10 (younger children are welcome, but some content/language may be inappropriate or too complex).

Start making plans - the 12th Annual Storytelling Celebration begins in 13 days!

... we're pretty sure the title says it all.

Starting Nov. 1 with the Story Slam @ MCC-Maple Woods, the 12th Annual Kansas City Storytelling Celebration will be underway!

If you haven't LIKED us on Facebook yet, do it! (Please? We want to keep you informed!)

You can check out a full schedule of public events here.

Free family events!

Put down the video game controllers and sofa snacks - yes, you too, dad - and head out for some family fun! Never fear, we're not talking about mom's super-exciting trip to the pumpkin patch again - we're talking about a line-up of great regional and national storytellers that will make you think, crack you up and even dance in a gigantic bird costume! (No, really. Giant bird. We have it.)

From preschool and elementary age tales at Kansas City, MO, and Mid-Continent public libraries to Family concerts and even workshops, we have a week full of events to keep the kiddos busy and entertained!

For a full list of public events, please see the full schedule and look for events in blue.

You've heard their stories, now it's your turn to learn!

While most of the Storytelling Celebration is dedicated to sitting and listening as local and national tellers spin a fantastic yarn, there are workshops for young and old alike designed to help participants develop their own stories.

A Media Specialists Workshop, presented by Leeny Del Seamonds, will help educators, librarians and other school staff use storytelling in the classroom, as well as encouraging the founding of Storytelling clubs in the local schools. This workshop meets CTE standards.

The workshop will be held from noon-4 p.m. Nov. 2 at the North Kansas City School District’s Doolin Education Center. Cost is $12 and lunch will be provided. Please RSVP by contacting Dusty Mills at 816.604.3170.

Leeny Del Seamonds will also present a Youth Storytelling Workshop from 1-2:15 p.m. at the Plaza Library Branch. This workshop is free and open to the public. No reservations are required.
Drama Time! will focus on bringing spoken words to life through theatrical games, improvisations and fun exercises. Students will build confidence and learn the arts of oral presentation, acting and self-expression through movement and word interpretation.

While the kids are practicing the art of acting with Leeny, adults will have an opportunity to attend a workshop offered just for them. Dan Keding will host the Adult Storytelling Workshop from 1-2:15 p.m. at the Plaza Branch Library. This workshop is also free and open to the public, and no reservations are required.

This workshop will focus on telling stories for children – selecting appropriate stories, telling them in an engaging way via props, music and voices, and what mistakes to avoid.

For further information on any of these workshops, contact us by email or call 816.604.3007. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@kcstorytelling)!

Ready, set, GPS: Addresses for public storytelling events

Planning on attending several events? Here's a list of locations for storytelling performances in the KC Metro area.

Kansas City, Missouri, Public Libraries

Central Branch
14 W 10th St, Kansas City, MO
816-701-3441

Plaza Branch, Truman Forum
4801 Main St, Kansas City, MO
816-701-3481, ext 3

Northeast Branch
6000 Wilson Rd., Kansas City, MO
816-701-3485

Southeast Branch
63rd St & Swope Pkwy, Kansas City, MO
816-701-3484

Trails West Branch
11401 E 23rd St, Independence, MO
816-701-3483

Waldo Branch
201 E 75th St, Kansas City, MO
816-701-3486

Westport Branch
118 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO
816-701-3488

MCC-Maple Woods Campus Center
2601 NE Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO
816-604-3007

Mid-Continent Public Libraries
 

Excelsior Springs Branch
1460 Kearney Road, Excelsior Springs, MO
816-630-6721


Dearborn Branch
206 Maple Leaf Ave., Dearborn, MO
816-450-3502

Grandview Branch
12930 Booth Ln., Grandview MO
816-763-0550

Kansas City, Kansas, Public Libraries

Schlagle Branch
4051 West Dr., Kansas City, KS
913-266-2384

Join us for a night of light-hearted fun and life experiences: Regional Storytelling Concert

Date: Nov. 3, 2011
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Place: MCC-Maple Woods Student Center
Cost: $3

While our national tellers are a big part of what makes the Storytelling Celebration so special, we have some great storytellers from our own neck of the woods. The River and Prairie Storyweavers will share stories for the whole family.


This year's talented tale-spinners include John "Brother John" Anderson, Rosie Best-Cutrer, Diana Cox, Sue Hinkel, Priscilla Howe and Deb Swanegan.

We want your stuff! For our silent aution. To benefit this wonderful event. So help!

It's almost time for MCC-Maple Woods' annual Storytelling Celebration! The city-wide event, now in its 12th year, will be held Nov. 1-5, 2011 and will feature national storytellers Dan Keding, Leeny Del Seamonds, Gene Tagaban and Loretta Washington.

Each year, Maple Woods hosts a silent auction, open to all MCC students, staff, faculty and the community, in order to support the event. ALL funds raised through the silent auction are used to offset costs and plan for the next festival.

We are now taking donations! If you would like to personally donate an item - be it  delicious, artistic, interesting or unique - or know of a local business that might like to support the event, please contact Dusty Mills at dusty.mills@mcckc.edu or 816.604.3170.

Back by popular demand: Story Slam!

As further proof that everyone has a story, MCC-Maple Woods will be hosting another Story Slam, focusing on the family and all the sad, serious, silly, simply amazing times shared between people who share that special bond.

Also, that time Great Aunt Clothespin (or whatever her name is) spilled an entire bowl of potato salad on the dog is totally worth telling. Trust me.

Join us for the Story Slam open mic event from 7-9 p.m. Nov. 1 in the MCC-Maple Woods Student Center. This event is FREE.

Please keep in mind that this is an open mic event - people will be telling THEIR stories in THEIR manner. As such, some stories may not be appropriate for young children.

12th Annual Kansas City Storytelling Schedule

MCC-Maple Woods proudly presents the schedule of public events for the 12th Annual Kansas City Storytelling Celebration!

Blue = Family/Child-Appropriate

Purple = Caution for children under 10

Dark Purple = Adult Only 

Tuesday, Nov. 1

Story Slam: We ALL Have a Story to Tell About Family

7-9 p.m.

MCC-Maple Woods Student Center

FREE

*Participants MUST be over 18 to participate

*We welcome everyone, but some stories/language may not be appropriate for young children.

Wednesday, Nov. 2

Kansas City Missouri Public Library (children)

Southeast Branch

10-11 a.m.

FREE

Tellers: LaRita Wright & Geneva Greenfield

Kansas City Missouri Public Library (preschoolers)

Trails West Branch

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

FREE

Tellers: Jim Stigall & Priscilla Howe

Kansas City Missouri Public Library (preschoolers)

Westport Branch

10-11 a.m.

FREE

Tellers: Becky Everly & Carole Shelton

Media Specialists Workshop

Park Hill School District

12-4 p.m.

Cost: $12 (includes lunch)

Please RSVP by calling 816.604.3170

Host: Leeny Del Seamonds

Thursday, Nov. 3

Kansas City Missouri Public Library (elementary age)

Central Branch

10:30-11:30 a.m.

FREE

Teller: Gene Tagaban

Kansas City Missouri Public Library (all ages)

Plaza Branch

1-2 p.m.

FREE

Teller: Gene Tagaban

Kansas City Missouri Public Library (preschoolers)

Waldo Branch

10-11 a.m.

FREE

Tellers: Jo Ho & Barbara Kellogg

Mid-Continent Public Library (all ages)

Grandview Branch

7-8 p.m.

FREE

Tellers: Sue Godsey & Daniel Jones

Regional Storytelling Concert

Presented by: River and Prairie Storyweavers

MCC-Maple Woods Student Center

7-9 p.m.

Cost: $3

Tellers: Brother John Anderson, Rosie Best-Cutrer, Diana Cox, Sue Hinkel, Priscilla Howe, Deb Swanegan

Friday, Nov. 4

Kansas City Kansas Public Library (preschoolers)

Schlagle Branch

10-11 a.m.

1-2 p.m.

FREE

Tellers: Priscilla Howe & Jamie Mayo

Kansas City Missouri Public Library (preschoolers)

Northeast Branch

10:30-11:30 a.m.

FREE

Tellers: Marcia Ollinger & Carole Shelton

Kansas City Missouri Public Library (all ages)

Plaza Branch

7-8 p.m.

FREE

Tellers: Mike Micham & Nancee Walker-Micham

Ghost Stories Concert

KCMOPL - Plaza Branch (Truman Forum)

7-9 p.m.

FREE

Tellers: Leeny Del Seamonds, Gene Tagaban, Dan Keding, Loretta Washington

Saturday, Nov. 5

MCC-Maple Woods Family Concert

Campus Center Arbor Room

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

FREE

Teller: Gene Tagaban

Youth Storytelling Workshop

KCMOPL - Plaza Branch

1-2:30 p.m.

FREE

Host: Leeny Del Seamonds

Adult Storytelling Workshop

KCMOPL - Plaza Branch (Truman Forum)

1-2:30 p.m.

FREE

Host: Dan Keding

Youth Storytelling Concert

KCMOPL - Plaza Branch (Truman Forum)

3:30-4:30 p.m.

FREE

Tellers: Youth Volunteers

Storytelling Spectacular

KCMOPL - Plaza Branch (Truman Forum)

7-9 p.m.

FREE

Tellers: Leeny Del Seamonds, Gene Tagaban, Dan Keding, Loretta Washington

*Please note this program is appropriate for ages 10 and up.

It's almost here!

No, not the Halloween-candy-induced wave of nausea and dental visits. That starts tomorrow.

Also: The Great Pumpkin is not coming. You might want to break that news gently.

The 11th Annual Kansas City Storytelling Celebration starts Nov. 2, 2010 with the Story Slam: We All Have a Story to Tell About Family event at MCC-Maple Woods.

That's just the beginning of this citywide four-day event, so check the schedule and plan to take yourself, your family, your friends, even your candy-crazed kids to one of our FREE events.

Fabulous Families Frolic at Friday Family Fun Concert!

Ahem... now that I have that title out of my system...

Friday Family Fun Concert

Where: KCMO Public Library – Plaza Branch

When: Nov. 5, 2010

Time: 7-8 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Featuring: Thom & Sarah Howard

Here’s a typical Friday night: The kids are out of school and looking forward to the weekend – almost as much as mom and dad. Dinner’s done, there’s nothing on TV, the local Redbox was out of the movie you wanted to rent and football won’t consume dad’s day until noon on Saturday. What do you do?

The Friday Night Family Fun Concert!

Pack up the kids – and dad, if he’s checking his fantasy football stats already – and head out for an evening of storytelling. There are chuckles to be had, lessons to be learned and entertainment to be enjoyed, all without the glare of the boob tube.

Thom and Sarah Howard, referred to as “those crazy people” by one of their younger fans, know how to get the best out of all ages with music and laughter.

Honor the Ancestors during the Day of the Dead & Altar Stories concert

Day of the Dead & Altar Stories

Where: Mattie Rhodes Art Center (915 W 17^th St)

When: Nov. 5, 2010

Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Featuring: Olga Loya

A time of celebration and remembrance for many Latin American cultures, the Day of the Dead (Nov. 2) is a holiday of rich and varied traditions, including building altars and offering food and gifts to the departed, parades and parties honoring deceased family members and even a kite-flying event.

Olga Loya, a first-generation Mexican-American, will share tales of this holy and joyous holiday, offering insight into a celebration whose roots and traditions may not be fully understood.

*NOTE: This event is part of the Crossroads Art District’s “First Friday” series. Various art galleries, restaurants and retail venues will be also be open during this time.

Welcome to the Main Event: the 2010 Storytelling Spectacular!

2010 Storytelling Spectacular

Where: KCMO Public Library – Plaza Branch, Truman Forum

When: Nov. 6, 2010

Time: 7-9 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Featuring: Bobby Norfolk, Olga Loya, Elizabeth Ellis, Thom and Sarah Howard

What better way to end a fantastic festival of silly, scary, fun, diverse and entertaining stories than the Storytelling Spectacular? The flagship event of the celebration, the Spectacular features tales from our four national tellers, Bobby Norfolk, Olga Loya, Elizabeth Ellis, Thom Howard and Sarah Howard.

The animated, quirky character style of Bobby Norfolk; the wise-but-wacky tales of Olga Loya; the folk tales of Texas, the Appalachian foothills and strong, heroic women of Elizabeth Ellis; and the sweet, silly musical stylings of “those crazy people,” Thom and Sarah Howard will all be on display for the whole family.

There is something for everyone to enjoy – mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, kids (10 and up, please) and every member of the family will enjoy an evening of special, social entertainment.

View photos from last year's Storytelling Spectacular here at our Facebook page! You should friend us while you're there :)

There's more than books at the library!

Plaza Family Concert

Where: KCMO Public Library – Plaza Branch, Truman Forum

When: Nov. 6, 2010

Time: 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Featuring, Elizabeth Ellis, Olga Loya, Thom and Sarah Howard, and special guest Anne Price

The Annual Kansas City Storytelling Celebration always features a lot of family entertainment – after all, the kids can’t sit in front of the television or computer ALL day.

This year’s Plaza Family Concert will feature the talents of three of our national storytellers (Bobby Norfolk is over at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, read about that event here) plus the talents of a very special guest.

Anne Price, from a fourth-grade student from Parkville, was chosen as a finalist in the elementary division this year for the National Youth Storytelling Showcase, held in June in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Anne was chosen from among many entries and presented her story “Scissors” alongside 14 other talented youth storytellers.

Entertain your family with stories about... your family!

Black Sheep & Kissing Cousins

Where: KCMO Public Library – Plaza Branch, Truman Forum

When: Nov. 6, 2010

Time: 1-2:30 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Featuring: Elizabeth Ellis

Every family’s got at least one – a crazy family member, a rebel who cuts his or her own path, a “perfect” specimen…

Families are made up of unique individuals, and even though every family – like every person – is different, there are quite a few similarities between your family and everyone else’s.

Storyteller Elizabeth Ellis, who has been sharing her own personal history for more than 25 years, will walk you through the 8 types of tales that all families have in common and offer tips on how to collect and retell them.

Just think – you could be a star at your next family reunion! Make sure you ask Uncle Bob for his permission before you tell everyone about, well, you know. Just sayin.’

Storytelling Events: Disability Accommodation

All of our events are designed to reach as many people as possible!

If you need an accommodation due to disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please don't hesitate to contact MCC-Maple Woods Access Resource Educator Kim Fernandes at 816.604.3192.

Many accommodations can take up to two weeks to arrange, so please call as soon as you know you will be attending.