Illinois Storytelling Festival

Dominican University’s Graduate School of Library and Information Science will host the 2012 Illinois Storytelling Festival on Friday, October 19, in the Fine Arts Building on Dominican’s Main Campus, 7900 Division Street, River Forest, IL.

This year’s event will focus on storytelling for the entire family. Three featured performers will take the stage at 7 p.m., performing stories for children in grades K-6 and their families:

Mike Anderson: This author and elementary school teacher has won praise and awards nationwide for his folk storytelling that often incorporates performances on the dulcimer, guitar, banjo, jaw harp and nose flute. He has written a number of books and produced audio books of stories and several albums of children’s music.

Linda Gorham: Gorham’s imaginative brand of multicultural folktales has won her international praise. She is a contributor to Telling Stories to Children, published by the National Storytelling Network and Quality Angles, a book that explores excellence in the workplace. Her album of children’s stories, Common Sense and Uncommon Fun, has won national awards, and her recently released album of adult folktales, I Am Somebody, has won widespread acclaim. She also has led international storytelling tours through South Arica and Egypt.

Oba William King: King is the founder of the Chicago-based JUSTUS Arts Programs for Youth. His energetic performances spring from a desire to make a difference in the world. Drawing on the teachings and philosophies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and others, he uses his gifts as an actor, musician and storyteller to share his celebration of heritage and diversity and to bring a message of hope and inspiration.

The evening will kick off with face painting at 6 p.m. followed by a costume parade at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $5 per family or individual. For more information, email info@storytelling.org.