Kansas City Road Trip Storytelling Team
David Claunch: Born in Somerset, Kentucky, and an
engineer in a former life, now an algebra teacher at Daniel Boone High School,
David Claunch is an accomplished storyteller, clown and balloon sculptor. He
works throughout the southeast combining art forms into Balloon Story Theatre.
He twists the stories and balloons into magical experience of fantasy beloved
by all.
Judy “Butterfly” Farlow: Judy “Butterfly” Farlow’s earthy rural
grandparents, a multitude of “different” or “possibly strange” cousins, aunts,
uncles and friends are the inspiration for many of her “Down Home” stories.
Inspiring stories about strong women, shivery scary tales filled with the
unexpected, and laughter are her trademarks. An accomplished children’s
entertainer she may don a costume and include a touch of magic to the delight
of her younger audiences. She is a masterful performer with an endless and
diverse stock of stories for all ages.
Saundra Kelley: Saundra Kelley’s compelling voice
radiates a mesmerizing aura of enchantment.
Sharing stories from her extensive repertoire, she tells original
southern Gothic and ghost stories, personal narrative, legends, folklore, and
myths. Reverence and appreciation of
mother earth are a part of every piece she tells or writes. She is the author
of three books and one CD.
Sherril Miller: Sherril Miller is an innovative and
creative storyteller who learned the art from cowgirls and coal miners in her
family. She has a treasure trove of
colorful stories from the families of her Arizona mother and her West Virginia
dad. Her Aunt Mary stories are a
favorite of many of her followers. She
enjoys telling stories of women she admires, such as St. Brigid of Ireland. She tells thought provoking tales of
diversity and stories about her own growing up time on the south side of
Chicago.
Linda Poland: Linda Poland, Jonesborough's Resident
Storyteller is like an ambassador sharing the stories of her historic town and
region throughout the states and beyond. She was one of the first in the
country to use the art of storytelling in developing award winning tourism
programs. Directing oral history
projects ignited her passion for gathering and telling World War II
stories. Linda is a founding member of
the Jonesborough Storyteller's Guild and is known for enchanting audiences with
her adaptations of folk tales and original tales about Ireland.
Delanna Reed : Dr. Delanna Reed delights audiences
with her folktales, fairy tales and ghost stories from Appalachia, Texas and
around the world. This native Texan
teaches in the Storytelling Master’s Program at ETSU. She also tells humorous stories and stories
of strong women. Her favorite stories
touch upon the sacred, explore relationships and expand our understanding of
humanity. She has told stories for children and adults at festivals,
conferences, schools and historic sites.
Jeff Stratton -Jeff Stratton migrated to the U.S. in
the mid-60s with his family after spending his growing up time in Mexico,
Germany and Greece. He experienced huge
cultural differences which still astonish and confuse him. As a result of those
experiences, he believes that truth is best told through fiction, and welcomes
every opportunity to prove his theory. Most of his stories are original ones
which have evolved from personal observation and life’s experiences including
his work in law enforcement and as a teacher.
A newer story about the history of the railroad offers a glimpse of his
possibilities in that arena.
Libby Tipton - An Appalachian storyteller from Flag
Pond, Tennessee, Libby Tipton is a professional sign language interpreter.
Utilizing sign, gesture, and voice, she shares her cultural roots through
personal stories about her colorful deaf Appalachian family. Telling folktales,
fairytales, stories of healing, historical stories, and singing the old ballads
in her mountain twang, she brings the southern Appalachian Mountains to life like
no other.
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