2013 Featured Storytellers & Musicians

Donald Davis

Considered by many to be the father of family stories, Donald Davis captures the heart and soul of his audiences through his tender and hilarious reminiscences of his childhood. Donald brings his stories to life through the use of animated gestures and telling facial expressions. His carefully crafted tales are full of twists and turns and delight audiences of all ages. We are so pleased to present a man who tells his stories so that you may discover your own tales. Appearing for the seventh time at the festival, Donald is definitely an Ojai tradition. www.ddavisstoryteller.com | video

Carmen Deedy

A meal without seasoning is dull and bland, and a story told by Carmen Deedy is spicy and flavorful. The dynamic and passionate Carmen Deedy returns to the festival for the third time sharing her tales of growing up Cuban in the deep south of Decatur, Georgia. With comedy, lots of drama, and perfect timing Carmen will have you doubled over in side-splitting laughter as she weaves her tales of survival in a world full of contradictions. There’s never a dull moment when Carmen is on stage! www.carmenagradeedy.com | video

Diane Ferlatte (Mistress of Ceremonies)

When Diane arrives on stage, you can’t help but be carried along with her charismatic style of telling that includes music, sign-language, movement, humor and song. With plenty of audience participation, you’ll find yourself smack dab in the middle of her wonderful yarns. As the official emcee, Diane brings joy, spirit and heart to this year's festival.
www.dianeferlatte.com | video

Michael Reno Harrell

Michael Reno Harrell’s style has been described as being “like a breakfast of butter and molasses on a warm biscuit … Southern, easy and sweet". "Easy” is as good an adjective to describe Michael’s style as any. His personal experience based stories certainly are easy to listen to. And easy depicts his style of telling as well. He gives his audience space to absorb and to savor … and to laugh! And sweet it is … sweet with the familiarity of shared memories and particularly sweet with Michael’s signature humor and self penned songs. Michael is a master of taking his listeners back to when we all remember life as easy … back to childhood. Back to the days of bicycles, fireworks, piano lessons, good dogs and bad school lunches. A new voice at our festival, you are going to love his original tales and wonderful songs. www.michaelreno.com | video

Bil Lepp

Bil Lepp is a five-time champion of the West Virginia Liars Contest. He tells original, hilarious tales that will bring a smile to the face of even the most ill-humoured person.  A world renowned pianist, financial tycoon and infomercial star, Bil Lepp is probably none of these … but then again maybe all of the above are true. Larger than life, bigger than the biggest bubble, higher than the highest mountain, it’s a bird, it’s a plane … no it’s Bil Lepp and his huge, hilarious tales. www.leppstorytelling.com | video

John McCutcheon

Considered to be one of America's finest folksingers, John McCutcheon is an amazing instrumentalist and storyteller as well. With over twenty-seven albums to his credit and three Grammy nominations, his concerts have become legendary for their exploration of community, continuity and hope. The Washington Post called his concerts, "little feats of magic".  A performance by John McCutcheon features an array of instruments that included the hammered dulcimer, guitar, banjo and autoharp.  Weaving stories with music, listeners of all ages will be enchanted by this one of a kind performer. www.folkmusic.com | video

Motoko of Japan

Award-winning storyteller Motoko enchants audiences of every age with her weaving of ancient lore, original tales, lyrical movement, and traditional music.  Her repertoire includes Asian folktales, Zen tales, comical tales from rakugo (a Japanese traditional style of storytelling), funny mime vignettes, as well as personal stories from her childhood in Japan and her life as an immigrant in the U.S. Motoko’s style of telling is both precise and freeing like a Zen koan offering transcending duality. motoko.folktales.net | video

Special Guests

Street Corner Renaissance

A huge hit at last year’s festival, by popular request this talented quintet returns to Libbey Bowl bringing back the good ole days of doo-wop with high energy and a joyful show. They will be joined by Michael Reno Harrell in a special concert called “Tunes and Tales” on Thursday, May 2. www.streetcornerrenaissance.com | video

Antonio Sacre

Returning to the festival to perform at Naughty Tales, Antonio Sacre mixes just the right amount of humor, romance and the ribald to create an unforgettable evening of fun. Antonio's original pieces have won acclaim at Fringe Festivals nation-wide. www.antoniosacre.com | video

Musical Picnics at the Bowl

Cindy Kalmenson

A wonderful singer and songwriter, Cindy Kalmenson, brings humor and a beautiful voice to original as well as cover songs from a variety of music genres. An award-winning songwriter, we are pleased to have Cindy open the festivities for Laughing Night. There are many ways to tell a story, and Cindy sings her tales in an authentic and passionate style. Come early and bring a picnic. www.cindykalmenson.net | video

Alan Thornhill

I consider Alan an Ojai musical treasure. A past performer at the Ojai Storytelling Festival, audiences love his mellow and rich voice along with his deft guitar stylings. Alan Thornhill is the perfect beginning for a Saturday evening in the Bowl under the oaks. video