Donald Davis

Bio:

Donald Davis returns to the Cave Run Storytelling Festival to the delight of listeners young and old.  This North Carolina native crafts  stories of family and friends to appeal to listeners on a very personal level.  Born into a family of traditional storytellers.  Donald says, “ I didn’t learn stories, I absorbed them.”  The elements of honesty and simplicity in his stories enthrall us, and endear us to Davis, both as a teller and ahumanitarian.  We may laugh – or cry-- or both, but the result is acceptance of his stories as our own.

Cave Run Storytelling Festivals(s) Performed: 2007 ,  2005 ,  2003 ,  2003 ,  2001 ,  1999

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Kevin Kling

Bio:

Kevin Kling describes his zodiac sign as “Minnesota with Iowa rising”.  While many of his reference points are specific to the upper Midwest, his childhood stories and topical observations touch upon universal human experiences, with plenty of absurdity and irony in the mix.  As he explains it, “I have a small command of the English language so I try to make each word a hero.”   Kling, a humorist and playwright, is also well known for his storytelling contributions to NPR’s “All Things’ Considered”.

Cave Run Storytelling Festivals(s) Performed: 2007

Elizabeth Ellis

Bio:

Ellis, from Dallas, Texas, cradles children and adults alike in the heart of her spellbinding stories.  Her southern voice and extensive repertoire hold listeners’ rapt attention as she entertains audiences from coast to coast. Best known for her personal stories, Ellis tells Appalachian and Texas tales and stories of heroic American women. During her 25 years as a storyteller, she has appeared nationally and internationally at numerous festivals including the National Storytelling Festival.

Cave Run Storytelling Festivals(s) Performed: 2007 ,  2001

Syd Lieberman

Bio:

Lieberman is an internationally known storyteller, humorist and lecturer.  His stories range from Jewish tales and

Cave Run Storytelling Festivals(s) Performed: 2007 ,  2005

Mary Hamilton

Bio:

Mary Hamilton calls Frankfort, KY home but her performances at the National Storytelling Festival and other venues from Washington to Florida have brought her recognition far beyond the borders of the commonwealth. Hamilton brings us a broad repertoire, including world folktales, myths, legends and ghost stories.  Her poignant, real life stories appeal to all ages.  You will feel special as Mary says her “favorite audience is always the groups in front of me.”

Cave Run Storytelling Festivals(s) Performed: 2007 ,  2005

Gayle Ross

Bio:

Gayle Ross is a descendant of chief John Ross, chief of the Cherokee Nation during the Trail of Tears.  Her grandmother told stories, and it is from this rich Native American heritage that Gayle’s storytelling springs.  Whether she is provoking laughter with a trickster tale or moving her listeners to tears with a haunting myth, Gayle is truly a master of the age-old craft of storytelling.  She is equally comfortable telling her tales in the  kindergarten classroom or a packed house at the Kennedy Center.

Cave Run Storytelling Festivals(s) Performed: 2007

Sparky and Rhonda Rucker

Bio:

Sparky and Rhonda take an audience on an educational and emotional journey that ranges from poignant stories of slavery and war to an amusing rendition of a Brer Rabbit tale or witty commentaries on current events.  This talented duo weave music into their captivating stories.  Their performances include blues, spirituals, work songs and Sparky Rucker’s own compositions.  As nationally acclaimed storytellers and musicians, their performances will glue the listeners to their seats.

Cave Run Storytelling Festivals(s) Performed: 2007