EVENING SHOWS
May-October
With a manic, Silly Putty voice, hilarious, heart-filled stories, and amazing mouth noises, (arguably the greatest whistler in the world), Andy Offutt Irwin has been described as “The Marx Brothers meet Eudora Welty.” One of the most sought after performing storytellers in the United States, Andy is especially known for relating the adventures of his eighty-five-year-old-widowed-newly-minted-physician-aunt, Marguerite Van Camp, a woman who avoids curmudgeonship by keeping her finger on the pulse of the changing world around her as she seeks to grow – even at her advanced age – in the New South. Marguerite steps lively through this existence, loving as many people as she can.
Jasmin Cardenas is an award-winning storyteller and “theatermaker” who uses story and play to facilitate spaces where people can connect and spark change. Recognized for her arts and civic engagement work, she was awarded a 2020-2022 international LAB Fellowship by The Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics at Georgetown University. A daughter of Colombian immigrants, Cardenas tours her bilingual program, featuring lesser-known folktales, myths, and legends from the Americas.
Raymond Christian grew up near Richmond, VA, and enlisted in the Army at age 17. Following 20 years of service, the combat-decorated veteran earned two degrees and, was selected as a Fulbright Scholar for expertise in Education and Storytelling Narrative. Christian’s stories have appeared in Readers Digest, and he has been featured on NPR’s Snap Judgement and the Moth Radio Hour. He is a multiple Moth Story Slam champion, winner of the 2016 National Storytelling Festival Story Slam, and
There is no one-word description for what Don White does. He’s an award-winning singer/songwriter, a comedian, an author, and a storyteller. Don’s approach to music is a weird, unique blend. If he just played folk music, it would be a handy label. But he has invented his own genre with a mix of humor and powerful songwriting. White’s arc as a writer and performer has taken him from his industrial hometown of Lynn, Ma across the country as hitchhiker, through Boston’s comedy clubs and coffeehouses, and onto the stage with greats like Christine Lavin, Arlo Guthrie, Taj Mahal, Ritchie Havens, Patty Larkin, Bill Morrissey, Tom Rush, and Louden Wainright III. At every point, White has been the ultimate observer, infusing his work with his experiences as a husband, a father, a seeker, and a joker.
Bil Lepp is an award-winning storyteller, author, and recording artist. Bil’s humorous, family friendly tall-tales and stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages and from all walks of life. Though a five-time champion of the WV Liars’s Contest, Lepp’s stories often contain morsels of truth which present universal themes in clever and witty ways. Audiences all across the country, from grade schools to corporate execs to the Comedy Central’s Hudson stage, have been delighted by Bil’s hilarious tales and delightful insights into everyday life.
Josh grew up in Madison County, North Carolina surrounded by the music and stories of his ancestors. He is a highly accomplished storyteller and old-time, bluegrass, and swing musician playing close to 20 instruments. His fiddling was featured in the movie Songcatcher, both onscreen and on the soundtrack. He has performed in all 50 states, throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia and gracing such stages as the Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and The Grand Ole Opry. He was nominated for a Grammy for his 2009 release with David Holt, entitled Cutting Loose.
This evening concert is a special event held in the Library Tent on the grounds of the National Storytelling Festival.
Donald Davis grew up in a family of storytelling folks in the mountains of Western North Carolina and has continued their tradition throughout his career. Davis tells true stories of family memories and personal experiences with neighbors and kin. He has performed throughout the U.S. and abroad, authored 18 books, and released over 50 audio recordings. Davis is a recipient of the NSN ORACLE Circle of Excellence and Lifetime Achievement awards.
Author, singer-songwriter, storyteller and humorist Kim Weitkamp grew up in Amish Country as the middle child of exhausted parents. Labeled by teachers as high-spirited, uncooperative and too talkative, Kim took those comments and channeled them into a lifetime of high-energy, heartfelt and hilarious artistry. With nine award-winning albums to her credit, she performs regularly at festivals and theaters around the country.
