FarmArt.org

The Foothill Farmlands ARTS Festival gives us a chance to share our story with all of you–The richness of our land, the struggle to carve out a living in this rugged part of California, the magnetic pull of our mountains as they draw creative, hard-working people to settle here.   We all have stories to tell!

And here in Tuolumne County we’re lucky to have a close circle of professional storytellers who show us all how to tell a good tale!  During the Festival we will feature those fine tellers.

At our first event, “Golden Hills Traditions,” you can visit Mt. Brow Winery to hear the stories of Cynthia Restivo (one half of The Story Quilters), teller and puppeteer Jennifer Aguirre and our Bay Area friend the witty and wild Tim Ereneta, a Fringe Festival standard. Tim is active with the Bay Area Storytelling Festival, held each May at Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area in El Sobrante, CA.  Throughout the day these tellers will take the stage to share tales.  Plus, I might even jump to to mic to share some of my stories (I’m the other half of the Story Quilters).

That evening we’ll gather at Hurst Ranch in Jamestown for “Wild West Music and Western BBQ.” Bill Roberson and The Story Quilters will tell tales and sing some rousing songs of those raw days on the western trails.  You’ll even get to hear “Prairie Dog Biscuits and Old Coyote,” one of Cynthia and my favorite tales to tell.

On Sunday, cowboy tellers and poets will gather at Aspen Meadow Pack Station as we hit the trail for our High Country Cowboy Day.

Wednesday evening the Story Quilters will tell stories FOR ADULT EARS ONLY at Rosemary’s Roses.  Joining us will be the Sonora Bach Festival Chamber Ensemble.

Then join us Friday night in downtown historic Sonora for our Art & Music Stroll.  Storytellers will be scattered around town in different locations.  Out of Hand will host a family program around 7pm.  And look for a teller or two at Sonora Children’s Theatre HQ on the corner of Bradford Ave. and Washington St.

I keep hoping that Sonora will some day host a storytelling festival.  Maybe the Foothill Farmlands ARTS Festival is helping us plant those seeds!

Keep the sun on your back, and the earth in your hands…

bz