Miami Valley Storytellers

Anyone can participate in this liars contest. Separate adult and child qualifying events this June, culminating in a grand finale on Independence Day, July 4, 2009.

The Yellow Springs Tale Spinners (YSTS) are presenting two qualifying rounds at Young’s Dairy. There will be two Liar’s qualifying rounds for adults, 3:00 to 5:00 PM on June 20 and 27; and one Youth Liar’s qualifying round 1:00 to 3:00 June 27. Winners will perform and compete at the July Fourth’s Liar’s Contest during the Small Town American Celebration BBQ Weekend at Young’s. There are prizes, including a top prize of a full year of ICE CREAM! (52 cones for each week of the year.)

Are you an outrageous and amazing liar? Maybe you know a great liar? Do you have a great lie or tall tale to tell? Have a good straight face? Enter the First Annual Young’s Jersey Dairy Independence Day Liar’s Contest. We are looking for competitors who will be telling their clean, outlandish tales to an audience of all ages.

Registration for these events is free and can be made in advance, or on the porch at Young’s on the day of one of the Challenge. Contact:

Young’s Jersey Dairy

6880 Springfield-Xenia Road

Yellow Springs, OH 45387

http://www.youngsdairy.com cows@youngsdairy.com

In addition, the YSTS troupe will help you prepare for these Liar’s Challenges. There is an all day workshop, “Fabricating Fabulous Fibs and Fables” presented by Jonatha and Harold Wright on June 6th. The modest workshop fee will be donated to Yellow Springs Kids Playhouse, and is tax deductible.

YSTS will also provide coaching for the youth competitors, free of charge, 10 to 12 AM on June 27th.

For more information: http://www.mvstory.org jh@mvstory.org 937-767-9823

Photo of YSTS at Young’s Dairy at http://www.mvstory.org/photo/storytellersyoungs.jpg

Filed under: Uncategorized on May 11th, 2009 | No Comments »

Calling all Liars who want to perfect their skills and all you Liar Wannabees!!!

What: A workshop on How Tell Lies and Tall Tales.  And an opportunity to Support YSKP.  All proceeds will be donated to Yellow Springs Kids’ Playhouse.
When: June 6, 2009, 9 AM to 12 PM, Lunch on your own, 1 to 4 PM
Who: Taught by Storytellers Jonatha and Harold Wright
Where: Young’s Jersey Dairy, in the basement of the Young’s World Headquarters
Why: As a preparation for competing in the Young’s July 4, 2009 Big Bull Shake Liars’ Contest at the Small Town American Celebration BBQ Weekend.  Or just for fun! The Wrights are offering an opportunity for you to improve your fibbing and fables.
Cost: $50.00 (tax deductible donation) Reservations advised, limited to 20 participants.

Call:  937-767-9823  or mail the attached form to:
Jonatha and Harold Wright
PO Box 562
Yellow Springs, OH 45387

Filed under: Uncategorized on April 14th, 2009 | No Comments »

Are you an outrageous and amazing Liar? Do you have a great lie or tall tale to tell? A Story of Extraordinary Physical Strength…? That fish that got away… ? That prize you almost won…? You should enter the First Annual Young’s Jersey Dairy Independence Day Liar’s Contest! We are looking for competitors who will be telling their outlandish tales to an audience of all ages from newborn to 110!

Adult Qualifying Competitions:

June 20, 2009 3:00 to 5:00 PM
Young’s Dairy Liars Challenge #1 In the Barnyard at Young’s Jersey Dairy
June 27, 2009 3:00 to 5:00 PM
Young’s Dairy Liars Challenge #2 In the Barnyard at Young’s Jersey Dairy

Children’s Qualifying Competition:

June 27, 2009 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Young’s Dairy Liars Challenge In the Barnyard at Young’s Jersey Dairy

June 27 from 9 to 11 AM
Young’s Jersey Dairy.Telling Fabulous Fibs and Fables Coaching will be available at no charge, to children 15 and under,

July 4, 2009 Big Bull Shake Liars’ Contest at the Picnic Shelter.

On July 4th, First and Second Place Adult Winners of the June 20th and the June 27th Challenges, will compete for First through Fourth Place titles, performing with the First Through Fourth Place Winners of the Children’s Challenge in a program of tall tales with the Yellow Springs Tale Spinners: Shane Dickey, Lisa Holmes, Eric Wolf, Harold Wright, and Jonatha Wright and Rick Carson, The Grand Liar from Hamilton.

Compete for the title and prestige, the golden shovel, the golden trowel, All Event Wrist Bands for the Independence Day Celebration, Three Event Wrist Bands, Bull Shakes and single dip cones.

To Apply print out this PDF Application children and adults welcome!!!

Filed under: Event, Press Release, Teaching Storytelling on April 14th, 2009 | No Comments »

“If It Ain’t True…It Otta Be!”
7:30 to 9:30 PM, Friday,  April 3, 2009.
Admission: $7.00 per person

Tall Tales for the entire family. The old Clifton Opera House will host a storytelling concert on April 3, 2009.  Ohio’s nationally know storytellers Eric Wolf, Harold Wright and Jonatha Wright  tickle your funnybone as they stretch the believable to its limits!

The Clifton Opera House, over a century old, has natural acoustics and small town charm. The Victorian atmosphere lends itself to a return to the era of Mark Twain.  Last October, a packed house was spooked and down right scared as the Yellow Springs Tale Spinners presented their annual Fright Night stories.  Come immerse yourself in the power of story again, this time for Tall Tales that will take you from the ridiculous to the hilarious.  Laughing is good for body and soul.  Come, and bring family ad friends to this program, suitable for all ages.

Location:  Corner of Rt. 343 and Clay Street, Clifton, Ohio.
Doors Open at 7:00 PM

For more information:

Eric James Wolf
www.ericwolf.org

Jonatha and Harold Wright
www.jonathaandharold.com

Clifton Historical Society
www.cliftonohiohistory.org
info@cliftonohiohistory.org

Filed under: Uncategorized on March 9th, 2009 | No Comments »

The Miami Valley Storytellers Christmas Party will be held at the home of Jonatha and Harold Wright, 306 N. Winter St, Yellow Springs.

DATE:  Saturday, December 13th.

TIME:  1:00 to 5:00 PM   (come and go anytime 1 to 5)

Bring a potluck vegetable, salad, or dessert.

Please bring a story to share, requested but not required.

Bring your own beverage.

Directions:

From 675

Take Yellow Springs/Dayton road exit

Go East to Yellow Springs.

After 1st light, but before 2nd light, turn North on North Winter Street

Continue on N. Winter past Union St. (only on the left); past Cliff St. (only on the right)

Turn into the 3rd driveway on your left,  past Cliff St.

You will see a large black mailbox that says:  Hammer - Wright

It is a LONG driveway to the grey house at the very back.

Harold and I hope to see everyone there.  We do not meet as a total group again until our summer picnic at the Carson.

Jonatha

Questions:   937-767-9823 or my email 

Filed under: Event, Press Release on December 2nd, 2008 | No Comments »

Sometimes people decide, “Hey, let’s get somebody to tell stories!” They often have no clue as to what is needed in presenting a quality storytelling experience. The first question to ask is “why do I want a storyteller?” Having a clear rationale will help you convey exactly what you need from the storyteller and improve the entire experience.

‘You mean I have to pay?!” Storytellers, like other performers, usually charge for the services they render. The following prices cover the range from experienced to national name. The storyteller researches, learns, and perfects their art in the same manner that dancers or musicians do. In addition, differing ages require different levels and types of stories. Many hours of prep work proceed any storytelling event.

A survey of artists currently working (in Oklahoma and elsewhere) reveals full performance of 40-60 minutes usually costs about $100 to $1500, plus mileage or transportation /meals/board.

A short performance of about 20-30 minutes usually costs $50-$550, plus mileage (etc.).  Delivery of one story under 20 minutes is about $25-$100…

Sometimes the cost is negotiable - depending on the situation - always ask.

Storytelling has space needs just as unique as a dance troupe. Storytellers usually need smaller, intimate spaces, or if larger spaces are used, there must be sound and few distractions. Storytelling is a most ancient form of communication andfunctions best when the teller and the listener can connect free of noise or too many distractions. Some water bottles handy, and space between sets of stories (if telling to numerous groups) are always a plus!

Places to NOT place a storyteller: near a music band, animals, machinery, a noisy bar or eating space. There is one well remembered horror story in OKC a few years back where a major venue placed its storytellers in the bar tent and every story was interrupted as beer bottles crashed into the trash can near the staging space, ice poured in glasses, and orders were taken.

Need a storyteller for a children’s event? Sometimes the local public library can partner their children’s professional to schools, daycares, etc. to read or share oral stories as part of a community outreach or literacy support. That is usually a free service - but requires advance planning to allow release time for the professional.

Written by: MARILYN A. HUDSON

Originally posted at http://oklahomatellers.blogspot.com

Filed under: Article, Hire A Storyteller Basic 101, Press Release on October 31st, 2008 | No Comments »

Long time Yellow Springs resident, Harold Wright, was inducted into the 2009 Hall of Fame by his alma mater, Northridge High School, Dayton, Ohio, this last weekend.  Six people were inducted for 2009, a program which is in its eleventh year.   Harold was a 1949 Northridge graduate.  His former classmate, Bob Booher, currently living in Vandalia, Ohio, made the nomination.

Ceremonies began Thursday, October 2, 2008, as inductees spoke in assembly to students of Esther Dennis Middle School, this building housed Northridge students in grades 1 through 12 in 1949.  Then the Inductees spoke to students at Norhridge High School, Grafton Kennedy Elementary, Morrison Elementary and Timberlane Elementary.  A main purpose of honoring former graduates, teachers and important members of the Northridge school system is to bring role models into the lives of current students.  Inductees are to help motivate students into fulfilling their potential.  This part of Dayton began as an Appalachian area.  It continues to be largely people of Appalachian descent. It also includes many children with African American heritage.  Thursday ended with a special dinner for Inductees and their spouses with the Kiwanis Club of Northridge, Dayton, Ohio.

The Recognition Banquet was held in the high school cafeteria, prior to the Homecoming Football Game, on Friday, October 3rd.  Among the invited guests were eighteen members of the Northridge graduating class of 1949, and fifteen members of the Wright extended family.  Among the many distinguished speakers from the Board of Education and Civic Leaders were speeches by each one who nominated someone into the 2009 Hall and the six 2009 Hall of Fame nominees, who were inducted.  Many then went to the football game.

Saturday was the Homecoming Dance, and Sunday the 10th, was a parade.  The Hall of Fame Class of 2009, along with the Homecoming court, Nothridge football team, and scores of groups and floats from the schools and community participated. Hundreds of local citizens lined both sides of Dixie Highway along the mile from Northridge High School to Morrison Elementary to watch and cheer.  Sunday evening, the 2009 Inductees were treated to a special benefit concert for Northridge Hall Fame featuring country music stars Richie McDonald, Frank Myers and Eddy Raven.

Harold is looking forward to many invitations from the Nothridge schools to speak with and tell stories to the students in the years ahead.

Filed under: Article on October 10th, 2008 | No Comments »

On Thursday, March 27th, 7 to 9 PM at the Beavercreek Branch of the Greene County Library, 9 members shared a wide variey of stories. We laughed and we cried and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Here was the plan: a meeting with 90 minutes of terrific tales, a short break, and 20 minutes of storytelling announcements about future opportunities and area events?! What a great plan, it really worked well!

You too can be a part of this! Tellers and Listeners are all welcome. Come to our next meeting, Thursday, April 24, 2008; 7 to 9 PM; Beavercreek Library, 3618 Dayton Xenia Rd, Beavercreek, OH; 937-426-4442

Filed under: Event, Press Release on March 1st, 2008 | No Comments »

This is from a storyteller from Saitama, near Tokyo, Tokiyo FUJINO. She toured Ohio with Masako SUEOSHI in 2000. Harold adapted and translated her oral story. You have our permission to tell it. We have Tokiyo’s permission to translate, adapt and tell it.

Once upon a time, in the far north of Japan, there lived a real greedy old woman. Even though she was really greedy and food was short, she decided to make some homemade rice cakes for the summer solstice holiday. They were the delicious kind covered with sweet red bean jam. Bet being greedy and, rarely having enough to eat herself, there in the poor far north, she didn’t want her daughter-in-law to eat the rice cakes all up. So she packed them into a lunch box and hid them in the cupboard. Later she started thinking, however, “Ah, maybe when I am out of the house that daughter-in-law may just find those rice cakes and eat them all up.”

So she went to the cupboard and took out the lunch box, and removing the lid she said to the rice cakes:

“If daughter-in-law sees you, turn into frogs
If daughter-in-law sees you, turn into frogs.”

Then she put the lid back on the lunch box, hid them again in the depths of the cupboard and then went out.

However the daughter-in-law, in hiding, saw the whole thing. As soon as the old woman was gone, she rushed out of where she hid and went straight to the lunch box. There she ate every last one of the rice cakes.

Then the daughter-in-law went out to the fields and caught a bunch of real live frogs and then stuffed them into the empty lunch box. Then she looked real innocent when the old woman returned.

Well, as soon as the old woman returned she ran straight to the cupboard wondering, “Did that daughter-in-law of mine get into the rice cakes?”

But when she took out the lunch box and removed the lid, there was a large number of frogs! They started jumping out BON, BON, BON….

The old woman was quite upset and said:
“I’m not daughter-in-law. I’m the old woman! Don’t slop around jumping like
that! I’m not the daughter-in-law! I’m the old woman! Don’t slop around
jumping like that!”

But the frogs were real frogs and they didn’t listen on bit to what the old woman said. They just kept jumping around BON, BON, BON….all over the place!

That is what the old woman got for being so greedy.

Creative commons Copyright 20008 - All rights reserved for publication and duplication on the web. Oral storytelling use is allowed without asking individual use by any storyteller with credit to Harold and Jonatha Wright and Tokiyo FUJINO.

Filed under: Stories on February 8th, 2008 | No Comments »

Mom told Dad, “Paul I don’t wanna go groundhog hunting!” But Dad insisted, “Oh, come on Mary. You don’t have to carry a gun. Just come…” Dad really enjoyed the Mom’s company hunting, fishing or whatever he was doing. His pet name for her was “Buddy.” He called her “Mary” when “fussin’.” He and his younger brother Johnny were going to the “groundhog woods” a favorite spot to shoot young groundhogs in early June, just north of Dayton. Roasted groundhog, once a year anyway, was a sort of a traditional dish in our family. They did taste better than ‘coon most agreed, but not nearly as good as rabbit or squirrel.”

Mom continued to argue. “But I am expecting this baby any time now!” Dad kept insisting. “Oh come one we won’t be long and you can sit in the car.” So she went, and later told me, “ But I didn’t climb over the fence! I stayed by the car. As big as I was I couldn’t climb anyway…”
Well, hours later when Dad and Johnny came back to the car with their kill, Mom said, “I ‘spect you better drive me right to St Ann’s…” the hospital Dr. Smith the family doctor recommended.

After stopping at the house on Deeds Avenue, “near the hospital” to pick up a bag of underwear and things she wanted to take with her, they drove to St. Ann where Mom delivered a big over 10 lb bouncing baby boy. It was June 6, 1931! And I was named Harold Paul. She had once heard a lady in a department store yelling at a little boy, Harooold!” and thought it was such a pretty name. My middle name Paul was after my Dad, the groundhog hunter!

Written by Harold Wright

Filed under: Stories on February 3rd, 2008 | No Comments »