ConnTell Directory R-W
 Joyce Marie Rayno
Myths - Mysteries - Miracles
273 Dublin Hill Road
Southbury, CT 06488
Phone: (203) 264-4447
Email: JoyceMarieRayno@aol.com
Joyce Marie customizes most of her programs to each individual whim and fancy, or profound thought. If you prefer, you may choose a specific program, geared to any age - 1 to 101.
Some of her designed and costumed programs: "A Flavoring of Connecticut Folklore", "The Story Queen", "When I Am An Old Woman", "Ghostly Shadows and Shakes", "Sadie, the Witch, and her Silly Spooks!", "Have You Ever Seen a Leprechaun?", "American Girl Dolls Tell Their Stories", "Sheherazade Spins - To Save Her Head", "Mother Goose Comes To Visit", "Hats On! Hats Off!" a variety of multicultural stories and "Mehitabel Adams" a fictional character dressed in 1770s attire
Fee: Negotiable
 Paul Recker
224 Mountain Road
Ellington, CT 06029-3704
Phone: (860) 614-9506
Email: precker@comcast.net
Paul Recker offers programs of folktales, legends and songs for preschool, K-5 and family audiences, and concerts for seniors. Paul has been performing full time, throughout New England, since 1986. He is an accomplished guitarist and an engaging storyteller whose easy and magnetic style draws the audience into the performance like kids into a candy store.
"Paul Recker [does] his thing, using just his guitar and a vibrant spirit to captivate his audience, children and adults alike." - Ndidi S. Emeagwali, The Herald, New Britain, CT.
 Bob Reiser
222 Loudville Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
phone: 413-527-1871
Email: bobtales@msn.com
Website: www.bobtales.com
Bob is an expansive storyteller, teacher and an award-winning author of books for children and adults. Whether he is spinning an original wonder-tale for children, bringing new life to an old folk tale or recounting stories of growing-up in Brooklyn, Bob brings warmth and wit to everything he tells. Jay O'Callahan says "Bob smiles with his whole body!"
From New York's Clearwater Hudson River Festival to Pittsburgh's Three River Festival to Vancouver's World Storytelling Day Bob brings his unique and joyous story telling around the world.
McFarland Press listed him among the "120 best contemporary English-speaking Storytellers." Dr. Morgan Hill (Brother Blue) calls him a "force of nature."
Through his school residencies in Story-making and Storytelling he has taught thousands of children throughout the northeast how to craft and tell their own tales.
Fees: Negotiable.
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 Tammy Denease Richardson
P.O. Box 281054
East Hartford, CT 06128
(860) 299-6090
Email: Tammy@historicalfirsts.org
Website: www.historicalfirsts.org
In her series "Obscured Women", storyteller/performer/teaching artist, Tammy Denease Richardson brings to life fascinating women who have been obscured through the annals of history yet were prominent in the African-American community. Ms. Richardson has developed performances appealing to a wide variety of audiences.
Ms. Richardson also has presentations that engage her audience through folk tales that teach life lessons and are coupled with hands on activities that leave her audience educated and eager to learn more.
"Ms. Richardson's reenactment was illuminating ... done with great professionalism and expertise." - Dr. Gloria Emeagwali, Professor of History/African Studies, Central Connecticut State University - New Britain, CT.
"Tammy is excellent at engaging and entertaining her audience." - Caroline D'oTreppe, Director of Education New England Air Museum
"Ms. Richardson's performance was outstanding, and extremely well-received by our diverse staff. Her verbal and visual weaving of the life experience and social context elicited an emotional response from the audience, many of whom were moved to tears.... [Her] ability to seamlessly blend education and entertainment while captivating her audience is a rarity." - Michael Sherman, Chief Executive Officer, Community Health Services, Hartford, CT.
Fees vary
 Connie Rockman
79 Elmhurst Avenue
Stratford, CT 06614
Work/Home: (203) 381-9509
Email: connie.rock@snet.net
Connie tells traditional tales and literary stories that she has collected through thirty-five years of experience as a storyteller and a children's librarian. She urges audiences to become actively involved in the storytelling experience. Using an Appalachian dulcimer, she weaves songs and chants through story programs. Her workshops for teachers stress an interdiscipinary approach to storytelling to entice reluctant readers and challenge gifted students. She offers workshops on many aspects of literature for children and teenagers.
"Our students were mesmerized. Ms. Rockman's stories are meant to be enjoyed by all ages." - Anita Pfluger, formerly at Stratford High School.
Audience: Elementary school through adult
Fee: Negotiable
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Take Two Tandem Tellers –
Anne-Marie Forer and Cindy Killavey
 Anne-Marie Forer
160 Medford St.
Warwick, RI 02889
Phone: : Anne-Marie (401) 739-4171;
Email: tunesntales@hotmail.com
Cindy Killavey
240 Bramans Lane
Portsmouth, RI 02871
Phone: (401) 847-5148
Email: storyteller@storyri.com
Website: www.tandemtellers.com
"Wave your hands wildly and say 'I can help!' in your best ant voices," instruct Take Two Tandem Tellers Anne-Marie Forer and Cindy Killavey. Audience participation is a key element in all Take Two performances. The duo believes that inviting children to take an active role in the story increases enjoyment while aiding comprehension. Music and movement between stories help to refresh and refocus the audience. Take Two fun-filled family and elementary school programs feature stories from world folklore as well as from literary traditions.
Anne-Marie Forer plays a variety of instruments including fiddle, guitar and banjo. She brings her experience as a teacher, children's librarian, storyteller and musician to Take Two performances.
 Laconia (Lot) Therrio
PO Box 16903
Stamford, CT 06905
Work: (203) 358-3205
Fax: (203) 461-9641
Email: LotsCabin@aol.com
Lot, a therapist and former minister, enjoys telling stories from around the world. He tells stories from Japan, China, Europe, North America and the continent of Africa. Whether the story is a Native American folktale about the world's beginning, the fun of a little baby wide-mouth frog, or even a scary one, Lot invites the listener to discover the wonder in the tales he tells.
Lot Therrio and Jane Gangi are available to offer workshops together.
 Ellie Toy
1-3 Canterbury Court
Middletown, CT 06457
Phone: (860)704-0493
Email: eltoy@sbcglobal.net
With lyric skill and intensity, Ellie Toy brings stories to life. Audiences of all ages are invited to join her in exploring the magic and wonder of folk lore, ghost stories, literary stories and more.
Regardless of the setting, she is equally at home in performance or workshops. Her audio tape, The Boggart and Other Stories includes the classic Connecticut legend, The Simsbury Witch. Listed in the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism's Directory of Performing Artists.
"Your performances have always been a magical experience to me." - Diane Austin, PTO President.
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 Valerie Tutson: Stories n' Stuff
155 Lexington Avenue
Providence, RI
Phone: (401) 273-4013
Fax: (401) 273-0468
Email: VTUTSON@yahoo.com
Website: www.valerietutson.com
Valerie Tutson was graduated from Brown University with a degree in a self-designed major, "Storytelling as a Communications Art" and a Masters in Theatre Arts. Since 1991 she has been delighting audiences all over the world with her enthralling storytelling style. She tells stories from all over the world with an emphasis on African traditions and Black History. Her repertoire includes stories and songs learned in her travels.
"Valerie is an energetic, dynamic performer who leaves the room vibrating when she exits. Her voice, her ... expressions, and her... movements make her presentation a delight for children and adults." - Randy Roberts, Director NY State Museum
For fees and booking information contact: Sharon Kelleher sharon@kelleheragency.com, (978) 207-0707.
 Tim Van Egmond
118 East Chestnut Hill Road
Montague, MA 01351
Phone: (413) 367-9304
Email: tim@timvanegmond.com
Website: www.timvanegmond.com
A gifted performer and artist-educator for over 25 years, Tim blends together tales, tunes, and songs to bring their wellspring of wisdom, humor, warmth, and excitement. Music flows in and around his stories through his singing and playing on a wide variety of traditional instruments including hammered dulcimer, guitar, conga drum, and limberjack (a dancing wooden rhythm puppet). His dynamic style of voice and movement brings stories to life, and his knack for encouraging participation makes for high-spirited and engaging programs. Tim also offers workshops and residencies.
Programs include Building Bridges (multicultural stories of community and connection), Hearing Nature's Voice, Sun and Moon and Stars, Mystery Mastery, Shivers & Shudders, Sing, Say, Laugh, Clap! (for young children),"Young Fogies & Old Whippersnappers" (intergenerational program), "You Say 'Potato', I Say 'Pomme de Terre'" (celebrating the 400s section of the Dewey Decimal System, Languages), and The Story Bag. There are also special programs for seasons and holidays throughout the year.
Tim has been chosen for:
- NEFA’s New England States Touring Program (grant funding is available to non-profit organizations in Connecticut and other New England states outside of Massachusetts).
- The “Kids, Books, and the Arts” Project under the New Hampshire State Library & the Children’s Librarians section of the NHLA.
- The Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Creative Teaching Partners roster.
"Tim is a triple treat. He can sing, play instruments, and tell whopping good tales!" Jane Yolen, renowned author and storyteller.
Audience: All ages
Fees: $400 and up. Reduced rates for block-bookings, Public Libraries, and residencies.
 Margie Warner - Music with Margie, LLC
PO Box 185,Chester, CT 06412-0185
Phone: (860) 526-5794
Email: Margie@MusicWithMargie.com
Website: www.MusicWithMargie.com
Children's Recording Artist, Songwriter, Teacher
and Early Childhood Music Consultant
With a unique understanding of what makes kids tick, Margie has been teaching the joy and humor of life through music since 1979. For Preschoolers, she offers her "Music With Margie" pre-K curriculum during the academic year. K-6 kids at schools, libraries, camps, and youth service bureaus can enjoy workshops or performances that are lively and entertaining, featuring interactive story-songs from her acclaimed Singin' Round the Campfire CD, and the more recent, On the Road with the Fun Family! Fresh new summer shows every year-or customize your own show-any subject- there’s music in it!
Of Singin'Round the Campfire: The Hartford Courant says, "Delightful"; New Haven Register, "Joyful songs with storytelling lyrics that invite participation"; The Middletown Press, "lively and fun; kids of all ages will enjoy. . .hilarious!"
Audience: Pre-K, K-6, and Families
Fee: Negotiable
 Teresa Whitaker
52 Wheeler Drive
West Suffield, CT 06093
Phone: (860) 668-1535
Fax: (860) 668-6418
Email: ftzj@cox.net
Website: www.teresawhitaker.com
www.frankandteresa.net
Music and joy infuse world folktales, myths and original stories. Teresa weaves in participatory music with voice, guitars, Celtic harp and percussion instruments. She has done hundreds of residencies and workshops, and performs for both children and adults. Some residency topics include:
- Learning to tell stories
- "Listening to the World" (school wide storytelling festival)
- Storytelling; writing and speaking
- Intergenerational storytelling
- Creating a Lullaby Tradition
- Creating Bedtime Stories and Lullabies (with Teresa and Eshu Bumpus)
She performs in schools, universities, libraries and festivals, and she leads teacher workshops. She co-leads a retreat for women storytellers in Vermont each August. She performs musical concerts with her husband, musician Frank Schwartz.
Audio recordings:
"Finding Home" (www.cdbaby.com/frankschwartz3)
"Earth and Sky Lullaby"(www.cdbaby.com/frankschwartz4)
"In Gaia's Lap"
Fee: from $350
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 Dawn Wright - Balladeer/Storyteller
596 Hartford Rd
Brooklyn, CT 06234
Phone: (860) 779-9371
Email: dawnsong@charter.net
ANNOUNCING: AN EXCITING NEW INTERACTIVE FAMILY CONCERT: "JOHNNY APPLESEED"
Dawn's "song and story" are the 'Appleseeds' of the waterways and land. Founded in a vital sense of the preservation of America's history and the connectedness of all humans and "critters", Dawn has travelled the Eastern United States for over 30 years, sharing her instrumental variety and skill, spontaneous audience participation, costumes, props and folklore, with audiences of all ages. Authentic sources from the North Carolina mountains and the Connecticut River Valley. Dawn also offers preschool 'literacy' song and story programs.
"...[her] rapport with the audience is fascinating...[it] conjures up mental pictures with her narrative while stirring the emotions with her song." - Executive Director, CT Symphony Orchestra.
Video demo and CDs available.
Fee: $250 - $375
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