by Michael Philip

Created on: May 20, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Laughing Night at the Ojai Storytelling Festival, Ojai, California

Several Ojai residents recommended that we attend one of the events at the Ojai Storytelling Festival while staying in town for a long weekend. Our Friday evening was available. This was also the Laugh Night at the festival and we could not resist seeing what it's all about. There is not too much going on in Ojai in the evenings after dinner time anyway, apart from relaxing. We bought our twenty-five dollar tickets in advance (earlier that day) and were ready to go.

This was the ninth annual edition of the Ojai Storytelling Festival with its motto "A Village of Tales". Events and workshops were available from May first until the fourth. During the daytime hours, the focus was on the children of all ages. Specific programs were organized for tiny tots, elementary school kids all the way to high school level. Evening programs were more adult oriented. The Laugh Night featured storytellers that I had never heard of (not an expert on this topic): Bil Lepp, Kuniko Yamamoto, Andy Irwin, Kevin Kling, David Holt and Charlotte Blake-Aston.

When the eight o'clock hour approached we made our way to Libby Bowl, a small open air amphitheater in Libby Park in central Ojai. There were a few food stands available and a stand for performer's CDs and other goodies. Seating was available first come first served. Even though there were quite a few attendees there we managed to find a seat near the stage. Others relaxed in the back, some lying on blankets. Speakers were placed throughout enabling guests to follow the show from anywhere in the near vicinity. The storytellers were all very skilled and their stories interesting and intriguing. Some were more appealing to me and much funnier at the same time. I thought that Kevin Kling was the funniest. He kept on making references to his father's proverbs and made the audience laugh uncontrollably. David Holt was amazing with his mix of stories, humor and music. Amazing guy. Bil Lepp and Andy Irwin were both amusing as was Kuniko. I would definitely pay money to see these performers again. The event started at eight and ended near eleven at night with one break. Each teller had around twenty minutes. The audience was mesmerized, we clapped, listened, participated, sang and what not. A most pleasant and fun evening. Even though this was an adult event, there was nothing unsafe for kids here. A few innuendos that were harmless that's about it. Many children did accompany their parents to this event, by the way.

The evening's temperature was warm and atmosphere pleasant. We sat under the stars in our light sweaters and felt a light breeze coming in from time to time. Old growth trees that encircled the entire space gently swayed above us. A very friendly audience was on hand, supportive to the storytellers and chatty with everyone around. I had a great time at the Ojai Storytelling Festival and would suggest a visit to anyone. Fun, interesting and involving. Now I have a desire to seek out other storytelling festivals. Definitely recommended.

http://www.villageoftales.org
Performances To Grow On
Brian Bemel
201 Park Road
Ojai, CA. 93023
Phone: 805-646-8907

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