Storyteller will revisit libraries

Frontiersman staff

Renowned storyteller Donald Davis first performed in Mat-Su in October 1999. Based on popular demand, Davis will be revisiting the public libraries in the Mat-Su Borough from Aug. 22-26, telling "Stories for Our Generations . . . And Beyond."

Funded by the Alaska Humanities Forum, Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union, Kopperud Transportation, Pioneers of Alaska — Auxiliary #11, Iditarod School District — Distance Learning Center, library support groups and individual contributors, this year's performances are not to be missed.

Smithsonian Magazine describes Mr. Davis as a "master of timing . . . measuring sentences drop by drop, pouring out others like water from a pitcher." His stories will leave you "limp with laughter while struggling with the lump in your throat." Mr. Davis will perform traditional folk stories as

well as stories gathered from his life.

Davis will begin his performances at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 22, in Talkeetna and continue that day with an evening performance at the Wasilla Public Library at 7 p.m. On Thursday, Aug. 23, Davis will conduct a storytelling workshop for youth from 5th grade up at 9 a.m. at the Palmer Public Library and continue with performances that day at the Big Lake Public Library at 5 p.m. and the Willow Public Library at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 24, a storytelling workshop for adults will be held at the Palmer Public Library from 9-11:30 a.m. with a performance that evening at the Sutton Elementary School at 7:00 p.m. Catch Mr. Davis' final performance on Sunday, August 26 at 2:00 p.m. at the Palmer Public Library.

Preregistration and payment of a $5 fee is necessary for the workshops. People may register for the workshops by calling the Palmer Public Library at 745-4690. All performances are free and open to the public.

For more information about any of the scheduled performances, people should contact the nearest Mat-Su area public library.