EVERYONE HAS A STORY
The tradition of oral storytelling has existed long before written works. Something deep and significant is conveyed through the relating of a well-crafted, well-told first person story. Many times these stories have served as a way to preserve history and explore and impact our emotions as individuals and communities. Storytelling is a powerful means of entertainment, education and cultural preservation. Coyote Tales hopes to perpetuate the art of storytelling while entertaining the listener with a unique and intimate experience.
Coyote Tales are live, open-mic style storytelling events with amateur and experienced storytellers. Each event has a theme, on which stories are to be based. Potential storytellers may address that theme in any way they choose. Prior to the event, storytellers craft their true, on-theme story, practice the telling (5 minutes or less), and work on eliminating excess detail to nail the perfect ending. When the doors open, potential storytellers put their name in the hat in hopes of being chosen to share their story. If chosen, the storyteller takes the stage to delight the audience. Stories must be true, told live, within the given time frame (5 minutes). They must be told without notes, props, or accompaniment.
Coyote Tales is our take on “The Moth” live storytelling events. The original Moth events were inspired by porch storytelling parties attended by author, George Dawes Green. The concept has spawned worldwide live oral storytelling performances, a PRX radio program and a book. This is our take on these ideas. For more information on The Moth, please check out their website @ https://www.themoth.org
LIVE EVENT INFORMATION
If you are interested in getting on stage, we recommend that you contact us in advance. It helps us plan the show to know how many tellers want to get on stage. Storytelling coaches are available to help you craft your tale if you would like to work with one. If you would like would to get on stage the evening of the show, please arrive by 6:30 and find Victoria . Out of respect for our storytellers, late comers for indoor events will not be admitted until intermission.
For ticketed events, tickets will be available through this website and the host venue’s website. Tickets may also be available at the door the evening of the event. We encourage you to purchase your tickets early. Previous events have sold out. If you have a story to tell, but can not purchase a ticket, please contact Victoria and we will make certain that you are admitted. Please do not let the cost of tickets prevent you from attending. Volunteer opportunities are available in exchange for admission.
PLEASE REMEMBER, YOUR STORY MUST BE YOUR STORY
Were you there? Are you the main character? Your participation in the story as it happened is essential. We are after true, first person narrative stories told within the given time frame.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2023
JOIN US FOR COYOTE TALES LIVE STORYTELLING UNDER THE STARS AT IVINS CITY HERITAGE DAYS FESTIVAL AT IVINS CITY PARK
Coyote Tales is pleased to welcome audio producer and writer, Peter Frick-Wright, who has reported from Bosnia, Burma, Burundi and Bolivia. He is a contributing editor to Outside Magazine and is also the host of the podcast Missed Fortune. Joining him on stage will be singer/storyteller and song writer, David Lindes, and explorer, writer and naturalist, Robert Perkins. They promise to throw down some WILD tales. But there is room on the stage for you too.
The evening begins with a BYOP (bring your own picnic) pre-party with great Stillhouse Road Bluegrass music where potential storytellers put their name in the hat with the hope of being chosen to share their tale on stage. Kayenta Homes and Properites will be hosting the upscale water trough providing FREE beverages for thirsty story lovers. This event is FREE. Everyone is welcome!
Pre-party starts at 7:00. Stories start at sundown.
THE THEME FOR THE EVENING’S STORIES IS:
WILD
Prepare a 5 minute story about the untamed, the unknown or the feral. Tell us of your adventures exploring new landscapes or of setting out on uncharted waters. Have you ever behaved in a headstrong or rebellious way? Maybe you were involved in an epic battle to tame the beast – were you victorious? Has your sprit ever been broken or your courage calmed? Maybe the wild child within finally made an appearance….
Please no standup routines or rants.
THIS EVENT IS FREE!
everyone has a story
LUNCH WITH STORYTELLER DAVID LINDES TO BENEFIT HABIT FOR HUMANITY SEPTEMBER 10, 2023
Please join us for lunch with Coyote Tales special guest storyteller, singer-songwriter and author of the memoir, “Mi tierra—Homeland,” David Lindes. During the luncheon David will share his remarks, answer questions and perform brief excerpts from his book. All proceeds from the luncheon will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah.
Reservations and Tickets are required: PURCHASE TICKETS
David’s book “Mi tierra—Homeland” is an intimate look at his journey from Guatemala to the US. In eight chapters, each accompanied by an original song and included in both Spanish and English, David addresses themes of migration, identity, justice, and belonging. At times poignant and at times defiant, it’s a vivid take on the Latino immigrant experience in today’s America.
His work has been featured on PRI’s The World and NPR. Born in Guatemala City, he immigrated to the United States at age 9 and spent his adolescence in the agricultural communities of California’s Central Coast. He later graduated in Latin American Studies from Brigham Young University.
The book has been released to the academic community, for use in University Spanish, Latin American Studies, and Human Development courses in digital format. Physical and general market releases are forthcoming.
MENU
BLACK PEPPER AND PARMESAN GOUGERS
RASPBERRY BASIL ICED TEA
ROASTED POBLANO SOUP WITH CORNBREAD CROUTONS AND CREME FRAICHE
GRILED CHICKEN WITH UTAH CORN RELISH
CHOCOLATE SALTED CARAMEL TART
Reservations and Tickets are required: PURCHASE TICKETS
INDOOR TICKETED EVENT – DATE AND LOCATION TBD
THE THEME FOR THE EVENING’S STORIES IS:
MILESTONES
Prepare a 5 minute story about life’s transitions. Tell us about overcoming obstacles, a new job, a new love or a new lease on life. Tell us how life’s changes have shaken up your world and how you coped with it.
everyone has a story
All proceeds from ticketed events have been donated to local nonprofits. All outdoor events are FREE.
Tips for Storytelling Greatness
Follow these Simple Guidelines
Get started telling your tale!
A Strong Start
Have a clear, engaging and attention grabbing opening. You want to snare the audience’s attention. You want to bring them along with you when you share your tale.
A Clear Path
The best stories have a natural arc. A clear beginning, - the action or conflict, - a resolution or closure - and finally, describe how the experience affected or changed you, the teller.
Own It
Use your own voice and language. This is your story.
Focus
Too much detail can cloud the narrative. You want enough detail to make it real, but not so much that it is overwhelming.
Know It
Practice your story but don’t memorize it! Practice enough so that you are comfortable. Know your major points but have fun with the details.
Need Some Help?
For help developing your story, we’ve lined up a few storytelling pros to assist you.
Douglas Caputo
Actor, Teacher, Director
John Harrison
Utah Storytellers Guild; President, Dixie Tellers
Phone: 970-778-5281