Storytellers at Gamble Rogers Festival

Publicist Jane Simms reassured Historic City News local entertainment reporters that the tradition of Gamble Rogers as a humorist, storyteller, and guitar picker is alive and well.

Gracing the stages at this year’s Gamble Rogers Folk Festival, April 29th – May 1st, are tellers the caliber of Michael Reno Harrell who talks Appalachian at you — but don’t let that fool you. Although he cut his chops as a successful songwriter in Nashville, Michael Reno today tours the country as one of the most popular and talented wordsmiths alive. With subtle phrasing, tongue-in-cheek humor and poetic lyrics, his stories and songs are sure to tickle the most jaded listener. Mike performs on the Marina Stage Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.

John McCutcheon started out as a folksinger, but through the years has developed a storytelling style which has been compared to Will Rogers and Garrison Keillor. About his storytelling a Washington Post reviewer writes, “He has an uncanny ability to breathe new life into the familiar. His storytelling has the richness of fine literature.” McCutcheon performs at the Marina Stage Sunday afternoon.

Kim and Reggie Harris are dynamic and superbly talented traditional folk performers. Their captivating stage presence, storytelling, and unique harmonies have earned the respect and love of audiences throughout the US, Canada and Europe for over 30 years. The Harrises appear Friday night on the Marina Stage.

LOCAL STORYTELLERS:

Bob Patterson is a storyteller, singer, songwriter, author and recording artist who has been an integral part of the Florida folk scene since 1969. One of the original organizers of the Gamble Rogers Folk Festival, Bob has been featured at the Florida Folk Festival for over forty years. He appears twice on Saturday, earlier at the Art Association Stage and later with Bob & Joline’s Friends of Mine Band on the Demesa Yard Stage.

The Storytelling Sims, Wayne and Jane Sims, are master tellers who perform tandem tales throughout the Southeast. They are well-known for humor tales and stories from history, have appeared for eighteen years at the Florida Folk Festival, and ten years as resident tellers aboard St. Johns Riverkeeper Eco-Heritage cruises. The Sims perform Saturday on the Art Association Stage, and Sunday at Government House Stage.

Chris Kastle is a newcomer and welcomed addition to St. Augustine and the Florida folk scene. She comes from a rich background as a touring storyteller, songsmith, musician and writer, and has performed throughout the United States, and in Canada, Europe, and New Zealand. Her spoken word repertoire includes personal, traditional, and original material. Chris appears Saturday on the Art Association Stage and Sunday at the Government House Stage.

REGIONAL STORYTELLERS:

Red Henry is a perennial favorite at Florida folk events as a stellar bluegrass picker and storyteller. Red performs with son Chris Henry and their All Star Band Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at the Demesa Yard Stage.

Frank Thomas is a native Floridian, born and raised in Clay County. His family’s connection to the land, his strong sense of Florida heritage, and his love of Florida, has inspired him to write over five hundred songs about Florida. Frank performs Saturday on the Government House Stage, and Sunday at the Visitor Information Center.

With 5 generations of Florida heritage for inspiration, Jerry Mincey is the embodiment of an authentic Floridian. Through his music and stories, the listener learns of legends and heroes; the natural beauty of a now lost landscape; and ordinary people and inhabitants, from Indians to settlers to black bear and panther. Jerry performs Saturday at the Tradewinds Lounge and Sunday at the Milltop Lounge.