Festival in the News

Yes, all good things must come to an end and now, the 2002 Timpanogos Storytelling Festival is just a memory. But the comradery, beauty of the natural surroundings and the magic combination of great stories told by great tellers for eager audiences, will make this festival a memory I will revisit again and again...
Mark Gollaher, "Review: 2002 Timpanogos Storytelling Festival," Storyteller.net, 2002

Next to the meandering stream that winds its way through this historic Olmsted school campus that once educated young electricians in Orem, you’ll find white tents with their flaps thrown wide and a rapt audience held in the grip of a storyteller’s undulating voice. Pass by any tent, listen carefully, and you’ll be eavesdropping on the creation of a universe set into motion by the spoken word...
Jason Smith, "Once Upon a Time: The Timpanogos Storytelling Festival," Salt Lake Magazine, July-August 2001

Deep in the heart of high-tech, Mach-speed America lies a lovely, leafy spot where more than 10,000 people gather every summer to enjoy a leisurely, decidedly low-tech form of entertainment; the ancient art of storytelling. Dr. Stuart King is one of them. Eight years ago, the busy physician was reluctant to "give up" two whole days to accompany his wife and kids to the festival. But after listening to his first storyteller, he was hooked. Now his office staff knows not to make appointments for him during the annual event, which takes place at the foot of Mount Timpanogos in the mouth of the beautiful Provo Canyon in Orem, Utah. "It's so enriching to hear people share their sacred histories," he says. "It's the whole human experience-knowing we're not alone." His sole frustration? With five master yarn spinners weaving their magic at any given moment, he misses out on four sessions for each one he attends...
"On the Road," Time, February 28, 2000

It was entertaining for me to watch some of the teenagers barely shuffle down the winding road that led to the tents. Obviously having been 'urged' to attend with their parents, they would mumble in protest to themselves and others around them, 'Do I have to listen to ‘once upon a time' all afternoon? Why did you make me come here?' How amusing it was to watch them as their plates were filled the high energy of Carmen Deedy relating tales of growing up Cuban in the deep south. Suddenly, these teens were transformed from reluctant diners to engaged guests wanting to know, 'Who can we see next, Mom?'...
Sean Buvala, "Timpanogos Storytelling Festival 1999," Storyteller.net, 1999