17th Annual Taos Storytelling Festival

This weekend, Taos’ literary society SOMOS brings us the 17th annual Taos Storytelling Festival. If you’ve never attended before, check out Jennifer Amman’s retrospective of the 2015 festival for a taste of what you’re in for this weekend. And read on for full festival details, below!


From the Somos Website:

Join SOMOS for this two day epic annual event. The festival’s theme this year is Humor. Featured storytellers will include New York-based storyteller and humanitarian Laura Simms, Taos’ treasured storyteller Cisco Guevara, myth maker, movement artist, and storyteller Elaine Muray, along with ten of Taos’ finest tellers competing in a StorySLAM. Learn more at www.TaosStorytellingFestival.com  Partial proceeds will go to fund the SOMOS Young Writers Program.

Here’s the weekend’s SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2016

FRIDAY: 3:30-5:30 PM

SOMOS StorySWAP hosted by James Navé. Have a story to tell? The SOMOS STORY SWAP is the perfect place to test drive your story. Sign up is at 3:30 PM. STORY SWAP begins at 3:45 PM. The time limit is 6 minutes per storyteller. All styles are welcome. SOMOS SALON: 108-B Civic Plaza Drive, Taos / ADMISSION FREE

FRIDAY: 7:00-9:30 PM

SOMOS INVITATIONAL StorySLAM hosted by James Navé. This invitational StorySLAM which will feature ten outstanding storytellers vying for a chance to compete on the TCA main stage for the StorySLAM Grand Champion on Saturday night. The theme is HUMOR. Who will win? Come, find out. SOMOS SALON: 108-B Civic Plaza Drive, Taos / ADMISSION Somos members: 8 / non-members 10 / Students 18 and under FREE.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016

SATURDAY: 10:00-12:00 PM

YOUTH STORYTELLING WORKSHOP: Movement, Myth, and Stories, with master storyteller ELAINE MURAY. In this workshop, free for youth, Elaine will blend her distinctive highly physical storytelling style which with the use of cloth, masks, movement, and storytelling magic. Elaine will show the students how, they too, can make magic out of the stories of their lives. SOMOS SALON: 108-B Civic Plaza Drive, Taos / ADMISSION FREE

SATURDAY: 12:45-3:15 PM

ADULT STORYTELLING WORKSHOP: 

MYTH AND MEMOIR:  Bring your story to the stage. A guaranteed process of creating a personal story that is inspired, well structured and as enduring as myth.  We will create a template for a great story and learn secrets of engaged storyteller that enhance unique performance skills. SOMOS SALON: 108-B Civic Plaza Drive, Taos / ADMISSION $25 SOMOS MEMBERS / $35 NON-MEMBERS. Reserve now. Call SOMOS at (575) 758-0081.

SATURDAY: 3:30-5:00 PM

SOMOS StorySWAP hosted by James Navé. Have a story to tell? The SOMOS STORY SWAP is the perfect place to test drive your story. Sign up is at 3:30 PM. STORY SWAP begins at 3:45 PM. The time limit is 6 minutes per storyteller. All styles are welcome. SOMOS SALON: 108-B Civic Plaza Drive, Taos / ADMISSION FREE

SATURDAY: 7:00-10:00 PM

TAOS STORYTELLING BIG STAGE SHOW featuring our local favorite Cisco Guevara, three lively StorySLAM tellers competing to determine the Taos StorySLAM Grand Champion 2016, and our featured storyteller Laura Simms which the New York Times describes as “Irresistible! A major force in the revival of storytelling in America.” Join your host and Festival Director James Navé for this evening of storytelling you won’t soon forget. TCA 133 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571 / ADMISSION $20 / VIP after party $35

What’s included in the VIP after party?  One complimentary alcoholic beverage, eats, and an opportunity to socialize with friends and the featured storytellers.

Stories abound all weekend Long — Get out there, Taos, and Tell some stories of your own!