Story-telling fills 2 nights

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Hawaii's biggest free storytelling event, the "Talk Story Festival," returns to Ala Moana Park's McCoy Pavilion for three nights, Oct. 15 through 17, bringing together dozens of storytellers offering something for everyone, whether you want laughs or a scare.

Gordon Freitas Tita Jim Weiss

Gates open at 6 p.m. each night for the event hosted by the Department of Parks and Recreation, with story presentations from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Seating is open and limited, so early arrival is advised. Sign Interpreters for the hard-of-hearing will be provided each night.

The themes are:

Oct. 15: "SPOoOoKY Stories

Oct. 16: Sweet and sour love stories

Oct. 17: Tales of Courage

Each night features at least eight of Hawaii's best storytellers, including Ed Chevy (deaf teller), Nyla Fujii-Babb, Gordon Freitas (ballads), Lopaka Kapanui (spooky kind), George Kahumoku Jr. (Maui slack key), Barbara Kawakami (picture brides), Dan Kelin (Marshall Island tales), Darrell Lum (Bamboo Ridge), Makia Malo (Kalaupapa) and Tita (Maui). Jeff Gere hosts nightly.

Visiting guests are Alton Chung (Portland) and Jim Weiss.

In addition, the Tusitala Award for lifetime achievement in Storytelling in Hawaii will be awarded to Kindy Sproat on the 17th. "Tusitala" is the Samoan word for storyteller, a nickname given to Robert Louis Stevenson. Past award recipients are Glen Grant, Robert Cazimero, Karen Keawehawaii, Bob Krauss, Bren and Lucille Breneman, Makia Malo and Marie Solomon.

Those who wish to one day take the stage can also participate in a free storytelling workshop with Jeff Gere, from 1 to 4 p.m. on the 17th in the McCoy Auditorium.

Call Gere at 692-5751.