The Guelph Storyteller’s Guild is back for their 11th year for Tea ‘n’ Tales in the Garden. Every Friday, come down to the Garden at 10:30 AM to hear some fantastic tales. This summer, we’re pleased to announce five new storytellers making their Garden debut.
All performances are free, but donations are kindly welcomed. All donations are split between the Garden and the Storyteller’s Guild.
The Schedule
June 29: The wonderful voice of Tannis Slimmon will open this year’s Tea ‘n’ Tales festival. Tannis is a critically acclaimed Canadian musician who has been singing, songwriting, recording, and touring locally, nationally and internationally for over 30 years. Also telling will be local raconteur, Brian Holstein, with his tales and poetry from around the globe.
July 6: Acclaimed local troubadour James Gordon will be returning with his songs of local folks and history, as well as his sometimes stranger-than-fiction tales about being on the road, travelling the continent to entertain. He will be joined by Michael Doherty with his tales of Ireland, old Montreal and little-known history of this country.
July 13: A debut performance by Toronto’s Lynn Torrie, along with local teller, puppeteer, playwright and elocutionist Jay Wilson (Pandora’s Sox) who will return with his tales and his poetry.
July 20: Back by popular demand is local Elora storyteller and social activist Donna McCaw. Donna always charms her audience with her tales, often stemming from her prairie upbringing. Joining her will be one of the Guild’s almost-original members, Ann Estill, who will again tell her thoughtful tales.
July 27: Returning yet again by popular demand will be Mr. Guelph Guitar, Doug Larson, with his stories ranging from his discovery of Ontario’s old cedar tree, to the construction of the Guelph Guitar, to tales of his grandson. Joining him will be Guelph teller, Jenny Higgins, making a return with her energetic tales.
Aug. 3: Jan Sherman will be returning yet again, to the delight of all. Jan is an Anishinaabe Métis woman, mother, storyteller, drummer, and singer. She’ll share stories of her life, and from Indigenous traditions. She will be joined by guild tellers.
Aug. 10: Kait Taylor, along with Sarah Abusarar, of Toronto. Sarah comes from a long line of storytellers on her paternal side. Because Sarah grew up in several countries, she tells stories from all over the world with the focus on Palestinian and Croatian stories, where her roots lie.
Aug. 17: Judy and Paul Caulfield will be joined by local Maryann Bailey and her warm tales.
Aug. 24: Brenda Lewis & Gayle Ackroyd will be returning for their third summer! This wonderful duo will enchant guests with their musical talents. Also appearing will be Mary Baldarsaro.
Aug. 31: Our final performance for the season will feature Adwoa Badoe, author, storyteller, and African dance instructor. This Guelph resident has entertained audiences young and old with her appearances at Toronto and Montreal Storytelling Festivals, Hillside and Eden Mills. Joining her will be another Guelph icon, Sya VanGeest who has told stories to all with an unparalleled passion that draws in her audience.
Each hour-long performance begins promptly at 10:30 a.m. It is strongly suggested that audience members bring their own lawn chair, and there will be a free coffee, iced tea or lemonade for the first 30 people who bring their own mug. We will not be supplying any single-use cups (paper or foam) and we encourage people to bring their own mugs.
