Brotha Asè
Brotha Asè is a new-school Griot dedicated to keeping the power of African oral traditions alive. As a storyteller, drummer, and cultural educator, he weaves rhythm, wisdom, and history into engaging experiences for youth and families. His storytelling blends music, movement, and interactive dialogue, bringing ancestral knowledge to life in a way that inspires and empowers. Whether leading a drum circle or sharing tales of resilience and unity, Brotha Ase creates a space where learning feels like an adventure. Join him on a journey of rhythm and story, where every beat carries a lesson and every tale sparks imagination.
Dan Gruhlke
Dan Gruhlke spent over three decades “listening to the littlest” numerous stories from (& telling some himself) preschoolers through elementary grades. It has been said of him that he “speaks fluent five-year-old,” and he greatly enjoys his interactions. After over a 35-year education career, Dan’s continuing to enrich and engage young audiences through oral storytelling and songs. You’ll often find him donned in his storytelling overalls, guitar nearby, rearin’ to tell or sing, “just one more,…pleeeeaaassssse.” For Dan spoken stories for are like preparing Sunday’s chicken dinner. The preparation takes him hours choosing the right potatoes, measuring the herbs, adding a bit here and there, stuffing it, arranging it in the crock, and cooking it at the right temperature for just the right amount of time. So, come, sit down at his table. Join Dan for some chicken, the revised recipe. Let your palette enjoy. Join him in his labor of love.
Nicholas Pawlowski
Nicholas Pawlowski M. Ed. is the founder of The Story Table Foundation, a non-profit that promotes interactive & intergenerational storytelling. Through improvisation, drawing, dance and conversation, audiences are invited to participate in active listening and explore values like empathy, thankfulness and cooperation. More information is available on his website: www.storytablefoundation.org
J. Emily Peabody
J Emily Peabody is a retired HCL Associate Librarian. Her Family storytimes were enthusiastically greeted by members of the Franklin Library Community, and during the pandemic she and Teddy were widely & joyously recieved. Emily has performed with several community and professional theatres through the years and she has her own one woman show about our first elected US Congresswoman, Jeannette Rankin.
Trần Thị Minh Phước
Trần Thị Minh Phước [ jahn teeh m-eh fooh] is the award-winning author, the respected storyteller and the 2023 Minnesota State Fair Blue Ribbon author. Her new book “Vietnamese Folktales for Children- Stories of Adventure and Wonder in Vietnamese and English” won the Creative Child Magazine, 2024 Book of the Year-Bilingual Story Books for Kids. Her story “The Ocean Where the Dreams Go” was included in the anthology Sky Blue Waters: Great Stories for Young Readers. Additionally, she was the first Vietnamese librarian in Minnesota and now retired. She shares her knowledge of Vietnamese culture at cultural events, storytelling programs, conferences, libraries, universities, and schools throughout the state and beyond. From frogs to water buffaloes to cows, the creatures mentioned here are believed to forecast a coming storm or a hot day. She hopes that you all will enjoy listening to the popular Vietnamese folktale “Thạch Sùng and the Cracked Earthen Pot” that is near and dear to her heart.
Carol McCormick, Host
Carol McCormick sparks imaginations of all ages as a performer, public speaker, trainer, workshop leader, conference keynoter and author. A professional storyteller for over 30 years, she is a former teacher and corporate trainer. Carol has presented many school artist residencies, teacher workshops and assembly programs. Her children’s book A Bridge for Grandma is based on interviews with children who have had Near-Death-Experiences.