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Health & Fitness

Patch Blog: Storyteller at Lib Thursday

In Honor of Black History Month.

Michael D. McCarty, a wonderfully animated storyteller, will be presented on Thursday, February 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the South Pasadena Public Library. Michael will tell energetic stories about famous and not-so-famous figures that reveal the struggles, joys, triumphs, and beauty of African American history and culture.

When Michael D. McCarty was a small child growing up in Chicago, his mother read and told him stories that permanently imprinted the power of reading and storytelling on him. She constantly reminded Michael that if he could read he could go anywhere and do anything.

In 1992 Michael was introduced to Joel Ben Izzy, a highly talented Los Angeles storyteller. Michael was amazed to learn that a person could make a living by telling stories and he vowed to join the ranks of professional storytellers and to use the motto “Have Mouth, Will Run It.”

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Within a couple of weeks Michael had business cards printed and began gathering folktales from around the world from within the walls of his local public library.  One of the Librarians soon asked him if he was writing a paper. When Michael replied that he was a professional storyteller, he was invited to give a workshop to a group of kids who wanted to learn the craft of storytelling.

The workshop was a big success and Michael has been running his mouth around the world ever since. He’s traveled to India, China, Jamaica, Russia, Egypt, England, Malaysia, Korea, and many other lands to enthusiastically share his tales. He’s also appeared at many prestigious venues in Southern California including the Armand Hammer Museum, The House of Blues, The John Anson Ford Theatre, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. 

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The entertaining and educational program is free and for all ages. No tickets or reservations are necessary. The Library Community Room is located at 1115 El Centro Street. Doors in the will open at 6:30 p.m. and refreshments will be served. This program is sponsored by the library in conjuction with Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library.

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