Ok, maybe this isn't exactly musical, but it was billed as a concert! last night I took the opportunity to hear (and see!) Donald Davis perform. He is probably the premier professional storyteller in the USA, at least according to people who follow such things. Having recently heard him interviewed on The Mormon Channel and becoming intrigued, I knew I had to check him out upon seeing notice of his upcoming performance while I was visiting the local library. He lived up to the hype. I found myself totally mesmerized as he spun his tales. It was very much like becoming thoroughly engrossed in a well written story. The mind takes over and I could picture myself following his uncle Frank's fox hound on a cross country adventure or becoming a fellow member of Miss Daisy's 4th grade class on tour around the world. It was fantastic. Loved every minute. This guy is an amazing talent. I haven't gone much in for story telling even though Orem has become one of the country's top story telling venues and has been for 22 years. Story tellers I've seen perform before seemed to be overblown and too dramatic for my tastes. Not so with Donald Davis. He knows how to get out of the way of the story. I couldn't have been more impressed. I will definitely be looking for him in the future. The event was a benefit for a new addition to the library to be called the Center for Story. It's a controversial project that has the community divided for and against. Let me just say that I personally like the idea and support it. After the story telling one of Donald's signature bow ties was auctioned off. The bidding started at $50 and rapidly went up from there until there were only 2 gentlemen left in the running - neighbors. When it got to $750 Donald ran back on stage to contribute the tie he was wearing last night. Both men ended up winners and the Center for Story project became $1500 richer! It blew my mind to see a tie go for that kind of money. A fitting cap to a wonderful evening!
