Kirk Waller brings his story telling talents to Menlo Park on June 4

On June 4, the Menlo Park Library will present an appearance by storyteller Kirk Waller, performing a program for adults which he calls Love, Loss, and Lasting Memories, telling tales both real and imagined, aimed at making the audience laugh, cry, and reflect on their own tender stories.

The free event will take place at 1:00 pm at the Menlo Park City Council Chambers, located at 701 Laurel Street. Refreshments will be provided.

Waller has been a professional storyteller for over 20 years, bringing together his lifelong love of story, literature, and the visual arts, to create performances that incorporate spoken word, rhythm, music, and movement.

He’s garnered national recognition for his talents, including being awarded an Emerging Artist Grant by the National Storytelling Network, and receiving a Parent’s Choice Foundation Gold Award for his CD, But Why? Stories, Music and Songs.

Asked about what he loves about the art of storytelling, Waller said, “Storytelling is one of the few art forms that are still very personal and interactive. It’s like sitting and talking around the kitchen table. Storytellers rely on the audience to help them tell the story and the audience often helps with the story. Even with all the state-of-the-arts technology, it is storytelling that is very present and dynamic.”

Photo courtesy of Stagebridge Senior Theater Company in Oakland where Waller serves as Director of Storytelling Programs