P. O. Box 67722 Baltimore Maryland 21215 (410) 947-1117

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK STORYTELLERS, INC. P. O. BOX 67722 · BALTIMORE MARYLAND 21215 · (410) 947-1117 www.NABSinc.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 26, 2008 Contact: Linda Jenkins Brown Executive Director 410-489-6747(ofc) 443-742-4281 (cell) [email protected] Martha Ruff President, Griots’ Circle of MD [email protected] 410 788-3555

GRIOTS’ CIRCLE OF MARYLAND Presents STORYTELLING FOR EVERYONE

Family Storytelling “Stories from Africa and the African Diaspora” Woodlawn Branch Baltimore County Public Library 1811 Woodlawn Drive Baltimore County, Maryland 21207 Saturday, September 20, 2008 2:00 PM Free

Annual Adult Storytelling “The Greatest Love of All” New All Saint Parish Hall 4400 Liberty Height Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21207 Sunday, October 12, 2008 4:00 PM $15

Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance. Contact: Martha Ruff, Griots’ Circle of MD President [email protected] 410 788-3555

STORYTELLING FOR EVERYONE

The Griots' Circle of Maryland, a storytelling association, has storytelling for everyone.

On Saturday September 20, 2008, at 2:00 pm at the Woodlawn Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library, bring the whole family to hear stories from the African and African American Diaspora. For directions, call the library at 410 887-1336.

Then, come enjoy storytelling especially for adults. On Sunday October 12, 2008, the Griots’ Circle of Maryland presents “The Greatest Love Of All”, an annual storytelling event for adults. In colorful African attire and with drumming and singing, the storytellers captivate the audience with tales that touch their heartstrings. Featured storytellers are Janice the Griot, Bob Smith, Kinderman and others.

In Africa, the griots (pronounced gree¢ oh) are storytellers and musicians who mainly perform for the adults in the community. Since 1997 adult audiences have gathered for the annual performance of love stories by members of the Griots’ Circle of Maryland. These memorable storytellers perform timeless legends, humorous folklore, and dynamic stories about the diversity of love that we experience in our lifetime. Founded in Baltimore in 1989, the Griots’ Circle of Maryland, an affiliate of the National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc., is an association of storytellers and storytelling supporters who promote the oral tradition of the African Diaspora through educational and cultural activities. The National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc., is a membership organization for anyone interested in promoting and perpetuating Black storytelling - an art form that embodies the history, heritage, and culture of African Americans and passes on the folklore, legends, myths, fables and mores of Africans, their descendants and ancestors - "In the Tradition..." For further information visit www.NABSinc.org or call 410- 947-1117. --- End ---