Elizabeth Kahura
Elizabeth Kahura is a native of Kenya, Africa. Living in the United States since 1995, she shares the African 'beat' with audiences through the African Safari program. As a storyteller, musician, and teacher, Elizabeth educates while at the same time entertaining audiences through storytelling, puppetry, music, language arts, and hands-on art projects. Schools, libraries, museums, and festivals enjoy her inspirational countenance, her displays of African artifacts, and her ability to build a bridge of understanding. She demonstrates the similarities and differences between US and African cultures through several popular programs. A Day in Africa highlights geography and culture. A Jungle Walk highlights the flora and fauna of Africa. Folktales from Africa highlights interactive tales, poems, and chants. African Art highlights carvings, clothing, and instruments. Sound of Africa highlights the art of drumming and dance. Holidays around the World highlights Kwanzaa as it relates to other world celebrations. Programs align with school curricula such as social studies, language, and fine arts. Children will learn Swahili words through stories, songs, and rhymes in each program. Also available are diversity workshops for adults. Elizabeth received a Kenyans in Austin (KIA) 2017 'Mashujaa' (heroes) award in recognition of her contribution to cultural preservation and awareness. Photo by Andrew John.
contact
Elizabeth Kahura
5011 Daymon Court
Hutto, TX 78634
phone 512-826-0756
phone#2
e-mail ekahura@hotmail.com
public performance/concert $500 - $3,500
school performance $500 - $3,500
workshop fees $500 - $3,500
travel/per diem/lodging $0 - $1,500
website https://www.safariprogram.com
Kathak Rhythms
Kathak Rhythms, under the direction of Guru Akhila Rao, is a Kathak dance school and performing company based in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex that uses the classical Indian dance form as a method for artistic and cultural engagement and discovery. Traditionally attributed to the traveling bards of ancient northern India known as Kathakars or storytellers, Kathak gained refinement and complexity in technique and aesthetics over two millennia. Kathak Rhythms' presentations range from traditional to modern themes while maintaining the purity of the dance form. The company offers solo concerts, mini-performances, and full-length dance-theater productions set to live music accompaniment or recorded music tailored to fit a wide range of audiences, budgets, and time limits. Lecture-demonstration-workshops introduce participants to basic body movements, traditional gestures for storytelling, and musical mathematics. Repertoire productions include Meet Me on the Meadow (90-minute musical amalgamation of dance-music-art-multimedia, commissioned by Renu Foundation), Destination India (highlighting regional influences on Kathak), Ashtanayika (8 stories of heroines), Kathak through the Ages, and NrityaArpan (showcasing the three core tenets of all Indian classical dances, Nritta (pure dance), Nritya (expression) and Natya (drama). With unique presentations, educative themes, and social messaging, the dance company is sure to capture the hearts of Texas audiences. Photo by Ram Kalpat.
contact
Sunaina Rao
4020 Hedgcoxe Rd Ste #150
Plano, TX 75024
phone 817-300-2741
phone#2 469-443-8225
e-mail kathakrhythms@gmail.com
public performance/concert $500 - $12,000
school performance $250 - $5,000
workshop fees $1,500 - $3,000
travel/per diem/lodging $100 - $1,000
website https://www.kathakrhythms.com/
State Artist Diana Kersey
When Diana Kersey was growing up in Lubbock, her parents let her dig a mud pit in their backyard. Thirteen inches down, she hit clay, and she’s been working with it ever since. Kersey is a visual artist working exclusively in clay, from small studio pieces to large architectural installations. Her work has become instantly identifiable, due to the muscular, spontaneous qualities of the material enhanced with her colorful, translucent glazes. Her public works have been commissioned by the City of San Antonio, VIA Metropolitan Transit, the San Antonio River Authority, and the City of Harlingen. In 2021 she completed her largest private commission to date, The Riparian Edge, for a San Antonio office tower. Kersey earned an MFA in ceramics from Washington State University in 1997, and a BFA in drawing from Texas Tech University in 1994. She is on faculty at Northwest Vista College and owns and operates Kersey Ceramics LLC in San Antonio. Workshops are available for beginner through advanced ceramic artists or structured as a community project for a specific location: pottery, sculpture, or architectural ceramics. Photo by Clara Lewis-Valero.
contact
Diana Kersey
San Antonio, TX
phone 210-573-7418
phone#2
e-mail info@dianakersey.com
public performance/concert $300
workshop fees $700/day
travel/per diem/lodging $300
website https://www.dianakersey.com/
Kids Who Care Musical Theatre
Since 1989, Kids Who Care's resident company has performed its original musicals around the globe, reaching over 40,000 annually. Young actors (1st through 12th grades) deliver polished high-energy performances that create a feeling of empowerment at schools, theaters, afterschool programs, corporate events, galas, and community festivals. Kids Who Care musicals, with literary contributions from our kids and a collection of Texas playwrights, poets, and songwriters, bring a message of positive change about issues that matter. From global warming, refugee freedom and over-testing in schools to musicals about our Texas heritage, this company brings visibility to things that matter with a voice that can't be ignored. The resident company tours original works from October to May under the direction of Executive Director and Founder, Deborah Jung. Photo by Zuilma Gonzalez.
contact
Pam Adair
1300 Gendy Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107
phone 817-737-5437
phone#2 682-465-2869
e-mail pam@kidswhocare.org
public performance/concert $500 - $3,000
school performance $500 - $3,000
workshop fees $500 - $1,500
travel/per diem/lodging $1,000 - $10,000
website https://www.kidswhocare.org
Kamica King
Kamica King is a soul singer-songwriter known for her smooth vocals and acoustic stylings. With her eclectic blend of feel-good music, the classically trained vocalist has a knack for connecting to the heart of her audience, blending genres and weaving story and song together to inspire and uplift. She offers live solo performances and leads interactive workshops that can be adapted for a variety of audiences, ages, and ability levels. A musical storyteller, Kamica was one of only four artists featured by NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert creator Bob Boilen on Inside the Mind of Bob Boilen (2019) for her song 'Live, Love, Dream.' She has performed at the US Open, Carnegie Hall, in South Africa, and delivered a live music-infused TEDx talk entitled 'The Power of Song' at TEDxSMUWomen. Kamica’s workshops include songwriting, performance technique, stress management through music, and community programs designed to engage participants in creative expression and community building through group music-making experiences (drum circles, singing, songwriting). She is a City of Dallas Community Artist, board-certified music therapist, and founder/CEO of the music-based socio-emotional wellness company King Creative Arts Expressions. Additional performance styles include smooth jazz, neo-soul & hip-hop. Photo by Amy Hendricks Photography.
contact
Kamica King
5606 SMU BLVD, Ste 601-254
Dallas, TX 75360
phone 214-267-9064
phone#2
e-mail Booking@kamicaking.com
public performance/concert $500 - $2,000
school performance $500 - $2,000
workshop fees $500 - $3,000
travel/per diem/lodging $100 - $1,000
website http://www.KamicaKing.com
Oba William King
A new resident to Dallas-Fort Worth, Oba William King is an interactive storyteller, author, drummer, and award-winning performer. He is a nationally touring educational entertainer and workshop presenter. Oba's 'Storytelling Time' school and library programs are engaging activities for all ages and cultures in venues large or small. He presents 'Spinning A Yarn' for seasoned adults and his 'Family Literacy Night' activities have thrilled audiences all across these great United States. His most significant storytelling experience was achieved during his sojourn to Benin, west Africa as part of a team of missionaries assigned to develop water wells in three small villages around the city of Cotonou. Oba's rhythmic drumming and traditional American folk tales were orally translated into the regional languages during his presentations. A favorite presenter at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library, the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, TN, the National Association of Black Storytellers Annual Festival and Conference, and the Chicago History Museum's King Day Celebration, he also presented Family Night at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Oba William King is a Traditional Folk Arts Fellowship recipient from the Illinois Arts Council sharing the art of storytelling, poetry, and spoken word for all ages and all cultures. Additional programs can be created to fit your needs. Photo by Chicago Association of Black Storytellers.
contact
Oba William King
7313 Colonial Dr
Forest Hill, TX 76140
phone 817-405-9492
phone#2 773-288-0800
e-mail oba.owk@gmail.com
public performance/concert $465 - $2,000
school performance $300 - $950
workshop fees $275 - $1,150
travel/per diem/lodging $225 - $1,175
website https://www.obawilliamking.com
State Artist Shelley King
Shelley King is Royalty in Texas. 2008 Texas State Musician, Shelley King has been an ambassador of the Austin, Texas sound for over twenty years. Noted vocalist and songwriter, studio musician, touring side musician and producer King is also a successful solo artist and leads her own band of A-list musicians. King’s blend of blues, folk, country, soul and rock led her to be the first woman appointed by the Texas Legislature to represent the state as it’s Official Musician. She has won Austin Music Awards for Song of the Year and Best Roots Rock Band. Shelley has released nine albums of original music to rave press reviews and radio chart success. King tours Texas and the US performing almost nightly at intimate concerts, clubs and major venues and festivals. Her songs have been recorded by numerous national and international artists. She is available to perform as a solo, duo, trio or band, acoustic or electric. She has also conducted songwriting and team building workshops at schools, festivals and major corporations.
contact
Perry Drake
PO Box 33097
Austin, TX 78764
phone 512-386-6355
phone#2 512-786-4568
e-mail lemonade_records@yahoo.com
public performance/concert $400 - $7,000
school performance $200 - $2,000
workshop fees $400 - $5,000
website http://www.shelleyking.com
Sue Kuentz
Thank goodness storytelling found Sue Kuentz early in her career because she has a lot to say! Sue excites and connects to family and adult audiences by taking them on journeys through her multicultural folktales, fairy tales, urban legends, and personal stories from around the world. Using words, music, puppetry, and even string figures, she engages active participation among listeners, mesmerizing even the most reluctant of kids. Sue's storytelling passion and energy originated from her 32 years as an elementary teacher and librarian in San Antonio. She has performed at multiple schools, libraries, festivals, and conferences throughout Texas such as the Grand Kids Fest in Galveston, the George West Storyfest, the Texas Library Association, ESC 20 Library Resource Roundup, and the Texas Storytelling Festival. Performances include but are not limited to: Multicultural Tales from Around the World, Stories for the 8 Habits of Happy Kids, Storytelling and Writing for 3rd-7th graders, Stringing You Along: String Figures in Stories, Tales to Chill Your Bones, and Urban Legends for Tweens. Sue devours the brain research on storytelling and shares her knowledge in workshops such as Telling Your School’s Story and We’re Hot-wired to Tell Stories in school districts throughout Texas. Photo by Chuck Kuentz.
contact
Sue Kuentz
151 Saur Road
Bulverde, TX 78163
phone 210-326-7877
phone#2
e-mail sue.kuentz@gmail.com
public performance/concert $250 - $2,000
school performance $200 - $2,000
workshop fees $500 - $2,000
travel/per diem/lodging $100 - $2,000
website http://www.door2lore.com
Kim Lehman
Kim Lehman is a storyteller, musician, workshop presenter, honey bee educator, and author. For over 30 years, she has performed at hundreds of festivals, schools, libraries, and museums, including being a featured teller at the Texas Storytelling Festival. Each entertaining and educational program includes a variety of stories and songs that can be tailored to each audience and venue. Kim is a well-known educator best known for her dynamic, practical workshops featuring easy-to-implement activities for librarians, teachers, and parents. She has presented over 160 workshops throughout Texas. Some popular topics include using music, storytelling, puppets, art, science, and literature with children. The Story and Song programs combine songs, stories, props, poetry, puppets, and participation for preschool, elementary ages, and families. Possible themes include folktales around the world, pioneers, fairy tales, space, and more. All Together Now is an inter-generational program, bringing together children and senior citizens. Science programs range from Aerodynamics to The Buzz About Bees, a program about honey bees with participation, music, props, and optional hands-on activities. Known as the Bee Lady, Kim is the author of Beekeeper’s Lab: 52 Family-Friendly Activities and Experiments Exploring the Life of the Hive. Photo by Mark Wieland.
contact
Kim Lehman
PO Box 117
Smithville, TX 78957
phone 512-627-0113
phone#2
e-mail kimlehman123@gmail.com
public performance/concert $300 - $1,000
school performance $250 - $1,500
workshop fees $250 - $2,000
travel/per diem/lodging $0 - $1,000
website https://www.kimlehman.com
Kelly Willis
With rockabilly roots and a heartache-meets-honky-tonk voice, Kelly Willis has been labeled a country ingenue. As a new traditionalist singer-songwriter, her tunes effortlessly combine the storytelling and strings aspects of country music and the driving force of rock. Kelly Willis is the alluring voice and songwriting talent who pioneered both Americana and the Texas young country scene with her debut album in 1990, and has since, over the course of five more gems, proven how she can do it all from contemporary to traditional and beyond with finesse, smarts, and irresistible charm. Photo by George Brainard.
contact
Davis McClarty
4425 S. Mopac Expy, Building 2, Suite 300
Austin, TX 78735
phone 818-617-2228 Ext. 801
phone#2 512-848-0813
e-mail davis@atomicmusicgroup.com
public performance/concert $5,000 - $7,500
school performance $4,000 - $6,500
travel/per diem/lodging $300 - $500
website https://www.kellywillis.com/