Listen and Learn

Even though all of our glowing screens are constantly connected by a series of tubes, humans aren't exactly excelling in the interpersonal-communications department of late. Oh, we can type witticisms to one another all the livelong day, but ask us to interact face to face, and you've got a rude mess on your hands, if the shoppers at grocery stores everywhere are any indication (carts are not weapons, people — what happened to aisle etiquette?). While the St. Louis Storytelling Festival (314-516-5961 or visit www.stlstorytellingfestival.org) doesn't offer any courses in manners, it does provide many positive examples of humans communicating with humans, telling stories, passing along traditions and offering entertainment. To get a feel for how it's done, head to any number of locations in St. Louis city and county, St. Charles County and Illinois over the course of the four-day fest (Wednesday through Saturday, April 28 through May 1). There are events for adults — such as "Finding Your Corner of the Porch" hosted by Loretta Washington at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 28, at the Missouri History Museum (Lindell Boulevard and DeBaliviere Avenue) — and stuff for kids, too, and the fest closes with a big to-do at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 1, at the Touhill Performing Arts Center, during which all of the featured performers will do their thing. Admission is free to all Storytelling Festival events.
April 28-May 1, 2010