The latest grant from the Riedel Foundation supports the art of storytelling by funding a free, one-night storytelling concert. The $2,000 award to Missouri Storytelling will sponsor a performance honoring local legendary storyteller Gladys Cogswell, who has shared stories of the African American experience with audiences around the world.
“Down by the Riverside with Gladys Cogswell and Friends” will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 11, at the Hannibal Music Academy, 901 Broadway. The storytelling concert will feature six professional storytellers and a local musician.
Organizers initially asked the Riedel Foundation to cover the performers’ stipends and planned to charge admission. However, Riedel trustees opted to provide a larger grant so the event could be free to the public.
“Besides those who already love storytelling, we want to attract adults and children who may never have experienced live storytelling before,” said organizer Gale Rublee. “This gathering will not only honor Gladys Cogswell, but it will also expose a broad audience to the transformative power of storytelling — a shared experience that inspires empathy, sparks imagination, and strengthens community bonds.”
The concert is part of a weekend of events hosted by Missouri Storytelling Inc. The “Down by the Riverside” series also features a children’s concert, a storytelling workshop and the MO-TELL Liars Contest.
More information and a schedule of events are available at mo-tell.org.