National Association of Black Storytellers, Wren’s Nest Style
The National Association of Black Storytellers were here in Atlanta this past week, and the Wren’s Nest was hopping on Saturday. The West End neighborhood was the hub for the youth storytelling festivities, and the Wren’s Nest, along with the Shrine of the Black Madonna, were two of the hosts.
We didn’t really know what we were getting into.
(To take advantage of the ambiance on Saturday, listen to the music on the video as you scroll through the rest of this post.)
I got here around ten this morning expecting perhaps a little bit of a crowd, but nothing out of the ordinary. That was, of course, before the Pan People Steelband showed up. Surprise!
We had storytelling at 11 am, then we moved everything outside for a medley of kids storytelling, adult storytelling, arts, crafts, and–of course–the steel band.
Below are some choice pictures from the day.
It felt like I was back home in Trinidad!
The Official Wren’s Nest Stance On Electric Thumb Pianos: Yes!
I swear Matt is taller than this. Also, the Pan People Steelband played traditional favorites like Justin Timberlake’s “My Love” and Akon’s “Don’t Matter.”
As promised, we had plenty of youth storytelling. I think this one was about Br’er Rabbit marrying a princess.
Audience participation is important, especially if you’re under three feet tall.
Then it was time for the big kids–Donald, one of our Ramblers, told The Wonderful Tar Baby Story.
Even the steelband got into it.
Amelia had the kids do our bidding create traditional Victorian crafts that, coincidentally, can be used to decorate Victorian Christmas parties.
I think most folks had a good time. Especially that little guy in the sunglasses.
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Amber Suitt
Program Director
Lain Shakespeare
Executive Director
4 Comments to National Association of Black Storytellers, Wren’s Nest Style
[...] The Wren’s Nest outdid themselves on the talent category with this post! They had “The National Association of Black Storytellers, Wren’s Nest Style” to talk about. This post is filled with great images of multi-talented people. They had storytelling, art and music. Check out the drums and the thumb piano! They even have a video so you can watch the steel band and hear the ambience of the music. [...]
[...] The Wren’s Nest outdid themselves on the talent category with this post! They had “The National Association of Black Storytellers, Wren’s Nest Style” to talk about. This post is filled with great images of multi-talented people. They had storytelling, art and music. Check out the drums and the thumb piano!  They even have a video so you can watch the steel band and hear the ambience of the music. [...]
The pans were really cooking that morning in Atlanta. Music is food for the heart and desert for the feet. The National Association of Black Storytellers will be visiting Atlanta again this November 9th though 11th and I understand the Wren’s Nest is a stop on the program. For more info visit the NABS website. The last time the association was in the ATL it a very moving experience. As a member, I invite you to come and let the story move you..
Eric Strong storyteller
That’s great news, Eric. I’ve put it on our calendar!