On the Sara Slayton Stage
!
Bil Lepp
Bil is an award-winning storyteller, author, and recording artist; check out his web site to see the whole list of awards! He’s the host of the History Channel’s Man Vs History series, the occasional host of NPR’s internationally syndicated Mountain Stage, and a contributing columnist to the West Virginia Gazette-Mail. Bil’s humorous, family friendly tall-tales and stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages and from all walks of life.
Though a five time champion of the WV Liars’s Contest, Lepp’s stories often contain morsels of truth
which present universal themes in clever and witty ways. Audiences all across the country, from grade schools to corporate execs to the Comedy Central’s Hudson stage, have been delighted by Bil’s mirthful tales and delightful insights into everyday life.
This is the second time Bil has shared his stories and humor on our stage and we are thrilled to welcome him back to La Crosse. Bil will be sharing stories on Friday and Saturday evenings and conducting a workshop on Saturday afternoon.
https://www.leppstorytelling.com/
Charlotte Blake Alston
For over 30 years, Charlotte Blake Alston has graced stages in venues throughout North America and abroad. Venues are wide and include the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Smithsonian Institution, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Symphony Orchestra Narrations and at regional, national and international Storytelling Festivals. She is a frequent guest artist in universities, grade schools, museums and cultural arts institutions around the country.
Charlotte breathes life into traditional and contemporary stories from African and African American oral and cultural traditions. We are so pleased to welcome Charlotte to both the Arla and John Clemon’s stage and the Sara Slayton Stage.
https://www.charlotteblakealston.com
Jim May
Jim May is an Emmy award-winning storyteller, teacher, and author of the critically acclaimed “Farm On Nippersink Creek” and a children’s picture book, “The Boo Baby Meets The Ghost of Mable’s Gable”. A professional storyteller for over twenty-five years, Jim has told stories to all ages across the United States, and in Canada and Europe. His keynote and training venues have included the American Library Association, Illinois Reading Council, Texas Library Association, National Park Service, Austin Library System (Texas), Illinois Teenage Institute, and numerous school districts. Jim will be sharing stories on Friday and Saturday evenings and conducting a workshop on Saturday afternoon. This is Jim’s first time performing at the La Crosse Storytelling Festival. 
Michael Scott
A local favorite, Michael Scott will be the emcee for our Saturday evening performance and entertain us with a story or two. Michael is known for his humorous personal tales, his Mark Twain performances, and his La Crosse Ghost walks. Michael was the founder and host of the Old School Variety Shows which highlighted La Crosse area talent, especially storytelling.
Eddie Allen
Eddie first appeared on our Sara Slayton Stage two years ago. And he was a huge success. Eddie, a Trempealeau native, is a musician who sings stories. Our audiences loved him and we knew right away that he fit perfectly with the festival. Eddie will entertain us at the Friday and Saturday night performances. 
Arla and John Clemon’s Children’s Stage
We are so pleased musician Hans Mayer will be on the Arla and John Clemon’s stage in ’25! He will be joined by Charolotte Blake Alston for our free Saturday afternoon performances!
Charolotte Blake Alston
Whether or not she accompanies a story with a thumb piano, djembe or 21-string kora, Charlotte Blake Alston’s most powerful instrument is her melodic and mesmerizing voice All programs draw on the rich source of stories, songs, games and rhythmic elements that are hallmarks of the African and African American oral traditions. 
Hans Mayer
Hans Mayer is BACK! Hans Mayer is a singer/songwriter who has performed with numerous musical acts for both adult and family audiences. Hans brings fun, movement, and joy to our stage with his highly energetic songs. Bugs, worms, underwear, environmental awareness, and imagination – Hans uses these timeless childhood elements as the ingredients for his children’s songs. His award-winning albums for families are hits with kids, parents, teachers and grandparents. Hans will get your feet stomping and your tummy laughing with his songs and music on the Children’s stage on Saturday. http://hansmayer.com