Award-winning Missouri poet and photographer Justin Hamm, with equal parts humor and wonder, performs poems soaked in Missouri creekwater and dried in her prairie winds. He draws on the people and landscapes of his Midwestern home to illustrate the region is not, as the saying goes, “flyover country,” but rather a place of compelling culture, conflict, drama, and beauty. Justin performs with an accessibility and warmth that is perfect for both seasoned poetry fans and those who have yet to make up their mind about the genre. Performances are often accompanied by Justin’s rustic Midwestern photography.

Ozarks Legend Marideth Sisco is a consummate storyteller, songwriter, singer of Oscar-nominated “Winter’s Bone” fame, Her smooth, down home delivery of tales and anecdotes will leave you laughing one minute and crying the next.

Marideth has performed for libraries, churches, associations, service organizations, music venues, festivals and national and state park events across the U.S. She is the 2018 recipient of the Quill Award from the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame.

A new program is her “Front Porch Stories & Songs. Joined by gospel singer Mary Alexander, Marideth tells the story of the American front porch and the songs, from the memorable to the obscure, that portray a fascinating and iconic slice of American life.

Rhythms and Folklore of Africa: Storytelling and drums performance that celebrates the African culture.  Ideal for schools, festivals, theaters, and community events. Adaptable to indoor and outdoor venues. Audience participation involves hand-picked audience members to dance and play African instruments. Immerse yourself in the rhythms of Africa. All ages.

Dr. Gladys Coggswell brings to the stage African American experiences in Missouri, plus traditional folk tales, one woman dramas, vocal music history, interactive storytelling and workshops. She is the recipient of numerous awards. This author of “Stories from the Heart-Missouri’s African American Heritage,” published by the University of Missouri Press is also available for writing workshops. Gladys received an Honorary Doctorate’s Degree from the University of Missouri St. Louis. She also does motivational speaking for all ages.

Dianne Moran an award-winning Storyteller, Living History Performer and Chautauqua Scholar. Heritage Festivals feature her poignant portrayals including: Zerelda James (Frank and Jesse’s Mama), Miep Gies (Anne Frank Family protector), and condemned conspirator in the Lincoln assassination, Mary Surratt. Other recognizable personages include, Calamity Jane, Mother Jones, Lizzie Borden, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Titanic and 1904 World’s Fair characters. Schools augment their curriculums with her programs of Colonial America, Revolutionary War, Lewis & Clark, Civil War, Wagon Train, Ellis Island and The Holocaust. Programs feature a performance in historic dress, a Q and A with the audience and end with the viewing of a relic display.