Storyteller Lois Sprengnether Keel’s lively style enriches her large repertoire of international folklore, historical reenactment and Michigan tales in stories from around the world and back in time. Keel, who performs as Lois, matches programs to audiences’ age and interests. Her entertaining, educational programs are often participatory and may include music, sign language or puppets.

In her wide range of Michigan programs, Lois reenacts such historic figures as a woman who grew up on an Underground Railroad Station and aided Civil War home front efforts or another serving in World War I. She also conducts storytelling workshops for all levels.

Author and illustrator who provides workshops for students.

Mary J. Grant received a standing ovation when doing a story before a large audience at Cobo Hall in Detroit, Michigan in 2007. Her second performance had a line outside before the storytelling started. Eight years of performing has been one of the most interesting and exciting part of her life. Participating in Storytelling Workshop in Flint Michigan at the Michigan Storytelling Festival and traveling to Atlanta, Georgia, Baltimore, Maryland and Chicago, Illinois for the National Black Storytelling Festivals gave her a raised level of understand what storytelling was all about. These Storytelling Festivals offered her a chance to observe experienced tellers, storytelling workshops and opportunities to develop the craft of storytelling.

Mary Grant is a retired educator, storyteller and children’s book author. Mary has published her stories, My Daddy Taught Me To Read and Floyd B’s Ponds In the fall of 2016 her latest book children’s book, Sunday’s Shadows, will be published. Her stories are largely inspired by her life experiences. She especially enjoys her living history reenactment of Sojourner Truth, which is a historical figure who lived in Battle Creek, Michigan.  She has been a workshop presenter for parents, teachers, children and varies professional workers.  While engaging her listeners by involving them in the story with songs, chants and participation activities they gain a valuable knowledge of the life of a true hero.

She has written an essay on “How and Why I Tell Stories” in the National Association of Black Storytellers Newsletter. On February 11, 18, 25, and March 4, 2015 she participated in a four part Professional Development Webinar on Storytelling in the Oral Tradition. In the fall of 2016 her latest book children’s book, Sunday’s Shadows, will be published.

Poet Laureate of Grand Rapids from 2005-2007.

Scott Beal is an award-winning poet, performer, singer/songwriter and workshop leader whose performances have been called engaging and humorous, as well as deep and empowering. His poems tackle serious subjects with humanity and wonder, inviting listeners of all ages to see the world in new ways. His inventive and stimulating workshops are renowned for inspiring novice and veteran writers alike. Having performed and taught in Michigan and around the country for nearly two decades, Scott can craft an educational and entertaining experience for any audience or occasion.