August 18th, 2022, Ojai California- In response to substantial funding cuts, Brian Bemel created Performances To Grow On in 1995, to address the lack of arts and performance in public schools. The mission of Performances To Grow on is to present audiences of all ages with educational, imaginative, and engaging performances that encompass a variety of artistic and cultural traditions through renowned national and international artists and touring companies.
Since 1999, The Ojai Storytelling Festival, led by Brian, has brought world-class storytellers to The Ojai Valley. The festival began as a three-day event with four storytellers and has since grown to four days with seven storytellers, several musical acts, and a thriving boutique marketplace. Brian put his heart and soul into this annual event. Brian’s passion for his community is greatly informed by his many years as an educator and lover of arts and performance.
In Kara Lakes, Brian and The Ojai Storytelling Festival have found the ideal person to continue Performances To Grow On in the spirit Brian intended. Kara has been a teacher in the Ojai Valley for over 20 years, bringing creative music and storytelling techniques to her students. Kara looks forward to expanding accessibility to low income, hearing impaired, and special needs communities, with help from local organizers. She is excited to build programming in local public schools by bringing storytellers from varying cultures and backgrounds for residencies throughout the year. Through the Covid 19 pandemic it has become clearer than ever how important community building through storytelling is. To that end, Kara will continue expanding access to the art of storytelling.
Purchase tickets for the 21st annual Storytelling Festival, October 27th-30th, 2022 and find out about other events by visiting www.ojaistoryfest.org
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