The Rock Island Trail Storytelling Festival, celebrating its tenth anniversary, will bring storytellers Dr. Mike Locket, Marilyn Price and Chris Vallillo to six area libraries this April. All ages are invited to enjoy one performance or all six. All are free and open to the public and refreshments will be served at each location.

The Festival opens on Saturday, April 14 at Alpha Park Public Library in Bartonville at 10:00 a.m. with Dr. Mike Lockett who will also perform at 1:00 p.m. that day at the Peoria Heights Public Library. The festival continues on Friday, April 20 at Pekin Public Library with a performance by Marilyn Price at 6:30 p.m. Price also performs on Saturday, April 21 at the Peoria Public Library Lakeview Branch at 11:00 a.m. On Friday, April 27 Chris Vallillo will perform at Toulon Public Library at 6:30 p.m. and again on Saturday, April 28 at the Lillie M. Evans Library District in Princeville.

About the performers:

Dr. Mike Locket is an accomplished storyteller who has traveled extensively throughout Illinois and has now traveled to Taiwan, Canada, the Carribean and across the United States to tell stories. His audiences range from pre-schoolers to senior citizens. He is known for his audience participation stories, his use of strange sound effects and for his use of dialects when telling traditional folktales.

Marilyn Price offers a performance filled with storytelling, puppetry and wisdom. From traditional folktales to original works, Price captivates audiences of all ages. Her stories are carefully selected and told with irresistible wit and detail. She and her finely-crafted puppets inspire audiences to open their hearts and minds. She often amazes audiences by animating common objects including anything from household cleaning supplies to carryout food packaging. As a teacher, historian, craftsman or entertainer, Marilyn moves her hands, tells the story and the audience comes to life!

Chris Vallillo performs a variety of styles on six string and bottleneck slide guitars, harmonica and pocket instruments. His shows incorporate original and traditional

Saturday, April 14 – Bartonville

Alpha Park Public Library

(3527 S. Airport Rd. – 697-3822)

10:00 a.m. – Dr. Mike Lockett

Saturday, April 14 – Peoria Heights

Peoria Heights Public Library

(816 E. Glen Ave. – 682-5578)

1:00 p.m. – Dr. Mike Lockett

Friday, April 20 – Pekin

Pekin Public Library

(301 S Fourth St. – 347-7111)

6:30 p.m. – Marilyn Price

Saturday, April 21 – Peoria

Peoria Public Library - Lakeview Branch

(1137 W. Lake – 497-2200)

11:00 a.m. – Marilyn Price

Friday, April 27 – Toulon

Toulon Public Library

(306 W. Jefferson – 286-5791)

6:30 p.m. – Chris Vallillo

Saturday, April 28 – Princeville

Lillie M. Evans Library District

(207 N. Walnut – 385-4540)

10:30 a.m. – Chris Vallillo