Kevin Cordi, Professional Storyteller

Introduction: "I truly believe that we can unlock the puzzle of learning with a story. Whether I am on a stage with 800 adults or in a room with 50 preschoolers, I realize that when stories are told, people stop worrying about what to say, and enjoy what is being shared. Soon the room becomes alive with learning." — Kevin Cordi, award-winning storyteller, teacher, and author Introducing Kevin Cordi: "As an organizer of an event that incorporates 20,000 guests, if you are looking for a performer who can enchant audiences, call Kevin." — Catherine Paparella, program director For over twenty years, Kevin has told stories in over forty states, England, and Japan. His story work has been commissioned by the National Youth Storytelling Hall of Fame, Newsweek, and The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. As a story teacher, he is considered one of the "nation's primary advocates for youth storytelling!" Kevin shares stories with a highly energetic, animated and interactive style and is considered by many storytelling professionals as one of the most influential and dynamic storytellers and teachers today. With each story he tells, the audience connects with Kevin; his passion shines through. His work is a must-see for adults and kids alike. Kevin listens everywhere he goes. He keeps an ear to the ground, so that he can hear the stories of America and beyond; he tells the stories he hears. He shares the stories of people such as Mooney Warther, considered the greatest wood carver in the country and the legendary Chocolate Bar Bomber and his air drops during the Berlin air lift. He listens, and he tells the stories he hears. He uses his experience and critical listening skills as the landscape for teaching and developing stories. He believes good storytelling begins with effective listening. He has worked as an actor, teacher, door-to-door salesman (at age 14), disc jockey and gas station attendant. He believes this only enriches him as a storyteller and story teacher. On stage: "Whether it is an old fable or a personal story, Kevin tells with rich description of his characters, and I feel as if I know them personally." — Donna Wilson, festival producer At an early age, Kevin was first introduced to the art of storytelling, as he listened to his mother and father recount stories of their childhood in West Virginia. These Appalachian tales became the foundation for Kevin's love of story. So inspired by storytelling, all throughout his childhood, Kevin often performed his latest magic show or his newest stories for his parents and five brothers and sisters. Stories are Kevin's passion. "As the sun set on our outdoor pavilion and the light of the lanterns took over producing the mood, Kevin began to weave a series of intricate and enticing tales. Once soft, once bold, often humorous and always very much there." — Gary Adest, producer, River Ridge Ranch Kevin's character, voice and dynamic performances have been captivating listeners, young and old, as he often seeks stories that reflect teaching and healing principles. His tales are highly inviting stories, whether he tells stories from his Appalachian family or shares his experience as a teacher of migrant students or his work collaborating with a Navajo code talker. Kevin's work is versatile. As quick as he conveys a personal tale, he can dive into the world of fantasy, where polar bears dance and pigs run for president. Regardless of the age or size of the audience, his tales invite you to listen. He can enchant adults with tales that revisit Mythology's Pandora or invite children to search for his hidden friend, Beppo, who dances within his stories. Kevin's performances are spell binding and always changing. He proudly boasts no show is the same. He is continually tailoring his shows to suit the audience's needs. "The Pied Piper has nothing on Kevin! He was the perfect storyteller to add to this year's line-up!" — Rebecca Cohen, Stories of the Sea festival producer, Newport, Oregon