From the village of Chelm (“located somewhere in the Jewish imagination") to the Wild West via “The Ballad of Tiny the Turnip,” this issue takes listeners on a trip like no other, as we are privileged to highlight Guest Artist, Joel ben Izzy, Travelling Storyteller, from Berkeley, CA. Joel’s stories come from faraway places, yet his casual style makes these stories and characters seem like old friends. Each tale, whether it be about the simple people of Chelm, a conniving Irish King outsmarted by his storyteller, or Solomon the Wise who saves a poor beggar woman from ruin, is enchanting. If the storylines aren’t captivating enough, ben Izzy’s subtle humor is irresistible. The entire family will be hanging onto every word.

Edited and produced by Arlene Furman and Jack Nestor

1998 Shoofly, Inc.

Publicity & Marketing: Libbie Hough
Editorial Assistant: Heather Wilson

The Shoofly Players: Catherine Banks, Crissie Cabrera  Vanessa Davis, Erin de Poix, Jack Dillon, Julie Finefrock, Kate Finlayson, Solomon Gibson III, and Penny Ward

Shoofly Theme: T. Sherman Tate (lead vocal); Tommy Hartley (guitar and vocal)

Cover Concept & Design: Kathleen Nestor

Cover Art: Jenna Sholk (age 7, Lockport, NY)

Recorded by: Randy Friel, SoundWave Audio, Chapel Hill
Incidental music composed and arranged by Randy Friel
Shoofly variations by Harlan Needham and Randy Friel

Special Guests:

Joel ben Izzy
Sometimes you forget just how mesmerizing a well-told tale can be, until you hear a master storyteller at work.  And that's why we're so pleased to feature on this issue of Shoofly the talents of the Travelling Storyteller, Joel ben Izzy.  Joel has been regaling audiences around the world, from Tel Aviv to Tokyo and from Paris to Petaluma.  The tales he shares with us here are from two of his recordings, Stories From Far Away and The Beggar King (both of which received Parents' Choice Awards and American Library Association Notable Recording Awards).

Of travelling and storytelling, Joel tells us: "Wherever I go, I find stories.  They may lie hidden in the pages of books long forgotten or in the memories of an old man in Paris.  They're scattered among the hills of Greece and the marketplace in Jerusalem.  I find these tales and carry them with me, from place to place, country to country, telling them to adults and children.  I bring the characters to life through drama, mime and puppetry.  Mostly, I paint pictures with words, relying on the audience's imagination. For while a story may travel halfway around the world, it can only find a home in the heart of a listener." The instrumental music accompanying Joel's stories is played by clarinetist, David Julian Gray, and the group Sirba, whose members include Dave Barrows (soprano and tenor sax, flute), Jack Gates (guitar), Kevin Mummy (percussion), and Dan Hoffmann (guest violinist).

David DiGiuseppe
Once again, we're very happy to welcome back David DiGiuseppe, who performs four wonderful new arrangements of four wonderful old songs.  David has been performing professionally since 1978 as a soloist and with numerous groups.  He is an accomplished and versatile singer, accordionist, mandolinist, and Irish cittern player. David's CD Welcome to Heaven (available through ShooflyAudio) is a beautiful instrumental recording that we highly recommend for all ages. Movin' On and South of Andromeda are also available through ShooflyAudio.com.

Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Winner, 1996
EdPress Distinquished Achievement Award Winner, 1996
Parents’ Choice Approved, 1995