Missoula audience gathers for Tell Us Something storytelling night at Oak Ridge Park

Tell Us Something held an outdoor storytelling night at Oak Ridge Park in Missoula on a warm summer evening, bringing eight paid storytellers to a community stage and recording the event for local access television.

The program opened with a land acknowledgement noting Oak Ridge Park sits on the ancestral territory of the Salish and Kalispel peoples and directing listeners to Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes cultural resources. The emcee (Mark) told the audience: “This event is being recorded by the Missoula Community Access Television,” and reviewed venue rules including a nonsmoking, no-reentry policy and locations of restrooms.

Tell Us Something presented eight storytellers, each with a 10-minute slot, and a mid-show intermission. Performers included Hammy, who described work in occupational safety and founding Queer Butte Arts and Culture; Katie Van Dorn, a Missoula real-estate agent and Montana Public Radio contributor; Karna Sundby, who spoke about surviving a partner—s suicide and later becoming a practitioner of neuro-linguistic programming; and Lauren Tobias, who told a story about a dog she adopted while living on the Fort Peck Reservation. The emcee reminded the audience that some stories may include adult themes and language.

Organizers also acknowledged partners and sponsors on stage, including Missoula Community Access Television (recording grant) and the Greater Montana Foundation (financial support). Board member Kathy Witkowski noted the program pays storytellers and interpreters and covers venue and recording costs.

The evening closed with a reminder about the next Tell Us Something event, scheduled for October 7 at the Denison Theater, and thanks to audience members for attending and donating.

Tell Us Something continues to present live, paid storytelling in Missoula and to record performances for community access television.