Meet our 2025 Storytellers
Bil Lepp
Rev. Robert Jones
Rev. Robert Jones
Bil Lepp is an award-winning storyteller, author, and recording artist. Bil’s humorous, family-friendly tall tales and stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages and from all walks of life. Audiences all across the country, from grade schools to corporate execs to Comedy Central’s Hudson stage, have been delighted by
Bil Lepp is an award-winning storyteller, author, and recording artist. Bil’s humorous, family-friendly tall tales and stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages and from all walks of life. Audiences all across the country, from grade schools to corporate execs to Comedy Central’s Hudson stage, have been delighted by Bil’s hilarious tales and delightful insights into everyday life.
Rev. Robert Jones
Rev. Robert Jones
Rev. Robert Jones
Rev. Robert Jones, Sr. is a nationally recognized storyteller with over 15 years of experience. A professional musician for over 40 years, he was encouraged by blues legend Willie Dixon to bring his music into schools, earning recognition as a leading blues educator in 2007. As a pastor and storyteller, he combines his musical and speaki
Rev. Robert Jones, Sr. is a nationally recognized storyteller with over 15 years of experience. A professional musician for over 40 years, he was encouraged by blues legend Willie Dixon to bring his music into schools, earning recognition as a leading blues educator in 2007. As a pastor and storyteller, he combines his musical and speaking skills to educate, entertain, and inspire, celebrating cultural diversity as a powerful story to embrace.
Anne Shimojima
Rev. Robert Jones
Anne Shimojima
Anne, a third-generation Japanese American from Chicago, is an award-winning elementary school library media specialist with 35 years of experience and a professional storyteller since 1982. Anne has taught graduate storytelling courses, served on the board of the Wild Onion Storytelling Festival, and performed at renowned venues like t
Anne, a third-generation Japanese American from Chicago, is an award-winning elementary school library media specialist with 35 years of experience and a professional storyteller since 1982. Anne has taught graduate storytelling courses, served on the board of the Wild Onion Storytelling Festival, and performed at renowned venues like the National Storytelling Festival and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.