Welcome!
My name is Cathy Jo Smith but I have also used the professional name "Caítlín na Sí, seanachai" (KAWCH-leen nuh SHEE, SHAN-uh-kee), which is Irish for "Katie of the Fairies, storyteller".
Besides stories, I have a display/performance about the Irish Wake for both Irish festivals and regular venues. The handouts from the Wake tent are now here as "Wake Decorum"and "Basics of the Wake". I would ask that anyone using them give me proper credit.
How it all started...
Back when my daughter was in first grade, her teacher had a program called "Mystery Reader". Each week, a different parent would come in and read a short book to the class--it was always kept secret and sometimes the parent would even come in costume.
Well, I picked right before Halloween and came in as a little Irish lady to tell them about the real origins of Halloween and read a story about overcoming fear.
The "Irish lady" was such a hit, she made a return visit in March with St Patrick's Day stories. Her visits extended to more classes and suddenly, without really trying, I had become a storyteller.
The "Irish lady" was such a hit, she made a return visit in March with St Patrick's Day stories. Her visits extended to more classes and suddenly, without really trying, I had become a storyteller.
Storytelling you can take home...my books
My first book, "Adventures of Seamus McSeamus, an Irish Rover" is available for sale--e-mail me at storyteller@dublin.com
I also have a booklet for sale--Wake Me When It's Over. I think you can guess what that one is about...
Latest Updates and where I'll be next
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Renaissance Park, Waynesville, OH
June 15, 2024
First time telling there was last year; lots of music and fun!
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Celtic Fling
Mount Hope Estate, Manheim, PA
June 22,23 2024
Find us where the mermaids swim! (Mermaid Stage area)
Mount Hope Estate, Manheim, PA
June 22,23 2024
Find us where the mermaids swim! (Mermaid Stage area)
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Riverscape Metro Park, downtown Dayton, OH
July 26-28, 2024!
Lots of music and fun for free;
Cultural only open Saturday and Sunday!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Dublin Irish Festival
Coffman Park, Dublin, Ohio
August 2-4, 2024
One of the top Irish festivals in the country!
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Riverfront Park, Peoria, IL
August 23-25, 2024
Always a great time!
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Heritage Landing, Muskegon, MI
September 13-15, 2024!
The weather is seldom hot but the music is!
Come and join us for great sounds and terrific craic (that's fun in Irish)!