Tell Tale Hearts: Fools for Love

Last night I experienced a Valentine's Day Treat at the annual Tell Tale Hearts Fools for Love Concert. There was not a dull moment, and for a 2 hour storytelling concert,that is indeed rare.

The evening began with love songs played on the piano by Dee Kysor, who set the mood for what was to come.

The first teller to take the stage was Anthony Burcher, who flawlessly told the story of a summer romance. The story made us laugh, but touched our hearts as well. Keep your eye on Anthony. He is going places.

I followed with a story of the parallel love lives of myself and my daughter. The apple did not fall far from the tree.

Denise Bennett, one of the most talented and polished tellers in Virginia, wrapped up the first set with a story about how she once kissed Harry Chapin. She also sang a beautiful rendition of Chapin's song All My Life's a Circle, while accompanying herself on the guitar. All of us in the audience who remembered Chapin were green with envy. What a beautiful tribute to of the most Selfless singer/storytellers who ever lived. Chapin donated one-third of all his concert proceeds to third world hunger. Talk about putting you money where your mouth is!

Intermission featured the Hearts' now famous DECADENT DESSERTS. I ate no dinner yesterday, so that I would able to sample each of the delectible delights that the Hearts had to offer.

The second set began with a unique and side-splitting tandem performance by Les Schaffer and Judith Onesty. The subject was speed dating. The entire audience was in stiches as Judith met every women's dating nightmares. Les, of course, was the nightmares, and he did a remarkable job. What timing!

Les and Judith were followed by Woven Yarns (George Crafts and Dee Kyor). I closed my eyes as Dee sang. It was like listening to Judy Collins. George's African tale of love was a gem. I can always count on George to come up with a story that is new to me and that comes to the audience straight from his heart.

The last teller of the evening was the incomparable Megan Hicks, who told the story of how she came up with the concept for the Robert Maplethorpe Memorial Condom Wallet. It was also the story of how she met Jack Abgott, her partner in crime and affairs of the heart. I have always wondered how Megan managed to meet a man who could keep up with her intelligence and quick wit. Now I know, and I think they are the coolest couple on the planet.

Congratulations, Tell Tale Hearts. It was an incredible show.