CLEMSON — Imagine unplugging from everyday distractions and cares to be whisked away by the art of storytelling, through spoken word and music. It was through oral communication that our ancestors taught life lessons, kept their history alive, and spread the news. Today, these traditions are alive and well.

[cointent_lockedcontent]In honor of the age old customs, the Clemson Area StoryTellers (CAST) in cooperation with the Arts Center present The Eighth Annual Celebration of Story: Celebrate Story through Spoken Word and Music on Friday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. at the Arts Center, 212 Butler St., Clemson. Young and old alike are invited to an evening of stories through music and spoken word.

Spoken word artists for the evening are Lisa Eister, Jim Foote, Lane Hudson and Judy Seeley. All are members of CAST, a local guild dedicated to promoting the art of storytelling. The tellers gather on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Arts Center, where they share stories. Listeners and storytellers are always welcome.

Music will be performed by the folk duo Padenrich Station (http://padenrichstation.com). Acoustic arrangements, duo harmony, vivid lyrics and an admiration for the tradition of folk storytelling gives this band its fun sound.

Music begins at 7 p.m. and tales to tickle your funny bone and warm your heart begin at 7:30 p.m. For directions go to http://explorearts.org/, and for more information email clemsonareastorytellers@yahoo.com or judy_seeley@hotmail.com.

Admission is free and donations are accepted. The Eighth Annual Celebration of Story is both a free community event and a benefit for Clemson Community Care (CCC). Clemson Community Care is a non-profit organization providing food, shelter, utilities, and other support services to people in difficult circumstances in the Clemson, Central, and Pendleton areas of South Carolina. Attendees of the Eighth Annual Celebration of Story are asked to bring canned goods, especially canned meat and fish, canned vegetables, and pasta sauce. Donations of boxed powdered milk, cereal, toiletries, pasta, rice, and instant potatoes are also welcome. During March and April, all donations to CCC will be proportionally matched by the Feinstein Foundation.

Seating and parking at the Arts Center are limited. Groups of 10 or more may call (864) 855-6396 or (864) 276-2166 to request reserved seats.

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