Introducing, Northeast Region Service & Leadership Award Winner, Tony Toledo. The National Storytelling Network (NSN) serves individuals and organizations that use the power of storytelling in all its forms. Regional Leadership and Service Awards are presented to individuals or organizations that have made a significant contribution to their local or regional storytelling community and/or have used storytelling to make a significant contribution to the larger community in which they live.
" Having grown up... ok, ok... having grown big in Defiance, Ohio, Tony Toledo snuck out under the Buckeye Fence late one spring evening. He has been on an adventure ever since. He rode his bicycle from Ohio to Massachusetts to visit his cousins back in 1984. That was the first time he ever ate lobster; the first time he heard Folk Radio; the first time he'd visited Massachusetts. All three were grand.
By the fall of 1987, Tony had made Massachusetts his new home and had discovered Storytelling. It was one of those rare magic moments. He dove into the Storytelling world with both feet flapping and a heart full of passion. He studied with the best Storytellers in New England, and soon learned not to flap his feet quite so much. He took his natural ability for spinning a tale, added a bucketful of hope and hung out his shingle in 1990. He's been telling stories full time ever since. At first it was a lot of macaroni, but now he can even afford the cheese! "
Tony heads up an open mic on the North Shore called SPEAK UP! which meets every Wednesday. Folks gather at 7 PM. Sign up begins at 7 PM to get your own five minute slot of fame at the microphone. The Open Mic starts at 7:30. The featured performer goes on at 8:30 PM followed by more Open Mic till 10 PM. FREE. There is food and drink aplenty at Tatiana's to satisfy your every taste, all moderately priced to make make your wallet happy. See you at SPEAK UP! Tatiana's Restaurant 70 Market Street Lynn, MA 01901 TEL: 781-477-0700. Tony has also been a huge booster and help at massmouth events. His energy, thoughtfulness, and generosity seem to have no limit. This is a much deserved award - Right on Tony! And, take time to listen to him whenever you can. He is one "kickbutt" storyteller, as well.
You may send congratulations to Tony directly at: ToledoGoat@aol.com
