An 'Uncalled for Christmas' comes to Port Royal tonight

It's an Uncalled for Christmas 2011: sit back and unbuckle your belt, the holiday feast is about to begin.

The Uncalled for Trio are Kim Weitkamp, Andy Offut Irwin and Bil Lepp, award-winning, nationally-touring performers, who will present their "Uncalled for Christmas" show at the Shed on Paris Avenue in Port Royal on today, December 15th, at 7:30pm.

Bil, Kim and Andy bring an endearing cast of characters and holiday memories alive through story and song.

Tickets are at the door only: $5 for adults, $2 for kids 8 to 16, and free for little ones who can sit still and not distract from the stories (which are not intended for tikes.)

Produced by ARTworks, this affordable performance is a gift from the Town of Port Royal in a partnership with the Beaufort County School District, the Lowcountry Storytellers Guild and the Backporch Storytellers of Charleston, with partial funding from the SC Arts Commission. The storytellers will also perform at two schools while visiting Beaufort.

The performance is preceded by a workshop on "The Art of Storytelling" that is open to the public 16 years and older, perfect for toastmasters, on Wednesday, December 14, 7 to 9 pm at ARTworks in Beaufort Town Center, $25 at the door. The trio boasts: "workshop participants are stuffed with knowledge, and audience members go home rethinking the meaning of life!" Pre-registration is encouraged, contact ARTworks at 843-379-2787, artsoffice@beaufortcountyarts.com.

Bil Lepp is a nationally renowned storyteller and five time champion of the West Virginia Liars' Contest. His outrageous tall-tales and witty stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages and from all walks of life, from elementary school to veterans' homes, churches to colleges, and festivals to formal dinners. Though a champion liar, his hilarious, insightful stories often contain morsels of truth which shed light on subjects such as politics, religion, relationships, and human nature. A storyteller, author, and recording artist, Lepp's works have received awards and recognition. "Lepp is a side-splittingly funny man" -The Smithsonian Center for Folk Life.

Kim Weitkamp shares her original stories and songs to delighted audiences of all ages. She is a storyteller, singer, songwriter, author and recording artist. A recipient of two Storytelling World Awards, Kim has graced the stages of theaters and festivals throughout the continent. Her performances evoke, ?hear a pin drop moments, followed by waves of raucous laughter! "Kim weaves the threads of her individual stories into a tapestry full of singular characters, fantastic situations, and heartfelt wisdom - all the best that a storyteller can offer." - Williamsburg Theater

Andy Offut Irwin is a storyteller, humorist, singer, songwriter, musician, whistler, walking menagerie of sound effects and dialects, and so much more; some of his talents are hard to categorize. The recipient of numerous awards, Andy has also toured with the Kandinsky Trio. Early in his career, Andy performed with the comedic troupe, SAK Theatre at Walt Disney World, 1984-1989.