Banjotales coming to Cutler

Songs and storytelling Dan LeMonnier will present his program, "Banjotales," at the Cutler Presbyterian Church at 7 p.m. Sunday. Photo provided

Cutler Presbyterian Church invites everyone to a Community Fun Night on Sept. 17 at 7 p.m.

The church is hosting "Banjotales," a lively program of story and song that makes history, literature, folklore and music come to life.

Presenting the program will be nationally-known storyteller and musician Dan LeMonnier. He has taken his combination of music, wit, and animation around the world - from the Shanghai Children's Palace to the Smithsonian Institute and the 53rd Presidential Inaugural. He has also performed at hundreds of schools, libraries, art centers, and churches throughout the Midwest.

His recordings include "Grimms in America," "Prairie Visions," and his latest release, "Begin Again." The new release includes songs for the whole family from the Children's Chat Series at Westminster Presbyterian Church where he is a youth leader, deacon, and Stephen Minister.

Many people remember him for his nearly 20 years performing as Chicago Bulls mascot, Benny the Bull.

LeMonnier received a B.A. in theatre arts from Marquette University and an M.F.A. in acting at DePaul University's Theatre School. He is a recipient of the 2005 Frank Basile Emerging Stories Fellowship from Storytelling Arts in America and was a finalist for the 2004 Brimstone Award in Applied Storytelling from the National Storytelling Network.

Born and raised in Chicago, he now lives in Munster with his wife, Shari, and their two children, Flynn and Claire.