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Story published: 06-05-2012 • Print Article • E-mail Story to a Friend

Bohren to perform at Storytelling Live

Spencer Bohren, a celebrated musician who specializes in American blues, folk, gospel, and country, will perform as Storytelling Live’s next teller-in-residence.

Most of Bohren’s material comes directly out of his life, where he’s logged thousands of miles on the road. Like many musicians, Bohren spends a lot of time on tour.

For a seven-year stretch in the 80s, he took his entire family for the ride.

“My wife was a midwife in those days, and some of her clients were circus people who lived in Airstream trailers. They said you just need an Airstream so you can live together. So we did that for seven years. It was our way of solving the problem of how to be a family.”

The Bohrens even added a fourth child to their brood during that period, taking just one month off before they went back on the road with the new baby.

Eventually, the kids grew tired of traveling and the Bohrens settled down in New Orleans. Bohren still remembers the moment when he realized it was time to take a break. “At one point, we were in the redwood forests,” he says. “Our oldest son was in the back reading a Batman comic. I said, ‘Django, you’ve got to put down the comic. We’re in the redwood forests. It’s the only place in the world that looks like this. Put the comic down and look out the window.’ He said, ‘Dad, I’ve seen the redwood forests five times and this is a brand new Batman.’ I knew the writing was on the wall.”

In addition to his stories about life on the road, Bohren will share many stories behind the songs as he showcases traditional tunes and original music on guitar, banjo, and autoharp.

Bohren will offer daily matinees June 5-9, at 2 p.m. at the International Storytelling Center. Tickets for Bohren’s performances are $12 for adults and $11 for seniors, students, and children under 18. For more information, call 913-1276.