Saturday night storytelling event to be memorable

"1. Everything takes longer than you think."

No mystery there, but what other words of wisdom does Bill Harley have?

"2. It's always harder to put something back together than it is to take it apart.

"3. If you spend all your time cleaning your desk, you'll just have a clean desk. That's not enough."

In celebration of the Gazette's 100th birthday, we're bringing this favorite singer, storyteller, author and inspirational speaker to the Fox Theatre at 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12, with proceeds to the McCook Community Foundation and McCook Arts Council.

"4. Listen -- you're missing something cool."

Anyone who heard Bill at the Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival knows what he's talking about.

A two-time Grammy award-winning artist, recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the RI Council for the Humanities, Bill uses song and story to paint a vibrant and hilarious picture of growing up, schooling and family life. His work spans the generation gap, reminds us of our common humanity and challenges us to be our very best selves. A prolific author and recording artist, Bill is also a regular commentator for NPR's "All Things Considered" and featured on PBS. He joined the National Storytelling Network's Circle of Excellence in 2001 and tours nationwide as an author, performing artist and keynote speaker.

"5. All children should be given a ukulele when they're born.

"6. We're more alike than we are different.

"7. If you're older than two, and can't sing a song and tell a story, you're in trouble."

Bill's trademark wit and wisdom can also be found in his picture books and novels for children. His first novel, The Amazing Flight of Darius Frobisher was chosen by Bank Street School of Education as one of the best children's books of the year and his second novel, Night of the Spadefoot Toads was awarded the Green Earth Book Award as best environmental book of the year in the children's fiction category. His picture books, based on his songs, stories and poems also stand out as 'pick of the list' from ABA and a Storytelling Award Winner. An advocate for children and educators, Bill is currently at work on a book about the culture of schools.

"8. Sometimes, a plate of spaghetti is the best thing in the world."

We can't imagine a better way to spend a wintry Saturday night than to enjoy an evening of song and stories in the historic Fox Theatre, and we hope you can join us.