El Paso’s Monthly Cultural Event Is Heating Up

For the last 3 months in El Paso, TX, I have been photographing one of the most exciting local events I've seen in a long time. An event with all kinds of performers coming together to create a show that is beautiful, intense, and like nothing else in El Paso. The El Paso Art of Storytelling has everything from Fire Dancers and Aerialists performing with live musicians, to Snake Charmers and Belly Dancers wowing audiences between storytellers. There is even an artist creating an original piece of art right in front of the crowd as the show goes on.

The Art of Storytelling was put together by local storyteller, Julian Morales, an artist who is losing his sight but still manages to curate some of the most unique shows and performances in the city. The show happens once a month and evolves with each episode. Not only does Julian find new and exciting performers to take the stage each month, but he also gives all of the funds raised to a different local organization. 

JANUARY

In January, for the first episode of The El Paso Art of Storytelling, Julian held the show at The El Paso Playhouse to a sold out show. At the end of the show, he announced that he would be giving every single cent made that night right back to the Playhouse. 

The El Paso Playhouse was an amazing venue that made for an incredible first show. Performers impressed the audience with their talents on a stage that felt like something out of a movie.

FEBRUARY

For the second month, The Art of Storytelling expanded and moved to the Sunset Parlor, a venue created by acclaimed El Paso Artist, Hal Marcus, where the stage is surrounded by brilliant works of art done by Hal himself. Not only that, but the show expanded and became even bigger. 

February's show added improvisational dancers reacting to live music. Dancers even interpreted the words of Julian's stories and speeches, adding a whole new element to the series.

Among the interpretive dancers, Julian also added an Aerialist to dance above the audience. The performer swung gracefully overhead as a guitarist and violinist played from below. 

February's show also gave money to another wonderful organization, You Eat I Eat, run by Dorene Corothers. A non-profit helping to provide food to poor and low income families, veterans, or any El Paso citizen in need.

The donation was substantial as the proceeds from February came from yet another sold out show and even a surprise auction that sold off the night's piece of live art.

MARCH

The most recent episode of The Art of Storytelling was the biggest one yet. Not only was the event a dinner theater show that was fully catered, new and even more awe inspiring performers were added to the lineup as well. This included belly dancing snake charmers, two pianists, and a fire dancer.

Yet again, alongside storytellers and musicians and artists, and of course with the help of the Sunset Parlor yet again, Julian raised more money for another incredible organization. The Candlelighters. An organization in El Paso that helps to support children who have cancer and their families.

Julian's family was directly affected by cancer and he took to the stage alongside his little sister, to talk all about how the Candlelighters personally helped their family through some of the hardest times they'd known while Julian's little sister fought cancer as a child.

The show ended with yet another piece of live art created by returning artist, David Montes, auctioned off to the crowd. This is an event you shouldn't miss, especially if you've been looking for something unique and interesting. The El Paso Art of Storytelling is an incredible act of selflessness hosted by one of the most passionate people in El Paso. 

The next show is back at The Sunset Parlor on April 20th, 2024.