"Jay’s beautifully told tales ​transport us to other worlds, even as they take us ​deeper into our own."
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JONATHAN MILLER, ​STORY HOUSE ITHACA

I am a performance storyteller bringing traditional myths and stories alive through the power of the spoken word. I perform these stories in language improvised anew for each occasion,  making every performance unique.

I am a regular performer in theaters, schools, festivals and National Parks, the creator of the Crane Bag Storytelling Podcast, the author of three books of poetry and the recipient of a fellowship from the National Endowment for the arts. 

​"Memorable and powerful"​
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​FRAN HELMSTADTER, ​AUDIENCE MEMBER​

the crane bag
podcast 

Discover the stories of the world through my podcast, a free resource of over 120 episodes devoted to the myths, epics, and wonder tales of many cultures.

LISTEN NOW

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mythopoetic
field guide

Sign up below to receive monthly writings on story, poetry and more through my ongoing 
​Mythopoetic Field Guide. You can also explore recent posts here.

poetry

My third book is an exploration of both poetry and story, a wide-ranging collection of epic and intimate poems pushing the limits of what poetry is able to conjure in language. 

"One of the most original poetic voices of his generation."  —Robert Bly
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"To a God of Dribble Glasses and Loneliness
awakens us to the strangeness and mystery of the world...these poems are cornucopias spilling over with images of unforgettable beauty."
                          —Ann Fisher-Wirth, author of The Bones of Winter Birds

events

I perform regularly in theaters, schools, and online, bringing the many stories of the world alive through music and the power of the spoken word.       

UPCOMING EVENTS

​Still photos, top and center: Sara Tro Photography/saratrophoto.com