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.

Associate Professor at EPCC, Alvino Hernandez, takes the stage as artist, David Montes, creates a piece of live art during the 1st ever El Paso Art of Storytelling.

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.

Julian Morales on stage performing and introducing the next artist.

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.

Julian Morales, left, mingling with a crowd during intermission at The El Paso 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.

Guitarist, Eddie Barragan, performs on The El Paso Playhouse stage during Januarys Art of Storytelling

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.

Writer and Performer, Naomi Cortez, sits in the Sunset Parlor awaiting for the show to start.

The main stage at The Sunset Parlor as guests begin to arrive

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.

Interpretive dancers, Lavish (left) and Diajesma (right), perform as Julian Morales speaks.

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.

Aerialist, Yadira, suspended from the Sunset Parlor ceiling

Aerialist, Yadira, hovers over guitarist, Eddie Barragan, and violinist, Jose Berrones

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.

Founder of I Eat You Eat, Dorene Corothers, telling the story of her organization on The Sunset Parlor stage

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.

Las Cruces artist, Alyssa Trujillo, finishing her black and white piece for the El Paso Art of Storytelling

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.

Snake Charmers and Belly Dancers, Senee Barraza (left) and Sonia Flores (right), dance with snakes around their necks outside the Sunset Parlor before the show begins

El Paso's Punk Pianist, Daniel Villasenor, performing for return performer, Aerialist Yadira

Returning dancer, Lavish, interpreting music performed by Las Cruces artist, Liz Liano

Owner of The Sunset Parlor, Leilainia Marcus, performing a fire dance

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 Morales and the performers from The El Paso Art of Storytelling giving one last thank you from the Sunset Parlor stage

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.

Julian Morales younger sister takes the stage to endorse the Candlelighters

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.

Julian Morales crying during his passionate performance at The El Paso Art of Storytelling

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

Source: El Paso’s Monthly Cultural Event Is Heating Up