The inimitable storyteller Jim Weiss returns to Shoofly, recounting four classic tales in his own uniquely engaging style. Jim treats us to “The Tortoise and the Hare,” “Stone Soup,” “Jack and the Beanstalk,” and the Native American folktale, “A Guest Who Ran.” And along with some terrific original poems by Jennifer Jesseph and Kris Aro McLeod, among others, Shoofly sound engineer and Blues maestro Randy Friel lays down the boogie with such original tunes as “Dogs Don’t Like to Wear Hats” and “Barnyard Boogie.”

Edited and produced by Arlene Furman and Jack Nestor

1999 Shoofly, Inc.

Publicity & Marketing: Libbie Hough
Editorial Assistant: Heather Wilson

The Shoofly Players:  Lisa Bastt, Stephen Bradley, Vanessa Davis, Solomon Gibson III, Sudie Rakusin, Jacqueline Robbins, and Byron Woods

Shoofly Theme:  T. Sherman Tate (lead vocal); Tommy Hartley (guitar & vocal)

Cover Concept & Design: Kathleen Nestor

Cover Art: Andrew Thompson (age 6, Richmond, VA)

Recorded by Randy Friel, SoundWave Audio, Chapel Hill
Shoofly variations by Greg Decker.  Incidental music composed and arranged by Randy Friel

Special Guest: Randy Friel
Randy Friel is no stranger to Shoofly listeners. As our recording engineer and house composer, Randy's work has been highlighted on each issue of Shoofly from its inception in 1994. However, some folks may not be aware that Randy is also a busy songwriter and producer of the Blues, as the happy owner and operator of New Moon Music. His label includes such artists as Skeeter Brandon, Lightnin' Wells, Big Boy Henry, Deborah Coleman, and Nappy Brown. The tunes featured in this issue include the traditional Garbage Man (with new lyrics by Jack Nestor), Randy's own Dogs Don't Like to Wear Hats and Barnyard Boogie, and Bluesberry Pie by Armand Lenchek and Randy Friel.

Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Winner, 1998, 1996
National Parenting Publications Award, 1998
Parents’ Guide Award, 1998
EdPress Distinguished Achievement Award Winner, 1996