Get ready for a joyful celebration of stories, music, and movement featuring beloved Bay Area musicians, The Story Time Band, Asheba, & Mariela’s Music Time. Perfect for families, this event combines music and imagination, promising a heartwarming experience for all ages—a special benefit concert for local public libraries sponsored by the Berkeley Public Library Foundation.The Story Time Band brings stories to life through music, movement, and fun. The group, which began in 2013 at Berkeley’s Claremont Branch Library, has grown into a beloved citywide phenomenon. Founded by children’s librarian Michael Kwende (aka Mr. Michael) and retired librarian Tim DeWolf, and joined by library specialists Juan Castille and Donovan Russell, and long-time Berkeley resident, Tienne Lee.
Asheba is an award-winning musical storyteller who has specialized in family entertainment since 1998. Born on the Caribbean island of Trinidad, he was influenced by its spectacular festival, Carnival, and the folkloric oral tradition, calypso. Now based in Oakland, he tours widely and has grown into a renowned world musician who playfully blends calypso, reggae, neo-folk, and more. Some of his most popular CDs are Go Itzy, No More Monkeys, and Children Are the Sunshine.
Mariela’s Music Time—an energetic, educational, and interactive bilingual music experience for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families! Rooted in the rich multicultural rhythms of the Bay Area, Mariela blends music, movement, and storytelling to engage young minds. With over a decade of experience in early childhood education, she brings instruments to life by sharing their history and cultural roots, making every performance a joyful learning journey.
