A great southern writer Eudora Welty once said, “Southerners love a good tale. They are born reciters, great memory retainers, diary keepers, letter exchangers . . . great talkers” and it’s clear that Kate Campbell loves a good tale. She sketches her southern characters, like Sissy the Beautician, through songs and through stories about her songs. Her beautiful voice and music bring to life not only the comical characters she encounters, but the simple truths she sees. She has the ability to make reality real in a humorous, gentle way.
- At TimpFest we are very family oriented, will you tell us a little about your family?
I have been married to Ira Campbell nearly 31 years and we have two cats “Ramses and Necho.” My parents live in Orlando, Florida. My father is a semi-retired Baptist minister. Although I’m not sure Ministers ever retire! I have a younger sister and brother, 5 nephews, and 1 grand nephew? I am named after my grandmother “Kathryn” who turned “97” this year!
- If you weren’t a professional storyteller, what would you be doing instead?
Teacher/Historian
- Do you get nervous when you tell stories on stage? If so, what do you do to overcome your fear? If not, what is the key to your fearlessness?
Sometimes I get a little nervous but once I get going I’m usually fine. I like to look directly at folks. I am most nervous when I can’t see the audience because they are too far away from the stage or because of poor lighting? I believe the audience is for me and wants to make a connection!
- What is the most embarrassing thing that you have done or has happened to you on stage?
Well, I can’t think of anything too embarrassing? Having said that, now I’m a bit nervous something might happen in Timpanogos :/
- What advice would you give young tellers?
Be yourself. Tell the stories that are interesting to you. Songwriting and Storytelling has been a way for me to connect with the people and place that I come from. Even more so, it is thru the TELLING that I have learned how all of us “humans” are connected and how important it is to keep the story line going.
Bonus Question
Are there any Utah foods you are looking forward to trying?–We are famous for funeral potatoes, green jello, and fry sauce.
Well it’s ALL about food for me SO I will be trying and I’m sure enjoying ALL of the Utah foods set before me!
Thank you Kate for taking time out of your busy touring schedule in Ireland to answer our questions.