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Join The Story Time Band for a joyful set filled with music and stories at one of San Francisco's best family-friendly street festivals!
From KQED:
"Spend your Saturday with KQED at a free, festive block party and open house at our headquarters in San Francisco’s Mission District.
Celebrate the Bay Area’s beloved public media station with live, on-stage moments from KQED, NPR, and PBS programs, fireside chats with reporters and influential local personalities, and behind-the-scenes access through guided studio tours.
Enjoy interactive art, science, and learning activities for all ages, plus crafts and games from neighborhood vendors and cultural organizations. Savor bites from local food trucks featured in KQED Food and groove to live music on Noise Pop’s Homegrown Stage."
RSVP for FREE tickets here!
History of the Story Time Band
What began in 2013 as a small musical story time at Berkeley’s Claremont Branch Library has grown into one of the East Bay’s most beloved family traditions. Founded by children’s librarian Michael Kwende (“Mr. Michael”) and retired librarian and guitarist Tim DeWolf, The Story Time Band is now a dynamic ensemble featuring library specialists and musicians Juan Castille and Donovan Russell, and longtime Berkeley resident and keyboardist Tienne Lee.
Blending live music, storytelling, movement, and audience participation, the group transforms books into vibrant, interactive experiences. Children and caregivers don’t just listen—they sing, dance, laugh, and become part of the story.
Since its early days in the library, The Story Time Band has expanded to parks, theaters, festivals, and community spaces across the Bay Area. Regularly drawing packed crowds, the ensemble has appeared at The Freight, the Bay Area Book Festival, Oakland’s Fairyland, and San Quentin’s Family Day, bringing joy and connection to hundreds of families.
With infectious energy, a deep sense of community, and a distinctive fusion of music and storytelling, The Story Time Band is redefining family entertainment—creating joyful shared experiences and inspiring a lifelong love of books.
Since 2024, the group’s visual world has been shaped by band artist Jerome Lu, whose vibrant work reflects its playful, imaginative spirit.
Follow them on Instagram @thestorytimeband
AGE GROUP: | Elementary | Early Childhood |
EVENT TYPE: | Storytime | Movies, Music & Performance | Creative | Community Event |
Wheelchair accessible. Request sign language interpreter, real-time captioning, materials in large print, braille, or other accommodations by calling 510-981-6195 (Library) or the 510-981-6347 (City of Berkeley TDD line). Please refrain from scented products during public programs.
Many library programs are funded by the generous support of the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library. Thank you, Friends!
KQED Headquarters 2601 Mariposa Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
