Storytelling is a vital part of our culture, as traditions are passed along through this expressive artform. To honor the art of storytelling, the Akron Summit County Public Library was home to the sixth annual Akron Storytelling Festival this past weekend.

The free event included workshops and other activities, culminating with a Saturday evening concert that featured Jay O'Callahan, Suzi Whaples and Lisa & Heather Malyuk. Becky Davis of Akron-Summit County Library, organizer of the festival, estimates an audience of 175 in the auditorium that night.

(Watch the video from the event below.)

Below is a photo gallery of the Saturday concert:

Suzi Whaples  holds the audience in rapt attention with her quiet stories of growing up in Appalachia.

The audience in the main library downtown audience applauds the storytelling of Suzi Whaples.

Lisa (L) and Heather (R) Malyuk perform traditional American music during intermission.

Lisa (L) and Heather (R) Malyuk offer a unique interpretation of old-time, Celtic, world and original folk music.

Storyteller Jay O'Callahan shares anecdotes of eccentric characters from his past.