Transcript Staff Writer

The University of Oklahoma's homecoming game against Missouri kicks off Saturday on Owen Field, but that's not the only thing kicking off in Norman.

Saturday, Dreamer Concepts Studio and Foundation will host the first of three Downtown Arts Markets scheduled this fall along Legacy Trail and at the Performing Arts Studio in Norman's historic Santa Fe Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave., between Main and Eufaula streets just east of the railroad tracks.

The markets will include local artists, food vendors, storytelling, live music, an open mic for poetry, local farmers and tents representing non-profit organizations in the Norman community. Each market will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and all ages may attend.

In cooperation with the market, the Performing Arts Studio is offering a series of storytellers to be enjoyed by adults and children alike. The first two storytellers in the series, Princess Dancing Wolf and Cimarron Ken, will tell tales as the opening event of the first Downtown Arts Market at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. ?

When asked how she got Princess Dancing Wolf to take part in the event, Performing Arts Studio director Nancy McClellan gave credit for a little help.

"Actually, Jennifer Heavner Baker over at the Sooner Theatre put us in touch with her," McClellan said.

Through storytelling and original songs, the storytelling duo will take listeners on an interactive journey of appreciation for the Earth, nature and the elements and the diverse ecosystems of Oklahoma. They appeared at the Norman Centennial Celebration Sept. 2, performing their new song and music video "Red Earth and Rose Rock." For more information on Princess Dancing Wolf and Cimarron Ken, visit www.PrincessDancingWolf.com.

Next at 11:30 a.m. will be a rock clinic featuring students from Norman musician and teacher Wes McMichael's McMichael Music.

"Wes McMichael approached the studio a long time ago and asked if we would like to hang some of our artwork in his studio," DCSF director Amber Clour said.

"So I just made a connection there and asked if he'd like to help out here with the music. Very helpful."

The McMichael Music rock clinic segues, by way of a family connection, into the day's second storyteller at 2 p.m.

"Wes McMichael's father Sam is a storyteller, so that's our connection to him," McClellan said.

Sam McMichael, a longtime resident of the Apache community, grew up in the storytelling tradition of southwest Oklahoma, hearing tales of the early days of the state, tales of good times and bad times, tall tales, fish stories, hunting stories and brags. McMichael has traveled Oklahoma as a professional storyteller for the past 20 years spinning his yarns at schools, fairs, libraries, festivals and conventions.

The last scheduled event of the day will be an open mic poetry reading event at 4 p.m. in the covered atrium on the north side of the depot.