Angela Lloyd

Please note: Story Crossroads commissioned Angela Lloyd to write the following 43-page e-workbook entitled “Tell Me a Story from the Book of YOU: Family Stories at Home.” This work, based on over 12 years of a cherished project, embodies Angela’s passion for storytelling and her wish to share its lessons with others. Released on October 1, 2023, this accomplishment marked a significant milestone for Angela, who shared that it was her first published work after dedicating so much of her craft to oral storytelling. We respectfully make it available to anyone who wishes, as that was what Angela wished. Share this gift from Angela.

Tell me a Story from the Book of YOU – Angela L. Lloyd, MFA Download

Cap’s Off to You! Blog Post – to be posted January 19, 2025

Do you have memories of Angela Lloyd? Please email to info@storycrossroads.org.

24-video playlist created by Angela Lloyd

Poem dedicated to Angela Lloyd, shared with permission from Loren Niemi (from Minnesota) –
There is a bare umbrella
Spokes and handle festooned
With ribbons and bells

There is a slight accent
Like warm chocolate when she
Speaks, a gentle laugh

There is an empty stage
As she makes a too soon exit
Saying, “It’s been fun”

I will not be surprised if you call
From the other side, and if you do
Be sure to leave a message.

Poem dedicated to Angela Lloyd, shared with permission from Kevin Cordi (from Ohio) –

I hear the bells, thanks Angela

Her light shone when she stepped in a room.
Whether at a concert hall or in a quiet conversation,
her laughter, song, and joy
reverberated,
and we shared joy in the rebound,
and even when she was not in the room,
her resonance remains.

She was like a magnet for smiles, her strength
brought strangers together as friends. These new friends
held close to the space that she made for them.

A space for tales from way back.
A song when jukeboxes were dominant
Or she would rustle up Sandburg and with friends spin his wit and wisdom
Or a quiet melody, but not so quiet or she would call you out to sing louder. We sang together with her.

She sold us happiness from a peddler
and gave us rhythms that served as currency
for care.

As she notes, “a story is a refuge and the story holds us.”
We hold not only her words, but the worlds
she created for us with sounds, scenery, and space.

Whether she carried a washboard, autoharp, kazoo, or a story,
she carried them and shared with her whole heart.

She took us back to a time
when simple wishes became grand gestures,
when silence was not misunderstood,
but provided space for listening and for love.

She exuded command because of her compassion.

Right now, it is hard to see more than an empty basket,
But she listened, like the peddler in her tale,
she took up our cares and shared that
there is plenty of room for more.

She is missed, but I still hear her song, her story, and
the space she creates for us.

And for now, the peddler, the wonderful, brilliant dancing woman with tales has disappeared,
… but we still hear the bells
and our baskets begin to fill
and she returns.

Memories from Drea Douglas (from Oregon) about Angela Lloyd:

Angela L. Lloyd has died and the world has lost a color. The color was the tint of the glasses through which she viewed the world, and we are now without that strange and wonderful description.

The first time I saw her, she was telling the story of Cinderella, and it was one of the funniest stories I’d ever heard because everyone knows fairy godmothers wear White Shoulders and shop at Ann Taylor. Less than ten seconds after this description this became one of the saddest stories I’d ever heard, because her fairy godmother asked why she was crying, and Cinderella said, “I miss my mom.” I would swear to you that everyone in that audience suddenly missed their mothers – I could not have been the only one.

I did not know her nearly as well as I wish (the same sad story of mourning, that). I knew she was generous and kind, that she shared her open heart on and off stage, but others will have better anecdotes. But I will be forever grateful for the reminder that the stories we think we know will always have more to teach.

Memories from Miriam H. Nadel (from Washington DC) about Angela Lloyd:

I just heard (via Connie Regan-Blake) that Angela L. Lloyd has passed away. I’ve been in a state of shock since last night when I heard of her illness. I’ve known her since the early 1990’s when she made the long drive from Victorville to West L.A. to come to Community Storytellers one month, where she told a quirky story about feeding her dog Campbell’s chicken noodle soup. As I got to know her better, the thing I most associated her with were her musical talents (on both washboard and autoharp – and once using a squeaky floor as accompaniment!) and Carl Sandburg. I was privileged to be able to hang out with her at various festivals and conferences and she always brought joy and wonder into my life.

My very favorite memory of her had to do with directions to her home, which was on a ranch. It included the instructions “you are now entering the ranch. Please sing the theme song from Bonanza.”

I don’t normally speak for other people, but I feel confident that she will be mourned by the entire storytelling community.

Memories from Laura Simms (from New York, close friend) about Angela Lloyd:

Angela and I in California .35 years ago.. My beautiful and brilliant, unconventional, joyful genius, troubled, kind, wildly inspired, deeply contemplative, playful, stubborn, always present with love, committed to compassionate action and teaching, an unbelievable original performer, photographer, composer, and artist. And, the best supreme true friend, Angela Lloyd.

To say that I will miss her barely touches the reality. the challenge of being with Angela off stage and on was that one had to just open one’s heart wide! Thank you for every moment of our lives together.

Memories from Patti Christensen (from Minnesota) about Angela Lloyd:

Angela L. Lloyd always enjoyed sharing her stories with friends and audiences. She is a special friend to The Storyteller of San Diego and would always come in pitch in at our festivals. And she learned how to zoom with the best. Thinking about Angela this morning and going through all the photos. When we gathered for the first time in person to tell for live audiences in March 2022, Angela was thrilled to bring her washboard and her autoharp and share. I join with those who love Angela and are sending such loving thoughts.

Memories from Claire Hennessy (from California, Bay area):

I am so sad. A lovely, pure, childlike and whimsical soul has passed on today. The wonderful Angela L. Lloyd transitioned which was so sudden and surprising as she was telling right up until NYE. She was a part of our last Christmas Crackers show and her singing at the very end is somehow even more beautiful now. So pure. She will be greatly missed and the world will be a poorer place without Angela in it. The poem she posted a few days ago on her FB page is now tragically fitting for the rest of us. RIP

Memories from Misty Mator (from Pennsylvania) about Angela Lloyd:

Angela L. Lloyd you were so kind, a wonderful storyteller, and even more of a gem of a person. I still can’t believe this. I will miss you, as will many others, even more deeply. May you be singing and telling stories in the land of radiant joy.

Memories from Karen Chace (from Massachusetts) about Angela Lloyd:

The world has lost a beautiful soul. Angela Lloyd has transitioned. I did not know her personally, but she was so engaging, I always felt like I did when I heard her tell from the stage. Whenever I did see her at conferences, she was always kind and gracious, her face always holding a smile.

She was a multi-talented storyteller, musician, and the first person I ever saw play a washboard. She was amazing!

Angela was a bit like Tinkerbell, spreading joy wherever she stepped. A light has gone out in the world, and we are the poorer for her absence, but we have been enormously enriched by her presence. She will be missed.

Memories from Michael D. McCarty (from California, Bay area) about Angela Lloyd:

One of the MOSTEST original beings to walk, talk and ROCK God’s universe, ANGELA LLOYD has transitioned to HER next phase of Funfullness. Ordinary words do not do her justice !! She was all that AND a bag of Blue Corn Chips…ORGANIC

٣١١٠

GREAT FRIEND, GREAT HUMAN & personified SILLINESS to the nth degree o® She done ROCKED the earth and is now ROCKING THE HEAVENS *

YOU GO

GURL

22 KAZOO SALUTE 2 US% •+ * 60

Memories from Sam Payne (from Utah) about Angela Lloyd:

Remembering Angela Lloyd today. Angela cut her teeth as a musician on the road by finding hole-in-the-wall venues where bands were playing and joining them mid-song, often without permission, on her instrument of choice — the washboard. That always sounded to me like a good way to get killed. As a storyteller Angela was a fearless kindness activist; she was a torchbearer of a very special kind. In a crowded field of immensely skilled performers, a story from Angela was often the best thing I’d see at a festival or conference. We will all miss her.

The photo is from a 2017 visit to St. Louis (home of the wonderful St. Louis Storytelling Festival), where I joined Angela on stage for an impromptu washboard/guitar performance of “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” — a very dear memory.

Memories from Teresa Love (from Utah) about Angela Lloyd:

I first became aware of Angela at a showcase for school shows in LA probably 35 years ago. She was performing and I thought “What a delight! Such joy, talent and just totally herself.”I never got to personally hang with her until 2 years ago at Timpfest, and I count that time in her presence as one of my lucky days on this planet.

Memories from Annie Eastmond (from Utah) about Angela Lloyd:

Storyteller Angela Lloyd had a real sense of the importance of stories in our lives, as is evidenced in her work in schools with intergenerational programs. She said that “stories become good companions that walk with us through our lives. They can help us adjust our perspectives and guide us in our choices.”

The last time I heard Angela tell a story live, was last year in Utah at the BYU recording studio for the AppleSeed Radio program. Her stories were delightful and she always ended them with a great message, like….

“Beauty is a gift. Kindness is a choice.”

“No matter what you look like, when you are angry, you look ugly.”

“Some luck lies in NOT getting what you thought you wanted, but getting what you have, which once you have it, you may be smart enough to see is what you would have wanted, had you known.”

I was also reminded of how much she liked Carl Sandburg stories and poems. I went home after her performance last year and reread all the Rootabaga stories by Sandburg, just to try and see Storytelling a little more through her eyes.

Memories from Delanna Reed (from Tennessee, National Storytelling Network Chair who worked alongside Angela) about Angela Lloyd:

It is with profound gratitude and sorrow that we share the passing of Angela Lloyd, a whimsical and beloved storyteller from California, whose magic touched countless lives. Known for her delightful blend of storytelling, washboard playing, and singing, Angela enchanted audiences of all ages, especially children, with her creativity and infectious joy.

As a dedicated member of the National Storytelling Network, Angela played a vital role in fostering community and promoting the art of storytelling. She served for many years on the Oracle Awards committee and recently chaired the Youth, Educators, and Storytellers special interest group, fostering a love for storytelling in future generations.

Angela’s artistry earned her a cherished place on stages across the nation. She was a featured performer at the 25th National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, TN, where her vibrant spirit lit up the stage. She also emceed the festival with grace and humor and was a resident teller for Storytelling Live, spreading joy and connection through her craft.

Angela’s life was a testament to the power of storytelling to connect, heal, and uplift. Her laughter, talent, and passion will live on in the tapestry of stories she shared and the lives she touched.

Memories from Arianna Ross (from Maryland) about Angela Lloyd:

I still remember one day she told me that I was a storyteller. Someone had told me because I use dance and music in my stories, but I was not a storyteller. She saw me feeling sad at a conference and walked over and told me you are a storyteller. I will never forget that.

Memories from Liz Weir (from Northern Ireland) about Angela Lloyd:

Such sad news this morning of the death of Angela Lloyd. I first met Angela several decades ago and her love of life and wonderful sense of fun brightened many a storytelling gathering. When I saw her last year in Seattle she was in sparkling form and I was so happy to reconnect with her. She kept in touch with me during my cancer treatment and now she has left us. We have wonderful memories but her likes will not be seen again.

Memories from Jessica Piscitelli Robinson (from Washington DC) about Angela Lloyd:

In loving memory.

Thank you Angela for creating a warm and welcoming circle, for sharing your stories, your light, and your love. There is so much more I will one day say, but for now, just this.

Memories from Donna Ingham (from Texas) about Angela Lloyd:

Somewhere in an archive far, far away I have a picture of Angela and me, each outfitted with a washboard. Like many in our storytelling clan, I was prompted to take up the instrument after seeing and hearing Angela play. She was amazing. I am not. Her washboard comes with a story, of course, about found objects repurposed. Mine came straight from the hardware store and is clearly cloned from hers. She was kind enough to suggest some refinements before I asked her to sign it. I will forever play it, however poorly, in her honor and memory. My gratitude for this day is that I was privileged to know her.

Memories from Jen Whitman (from Washington) about Angela Lloyd:

A very special light left the world this week….Angela Lloyd shared wit, whimsy, and wonder through her unique blend of music and story…we will miss her so much…

Memories from Anne Penfound (from Oregon) about Angela Lloyd:

I went out and bought two washboards after hearing Angela play, sing and tell stories when I was a new storyteller. She was such an inspiration.

Somehow she seemed to radiate joy like little pinpoints of light whenever I was lucky enough to hear her. I feel blessed that she was at the Conference in the Pacific NW Summer 2024.

Sending love to all she touched during her life and heartfelt condolences to family and close friends.

Memories from Pippa White (from New York) about Angela Lloyd and referencing the National Storytelling Festival’s Exchange Place for up-and-coming tellers:

I have a rock, just a small, very ordinary rock, painted orange, with Jonesborough written on the back. Angela gave it to me in 2011 when I was featured at the Exchange Place. I was very nervous, and her little gift was to calm me down. I have kept it all these years. So typical of Angela in so many ways. She was truly one-of-a-kind. I am so sorry to get this news, but feel so honored that our paths crossed.

Memories from Colin Urwin (from Northern Ireland) about Angela Lloyd:

Wackiest workshop with the funkiest facilitator ever… Will always be grateful to have spent a few hours in the company of Angela… talking washboards, storytelling and sharing a bit of banter… unassuming, charming and warm-hearted, she will doubtless be sorely missed by many… sincere condolences to Angela’s family and friends…