"We're excited to see him in person because we've listened to him on tape in our car for years, " said Susan Lowen, who was with her 6-year-old daughter, Evelyn as they waited to purchase tickets for the Odds Bodkin performance last night at Kenmore Middle School.

Bodkin, a professional storyteller, musician, educator and children's author was in Arlington for a special performance at the school. Martin Ogle, chief naturalist at Potomac Overlook Regional Park said he was pleased to be one of the sponsors of the program, along with Kenmore Middle School and the Silver Diner.

"We're really excited to be bringing such a great talent to Arlington," Ogle said adding, "And to be able to have the staff at Potomac Overlook interact with the community in a big way."

 The park is part of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.

Ogle welcomed the audience and invited them to take part in the park's family-friendly programs. He introduced Bodkin by noting he has been dubbed a "modern day Orpheus," a legendary figure in Greek mythology, who was venerated for his poetry and music.

Using the power of creative imagination, Bodkin, a master storyteller asked the audience to "make a movie of your own."

 Just like a movie is underscored with music, Bodkin used an African sansa (also known as a thumb piano), 12-string guitar and Celtic harp to engage his audience in the creation of  his stories in the mind's eye.  

Bodkin has likened his performances to radio theatre. In addition to the narration and music, he creates all the character voices and all the sound effects, from galloping horses to creaking doors.  The interactive performance had members of the audience, (which consisted largely of parents with children) answering questions, clapping and singing.  Judging by the enthusiastic participation of young and old alike, Bodkin hit the mark with his choice of stories.

"I like the armadillo sounds,' said Daniel Narcho, who was having a snack at intermission with dad, Herman Narcho. "This is an art form that he [Bodkin] does very well,' said the elder Narcho.

After the performance Bodkin was on hand to meet his fans and sign autographs. Hs wife of 28 years, Miguelina "Mil" Bodkin, who according to Bodkin is his "best friend and manager" accompanied him and helped with the sale of his recordings and children's books.

Darrow Sherman, who plays "Irish fiddle," said he greatly enjoyed Bodkin's playing of the Celtic harp.  After the performance he was perfecting the cat face Bodkin asked the audience to make for the rousing "meow" song in the last story.

His mother, Anne Thiesen, noted, "We've been listening to Odds for a long time, since he [Darrow] was about 3, and it was a real treat to hear the stories in person that we've loved so much."

To learn more, visit www.oddsbodkin.com