Over the past thirty years, Joel ben Izzy has traveled the globe, gathering and telling stories in some thirty five countries around the globe. Though his travels have taken him far and wide, he has never been to the wilds of Session A, and looks forward to the new adventure, having been a popular fixture at Session B for the last 14 years. Joel has recorded six CDs of his stories, which have won numerous awards, and is a regular contributor to Public Radio International’s “Snap Judgment.” He is also the author of the award-winning memoir “The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness,” (Algonquin, 2003) which has now been reprinted seven times and has been translated into sixteen foreign editions, and which he is developing as a stage play. At CAZ Joel pursues the more mediative side of his work, teaching Environmental Art under the bridge. He’ll also be teaching “Life Stories” at the bakery, based on the story skills classes he has developed and offered around the world. You can learn more about Joel at www.storypage.com and www.wakingstar.com.