photo by: Courtesy of Douglas County

Kevin Kling

Emmy Award-winning storyteller Kevin Kling is scheduled to give a free performance this month in Lawrence.

Kling, a nationally recognized storyteller, playwright and NPR commentator from Minneapolis, Minnesota, will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St.

In a news release about the event, which is sponsored by Douglas County and the Sunflower Foundation, Kling’s stories are described as “hilarious, often tender tales about growing up in the Midwest, hopping freight trains, getting hit by lightning, and eating things before knowing what they are.”

Kling was born with one disabled arm, and a midlife motorcycle accident paralyzed the other; learning how to navigate chronic pain and complex PTSD became a daily feature of his life. His stories “offer insights about growing into loss, finding humor in the face of suffering, and maintaining a spirit of love and connection as we struggle to move forward,” according to the release.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with resource tables from the following behavioral health partners: Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, NAMI Douglas County, DCCCA Inc., Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health, Kansas Suicide Prevention Headquarters and Peer Support Specialists.