Before the radio, before the automobile, storytellers and musicians toured the country spreading entertainment and education in Chautauqua Revue variety shows. Named for the Chautauqua Lake where the summer tradition originated, the revues played to an estimated 45 million Americans in towns and rural areas throughout the United States during the early days of the 20th century. In Occidental, the community gathering is still going strong, and this year’s show boasts a variety of entertainment and storytelling, featuring tales to make you laugh and make you think. The Chautauqua Revue happens on Friday, July 25, at the Occidental Arts & Ecology Center’s outdoor theater, 15290 Coleman Valley Road, Occidental. 7:30pm. $10—$20. 707.874.1557.
