Retired Storyteller Returns for Halloween Show

Joe Hayes, a retired Southwest storyteller, is breaking his silence this Halloween to perform a single tale for the Santa Fe Concert Band. He will recite the legend of La Llorona during the group's More Phantoms, Fantasy and Legends program. This appearance marks a notable return for Hayes, who performed his final storytelling session on August 3, 2025, and has since stepped away from his decades-long career.

The performance will feature a 20-minute soliloquy by Hayes, framed by Halloween-themed music from the band. The repertoire includes selections from Edward Scissorhands, Spider-Man, The Wizard of Oz, The Phantom of the Opera, Tales from the Crypt, Pirates of the Caribbean, and How to Train Your Dragon. Band members will wear costumes, and attendees are encouraged to dress in character. The event is designed for families, blending traditional folklore with popular culture references.

Hayes first connected with the band's founder, Greg Heltman, in 1985. Heltman, a longtime musician and educator, recalled hearing Hayes' work and calling him to propose a bilingual version of Peter and the Wolf. That collaboration launched a long-term relationship between the two. Hayes, who was five years into his professional storytelling career at the time, found the invitation appealing and agreed to participate. Their partnership has continued for over four decades, though this Halloween show is a special, one-off arrangement.

Heltman explained that live musical accompaniment during Hayes' recitation is not feasible. Because Hayes performs from memory, musicians cannot predict exactly when specific dramatic moments will occur. He noted that while a prelude or postlude might enhance the atmosphere, the story stands on its own. He described La Llorona as a rich and heartbreaking narrative, typical of many folk tales. The band will play before and after the storytelling segment to provide a thematic bookend.

Hayes has performed La Llorona for audiences across the United States for decades. He wrote a book on the subject in 1986. He recounted a childhood memory from Benson, Arizona, where a group of children on a sleepover near a pond claimed to hear the spirit. A patrol officer later escorted the frightened children back to their neighborhood. Hayes said he often tailors his selection of stories to the audience's familiarity with the legend. He noted that he frequently performed for schools with significant Hispanic populations, including a school in Sitka, Alaska, where parents worked on fishing boats.

Hayes is approaching his 81st birthday and has embraced retirement. He described the freelance lifestyle as different from a standard job, noting that he no longer has to actively seek work to maintain his income. He said his brain and body are slowing down, making the decision to retire a natural progression. Despite his retirement, he finds it satisfying when audiences recall his past performances. He mentioned receiving emails from adults who remember hearing him as children decades ago.

The More Phantoms, Fantasy and Legends program offers a specific cultural moment for the Santa Fe community. It combines the band's musical training with Hayes' vocal storytelling. The event allows for a direct exchange between a veteran artist and a new generation of listeners. The inclusion of well-known film scores alongside traditional folklore creates a diverse listening experience. The show serves as a final public engagement for Hayes before he settles fully into his retired life.

The band's performance will precede and follow Hayes' segment. The musical selections are chosen to evoke a spooky atmosphere suitable for the holiday. The program aims to entertain families with a mix of fear and whimsy. Hayes' presence adds a human element to the musical arrangement. The event relies on the distinct skills of both the instrumentalists and the vocalist. It is a structured presentation that avoids the unpredictability of live improvisation. The focus remains on the delivery of the La Llorona tale and the accompanying musical themes.