Meet Devin Stone | Founding member of The Storytellers a cappella group

We had the good fortune of connecting with Devin Stone and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Devin, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
As a music group that has evolved over the years, we’ve learned to be incredibly flexible, not only in integrating the unique strengths and schedules of our members but also in tailoring our performances to fit any occasion. Whether it’s learning specific song requests, improvising on the spot to suit an event’s theme, or crafting custom “story-song hybrids” to elevate an experience, our versatility allows us to create truly unique and memorable moments for our audience. This ability to consistently deliver a personalized and engaging performance, while staying true to our core mission of building community, has been instrumental in the longevity and success of the Storytellers.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The art of The Storytellers is defined by two core elements that truly set us apart: our focus on building community and our ability to craft improvisational songs on the spot. While many groups perform for an audience, we aim to perform with them. We don’t just sing songs; we weave personal narratives into our performances, creating a shared experience that connects people and leaves them feeling happier, lighter, and inspired. Our “freestyles,” where we spontaneously create music based on audience prompts, are a direct extension of this. It’s a thrilling, unscripted moment of connection that’s truly unique to our shows.

We’re incredibly proud of the diverse stages we’ve graced and the impact we’ve made. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of performing for a wide range of audiences, from a city council meeting and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, to local breweries, fundraisers, art galleries, birthday parties, high school workshops, winter festivals, corporate events, and holiday parties. For every single event, we meticulously design a performance around the occasion, ensuring we create the biggest and most meaningful impact possible. This commitment to tailoring our art for each unique setting is something we deeply value and strive for.

Our journey to where we are today hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. Like many performing groups, we’ve navigated our share of challenges. Membership turnover is never simple; it means learning new music and re-establishing our vocal blend. However, we’ve stayed hopeful and have been incredibly fortunate to find talented individuals passionate about joining our ranks. Each new member brings fresh experiences and expertise that not only gets our momentum back but often elevates our sound and capabilities in unexpected ways. Balancing our day jobs and the demanding process of learning new music with essential marketing and outreach has also been a consistent juggle. While it’s hard to find time to proactively seek new opportunities, we’re generally very happy with the business we do secure, largely through word-of-mouth and our built reputation. Finally, staying true to our value and our pricing has been a significant challenge. We believe in fair compensation for our art, not just for The Storytellers, but for all local musicians. While accepting lower rates might lead to more gigs, we consciously choose not to lowball ourselves, as this can contribute to the devaluation of music industry rates overall. This sometimes means fewer gigs, but it ensures we maintain the integrity of our art and support the broader musical community.

Through these experiences, we’ve gleaned some invaluable lessons. Members need to make the group a priority; we dedicate one night a week to rehearsals, and consistent attendance is key to our progress and cohesion. It’s also vital to share responsibilities – whether it’s marketing, being the point person for gigs, or planning show logistics. Distributing these tasks prevents any single member from feeling burned out and fosters a stronger sense of team. Lastly, nourishing the bond through social activities outside of music and business is essential. These moments allow us to reflect on our goals and simply enjoy each other’s company, strengthening the personal connections that fuel our performances. Going to breweries for a board game night, for example, is one of our favorite ways to unwind and connect.

Ultimately, what we want the world to know about The Storytellers is that we are an experienced, versatile, and deeply passionate a cappella group based in Denver, CO. We’re here to connect, inspire, and entertain through the unique power of story and song. We’d absolutely love to hear from you for your next event or creative collaboration! You can check us out and say hello on social media @storytellers303.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Our mission is all about connecting with people and building community, and what better way to do that than by sharing the vibrancy and unique spirit of our beloved home city? If a best friend were visiting, here are some of the places we’d definitely take them:

For immersive art and unique experiences: Meow Wolf Denver is an absolute must. It’s a mind-bending, multi-dimensional art installation that you simply have to see to believe.

For culture and discovery: The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is world-class, offering fascinating exhibits that appeal to all ages. We’d also explore the incredible street art and murals in the River North Art District (RiNo).

For local flavors and community vibes: We’d definitely hit up some of Denver’s fantastic craft breweries, especially River North Brewery for some excellent local sips. We’d also explore the diverse culinary scene, from the vibrant food hall at Denver Central Market in RiNo to cozy neighborhood eateries.

And of course, we’d be sure to check out wherever the Storytellers are performing that week!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When it comes to recognizing those who deserve immense credit in our journey, our first and most heartfelt shout-out goes to one of our founding members, Alejandro “Dro” Fuentes Mena. Dro has been with us since the very beginning, there during that late-night fast-food drive-through where a group of friends first spontaneously experimented with harmony. From that humble, unplanned origin, we’ve grown into an LLC, traveled to perform in different states and internationally, built a deep and diverse repertoire, and touched the hearts of countless community members – and Dro has been an indispensable part of every step.

Alejandro possesses the most soulful voice, honed through years in church choirs, show choir, and gospel choruses, making him instantly recognizable and a true cornerstone of our sound. Beyond his incredible vocal talent, Dro is arguably the best storyteller among us. He shares tales from his own life with a passion that not only moves people emotionally but inspires them to action as well. His unique ability to connect, both through song and story, embodies the very spirit of The Storytellers. We are incredibly grateful for his unwavering dedication, talent, and the profound impact he’s had on our group and our audience.

Website: https://storytellers303.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storytellers303/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storytellers303

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@storytellers303

Image Credits
Lan Vo’s Photography