The Paramount Theatre will be the site of a Saturday benefit involving storytelling and poetry.

The event, dubbed Chataugua, will feature Bob vilt reading sayings and Ben Hubble playing the guitar. Also, local poets may also show and present their works.

Admission to the event is $7.50 for adults and $4 for students.

A chataugua is word that is derived from the Seneca Indian, meaning, "two moccasins tied together by a string." It describes the shape of the lake at the first chataugua in New York. The more contemporary meaning is a place where people gather to share ideas and learn to enjoy the arts and culture in a beautiful setting.

Vilt will be reading a variety of selections he has gathered the last seven years and some of his own poetry.

"I have always loved the Paramount and wanted to do something to help with the restoration. The money raised will all benefit the Paramount. Austin used to have chatauguas. Frank Bridges informed me of this," Vilt said.

The first chataugua in Austin was held at Lafayette Park in 1907. Large gatherings of people attended them. Chatauguas were popular until around 1928, until the advent of radio and talking movie pictures, when their interest died out.

"I think today we need something besides television and movies to get entertainment from. I will have some special guests doing readings. They are Betty Benner, a poet and storyteller and Tim Brennan who will read his debate that he entered in the great American Think Off that he won second place for in New York Mills," Vilt said.