The National Storytelling Festival includes many special events, in addition to the full schedule of tellers.
Donald Davis presents “That’s Not on the Test” Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the library tent. Requires a separate ticket, which is $20.
Jay O’Callahan leads a workshop, “Creating Personal Stories” from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Oct. 6. Much like photos and souvenirs, memories have the power to remind us of times that were happy, sad, funny or unusual. In this session, you will draw up several memories. Using prompts O’Callahan calls “sparks,” participants retrieve memories to start a story. $95.
Lyn Ford leads a workshop, “Collecting Family Stories,” Oct. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Family stories and folklore are valuable treasures that connect us to our past, provide a foundation for the present, and offer a guide for the future. In this workshop, you’ll find ways to gather and cherish this treasure. How-tos, resources and expert tips are offered in a fast-paced and joy-filled session. $95.
Go on an origami adventure with Motoko Oct. 6 from 1-3 p.m. Experience origami as a calming, creative exercise, a visual aid to storytelling and as a teaching tool. A seasoned teaching artist, Motoko makes this ancient art fun and accessible, and helps participants find connections to stories and your language arts and math curricula. $60.
Sheila Arnold leads “Healing Divides through Storytelling” Oct. 6 from 2-5 p.m. Building on the use of storytelling as a healing practice in communities, schools, health care facilities and religious institutions, Arnold demonstrates how stories can help us heal divides and create a more inclusive and equitable world. $95.
Rising Appalachia performs Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the library tent. Sisters Leah Smith and Chloe Smith are a folk duo who have merged global music influences with their Southern roots to create an inviting new sound. $20.
The Exchange Place in the College Street Tent features invited tellers who are new to the festival Oct 7 from 4:30-7 p.m. Tellers include MJ Kang, Carol Moore, Morgen “Mo” Reynolds, Darci Tucker, Brandon Spars and Sufian Zhemukhov.
Ghost stories are told Oct. 7 and Oct. 8 from 8-10 p.m. in Mill Spring Park. Open-air ghost story concerts feature different haunting tales each night. Guest tellers and festival veterans join others on the Ghost Story Stage. It’s ground seating only, so bring blankets. Not recommended for children under 6. Tickets available at Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall, at registration, and at the gate. $10.
After Hours with John McCutcheon is held Oct. 7 at 10 p.m. Join folk music’s renaissance man, master instrumentalist, storyteller and powerful singer-songwriter for a dynamic close to the first night of the festival. $20. Not recommended for children.
Celebrate, meet the festival’s featured tellers, and enjoy food and fellowship at the Yarnspinners Party Saturday, Oct. 8 from 5–7 p.m. Donate $150 in support of the International Storytelling Center and enjoy great food and music as you meet the tellers. Call 800-952-8392 for more information.
Recurring events include the wine and beer garden in the Storytelling Hall plaza. It’s open from 4-8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
The Swappin’ Grounds is open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Anyone can tell a story. Register at the Jonesborough Visitors Center.
To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.storytellingcenter.net.
