Tim Lowry
Tickets are on sale for the National Storytelling Festival, Oct. 3-5, to be held in Jonesborough, Tennessee. Each year the event brings world-class performers and some 10,000 visitors to Tennessee’s oldest town.
The festival’s programming features more than 20 storytellers who perform on stages under big-top tents scattered across downtown Jonesborough. The performers showcase traditional tales, folklore, myths, personal stories, music and more.
Founded and produced by the International Storytelling Center, the festival was the first event of its kind when it launched in 1973. While it has grown and evolved over the ensuing decades, the festival has remained the industry’s premier storytelling event.
ISC offers a range of festival ticketing options, including standalone events, day passes and weekend passes. Core programming runs 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, with passholders welcome to come and go as they please.
As always, this year’s lineup of featured storytellers includes a lively mix of long-time listener favorites, exciting new voices and distinguished international artists. Veteran performers include Sheila Arnold, who tells folk tales and personal stories; Dovie Thomason, who focuses on Native American culture and tradition; Alton Chung, who specializes in historical stories and folk tales from Hawaii and Japan; and Donald Davis, who is known for his humor and personal stories.
Storytelling encompasses so many different oral traditions, the festival’s goal is to showcase as many as possible. Stories are living traditions, not relics of the past, and all the different textures and tones give each festival its distinct character.
For locals and travelers who are available in the days leading up to the festival, there are concerts and workshops scheduled earlier in the week. Lyn Ford leads a “Laughter, Breath, Joy” workshop Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. Tickets are $65. Megan Wells explores “Storytelling for Caregivers” Oct. 2 at 9:30 a.m. tickets are $95. Kim Weitamp demonstrates ways to gather and share family stories Oct. 2 from 1-4 p.m. Tickets are $95. Josh Goforth tells attendees how to be on stage telling tales Oct. 2 from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Tickets are $95.
Donald Davis gives a pre-festival concert Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. The Uncalled for Trio performs Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. After Hours concerts this year are Kevin Kling and Simone Perrin Oct. 3 and 4 at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.
Ticketing options for individuals and families include low-price tickets for individual events such as al fresco Ghost Stories (Oct. 3 and 4, at 7:30 p.m.), which are $10. The Ghost Stories are told at Mill Spring Park. Bring chairs or blankets, ground seating only.
Carmen Deedy performs “The Peanut Man” Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. in the Jackson Theatre on the festival grounds. Tickets are $20. This is the story of a Cuban refugee and her joy in an unexpected encounter that connects her beloved home in Havana with her new home in Atlanta. There is a question-and-answer session at the end. Deedy is an award-winning author of 16 books for young readers.
Tim Lowry performs his homage to Charles Dickens in “A Christmas Carol” Sunday, Oct. 5 at 11:30 a.m. He brings to life the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future along with enduring favorites, Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim. This is held in the ISC Theater, and tickets are $20.
The Yarnspinners’ Party, a fundraiser for the International Storytelling Center, is held Oct. 4 from 5-7 p.m. at the Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall at the International Storytelling Center. Meet the featured tellers and enjoy food and fellowship. Tickets are $150.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.storytellingcenter.net/festival or call 800-952-8392.
