ISC News
Bobby Norfolk to Present Special Evening Concert
The third of five evening storytelling concerts will take place Thursday, August 12 at 7:30 pm and feature storyteller Bobby Norfolk. In this celebration of Lincoln’s 200th birthday and the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, In the Shadow of Lincoln gives listeners an inside look at the trials and triumphs of African-Americans living in the shadow of slavery, as seen through the eyes of a freed slave.
Admission is $12, and tickets are on sale now. Reservations are recommended as seating is limited. To reserve your tickets call 800-952-8392, ext. 222 or visit Storytelling Live! for more information.
Final Children’s Storytelling Concert of the Season
The third and final children’s storytelling concert of the 2010 Storytelling Live! season takes place this week. On Saturday, August 7 at 10:30 a.m., Teller-in-Residence Izzi Tooinsky will entertain children with a special storytelling performance enhanced by juggling and music. The concert is especially appropriate for children ages 6–10.
Tickets are $5, and reservations are recommended as seating is limited. To reserve your tickets call 800-952-8392, ext. 222 or visit Storytelling Live! for more information.
Exchange Place Tellers to Share Life and Personal Stories
Two tellers who performed on the Exchange Place stage at the 2009 National Storytelling Festival will soon be performing at Washington, D.C.’s Capital Fringe Festival.
Listeners will hear stories about Jewish life and identity during Slash Coleman’s performance, Chaidentity.
In Pushing Boundaries: Politics becomes Personal. Again, Ellouise Schoettler will give audiences an inside look at the 1970s Second Wave Women's Movement.
A Workshop Devoted to the Elusive Art of Making a Reader
The third and final storytelling workshop of the 2010 Storytelling Live! season takes place this week. On Friday, July 9, teller-in-residence and well-known storyteller, educator, and writer Gay Ducey will share effective techniques for engaging kids in reading. You’ll leave with a pocketful of good ideas. Catch Them If You Can: A Workshop Devoted to the Elusive Art of Making a Reader is especially appropriate for childhood educators and parents. The two-hour workshop will be offered Friday, July 9 from 9–11 a.m.
Tickets are $20, and reservations are strongly recommended as seating is limited. To reserve your tickets call 800-952-8392 or visit Storytelling Live! for more information.
Jonesborough Welcomes Seasoned Entertainer Gay Ducey
Storyteller Gay Ducey is no stranger to small town charm. Her work has taken her into communities—most recently a little town in Mississippi—where she works with locals to dig up their collective past. Read more
Storyteller to Give Inside Look at Women’s History
Storyteller Ellouise Schoettler will soon give audiences an inside look at the 1970s Second Wave Women's Movement. The special five-show set begins this week in Washington, D.C. Read more
Connie Regan-Blake Raises Money For BeadforLife
On June 25 Connie Regan-Blake will present Hope is Back On Me: A Storyteller’s Journey in Africa. This performance, which will be presented only once, is a fundraising effort for the BeadforLife program which helps women lift themselves out of extreme poverty. In this stunning blend of storytelling and visual imagery, Connie offers a powerful tribute to Ugandan women, their stories of tragedy and triumph, and the BeadforLife program. Beautiful bead jewelry, handmade by the African women, will be available for purchase following the performance, with proceeds going to the women of Kampala, Uganda.
Admission is only $5 for this extraordinary event. Tickets are on sale now and reservations are strongly recommended as seating is limited. To reserve your tickets call 800-952-8392 or visit Storytelling Live! for more information.
Learn How to Use Storytelling in Your Work
Are you interested in learning how to apply storytelling in your work? In an upcoming workshop on the ISC campus, learn how to achieve in your speaking the precision of conceptual language and the emotional buy-in of storytelling. Presented by Doug Lipman, 2010 teller-in-residence and well-known performer, coach, author, and teacher, Message Telling: Guiding Your Listeners to Meaning Through Storytelling is especially appropriate for business people and non-profit staff. The 2.5 hour workshop will be offered Thursday, June 17 from 9–11:30 a.m.
Tickets are $40, and reservations are strongly recommended as seating is limited. To reserve your tickets call 800-952-8392 or visit Storytelling Live! for more information.
2010 Featured Tellers To Lead Storytelling Delegation To China
Eth-Noh-Tec, featured tellers at the 2010 National Storytelling Festival, along with storytellers Doug Banner and Linda Fang will lead the trip “Nu Wa Rising: A Journey To a Chinese Storytelling Village” this September. Full Story
The Gift of Story
Mother's Day is May 9. Why not give Mom the gift of story? The International Storytelling Center offers a personalized storybook you can access online to create a special keepsake. Full Story
Spring Is Finally Here!
The International Storytelling Center is giving you one more reason to be excited the season is here; spring gift shop merchandise! The gift shop at ISC features many Spring-inspired and eco-friendly products that can help you get your garden started or decorate your outdoor room. Full Story
ISC Celebrates Launch of Jonesborough Community Storytelling Program
On March 16 the International Storytelling Center played host to an event to launch Telling Jonesborough’s Stories. The program is designed to involve the residents of Jonesborough in sharing their stories throughout the community. Full Story
A Nod to St. Patrick
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, it only seems fitting to share a bit of information about Ireland’s close connection to the rich history and long-standing traditions of storytelling. Full Story
A Perfectly Unique Spring Wedding
Spring marks a time at the International Storytelling Center when many brides and grooms finalize preparations for weddings that will take place at the Center throughout the spring and summer months. Katie Royster and Dwight Willett celebrated their wedding on April 25, 2009 in the courtyard of ISC’s campus.
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Historic Jonesborough Bridal Fair a Success
Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010 the International Storytelling Center along with the Town of Jonesborough played host to The Historic Jonesborough Bridal Fair. With 32 vendors and more than 100 in attendance the fair was a great success.
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A Modern Fairytale
Love is in the air at the International Storytelling Center. It’s time to celebrate by highlighting some of the memorable weddings held at ISC. Diane Lott and Robert Pickle held their ceremony in June of 2009 in the Storytelling Park on the campus of ISC. Full Story
ISC to host Jonesborough Bridal Fair
Win the wedding of your dreams! Come to Jonesborough Feb. 20, 2010 and take part in The Historic Jonesborough Bridal Fair. Exhibits will be set up at the International Storytelling Center as well as the Jonesborough Visitors Center. Participating shops and venues will provide live entertainment, giveaways, open houses, and much more to help brides and grooms plan their special day. One lucky couple will win their own wedding. The cost is $10 per person at the door or $8 for attendees who preregister by Friday, Feb. 19.
For more information about the event and to preregister visit http://www.jonesboroughweddings.com/.
Let ISC Host Your Next Special Event
Looking for a unique venue for your next event? Each year the International Storytelling Center plays host to a number of special occasions including weddings, parties, meetings, and reunions.
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Ellouise Schoettler brings old stories to a new medium
2009 Exchange Place teller, Ellouise Schoettler, has been fortunate to have many of her performances recorded. Recently she decided it was time to take them out of the archive and put them on her blog where a new video will be featured each week.
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The Story Behind Storytelling
Want to get an inside look at storytelling and the National Storytelling Festival? Now you can, thanks to Eric Wolf of Brother Wolf Storytelling. Jimmy Neil Smith, founder and president of the International Storytelling Center (ISC), recently sat down with Wolf to share his thoughts on the future of storytelling and ISC.
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Storytelling recording to be featured on NPR
Well-known storyteller Jay O’Callahan has recorded a broadcast version of his NASA story, Forged in the Stars. The program will air on the National Public Radio (NPR) program, Living on Earth the weekend after Christmas. To find out when Forged in the Stars will be featured on your local NPR station, visit www.loe.org. Click on “Where to Tune In” and select your state.
ISC, ETSU to host NBA exhibition game in October 2010
ISC has teamed with ETSU Athletics to host an NBA exhibition game Oct. 16, 2010 in Johnson City, Tenn. and proceeds will benefit ISC and ETSU. The game will feature the New Orleans Hornets and the Atlanta Hawks. Full story
A Brother Blue Christmas
To honor the recent passing of beloved storyteller, Brother Blue, tellers are being encouraged to give back this holiday season by sharing their stories with the less fortunate. Learn more
National Storytelling Festival recording receives GRAMMY nomination
David Holt and Josh Goforth have received a GRAMMY nomination in the Best Traditional Folk Album (Vocal or Instrumental) for Cutting Loose, an album recorded during the National Storytelling Festival. Full story
Celebrate the National Day of Listening on Friday, November 27
Take time to listen to the story of someone important to you this holiday season.
StoryCorps and NPR have declared Friday, November 27 — the day after Thanksgiving — as the National Day of Listening. In an effort to preserve stories for generations to come, Americans are encouraged to record and share an interview with a neighbor, friend or loved one on this day.
For more information about the National Day of Listening and to download a free Do-It-Yourself Instruction Guide, visit http://www.nationaldayoflistening.org/.
ISC Remembers Brother Blue
The storytelling community has lost one of its most well-known and respected talents. Brother Blue, a beloved mentor, teacher and storyteller, passed away on November 3, 2009. He shared stories, poetry and songs with far-reaching audiences for more than 40 years. Read more
Join the Excitement!
Preregister now for the 2010 National Storytelling Festival
Tickets are already on sale for the 38th annual National Storytelling Festival, to be held October 1–3, 2010. You’ll enjoy savings of up to $15 if you buy before December 31. Preregister online now. And remember, Festival tickets also make great holiday gifts! Call the International Storytelling Center at (800) 952-8392 for more details and to purchase a gift certificate.
Follow ISC on Twitter
The International Storytelling Center (ISC) has officially launched a Twitter account! Follow us at www.twitter.com/StoryConnect to receive updates about this year’s National Storytelling Festival and stay connected to the exciting work taking place at ISC.
2009 National Storytelling Festival Took Listeners Around the World
The 2009 National Storytelling Festival, held October 2–4, welcomed tellers and listeners from across the nation and world.
The streets of Jonesborough were filled with thousands of visitors, and thetents rang with laughter as a crowd of nearly 9,000 gathered to enjoy storytelling at its best. Enjoy a glimpse of the fun with our 2009 photo album, courtesy of Festival photographer Tom Raymond.
Gift shop at ISC offers a totally new shopping experience
The Gift Shop at the International Storytelling Center (ISC) has just received a facelift! On September 28, ISC opened the doors of the refurbished shop, located in the Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall, to present a unique selection of handcrafted gifts from all over the world in a newly-revamped interior. A broad range of items are now available including art, houswares, stationary, ceramics, and toys as well as a new line of exclusive t-shirts. Click here to learn more.
National Storytelling Festival Named Top 20 Event in the Southeast
The National Storytelling Festival has been selected as one of Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events for the month of October 2009. Find out more.
2009 Storytelling Festival Set for October 2-4, 2009
The 37th National Storytelling Festival is scheduled for October 2-4, in Historic Jonesborough.
Check out the full roster of 2009 tellers and register by September 18, 2009 for special discounts!
2009 Teller-in-Residence Season Now Under Way
Now in its 8th season, the renowned Storytelling Live! Teller-In-Residence program highlights 26 of America’s best-loved storytellers. With an exciting 2009 schedule, enjoy a different artist each week, May 5–October 31.
In addition to daily matinees, this year’s Teller-In-Residence season includes exclusive evening concerts and Saturday morning children’s shows. All performances are presented at the Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall inside the Krispy Kreme Storytelling Theatre. Tickets for these unique and usually sold-out performances are available now.
Click here for a complete listing of 2009 performers and dates. Or, for more information or to purchase tickets, call (423) 913-1276 or (800) 952-8392.
Storytelling Live! with Donald Davis on September 30, 2009
Reserve Your Tickets Now!Storytelling Live! featuring Donald Davis will be held on the grounds of the National Storytelling Festival, Wednesday, September 30 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $15 for all ages.
Audience members will experience Donald's performance, Do You Ever Tell THAT Story Anymore?, in one of the festival’s largest performance tents. Tickets will be sold in advance at the Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall up until the time of the performance. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (423) 913-1276 or (800) 952-8392.
This special concert is part of the Center's Storytelling Live! series which features a different teller each week, May through October.
Storytelling Live! sponsors are BB&T and Mountain States Health Alliance. Media sponsors are WCYB-TV 5, FOX Tri-Cities, Tri-Cities CW4, Johnson City Press, Kingsport Times-News, and Citadel Broadcasting.