Leslie Rainey Shelley Storyteller

08/28/2026

08/28/2026

Wonderful night!

08/12/2026

Designed to capture the magic of the mountains and highlight regional talent, Appalachian Tales promises a lively night of old-time music, traditional dance, toe-tapping songs, and rich storytelling.
This dynamic evening features a lineup of special guest performers, including singer-songwriters Alani Davis of Cherokee County, NC, and Dr. Paul Constantine and Rob Tiger, both from Clay County, NC; storytellers Tom and Amanda Lawrence of Union County, GA, Rev. Delmer Chilton of Clay County, NC, and Leslie Shelley of Cherokee County, GA; and writer Marcia Barnes of Clay County, NC. Joining them on stage are dancers the Folk School Cloggers, along with young music makers from across the region performing as Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc.
Get your tickets today at https://peacockperformingartscenter.thundertix.com/events/254243

08/11/2026

This week, Storytelling Live welcomes the delightfully entertaining Anne Rutherford to Jonesborough!

A five-time champion of the Northwest Folklife Liar's Contest, Anne has mastered the art of telling stories that ring true—even when they're completely made up. From hilarious personal tales to prize-winning whoppers, her performances are filled with humor, heart, and unforgettable characters, including her Wild West alter ego, Clementine Ryder, who has a knack for stealing the show.

Often accompanied by her mandolin, Anne creates performances that are as musical as they are memorable. Whether she's sharing a heartfelt story or spinning an outrageous tall tale, her greatest joy is connecting with her audience. As Anne likes to say, "Without you, I'm talking to myself!"

Join us for daily matinee performances Tuesday–Saturday at 2 p.m. Can't make it to Jonesborough? Virtual ticket holders can enjoy Anne's recorded performance beginning Friday at 2 p.m. ET, with access available through the following Friday.

https://store.storytellingcenter.net/storytelling-live-08-11-08-15-anne-rutherford-240/

08/08/2026

It is comforting knowing that a departed loved one's spirit lives on through you. 💛✨

08/05/2026

Everyone has stories to tell- our stories showcase who we are and how we want to show up in the world. So come dive into the art of digital storytelling and bring your creative ideas to life in our E Scribes course! This is an ONLINE DIGITAL storytelling workshop for high school students and adults that begins in Sept. Sign-ups open now! https://bit.ly/3RvHp2J

08/05/2026

Some of the people who help make our community thrive aren't just telling stories. They're living them.

This month, we're especially proud to celebrate our very own Julia Anne Morrison , a Storytellers Macon board member, on being recognized as one of Macon Magazine's 2026 Five Under 40 Young Leaders.

Julia's passion for the arts, community, and creating spaces where people can gather and connect is something we've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand. Her leadership reminds us that being at the Top Of Your Game isn't about standing alone. It's about lifting others as you grow.

We're also thrilled to congratulate the entire 2026 Five Under 40 cohort:
✨ Lauren Marshall
✨ Colin Penndorf
✨ Onica Schmidt
✨ Julia Morrison
✨ Melissa Rodriguez-McClain

Each of you is helping shape Macon in meaningful ways through service, creativity, leadership, and vision.

Thank you for investing in this community and inspiring the next generation of leaders. We can't wait to celebrate the stories behind these accomplishments during our Top Of My Game event this month, 11 August.

08/02/2026

We’re bringing a world of stories from the National Storytelling Festival straight to you — LIVE and FREE — wherever you are. This special broadcast is perfect for families, educators, students, “first-time” listeners, and anyone who can’t make it to Jonesborough in person.

Enjoy some of the world’s finest storytellers from the comfort of your home, classroom, office, or anywhere you’ve got Wi-Fi.

Here’s how to join: Simply register on Eventbrite to reserve your free spot, then tune in on October 2 and enjoy the stories!

Keep the stories going. - Your free registration is made possible through the generosity of donors who believe in preserving and sharing the art of storytelling. If you're able, please consider making a gift of any amount to help us bring these stories to audiences around the world and ensure this tradition continues for generations to come.

https://www.storytellingcenter.net/festival/virtual-festival/