The Liars Bench

The Liars Bench Stories of the Southern Appalachians

The Liars Bench is a live, authentic traditional southern Appalachian storytelling, music, poetry, drama, and folk arts presentation.

Liars Bench Presents "Tears in the Rain" at WCUs Mountain Heritage CenterComing this Thursday June 20, the Liars Bench S...
06/20/2013

Liars Bench Presents "Tears in the Rain" at WCUs Mountain Heritage Center

Coming this Thursday June 20, the Liars Bench Show is proud to present "Tears in the Rain," a presentation about the "Cowee Tunnel 19" at WCUs Mountain Heritage Center auditorium.

They were nineteen black convicts who drowned while crossing the Tuckaseigee River in flood to construct the Cowee tunnel just west of Dillsboro.
Dave Waldrop has produced a film about the "Cowe Tunnel 19" project.
Newt Smith will do a presentation entitled "Pied Piper Man."
Victoria McDonald will sing a song entitled "Calling the dead."
William Ritter presents a new, original piece "Tears in the rain."

Some say that the convict's tears pour down the tunnel entrances and onto the tracks 130 years after the horrific event.

Hope to see you Thursday evening at 7:00 pm--Free Admission, come early for a good seat.
Bodine will be there, hope you will also!
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Mail cards & letters to PO Box 114, Cullowhee, NC 28723
The Mountain Heritage Center at WCU: 828.227.7129

Marilyn McMinn McCredie To Play Liars Bench On May 16Marilynn McMinn McCredie starring at the Liars Bench on July 3, 201...
05/16/2013

Marilyn McMinn McCredie To Play Liars Bench On May 16
Marilynn McMinn McCredie starring at the Liars Bench on July 3, 2010
Folks, famous Southern Appalachian storyteller Marilynn McMinn McCredie will once again entertain Liars Bench fans on Thursday May 16 at 7:00 pm at WCUs Mountian Heritage Center.
Free and open to children of all ages.

Bodine will be there, hope you will also!
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facebook.com/TheLiarsBench
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Mail cards & letters to PO Box 114, Cullowhee, NC 28723
The Mountain Heritage Center at WCU: 828.227.7129

LIARS BENCH PERFORMS AT MOUNTAIN HERITAGE CENTER MARCH 28The Liars Bench, which has been called “an Appalachian variety ...
03/24/2013

LIARS BENCH PERFORMS AT MOUNTAIN HERITAGE CENTER MARCH 28
The Liars Bench, which has been called “an Appalachian variety show” will kick off its third season with guest appearances by two of Appalachia’s most gifted talents: Shelia Kay Adams, a seventh generation ballad singer from Madison County and Marvin Cole, noted throughout this region for his depiction of Mark Twain. In addition to these two remarkable performers, Gary Carden, the founder of the Liars Bench, intends to introduce a few samples of his latest project, “An Appalachian Bestiary” which is a collection of “whimsical and imaginary critters.” Carden notes, “I have about 48 now, and they range from birds that fly backwards to snakes that milk cows.”

Shelia Kay taught school for 17 years before she became a full-time performer. She is the author of two remarkable books: Come Go Home With Me, which is a collection of community stories from Madison County, and My Old True Love, which is called “a Civil War love story.” Since she is also a gifted storyteller, she has a collection of tales called “Don’t Get Above Your Raising.” For more than 40 years, she has been nationally known and sought after by the country’s colleges and universities for her ability to combine exceptional musical skills (banjo) and traditional ballad singing...and, as Daniel Patterson says, “for good reason. She is North Carolina’s greatest musical treasure.”

Many people in this region have had the pleasure of seeing Marvin Cole do “An Evening With Mark Twain.” Dr. Cole has performed throughout the United States ...especially on Mississippi river boats. However, Marvin is leaving his trademark “ice cream suit” at home, and he intends to explore new territory. When asked about his topic for his Liars Bench performance, Marvin said he wanted to perform a “meditation on outhouses.”

The Liars Bench show is scheduled for March 28th at 7:00 in the Mountain Heritage Center at WCU. Other scheduled performers will include Paul Iarussi (claw hammer guitar) and William Ritter, a Liars Bench regular (and gifted fiddler) who is scheduled to play “The Belled Buzzard.” The audience is advised to come early as this will be a popular show.
theliarsbenchgazette.blogspot.com/
hollernotes.blogspot.com/
facebook.com/TheLiarsBench
twitter.com/ #!/TheLiarsBench
tumblr.com/blog/theliarsbenchgazette
Mail cards & letters to PO Box 114, Cullowhee, NC 28723
The Mountain Heritage Center at WCU: 828.227.7129

The Liars Bench--A Great Show, Becoming Even Better!Folks,So much has happened with the Liars Bench in the last three mo...
01/18/2013

The Liars Bench--A Great Show, Becoming Even Better!

Folks,
So much has happened with the Liars Bench in the last three months, I feel I need to bring you up to date. First, the Liars Bench is now a non-profit, tax-exempt organization and we can now apply for grants that will enable us to expand our programming. Second, Newt Smith and I have just submitted an application to the Jackson County Arts Council for a program that will enable me to publish a folklore book of mine, "An Appalachian Bestiary"
which, in turn, will provide material for a series of Liars Bench programs. Third, we are in the process of acquiring a Board of Advisers who will be instrumental in determining the future of the Liars Bench. There are other
projects that are being developed, and hopefully, they will involve musicians, storytellers, poets, artists and playwrights.

There will not be another Liars Bench program until March (or perhaps April). Between now and then, we will be developing resources. Among the topics that are being developed are Cherokee Legends and Folklore, and the details attending the drowning of 19 convicts in 1992 below Dillsboro. Marvin Cole, the man who does the Mark Twain program wants to come back and talk about outhouses. There is some interest in a progam on Margaret Siler.

I have taken the liberty of including some of the 50 critters in my "Appalachian Bestiary." These critters are mostly imaginary and the book will include both an illustration and description for each entry. If you want additional information, please ask.
theliarsbenchgazette.blogspot.com/
hollernotes.blogspot.com/
facebook.com/TheLiarsBench
twitter.com/ #!/TheLiarsBench
tumblr.com/blog/theliarsbenchgazette
Mail cards & letters to PO Box 114, Cullowhee, NC 28723
The Mountain Heritage Center at WCU: 828.227.7129

Best Liars Bench Show of 2012
12/20/2012

Best Liars Bench Show of 2012

Folks, if you missed the Liars Bench Show last Thursday night at WCUs Mountain Heritage Center you missed the best one o...
12/20/2012

Folks, if you missed the Liars Bench Show last Thursday night at WCUs Mountain Heritage Center you missed the best one of the year. We managed to persuade Nashville recording artist Randy Flack to guest star for us and wow, did he put on a great performance! More on Randy in a bit.

As always, Dr. Gary Carden, the creator and artistic director of the show, made announcements regarding upcoming Liars Bench Shows. He graciously thanked everyone involved in the show in the past year.

Gary showed an excellent four minute video produced by Joe Newberry (formerly of NC Cultural Arts) which was first shown in Raleigh at the end of October at the ceremony at the governor's mansion where governor Perdue presented Gary with the 2012 NC Award for Literature.

Paul kicked the show off with "Put my little shoes away" and yes, it had lyrics about Santa Claus and toys.

Lloyd Arneach, Liars Bench Cherokee storyteller and famous in his own right told the Navaho story of "For you."

Gary told about the New Year's custom of observing "First Footers" here in the mountains and the also the ancient custom of "serenading." Gary explained just why mountain folks made noise and lit fires "coming up to New Years."

If you don't know this man, you should because he's as local as they come. Born over in Buncombe County (before it got 'weird') and raised in Swain County, Randy Flack has played the Grand Old Opry and the Blue Bird Cafe in Nashville Tennessee.

Gary told a quick story while the 'mileage' basket was passed about the very ancient myth of how the farmers animals would talk to each other and predict what would happen in the coming year.

When the audience came back from intermission Lloyd told a story about "Giving without giving" and the crowd loved it.

When Randy Flack came back for the second half of the show he did "Fried Chicken," a song about a father's funeral; "I wish that I could go back," a song about growing up on Deep Creek; and a song about jumping out of an airplane, among several others--great stuff! You better believe he got a standing ovation.

Paul sang "Christmas times a coming" with a little help from Randy--wonderful duet.

Thank you as always Liars Bench fans. You make it all worth while.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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hollernotes.blogspot.com/
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Mail cards & letters to PO Box 114, Cullowhee, NC 28723

The Liars Bench proudly presents “An Old Time Appalachian Christmas with Randy Flack” at WCUs Mountain Heritage Center a...
12/13/2012

The Liars Bench proudly presents “An Old Time Appalachian Christmas with Randy Flack” at WCUs Mountain Heritage Center auditorium Thursday December 13 at 7:00 pm. Member Stars Gary Carden, Lloyd Arneach, Paul Iarussi; and guest star Nashville recording artist Randy Flack perform Southern Appalachian stories, music and song on one stage. Free admission.

“An Old Time Appalachian Christmas With Randy Flack” Liars Bench To Play At WCU Mountain Heritage Center.”The Liars Benc...
12/07/2012

“An Old Time Appalachian Christmas With Randy Flack” Liars Bench To Play At WCU Mountain Heritage Center.”

The Liars Bench is proud to present “An Old Time Appalachian Christmas with Randy Flack” at WCUs Mountain Heritage Center auditorium Thursday December 13 at 7:00 pm. Member stars Gary Carden, Lloyd Arneach, Paul Iarussi; Barbara Duncan and guest star Randy Flack perform Southern Appalachian stories, music and song on one stage. You and your family are cordially invited. Free admission.

Flack, born in WNC and raised in Swain County, is a Nashville recording artist and has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and the Blue Bird Cafe. He learned to play guitar and sing at an early age and has traveled all over the United States performing his own songs and delighting audiences. “I love to play and perform, especially for folks here in the mountains, my home.”

“About Randy you'll just have to hear him and you'll understand—he's unique” said Carden

Regular cast members include Gary Carden, Lloyd Arneach, Paul Iarussi, Barbara Duncan, and the show’s mascot Bodine. The Liars Bench recognizes established regional artists and performers and encourages new talent also.

“The Liars Bench is a unique blend of culturally accurate mountain Americana with traditional Southern Appalachian entertainment for everyone. We attempt to treat Appalachian culture with integrity and authenticity and to be an accurate reflection of the Southern Highlanders and their ways. No matter how successful the show becomes I want people to know that The Liars Bench is an honest rendering of Appalachian culture and tradition” said Carden.

The Liars Bench was created in the early summer of 2010 by Dr. Gary Carden, recipient of the 2006Brown-Hudson Folklore Award and the 2012 North Carolina Award forLiterature to promote Southern Appalachian storytelling, music, poetry, drama, and folk arts.

Folks, Bodine and the rest of the Liars Bench cast hope to see you there.

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The Mountain Heritage Center at WCU: 828.227.7129

Excellent performance of an excellence play
12/06/2012

Excellent performance of an excellence play

Gary Carden's play "Birdell" was a critically acclaimed success Thursday November 15 at WCUs Mountain Heritage Center. B...
12/06/2012

Gary Carden's play "Birdell" was a critically acclaimed success Thursday November 15 at WCUs Mountain Heritage Center. Bobbie Curtis as "Birdell" brought the audience to tears and laughs--Bobbie performed brilliantly a most excellently written (and directed) play. Photos from that night on the album page.
A very special thanks to Dave Waldrop for authentic props.
Coming up, the next Liars Bench Show, "An Old Time Appalachian Christmas With Randy Sparks", Thursday December 13 at 7pm at the Mountain Heritage Center. More on this soon...

“Dramatic performance of “Birdell” to be centerpiece of Liars Bench benefit show at WCU Mountain Heritage Center.”Folks,...
11/14/2012

“Dramatic performance of “Birdell” to be centerpiece of Liars Bench benefit show at WCU Mountain Heritage Center.”

Folks, you've been waiting for it and it's almost here. What am I talking about? I'm talking about Gary Carden's play "Birdell" showing at the Mountain Heritage Center this Thursday November 15 at 7pm. One Show Only! This is a dramatic monologue about a defiant mountain woman forced off her land by the rising waters of Fontana Lake. This Liars Bench show and performance of "Birdell" will be a benefit for the show. Consequently there will be a $10.00 admission charge. Tickets are available at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva and at the MHC door the night of the show.
Mountain Heritage Center at WCU: 828.227.7129
City Lights Bookstore in Sylva: 586.9499
We're looking forward to seeing you at this special Liars Bench Show. We think you'll like "Birdell."
As always, thank you for supporting the Liars Bench--WNCs Live Authentic, Traditional Southern Appalachian Storytelling, Music, Poetry, Drama, and Folk Arts Presentation.

The next presentation of The Liars Bench Show at WCUs Mountain Heritage Center will be Thursday December 13 at 7 pm with stories and songs of “An Old Time Appalachian Christmas.”

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“Gary Carden feted by Sylva, Jackson County, and friends.”Sylva November 11, 2012—Friday November 9 friends of Gary Neil...
11/13/2012

“Gary Carden feted by Sylva, Jackson County, and friends.”

Sylva November 11, 2012—Friday November 9 friends of Gary Neil Carden honored the playwright/storyteller with a gala recognition event at the Jackson County Library. The reception, hosted by the Jackson County Friends of the Library, began at 6:00 pm in the library's atrium with music from local musicians Paul Iarussi and Eric Young. Proclamations and speeches from County Commissioner Doug Cody, Town of Sylva Mayor Maurice Moody (who declared November 9 “Gary Carden Day”), and Jackson County Historic Preservation Commission Chair Cherrie' Moses followed at 7:00 pm in the Community Room of the old Jackson County Courthouse to a crowd of over fifty people.

Dottie Brunette, librarian and one of the organizers of the event, said “Gary makes me laugh and cry more than any other playwright/storyteller and I am proud to be from the same town as Gary Carden. We needed to honor him as being part of us.”

Bill Crawford, a childhood friend, said “I think its wonderful what happened here and I appreciate what all of you did by having this for him.”

Patricia Cowan, president of the Friends of the Library said “We were honored to be asked to help honor Gary.”

When asked what he thought about this surprise celebration Carden said “I guess its okay. I really do appreciate the people of my hometown honoring me—thank you.”

Dave Waldrop, local author and personal friend of Carden's said “Anybody who's written anything knows how hard it is to write. To write the plays and stories that Gary has and to receive state and national recognition for them is an accomplishment that happens far less than getting struck by lightening. Gary's earned everything’s he's gotten and will be remembered for his plays, stories, teaching Appalachian culture, and portraying Appalachia and its people in a realistic and poignant manner across multiple genres. I'm proud to call Gary Carden a friend and a mentor.

Some information about Dr. Carden:

Gary Neil Carden
236 Cherry Street, Sylva, NC 28779
Birth Date: January 20, 1935

Websites:
tannerywhistle.net ; hollernotes.blogspot.com ; facebook.com/gary.n.carden

Accomplishments:

Plays:
"The Uktena" - "The Raindrop Waltz" - "Land's End" - "Nance Dude." "Birdell" - "Prince of Dark Corners" - “Madison” - “Signs and Wonders” - "Mother Jones" - “Outlander”

Appalachian Heritage Live Presentations:
“The Liars Bench” (2010 - current)

Books:
“Outlander” (2012) - “Mason Jars in the Flood and other stories” (2000) - “Papa's Angels: A Christmas Story” (1996; with Collin Wilcox Paxton) - “Belled Buzzards, Hucksters and Grieving Specters Appalachian Tales: Strange, True & Legendary” (1994; with Nina Anderson)

Videos:
“The Prince of Dark Corners” (2009) - “Blow the Tannery Whistle” (1994) – Narrator of 2005 PBS Documentary “Mountain Talk”

Paintings (Southern Appalachian Outsider Art):
“Preaching to the Chickens” - “Jonah” - “The Fall of Sky Woman” - “Learning to Ride A Leopard” - “Mason Jars in the Flood” - “Two Foxes Dancing on a Moonlit Road in Georgia” - “Daniel in the Lions' Den” - “Rapture at MacDonald's”

Awards:
North Carolina Award for Literature (2012)
WCU Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters (2008)
The North Carolina Folklore Society: 2006 Brown-Hudson Folklore Award
2001 Appalachian Writers Association Book of the Year (Mason Jars in the Flood)
American Library Association 1998 Carnegie Medal for excellence in children's video


Influence in Appalachian Folklore/Culture:
Gary Carden, a regular contributor to The Smoky Mountain News/Smoky Mountain Living Magazine, is a playwright, storyteller and dramatist who has been recognized by the North Carolina Folklore Society for his contributions to folklore. The nominee taught Appalachian culture at Elderhostels at Highlands and Lake Junaluska for more than 20 years. The nominee created and is the artistic director for the Liars Bench, a live, authentic Southern Appalachian storytelling, music, poetry, drama, and folk arts presentation. The nominee has been invited to give a presentation on Southern Appalachian culture/tradition at the Democratic national Convention in Charlotte in September of 2012. The nominee has also been nominated for the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award for “Outlander” in 2012. It is quite possible that no single individual has done more for the realistic portrayal of Appalachia and its people across multiple genres for over the past 40 years than Gary Neil Carden.

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Cullowhee, NC
28723

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