International Storytelling Center

06/19/2026

Yesterday, part of our staff went out to be a part of Week of Caring! We spent the day painting at Boys & Girls Club of Johnson City/ Washington County. As the Boys & Girls Club undertakes several renovation projects, every volunteer and every brushstroke helps build a future for young people in our community.

Thank you to the United Way of the East Tennessee Highlands and the Boys and Girls Club of Johnson City for having us!

06/18/2026

You still have time to catch Lipbone! He will have matinee performances through Saturday, or you can catch his virtual show from anywhere in the world and watch it until June 19!

https://store.storytellingcenter.net/storytelling-live-06-16-06-20-lipbone-redding-232/

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

Day 3️⃣ Week of Caring!

We've had a great three days connecting our nonprofit community with volunteers. Today, our friends from International Storytelling Center were painting at Boys & Girls Club of Johnson City/ Washington County. As the Boys & Girls Club undertakes several renovation projects, every volunteer and every brushstroke helps build a future for young people in our community.

Thank you to Eastman Credit Union for being the regional sponsor of Week of Caring and Brightspeed for being our highlands sponsor!

06/15/2026

06/15/2026

This week, Storytelling Live welcomes Lipbone Redding for a week of live concerts where music and story intersect in a truly distinctive way.

A one-man orchestra, Redding blends blues, soul, funk, jazz, and roots traditions into a sound all his own. His performances are equal parts musical virtuosity and joyful unpredictability—coming together in real-time storytelling through sound.

Join us here in Jonesborough for a memorable Storytelling Live experience. Lipbone will offer matinee shows Tuesday–Saturday at 2 p.m., with a special evening performance on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Virtual tickets are also available for those who want to enjoy the performance from home—just $15 per household with access for a full week.

https://store.storytellingcenter.net/storytelling-live-06-16-06-20-lipbone-redding-232/

06/13/2026

ISC is now accepting applications for Merle Davis Story Listener Scholarships. The scholarships will cover registration fees and a travel stipend for two special listeners to attend the National Storytelling Festival in October. There will also be additional scholarships available for workshops!

The Merle Davis Story Listener Fund honors the life of Merle Davis (1944-2017), an arts administrator and story lover whose keen ear, sharp eye, gracious smile, and generous heart made every storyteller want her in the audience.

Learn more and apply below.

https://www.storytellingcenter.net/merle-davis-story-listener-fund-application-form/

06/12/2026

It's time! Story Slam applications are now open! Anyone’s welcome to apply – all you need is a little bit of courage and a true, five-minute story that suits this year’s theme, Common Ground.

Applications are in the form of a recorded 2-minute story excerpt. All entries will be judged by a panel and six will be selected to tell at the National Storytelling Festival on Saturday, October 3. Those selected to tell will receive a weekend ticket to the Festival!

Read the rules and apply in our bio.

06/12/2026

We see some familiar faces - very exciting to see the singing birds Sheila Kay Adams and Donna Ray Norton sharing their art with their neighbors 🩷

06/11/2026

There's still time to catch Mo Reynolds at Storytelling Live! Audiences have been laughing, reflecting, and connecting through Mo's unique blend of folk tales, fairy tales, and personal stories. Fresh from her travels through Central America, she's sharing stories filled with adventure, insight, and heart.

If you haven't joined us yet, don't miss your chance. Mo will be performing through Saturday at 2 p.m. in Jonesborough, and her online show starts Friday at 2 pm ET.

https://store.storytellingcenter.net/storytelling-live-06-09-06-13-mo-reynolds-231/