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Real? Imagined? Who knows? Creepy tales unfold from stories passed down, legends and myths, and things that go screech in the night with the Jonesborough Storytellers Guild on Sept. 7 at the McKinney Center.

The Guild is the oldest continuing group of storytellers in the nation. Graveyard Tales will include spooky stories of local legends, creepy creatures, and bone chilling lores. Due to this event’s sometimes true and chilling tales, the concert is not intended for children under the age of 12.

Featured storytellers include:

LINDA POLLAND, also known as “The Jonesborough Flame.” She brings her legendary ghost storytelling expertise to life with vivid, spine-tingling tales. As Jonesborough’s Resident Storyteller since 1997, Linda has captivated audiences with her Legends, Whispers, and Mysteries Tours, blending historical accuracy with eerie intrigue. Her global travels, including a recent adventure in Turkey where a bazaar became the backdrop for one of her most chilling stories, infuse her narratives with authenticity and suspense. Prepare to be enchanted and chilled as Linda guides you through the shadows of the past with spellbinding narratives.

Story Sneak Peak
Maybe we bragged a little too much because the old man cocked his head and said, “These waters have dangers, you just have to pray they don’t all come at once.” We were way too tired.  The sound of the slithering began to work on our minds, playing tricks like it was something actually crawling up our spines.

CYNTHIA MILHORN is the founder and director of Appalachian Moon Studio and Intuitive Learning Academy where she serves as an academic mentor, arts educator, and storytelling performer enriching the lives of children and adults. Holding two master’s degrees in communication, storytelling performance, and writing, Cynthia’s original shows and fine arts instruction have taken her from Los Angeles to Atlanta to South Africa. Most recently, her work garnered inclusion in both the Asheville and Atlanta Fringe Festivals. Cynthia is grateful and thrilled to join the lineup for JSG’s Graveyard Tales as she is most happy when sharing her original stories and reimaged classics with in-person audiences.

Story Sneak Peak
Pull up a seat and enjoy an unsettling ride down winding Appalachian roads and wander into a private Sleepy Hollow All Hallow’s Eve celebration. Get cozy but don’t lose your head, as Cynthia presents tales designed to thrill, chill, and shock. In her unique and intimate reimagining style, Cynthia resurrects tales that you only thought you knew and will not soon forget.

JIM PRIESMEYER is a retired builder. During the course of his career, he built businesses and buildings including a professional theater company, stage rigging company and a historic preservation organization. He grew up in a sleepy relaxed beach town in south Florida, and spent more than half of his life in the rural western mountains of North Carolina. He strives to be a student of history and the people who make it. Jim has lived in East Tennessee for about ten years and feels like he has finally gotten on the right side of the mountain.

Story Sneak Peak
Jim brings to the stage two unique stories, both up to the audience to decide what’s truth or tale. First, the legend and Jim’s personal account with the mysterious and unexplained Brown Mountain Lights in Linville Gorge, N.C. Second, learn more about the history behind cemetery iconography. What do they mean? Be careful what’s on your headstone. It lasts forever.

ANNE G’FELLERS-MASON is the Program Manager for the McKinney Center where she oversees the StoryTown Initiative. Prior to that, she served as Executive Director of the Heritage Alliance. She has a BA in History/Theatre from Mars Hill University, an MA in History from ETSU, and an MFA in Playwriting from Hollins University. She combines her degrees to write history-based plays including both the award-winning, “A Spot on the Hill” and “Nancy.” Anne is also a published author through Mountain Gap Books. Her titles include The Summer Between, Haints and Hollers: New Ghost Tales from Appalachia, and Shelved: Appalachian Resilience Amid COVID-19.

Story Sneak Peak
Three short stories come to life under Anne’s account. First, specifics make or break wishes and relatives as Tucker feels used by his family, especially by his younger brother Devin. When a strange man turns up at a carnival and offers to grant Tucker’s greatest wish, will he take the chance? Next, no one should have to go through this life, or after life, alone. James and Amy have moved into their dream house, but buyer beware, the neighbors aren’t quite what they seem. Last, how well do you know the person beside you? Gregory has decided he’s tired of being ordinary. He’s going to change his life, no matter the consequences.

Graveyard Tales will take place on Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. at the McKinney Center, located at 103 Franklin Ave. in Jonesborough. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for students 12 and up. Tickets can be purchased by calling 423-753-1010 or visiting jonesboroughtn.org.