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The Jonesborough Storytellers Guild announces that it will be joining hundreds of celebrations worldwide for Tellabration!™ 2024, a storytelling concert that promises to enchant and inspire. This year’s event will take place on November 23 from 2-4 p.m. at the McKinney Center, 103 Franklin Ave., Jonesborough.

Tellabration!™ is a global storytelling event trademarked by the National Storytelling Network, which brings together storytellers and story lovers from all walks of life. The Jonesborough Storytellers Guild, renowned for its long-standing tradition of storytelling excellence, is excited to contribute to this international celebration.

Tellabration!™ 2024 will be an afternoon brimming with engaging storytelling, lively community connections, and exciting door prizes. Attendees will be treated to performances by three of the most captivating storytellers in the region and the Appalachian Moon Youth Tellers, each bringing their unique style and stories to the stage.

Meet the Storytellers

– Betty Ann Polaha: An accomplished storyteller, Betty Ann Polaha has been captivating audiences with her natural gift for storytelling across a wide range of venues. Her ability to connect with listeners of all ages, from 5 to 95, has earned her numerous accolades, including the title of Outstanding Storyteller Performer at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in 2018. Betty Ann’s storytelling journey has taken her to diverse locations, from the Jonesborough Storytelling Guild Stage to hospital rooms, where her stories bring comfort and joy to patients. Her passion for storytelling and her dedication to the craft make her a beloved figure in the Tri-Cities storytelling community.

– Ronnie Pepper: Hailing from Hendersonville, Ronnie Pepper has been sharing stories since his teenage years. With a background in Early Childhood Education, Recreation Leadership, and Human Services, Ronnie’s storytelling talents have earned him numerous accolades, including the National Association of Black Storytellers Fellowship award in 2023. He has performed at various venues, including the Asheville Community Theatre and Hendersonville Community Theatre. Beyond storytelling, Ronnie is deeply involved in his community, serving as the president of the Black History Research Group of Henderson County and leading initiatives like the African American Men’s Group and community garden projects.

– Carolina Quiroga: A dynamic bilingual storyteller, Carolina Quiroga captivates audiences with enchanting tales from Latin America, from El Río Grande to Patagonia. Since arriving in the U.S., Carolina has performed at prestigious events like the National Storytelling Festival and The Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. Driven by her love for narratives, Carolina created her acclaimed literary podcast, Tres Cuentos, where she delves into the soul of Latin American literature. Carolina is also a Wolf Trap Teacher Artist and a member of TAPAS (Teaching Artists Presenting in Asheville Schools), cThe Jonesborough Storytellers Guild has been sharing live storytelling in downtown Jonesborough for over 30 years and is the longest-running storytelling guild in the United States. JSG is also the only guild in the nation that offers a weekly public performance venue, making it a vital part of the storytelling community.

Tickets are on sale now, priced at $12 for general admission, $10 for seniors and students, with free entry for children under 12. Proceeds from the concert will benefit JSG and the Jonesborough Food Bank, allowing you to enjoy an afternoon of storytelling while supporting a great cause.

For tickets or more information, call the Jonesborough Storytellers Guild at (423) 720-0977 or visit jonesboroughstorytellersguild.org.