Johnny Thomas Fowler

Donna Ray Norton, is an eight-generation ballad singer from Asheville, North Carolina, is a true embodiment of the rich Appalachian musical tradition. Her grandfather, the venerable Byard Ray, was an acclaimed old-time fiddler and banjo player from Madison County.

Raised Beds and Ground Hogs is a personal tale about pesky varmints, building raised beds, dirt, and horse manure.

In 2018 Betty Ann Polaha was named, Outstanding Storyteller Performer at ETSU and in 2019 she was named, Artist in Residence, as a bedside teller for Ballad Health. She is a member of the prestigious Jonesborough Storytelling Guild, performing regularly at story slams, schools, and community events. Listening to her stories will bring a smile to your face, maybe a tear in your eye-- or you might just say, “That was interesting!”

Donna Ray Norton, is an eight-generation ballad singer from Asheville, North Carolina, is a true embodiment of the rich Appalachian musical tradition. Her latest offering, Forevermore I will Sing, produced by acclaimed folk musician Josh Goforth, has further cemented her status as a celebrated exponent of the Appalachian balladry tradition.

"The Turtle and the Birds" is a popular ancient tale from the indigenous people of the American Southwest.

”One Wish” is an old folk tale from Ireland. What would you do with one wish? From “Hairyman Meets Tailybone”. Four-time Grammy Award winner David Holt is a musician, storyteller, historian, television host, and entertainer, dedicated to performing and preserving traditional American music and stories. Holt plays ten acoustic instruments and has released numerous award-winning recordings of traditional mountain music and southern folktales.

"Planting Corn" is a powerful story about owning up to your mistakes. "No matter where you go and what you do, your sins will find you out"."My stories are true and promote good values - many about growing up on a farm in the NC Mountains with 5 sisters and one brother. I relive the stories as I tell them!"

Saving the Birds is a wonderful spring story for young and old about youth activism. A native of West Virginia, Donna Marie Todd trained in classical vocal performance at the renowned Peabody Conservatory of Music with Metropolitan opera soprano Marilyn Cotlow and now writes and performs a unique combination of original story woven with artful song.

A lighthearted tall-tail about a fast car and even faster gas station attendant. Bruce Duncan “Utah” Phillips (May 15, 1935 – May 23, 2008) was born in Cleveland, Ohio. His album, Good Though!, recorded in 1973 received outstanding reviews which included, “Daddy, What’s a Train?” and “Queen of the Rails”.

There are numerous outlandish Appalachian tales about hunting. This story, William learned from luthier and family friend, Ray Dellinger.