Save the Dates:
April 3-4, 2020, April 16-17, 2021
April 12-13, 2019
Donald Davis * Josh Goforth * Bil Lepp * Gayle Ross
April 3-4, 2020, April 16-17, 2021
April 12-13, 2019
Donald Davis * Josh Goforth * Bil Lepp * Gayle Ross
Donald Davis
We always know its gonna be a great festival when Donald Davis is here! Donald was born in a Southern Appalachian mountain world rich in stories. While he heard many traditional stories about Jack and other heroic characters, he was most attracted to the stories of his own family and places of origin. Davis began retelling the stories he heard and then adding his own new stories to them until he was repeatedly asked to "tell it again, on purpose." During his twenty-five year career as a United Methodist Minister, Davis began to use stories more and more. He was also asked to begin performing at festivals and in other settings until he retired from the church to tell stories full time. The author of eighteen books and more than forty original recordings, Davis is the recipient of both the Circle of Excellence and the Lifetime Achievement Awards from the National Storytelling Network.
Josh Goforth
Storyteller, ballad singer, and multi-instrumentalist Josh Goforth is a native of Madison County in western North Carolina. an area is known for its keeping of unbroken ballad and storytelling traditions brought by early Scots-Irish and English settlers in the mid-17th century. It was also fertile ground for the rise of American string band music played on fiddle, banjo, and guitar. Proud to share his Appalachian heritage with audiences near and far, Josh Goforth draws from each of these wellsprings. Says David Holt, "Josh is one of the finest musicians in North Carolina and is helping bring the music that is his birthright into the 21st century [in a show about] folk traditions that are exploding with creative energy and fun.”
Bil Lepp
With Bil Lepp in the line-up we can all expect the hilarious and the unexpected (to say the least!). Bil’s humorous, family friendly tall-tales and stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages and from all walks of life. Though a five time champion of the WV Liars’s Contest, Lepp’s stories often contain morsels of truth which present universal themes in clever and witty ways. Audiences all across the country, from grade schools to corporate execs to the Comedy Central’s Hudson stage, have been delighted by Bil’s mirthful tales and delightful insights into everyday life. Bil’s books and audio collections have won awards including the PEN Steven Kroll Award for Children’s Book Writing, Parents’ Choice Gold awards, and awards from the National Parenting Publications Assoc., and the Public Library Assoc.
Gayle Ross
We are thrilled to welcome Gayle Ross to the Sounds of the Mountains stage for the first time! Gayle is a descendent of John Ross, principal chief of the Cherokee Nation during and after the infamous “Trail of Tears,” the forced removal of many Southeastern Indians to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) in the late 1830s. Her grandmother told stories and it is from this rich heritage that Gayle’s storytelling springs. During the past twenty years, she has become one of the most respected storytellers to emerge from the current surge of interest in this timeless art form.
She is in demand as a lecturer and visiting artist at college campuses and she continues to mesmerize children at schools and libraries across the country. The National Council for the Traditional Arts has included Gayle in two of their touring shows, “Master Storytellers” and the all-Indian show, “From the Plains to the Pueblos.” She was a commentator in the Discovery Channel’s award-winning documentary, “How the West Was Lost,” and her stories have been featured on the National Public Radio programs “Living on the Earth” and “Mountain Stage."
She is in demand as a lecturer and visiting artist at college campuses and she continues to mesmerize children at schools and libraries across the country. The National Council for the Traditional Arts has included Gayle in two of their touring shows, “Master Storytellers” and the all-Indian show, “From the Plains to the Pueblos.” She was a commentator in the Discovery Channel’s award-winning documentary, “How the West Was Lost,” and her stories have been featured on the National Public Radio programs “Living on the Earth” and “Mountain Stage."
; Our festival is held at Camp Bethel (in Fincastle) located in Virginia's Blue Ridge. The Jefferson National Forest adjoins our 470 acres of forests, streams, open meadows, and hiking trails. Conveniently located 5 miles off I-81 at exit 156, 10 miles north of Roanoke, we offer a beautiful spring setting for a storytelling festival. Driving directions here.
FOOD: Snacks and drinks (sodas/water) available all weekend. Friday night hot soups and fresh salads available. Saturday’s fare includes homemade soups, chili, with vegetarian options and gluten-free snacks too! Food trucks and other food vendors for Saturday lunch and dinner.
Our festival is a fundraiser for the outdoor ministries of Camp Bethel, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Sponsorships are tax-deductible.
Save the Dates: April 3-4, 2020; April 16-17, 2021
FOOD: Snacks and drinks (sodas/water) available all weekend. Friday night hot soups and fresh salads available. Saturday’s fare includes homemade soups, chili, with vegetarian options and gluten-free snacks too! Food trucks and other food vendors for Saturday lunch and dinner.
Our festival is a fundraiser for the outdoor ministries of Camp Bethel, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Sponsorships are tax-deductible.
Save the Dates: April 3-4, 2020; April 16-17, 2021
