2015 National Storytelling Network
Mid-Atlantic Region Spotlight Event!

The 14th annual Sounds of the Mountains Festival will be April 17-18, 2015, featuring:
Donald Davis     Dolores Hydock     Patrick Ball
Baba Jamal Koram      After Jack

Donald Davis

Donald Davis grew up in a Southern Appalachian mountain world rich in fairy tales, Jack tales, mountain lore, ancient Welsh and Scottish folktales, and, most importantly, nourishing true-to-life stories of his own neighbors and kin.  Davis remembers, “I discovered that in a story I could safely dream any dream, hope any hope, go anywhere I pleased, fight any foe, win or lose, live or die.  My stories created a safe experimental learning place.”  And that is the way that Donald Davis has approached all of his learning places: at Davidson College and Duke Divinity School; as former Chairperson of the National Storytelling Association; as featured teller at the Smithsonian Institution, the World's Fair, and festivals and concerts throughout the United States and the world.  He is a prolific author and producer of books and CDs, a master teacher of workshops and storytelling courses, a guest host for the National Public Radio program Good Evening, and a father of four sons.  For Donald storytelling “is not what I do for a living… it is how I do all that I do while I am living.”

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Dolores Hydock

Dolores Hydock’s vivacious style fills the stage with what one reviewer called “a swirl of characters and a cascade of lovely language.” Her funny, affectionate stories about family fireworks, food fads, true love, turnip greens, and other peculiarities of everyday life are full of wit and energy, and her award-winning adaptations of oral histories, medieval adventures, and traditional tales make the magic of other lives and other times come alive.  Dolores lives in Birmingham, Alabama. She has been a featured teller at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough and many other festivals, has served as Teller-in-Residence at the International Storytelling Center, and has won Resource Awards from Storytelling World Magazine for her nine CDs of original stories. 

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Patrick Ball

Patrick Ball is one of the premier Celtic harp players in the world and a captivating spoken word artist.  In playing the ancient, legendary brass-strung harp of Ireland with its crystalline, bell-like voice, and in performing marvelous tales of wit and enchantment, he not only brings new life to two cherished traditions, but blends them in concert to create “a richly theatrical and hauntingly beautiful performance.”

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Baba Jamal Koram

Master storyteller Baba Jamal Koram brings storytelling alive with the history, humor, music and lore of African and African-American cultures.  Blending contemporary and traditional storytelling techniques with drumming, call and response, wit and wisdom, his stories encourage young and old to make intelligent choices and to improve their character.

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After Jack

After Jack is a musical celebration of togetherness. Named 2014 Americana Vocal Group of the Year by the Appalachian Cultural Music Association, the trio couples a modern sensibility with distinctly old-time energy to blend bluegrass, gospel and folk elements. Emily, Mary and Rachel's debut album, “Echo,” is an invitation to share in their stories, experiences and sacred moments. Combine your most beloved musical memories with a foot-stomping string band and top it off with harmonies that spring straight from the soul of the mountains, and you’ve got After Jack.

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  Our festival is held at Camp Bethel, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia. 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 available. Saturday's fare includes homemade soups, chili, with vegetarian options and gluten-free snacks too!  The Noke Truck, featuring delicious tacos and crepes, plus other 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 Date:
 April 17-18, 2015