Kevin Kling
Kevin Kling is a well-known playwright, storyteller, author, philosopher, and well-loved performer at Sounds of the Mountains. His plays and adaptations have been performed around the world. His commentaries are featured on NPR and his documentary "Kevin Kling: Lost & Found" can be found on PBS. Kevin is part funny guy, part poet and playwright, part wise man. A treasured figure on the national storytelling circuit, his voice inhabits an unusual space - where a homegrown Minnesota wit meets Dante and Shakespeare. His autobiographical tales are as enchanting as they are true to life: hopping freight trains, getting hit by lightning, growing up in Minnesota, and eating things before knowing what they are.
Odds Bodkin
Since 1982, professional storyteller Odds Bodkin has combined dramatic voices, vocal effects, narrative and live music to create imaginative experiences for audiences. During those decades he has created hundreds of tales that range from a four hour version of The Odyssey to children’s musicals. Using only 12-string guitars, Celtic harp and folk instruments without electronic effects, he transforms his voice into heroes, giants, villains, animals, and sound effects while playing live music to create vivid, cinematic soundscapes.
Sheila Arnold Jones
Sheila Arnold is a high energy storyteller who has given hundreds of presentations for schools, organizations and museums in 26 states doing historical presentations through her History Alive! programs. She has been entertaining audiences since she was eight years old, including the role of a "Little Ray of Sunshine," which was performed on several Army bases in Germany. She began writing while in middle school and has written and directed many plays in her adult career, often collaborating with other playwrights. Sheila has been a featured teller at numerous festivals across the country, including the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough.
Jim May
Jim May is an Emmy award-winning storyteller, teacher, and author. Born in Spring Grove, Illinois where his ancestors first settled in the 1840’s, his stories resonate with the rural voices of this small German-Catholic farming community and the Illinois prairie. His relatives told stories as an integral part of daily life; a means of weaving the social fabric of the community. A professional storyteller for over twenty-five years, Jim has told stories to all ages across the United States and in Canada and Europe. His keynote and training venues have included the American Library Association, Illinois Reading Council, Texas Library Association, and National Park Service, to name a few.
The Company Store Band stocks and delivers old-time string band music and humor, sure to please the pickiest of ears and shuffle the clumsiest of feet. Featuring robust fiddling, exuberant singing and fit-for-the-family humor, they create brand new, old-fashioned good times with the energy of a barn-raisin' and the hospitality of Sunday dinner at Gramma and Grampa's. Sure, their music is good, but it's their hospitality and endless energy that'll compel you to sit a spell and over-indulge in their can't-stop-grinning offerings. They are at their best when providing their Store-brand of music and fun to folks who relish laughter, toe-tapping and an occasional knee-slap.
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 12-13, 2019, 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 12-13, 2019, April 3-4, 2020, April 16-17, 2021
