News Release

The 32nd Annual Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival Announces Schedule of Events

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News Release Date: September 18, 2024

Contact: Daniel Banks, 423-569-9778

ONEIDA, Tennessee: Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable experience as the 32nd Annual Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival returns on Saturday, September 21, from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (ET) at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center area! What began as a small program for local schools over three decades ago has blossomed into a vibrant, day-long celebration featuring professional storytellers from around the globe. This year’s festival will feature an exciting lineup of stories, live music, interactive crafts, and more. It’s a day for everyone to come together, where imaginations soar, and the magic of storytelling comes alive!

Offering a diverse lineup of performances, this year’s festival will feature two local musicians and five national storytellers:

Kucha Brownlee and Baba Tony Brown – Kucha Brownlee is a storyteller and singer with over 35 years of experience, blending African folktales, historical narratives, and personal stories with theatrical flair. For the past 20 years, she has partnered with Baba Tony Brown, a musician and drumming teacher. Together, they create interactive performances featuring storytelling, singing, and drumming, and have led workshops for various organizations.

Rona Leventhal – Rona Leventhal has been captivating audiences for over 30 years with her dynamic and evocative storytelling. She performs at festivals, international events, schools, and libraries, aiming to leave listeners inspired. A certified teacher, Rona also leads workshops and coaching sessions, sharing her passion for “Living Literacy.”

Paul Strickland – Kentucky-based storyteller Paul Strickland shares family-friendly stories and has been featured at major storytelling festivals, including the National Storytelling Festival in 2023. Known for his versatility, Paul has performed in venues ranging from comedy clubs to schools. His stories have won numerous awards at Fringe Festivals, and his work is featured on SiriusXM.

Darci Tucker – Darci Tucker, from Williamsburg, Virginia, travels the country sharing folktales, mythology, Shakespeare, and more. She captivates audiences with her ability to embody the characters in her stories, creating a memorable and immersive experience for listeners of all ages.

Whether you're into bluegrass, folktales, ghost stories, or simply looking for a fun day in the park with friends and food, the Storytelling Festival has something for everyone. This free event is open to all, featuring a variety of options from local food trucks. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a day filled with stories, music, and fun in the park!

For more information call [phone].

 

Time (Eastern Time)	Activity	Organization/Performer
8:00 - 9:00 AM	Guided Bird Walk	Dr.Charles NIcholas
10:00 AM	Dulcimer Workshop Class	Workshop Class
11:00 AM	Dulcimer Workshop Class	Workshop Class
12:00 PM	Dulcimer Workshop Class	Workshop Class
10:00 - 7:00 PM	Old Timey Toys	Park Staff
10:00 - 7:00 PM	Craft Vendors and Demonstrators	A Variety of Local Businesses
10:00 - 4:00 PM	Smokey Mountain Flute Circle	Music
11:00 AM	Kucha & Baba Tony	Storytelling
11:30 AM	Darci Tucker	Storytelling
12:00 PM	Paul Strickland	Storytelling
12:30 PM	Rona Leventhal	Storytelling
1:00 - 2:00 PM	INTERMISSION
2:00 PM	Kucha & Baba Tony	Storytelling
2:45 PM	Rona Leventhal	Storytelling
3:30 PM	Darci Tucker	Storytelling
4:15 PM	Paul Strickland	Storytelling
5:00 PM	INTERMISSION
6:00 PM	Arnold Stephens Band	Music Concert
7:00 PM	Gerald Handwright	Music Concert
8:00 PM	Storyteller #1	Storytelling
8:30 PM	Storyteller #2	Storytelling
9:00 PM	Storyteller #3	Storytelling
9:30 PM	Storyteller #4	Storytelling

 

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