national storyteller network to invade gatlinburg

Approximately 300 of the nation’s best storytellers will gather in Gatlinburg Aug. 7 through 10 when the National Storytelling Network hosts its annual conference in the City’s Convention Center.
The National Storytelling Conference (NSC) will bring together NSN members as well as individuals and organizations from the community who are interested in the art and application of storytelling. Members and non-members present material appealing to attendees’ variety of interests and developmental needs.
NSN describes its mission for the Gatlinburg conference on its website as follows: “Stories make connections. Through diverse programming, we will explore the connections that storytelling can make between individuals, groups, generations, cultures, classes, and occupations. Through the 2008 conference in Gatlinburg, we will honor our storytelling ancestors while making connections to an ever-expanding future for the art.”
 “As a result of the collaboration of many, this conference will be a wonderful opportunity for learning, growing, sharing, connecting, and having fun! You may look for updates and the full schedule on www.storynet.org; then click the waterfall picture for conference information.
Eth-Noh-Tec will present the keynote: “Connecting Heart and Spirit Through Story,” and serve as master class presenters during the Gatlinburg conference, which will offer several live concerts that are open to the public.
On Friday, Aug. 8 from 7 to 9 p.m., the conference’s regional concert will showcase members from all seven regions of the country.
Then on Saturday, Aug. 9 from 7 to 9 p.m., NSN’s national concert showcases four of the most acclaimed storytellers in the nation including Diane Ferlatte, Doc McConnell, Motoko and Connie Regan-Blake, with Jim May serving as emcee. Tickets are $15.
NSN also offers an option for folks who are REALLY interested in storytelling in the form of a $100 all-inclusive Concert Package.
For more information on public  that allows folks to come to the two events featured above in addition to:

·         any of the conference’s eight state showcases spotlighting the Southeast Region, including Tennessee, throughout the day in 90 minute blocks from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday

·         “Fringe” performances during the day and also late evenings (some have adult content warnings) on Thursday (10 to 11 p.m.), Friday (9:30 to 10:30 p.m.), and Saturday (9:30 to 10:30 p.m.)

·         Story “Swaps” where folks can sign up to tell their own stories (during same evening times as Fringe performances).
For storytelling concert tickets or package information, please call Karin Hensley at 800-525-4514, ext. 303, through July 31. Tickets will also be available at the door.
For more information about NSN contact: National Storytelling Network, 132 Boone Street, Suite #5 Jonesborough, TN. 37659. Call 1-800-525-4514 or 423-913-8201, email nsn@storynet.org or visit www.storynet.org  for more details.