Join the International Storytelling Center on Thursday, May 21, for Story Power, our season kickoff and spring fundraiser—an evening designed to celebrate the impact of storytelling and the community that sustains it.
Gather with fellow community leaders, arts supporters, and friends in Jonesborough for an intimate and inspiring night across two iconic venues: the Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall and the Jackson Theatre. Through story and song, we will explore how shared narratives can connect us, shape us, and spark meaningful change.
The evening begins with an exclusive VIP Reception at the Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall. Patron ticket holders will enjoy a beautifully curated experience featuring elevated hors d’oeuvres, premium beverages, and a warm, elegant atmosphere—an opportunity to connect with fellow supporters and celebrate the evening before the performance begins.
We then move to the Jackson Theatre, where the program opens with the unmistakable voice of Bil Lepp, the master of tall tales. A five-time champion of the West Virginia Liars Contest, Bil blends humor, heart, and insight into stories that linger long after the laughter fades.
The evening continues with a live auction featuring one-of-a-kind experiences and getaways, including a Hilton Head vacation package, overnight stays at boutique hotels, exclusive storytelling events, and more.
The night concludes with the rich musical tradition of Nest of Singing Birds, a collective carrying forward the ballad legacy of Madison County, North Carolina. Led by Donna Ray Norton and rooted in the work of Sheila Kay Adams, these artists preserve songs passed down through generations—stories carried “knee to knee and hand to hand.”
Most importantly, your participation directly supports the work you care about. Proceeds from Story Power sustain the International Storytelling Center’s live performances, youth education programs, community outreach, and growing digital storytelling initiatives.
Thank You to Our Program Sponsors
Choose the experience that’s right for you:
Packages available for bidding at Auction
Signed Artwork by Howard Alexander
A beautiful signed painting by artist Howard Alexander.
Premium Bourbon & Wine Collection
An outstanding collection of select bourbons and fine wines, generously donated by One Stop Wines and Liquors.
Hilton Head Island Getaway
Escape to the coast with a one-week vacation on beautiful Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
General Morgan Inn Getaway
Treat yourself to a night out in Greeneville with a stay at the General Morgan Inn, dinner for two at Brumley’s Restaurant and Lounge, and two tickets to a performance at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.
Carnegie Hotel Getaway
Treat yourselves to a night out in Johnson City with an overnight stay at the Carnegie Hotel, a couple’s massage, dinner for two at Wellington’s, and two tickets to a performance at the Martin Center Theater.
Hometown Getaway at Serenity Knoll
Escape close to home with a one-night cabin stay at Serenity Knoll, a cooking class for two, and two tickets to Storytelling Live, a perfect blend of relaxation, food, and unforgettable stories.
Evening with Donald Davis
Start Festival Week in unforgettable style with a private storytelling performance in the ISC Theater with master storyteller Donald Davis. Host up to 95 guests for an evening of humorous and heartwarming stories, followed by wine and dessert after the show.
National Storytelling Festival VIP Experienc
Enjoy the Festival in style with two full weekend tickets, access to the exclusive Partners Retreat, and two tickets to the Yarnspinners Party on Saturday night. You’ll also receive tickets of your choice to all special events, reserved parking throughout the weekend, and premium teller-section seating in every tent.
Meet The Artists
Lepp is an award-winning storyteller, author, and recording artist whose tall tales are taller than the tallest tales you’ve ever heard—and fun for every age. A five-time champion of the West Virginia Liars Contest, he spins deeper meaning into clever, witty stories that will stick with you
long after the applause. Lepp is the recipient of the National Storytelling Network’s ORACLE Circle of Excellence Award, the Parents’ Choice Gold Award, the PEN/Steven Kroll Award, and the Vandalia Award, West Virginia’s highest folk honor.
A “nest of singing birds” was the name English folklorist Cecil Sharp gave to Madison County, North Carolina, when he visited the area in 1916 to collect the ancient ballads that had survived there, being passed down from one generation to the next. The name has now been adopted by a cooperative of singers in the region, who are keeping this traditional art form alive. Centering around Sheila Kay Adams, the matriarch of the traditional music community in Western North Carolina, the group is led by her second cousin Donna Ray Norton, one of the eighth generation of their family to keep these songs of love and loss and the stories that surround them alive. They will also be joined by William Ritter, a seasoned old-time fiddler and ballad singer from the mountains of Mitchell County, North Carolina.