Included in your festival ticket is this one-of-a-kind concert featuring storytellers from across the country. It’s a great opportunity to hear new talent!
Kelly Camposkellycampos.com
Kelly Campos is a youth librarian in the south suburbs of Chicago. Born in Detroit, her story (up until now) has taken her from ballet to Second City Detroit Mainstage, from rock & roll singer/songwriter to Kinko’s copy specialist, and finally to the literary activism of librarianship. She believes in the power of stories to inspire, entertain, educate, and enlighten.
James Froemel
jamesfroemel.com
James Froemel is a four-time winner of the “West Virginia’s Biggest Liar” contest. He is a graduate of the West Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship program, where he worked with mentor Bil Lepp in 2023. As an actor, he has performed with the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Greenbrier Valley Theatre, and West Virginia Public Theatre. James is an active educator, teaching storytelling and improv for camps and business leaders.
Brandon Leake
brandonleake.com
Brandon Leake is an award-winning spoken word poet, artistic educator, and motivational speaker from Stockton, California. His creative mixture of art, charisma, and passion tailored to his own unique personal narrative has taken him across the world as a speaker and performer. Brandon is the founder and CEO of Called To Move (CTM) an artistry organization for youth. He is the season 15 winner of America’s Got Talent.
Jim Lloyd
jimlloydappalachianmusician.com
Jim Lloyd is a barber, musician, presenter, music teacher, banjo historian, radio host, and NEA National Heritage Preservation Award nominee. Since 1984, he has performed across the U.S. and the UK sharing stories of Appalachia, whether it’s a traditional tale, a funny memoir of growing up, or even a ghost tale. He also preserves the musical heritage of his region as Program Director with Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc. (JAM) which supports youth in learning and continuing Appalachian traditional stories, music, and arts.
Annie McGreeveyanniemcgreevey.com
Annie McGreevey’s most cherished childhood memories are of summers spent with her grandmother’s people in the Northern Neck of Virginia. Audiences will recognize Annie from her many TV commercials and appearances on Law & Order and Law & Order SVU. She has been featured on Broadway and in London’s West End in some of the theater’s biggest hits, including Sweet Charity, Company, Sweeney Todd, and Annie.
Regina StoopsRegina Stoops is an award-winning storyteller, comedian, writer, and co-producer of the online storytelling platform Six Feet Apart Productions. An NSN Oracle Award winner, her stories have been heard on the Risk! Podcast, The Moth, Aurora Borealis, Under The Rainbow Storytelling, and the Women’s Storytelling Festival. Regina uses storytelling as her weapon of choice to help tackle diversity, adversity, and suburban chaos.