Tellabration!™ 2025

An Unforgettable Afternoon of Storytelling and Community

The Jonesborough Storytellers Guild (JSG) is thrilled to announce that it will be joining hundreds of celebrations worldwide for Tellabration!™ 2025, a storytelling concert that promises to enchant and inspire. This year’s event will take place on October 12 from 2-4 p.m. at the McKinney Center, 103 Franklin Avenue, Jonesborough, TN.

Tellabration!™ is a global storytelling event trademarked by the National Storytelling Network, which brings together storytellers and story lovers from all walks of life. The Jonesborough Storytellers Guild, renowned for its long-standing tradition of storytelling excellence, is excited to contribute to this international celebration.

Discover the Joy of Story

Tellabration!™ 2025 will be an afternoon brimming with engaging storytelling, lively community connections, and exciting door prizes. Attendees will be treated to performances by three of the most captivating storytellers in the region and the Appalachian Moon Youth Tellers, each bringing their unique style and stories to the stage.

Meet the Storytellers

Sherry Lovett is a storyteller with a passion for connecting people through the timeless art of storytelling. With over twenty years of experience in performing and teaching, Sherry draws inspiration from her Scot-Irish roots and her rich North Carolina heritage, which spans from the rugged mountains to the coastal shores. She believes that stories have the power to inspire, uplift, and unite, and her mission is to bring those experiences to life, whether through an old ballad, an adventurous tale of King Arthur, or a hearty laugh over the antics of Jack. No matter where your storytelling journey takes you, Sherry will guide you with warmth, wisdom, and a deep love for the art of storytelling.

Catherine Yael Serota is a Southern Appalachian native who weaves history, personal narrative, and Jack Tales together in a delightful presentation. Listeners say, “She paints pictures with her words.” The author of “An Appalachian Life: A Storyteller’s Perspective ” (2025), she is currently writing “The Three Continents” to be released in 2027. A former mental health therapist, Catherine is enjoying retirement writing, telling stories regionally, gardening, cooking, and travel with her husband Wallace Shealy.

Samuel Smith was born and raised in Mountain City, TN.  He began his storytelling journey three years ago.  His favorite stories to tell are stories about the Appalachian Region and its people.

Dr. Delanna Reed devoted 25 years to teaching storytelling at East Tennessee State University. First captivated by the magic of storytelling while in college, Delanna continued to tell stories throughout her teaching career. She delights audiences with folktales, personal stories, and oral history stories, often incorporating music into her performance. Her favorite stories expand our understanding of humanity, bring laughter, and touch upon the sacred.

Wallace Shealy, Emcee The Storytelling Arts Center of the Southeast by jury declared Shealy – the Bold-Faced Liar Champion. With a twinkle in his eye, Shealy said, “of course I embellished the truth slightly.” The Mountain Xpress said in their opinion “Shealy exaggerates more than slightly.” The Tribune revealed that this upstanding local had been caught lying. It doesn’t matter if he is recalling a tale from his childhood, telling a story based on the Good Book or spinning a yarn you will be delighted listening to him stretch the truth all out of proportion.

Join the Celebration

The Jonesborough Storytellers Guild has been sharing live storytelling in downtown Jonesborough for over 30 years and is the longest-running storytelling guild in the United States. JSG is also the only guild in the nation that offers a weekly public performance venue, making it a vital part of the storytelling community.

Come join the celebration of Tellabration!™ with the Jonesborough Storytellers Guild! Tickets are on sale now, priced at $15 for general admission, $12 for seniors and students, with free entry for children under 12.

For tickets or more information, visit jonesborough.com/tickets.