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Jonesborough Radio Show Opening Gala
2020 Radio Show Celebrates 9th Season with Gala Opening
On January 27 at 7 p.m., Jonesborough’s original storytelling radio show will celebrate its ninth season of performing live at the International Storytelling Center with a brand new performance, featuring stories about this region and showcasing special musical guests, blues favorites Freddie Vanderford and Brandon Turner from Buffalo, South Carolina. After the performance, audience are invited to meet the cast, crew and musicians at a 20’s themes gala filled with sparkling juices and tasty pastries- a favorite of Al Capone’s when he stayed in Johnson City.
The season opening production, “Our Favorite Things” is filled with local stories about beloved treasures, old and new, to include a trove of old letters written during wartime, a pearl drop necklace worn by several generations, and an eclectic collection of items in an antique store, that also serves as a tax service, and a place to spay pets on Mondays and Wednesdays. His store is purported to have “Everything you might be looking for.” When asked how many items you have to have to say you’ve got everything, he quickly replied, “About 800.”
This fun-filled show also brings back a musical duo that has been a community favorite for the past several years. Freddie Vanderford and Brandon Turner from Buffalo, South Carolina play a style of musical called “Piedmont Blues.” Vanderford’s expertise on the blues harp has earned him a place in the South Carolina Folk Life Hall of Fame. The duo’s rendition of “Greasy Greens” and other blues standards are popular videos on Youtube.
Immediately following the production, audience will get to join the cast and musicians for a celebration gala in the lobby of the International Storytelling Center.
Tickets for the production are $5. A season pass for 2020 is only $70, and includes full admission the popular “Holiday Soup and Songs” event at the end of the year- an event that sold out well before Thanksgiving this past season.
To purchase tickets, visit Jonesborough.com/tickets or call the Visitors Center at 423.753.1010
