StoryTown Radio Show

The StoryTown Radio Show will be sharing all kinds of stories about Jimmy Neil Smith, “A Country Boy with a Dream” on April 27 at the McKinney Center. A Jonesborough native, Jimmy Neil was a journalism teacher at Science Hill High School, and his early love for storytelling lead him to create the Storytelling Festival in 1973. He also served as Jonesborough’s mayor for several years and helped to turn the historic town into the destination it is today. He was a well-known and much beloved character, and everyone who met him has a story to tell about him. We’ll be sharing stories from co-workers, family members, fellow storytellers, former students, and more.

The music guest for this production is the Science Hill SteelToppers, under the direction of Mr. Tao, making their Radio Show debut. The SteelToppers are a steel drum ensemble associated with the Topper Band program at Science Hill High School. Known for their high-energy performances, they showcase student talent in percussion. “A Country Boy with a Dream: Jimmy Neil Smith Stories” takes place at 7 p.m. on April 27 at the McKinney Center. Tickets are $10 and are available online at Jonesborough.com/tickets or by calling the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center at 423.753.1010. The shows usually sell out, so make sure you get your tickets today.

The Radio Show is also recorded for broadcast on local NPR station WETS 89.5 out of Johnson City, which can be heard the last Wednesday of the month at 8PM. This episode is sponsored by authors and storytellers Catherine Yael Serota and Wallace Shealy. StoryTown is sponsored by the Tennessee Arts Commission, Gary and Sandee Degner, Terry and Sandy Countermine, Doug and Denise Gross, Herman and Beverly Jenkins, the Wild Women of Jonesborough, and Wolfe Development.

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About StoryTown:

StoryTown is supported by an Arts Access Grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission, Mauk’s of Jonesborough, Gary and Sandee Denger, Wolfe Development, Herman and Beverly Jenkins, and Doug and Denise Gross. It is a part of Jonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts at the McKinney Center.

About the McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington: The mission of the McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington is to provide a comprehensive program through Jonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts, which teaches various art skills to all participants through a quality program of instruction open to all segments of Jonesborough’s population. In addition, a primary mission of the Center is to enhance minority participation in the planning and implementation in all activities in Jonesborough while specifically celebrating the contribution of the African-American community in the growth and development of the Town. The activities of the McKinney Center are designed to enhance the quality of life of all Jonesborough residents.