Tales from Appalachia

We will be live streaming this event on our Facebook page.

performances by

Bil Lepp

Bil Lepp is an award-winning storyteller, author, and recording artist. He’s the host of the History Channel’s "Man Vs History" series, the occasional host of NPR’s internationally syndicated "Mountain Stage," and a contributing columnist to the West Virginia Gazette-Mail. Bil’s humorous, family friendly tall-tales and stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages and from all walks of life. Though a five time champion of the West Virginia Liars’s Contest, Lepp’s stories often contain morsels of truth which present universal themes in clever and witty ways. Audiences all across the country, from grade schools to corporate execs to the Comedy Central’s Hudson stage, have been delighted by Bil’s mirthful tales and delightful insights into everyday life. Bil’s books and audio collections have won awards, including the PEN Steven Kroll Award for Children’s Book Writing, Parents’ Choice Gold awards, and wards from the National Parenting Publications Association and the Public Library Association. He is also the recipient of the Vandalia Award, West Virginia’s highest folk honor. 

Jo Ann Dadisman

A retired educator and active storyteller, Jo Ann has been sharing stories about her beloved mountains for more than 50 years.  Although she sees herself as an Appalachian teller, she also enjoys telling folktales from around the world and frequently presents programs that combine true stories with tall tales, myths, legends, and family stories seasoned for smiles and sometimes tears.For almost two decades she and June Riffle performed as the Mountain Echoes, a tandem telling duo who promoted the culture and heritage of Appalachia, especially in their native state. These days, she is a solo teller who offers workshops and performances which weave memories and imagination through both oral and written traditions.Jo Ann is dedicated to preserving her mountain heritage and promoting an understanding of who we are as West Virginians. In 2011 she received the coveted WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Teacher of the Year award. She is also active in the West Virginia Storytelling Guild.

James Froemel

James is the winner of the 2015, 2017, 2019 West Virginia Biggest Liar competition, as well as the 2015 Fibbin’ on the 4th storytelling contest in Ripley, W.Va. He has been featured in storytelling performances at schools and festivals throughout West Virginia and his work has been published in "Goldenseal," the magazine of West Virginia traditional life. In the summer of 2017 he was crowned “King of West Virginia (for a day).”

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