Storytelling Comes to Town - TribPapers
Arts

Storytelling Comes to Town

Weaverville – The Weaverville Community Center will host an evening of captivating storytelling with members of the Asheville Storytelling Circle on Thursday, August 15th at 7 PM. The event, titled “Love From Appalachia,” features local storytellers Charlie St. Clair, Catherine Yael Serota, Sandra Gudger, and Pete Koschnick, who promise to deliver narratives that will touch hearts and tickle funny bones.

A little background on each of the storytellers is found at the Asheville Storytelling Circle’s website, and here are the ones at the Weaverville event:

Charlie St. Clair has been spinning tales to family and friends all his life, and for the past twelve years, he has shared his stories with the public. Known for his humor and thoughtful reflections, Charlie’s stories are always entertaining. He has performed at the Toe River Storytelling Festival, the Laurinburg Bald Face Liars’ Showdown, and ASC TELLABRATION!™. Additionally, he has emceed the Storytelling Festival of Carolina at Laurinburg and performed with the improvisational Living Story Theater for eight years.

Sandra Gudger brings seven generations of Scottish and Appalachian heritage to her storytelling. Growing up with a father who told stories at family gatherings, Sandra discovered storytelling as an art form later in life. She is a founding and permanent board member of the Asheville Storytelling Circle and has served on the board and as president of the North Carolina Storytelling Guild. Sandra’s favorite tales are those that evoke laughter, and she loves sharing stories about the people and places of Western North Carolina.

Pete Koschnick, born in the year of Sputnik and raised in the Pacific Northwest, is a professional puppeteer and musician. He has entertained audiences in diverse settings, from Headstart classrooms to political rallies. Pete has won The Moth and The Synergy Story Slams and has been a featured teller at Asheville Storytelling Circle TELLABRATION!™ at The Folk Arts Center on The Blue Ridge Parkway. He has also appeared as a guest of the Jonesborough Storytellers Guild at The International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee. Pete’s storytelling talent has been evident since the First Grade, much to the chagrin of his teacher, Miss Tooker.

Last but not least, Catherine Yael Serota, a native of Asheville, has spent much of her life in Western North Carolina, most recently in Waynesville. With a background that includes a private Catholic girls’ academy education and degrees from five universities. Currently enrolled at ETSU to study Appalachian heritage and storytelling, she is celebrating her 48th year as a provider of human services, working as a community mental health therapist in Johnson City. Catherine also sings blessings and liturgy at her Shul and is enhancing her proficiency in Hebrew and Yiddish.

The event is free, with appreciation baskets available for donations. It is sponsored by the Town of Weaverville and will be held at 60 Lakeshore Dr. in Weaverville. Don’t miss this chance to experience the rich tradition of Appalachian storytelling!