There is nothing that brings out the kid in all of us like a good story…
Grandmother sat in her favorite rocking chair on the porch peeling apples. Surrounding her were grandchildren listening as she told family stories passed down for generations. During the winter months, grandfather would sit next to the stove smoking his pipe as he told more stories in an accent still containing elements of the Welsh people.
Children and grandchildren followed parents into the kitchens, gardens, fields and orchards, not only helping with chores, but listening to story after story of the people who came before them.
Storytelling is an Appalachian Mountain tradition passed down from generation to generation.
Tucked away in mountain hollows and coves, the myths, legends and folk tales were packed into the minds of the Cherokee and the early pioneers and passed along orally from generation to generation.
With a story, a person does not have to worry about separating fact from fiction and embellishments abound.
For me it was Grandpa Sewell who told the tales. My mother’s father had a way of embellishing a story that was not to be beat. But listen we would…All of us grandkids…Sitting out in the fading light of an evening…Watching the skies for falling stars and those newfangled satellites…Waiting to see if the story changed from the last time we heard it.
If you are in the Hendersonville area this weekend, go spend a bit of time in your childhood…Go sit and listen to a good story…
via Stories are a part of Appalachia | BlueRidgeNow.com | Times-News Online | Hendersonville, NC.
Related posts:
> Greetings from Appalachian Artist Agency.
I would like to share with you information about a talented performer we represent. Jerry Harmon ‘The Smoky Mountain Gypsy’ as he was famously nicknamed by the Legendary Doc Watson will be touring the UK Summer and Fall of of 2011. We have dates procured for both seasons.
>
> Singer / songwriter, Appalachian Mountain Storyteller,and Grammy Nominee Jerry Harmon is an international touring artist from the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. Jerry plays original and authentic bluegrass/ alt country/folk material with an electrifying stage presence. His career has spanned the USA and Europe, co-billing with Ralph Stanley, Marty Stewart, Tony Rice and many others. Jerry has performed at some of the largest events in North America and Europe as a solo act.
>
> Some of Jerry’s more recent performances are The Bath International Music Festival, The Nashville-Belfast Singer/Songwriter Festival, The Canterbury Festival, Listowel Writers week,The Merle Fest, to mention just a few. He has written and co-written songs for top country music performers. His music is his passion, singing straight to the heart with a raw edginess songs that cannot fail to resonate with his listeners.
>
>
> Indeed he cleverly combines his skills as a musician singer, humorist, and storyteller to become the amazingly versatile performer that he is. Mixing his music with humour told in the Appalachian dialect, his shows are highly entertaining and unique. As an authentic Appalachian Storyteller coming from a family rich in the heritage of storytelling brought from Europe, he captivates and enthralls his audience. Jerry tailors his storytelling to suit adults or children.
>
>
>
> An excellent review of Jerry’s performances in Bath appeared in the August 09 edition of Maverick magazine,in the UK ,and his CD ‘Back to the Country’ received a great review in the September edition.
>
Jerry’s website is being upgraded so will be live later this week however until then I have attached some clips of Jerry performing live to give you an idea of his stage performance. These were recorded in Orkney this October.
Amanda McKean, Development Manager of the Canterbury Festival, would be delighted to give a recommendation, as indeed would the festival Director who was present at Jerry’s sold-out show there in October.
I do hope we can work together and look forward to talking to you.
Kind regards,
Please view the following links to see Jerry performing live
original songs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg3p_eG4Hvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvIrD8Ckbp8
Appalachian Mountain Humor on link below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VW39K5KOcc
A sample of Jerry’s heritage; a JackTale
http://johnmcavinue.ie/wordpress/?page_id=14
Little bit of “pickin”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSxaoAwLByI
Website in process of being updated
Kind regards, Mark Daniels
Appalachian Artist Agency
North Carolina- America
phone 828-734-3232
Email: appartistagency@gmail.com
UK & Ireland
Noelle Ringwood/Agent
Phone +353 86 8633467
Email: appartistagency@gmail.com
I was lucky enough to get to hear Jerry perform when I was on vacation in 2010. I was absolutely amazed, for I had never heard him, and actually did not recognize his name. I will never forget him however, for he is an amazing entertainer. His guitar playing was as good as Doc Watson, Tony Rice or any of the other great players. He is an amazing songwriter, singer, storyteller, and just a great entertainer. I honestly suggest if you he is close by you GO SEE HIS SHOW. I promise you that it will not be forgotten.