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Michael
Reno Harrell
Michael Reno
Harrell is an award winning songwriter, as well as a veteran
storyteller and entertainer, and he’s from the South…the
Southern Appalachian Mountains
to hone it a bit finer. One could compare Michael’s
performances to his granddaddy’s pocket knife, well warn and
familiar feeling, but razor sharp and with a point.
Michael’s recordings top the Americana Music Association
charts year after year. His songs have been described as
“Appalachian grit and wit” but, as his writing shows,
Michael’s awareness is much broader than the bounds of his
boyhood home or even the Southern Experience. The songs he
writes reflect an insight into people’s experiences that
catch the ear like an old friend’s voice.
Michael’s natural knack for storytelling has earned him
praise from not only the music community but from the
storytelling world as well, having been invited to perform
at the National Storytelling Festival.
What the
critics are saying about Michael -
"Michael
Reno Harrell is one of those natural born Southern musicians
and storytellers who is filled with wit, charm and surprises.
Whether the story is in song or narrative, Michael will draw
you in and entertain you, all the while making you feel right
at home."
David Holt - Four time Grammy winner and nationally
acclaimed musician/storyteller
“Michael
Reno Harrell writes like a jeweler might work on a watch;
every piece has its place, every part is for a purpose, and
the result is everything moves”
Country Music Today
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Visit Michael Reno Harrell's website
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Kim Weitkamp
A commanding presence, beautiful
singing voice, impeccable comedic timing, and perfectly
woven stories makes Kim a must see.
Known for her skills in laying down a whopper of tale, Kim
combines humor, original childhood stories and just a touch of
fertilizer to create stories that can compete with the best of
them.
Her impressive performance list includes the Exchange
Stage in
Jonesborough
TN
, the historic Lyric Theater in Virginia, the Storytelling
Festival of the
Carolinas
, and the Smoky Mountains Festival in Pigeon Forge TN.
Recently Kim has added the dynamic of singing original songs
to her performances. They cozy right up to the story and add
depth and additional appeal to her telling. Kim's
genuine care for the audience, love of story, and natural
talent has allotted her a solid position within the arena of
spoken word artistry.
What people are saying about
Kim -
"With compete fluidity she took us from
heartwarming childhood stories into the outrageous world of
the impossible. It was a hilarious take off and a wild ride."
You are phenomenally
talented ---and you really like people and can connect.
And you do this
all in a very clean way; which is hard to do with present-day
humor...
frankly I never laughed so hard in my life.
J Yeager,
Virginia
Tech
University
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Visit
Kim Weitkamp's website
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Mitch
Capel; Gran'daddy Junebug
Mitch Capel is a storyteller,
recording artist, poet, actor and author who has brings stories
to life and delights audiences throughout the
United States
with his warmth, wit and compelling style.
He is considered "the national interpreter" of poet
laureate Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906) and it is his voice
you hear as "Paul Dunbar" at the Wright/Dunbar
Interpretation Center in
Dayton
,
Ohio
.
Mitch developed a character, "Gran'daddy Junebug" to
deliver the words because he felt a young man wouldn't be as
convincing. The character is a tribute to his own
grandfathers. “Gran’daddy
Junebug” has been described as “a national treasure”, “a
transformer of lives”, and “a word magician”.
He coined the term "sto'etry" to describe his stories
recited poetically.
Mitch has been featured twice at The National Storytelling
Festival in
Jonesborough
,
Tenn.
, annually at the traveling National Black Storytelling Festival
and Conference since 1988 and the Signifyin' & Testifyin'
Storytelling Festival held in
Minnesota
.
"Gran'daddy Junebug" leaves his audiences with the
ancient wisdom and cultural knowledge of cooperation, collective
responsibility, the importance of community, shared goals,
empathy and always striving for excellence.
What people
are saying about Mitch -
Mitch
Capel, affectionately known as "Gran'daddy Junebug,"
brings Paul Laurence Dunbar to life and audiences to laughter
and tears. I would rather experience his presentations than eat
when I am hungry!
Mary Carter Smith
Co-Founder National Association of Black Storytellers
With
competence and mastery, Mitch Capel connects the audience with
Paul Laurence Dunbar by utilizing a demanding and commanding
artistry...thus he evidences
Dunbar
!
Laverne Kenon Sci
Historic Site Manager
The
Paul
Laurence
Dunbar
State
Memorial
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Visit Mitch
Capel's website
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