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Here's a snapshot from the 4th National Storytelling Festival - me with Jimmy Neil and my cousin & storytelling partner, Barbara Freeman - such sweet young things!!.
Click to watch the moving and joy-filled memorial for Jimmy Neil which includes Brian Wyatt, The Appalachian Men's Ensemble, Bob Browning, Michael Carson and more. My story starts at 48 minutes in, followed by Ed Stivender and Donald Davis.
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Honoring Jimmy Neil Smith
I deeply appreciate my long-time friend and story-colleague, Jimmy Neil Smith for his inspired vision, unwavering dedication, and hard work in creating the National Storytelling Festival and nurturing it for decades, initiating the first National Storytelling Organization (NAPPS/NSN) and Directing the International Storytelling Center. His work profoundly influenced me and countless others in the art of storytelling.
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A magical moment: Just as the last words were spoken by the minister, we heard the train whistle in distance.
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Storytelling Live 2025 at ISC
Connie is Teller in Residence the week of June 10-14, 2025 at the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee. She is performing each day at 2pm, Tuesday through Saturday in the lovely intimate theater at the Center. Her show on Wednesday, “A Legend in Overall: Storytelling in the Footsteps of Ray Hicks” honors her mentor Ray Hicks.
Can't make it in person? Starting Friday, June 13, her Ray Hicks show will be available to watch online.
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Mini Masterclass Workshop
Saturday, June 14 at 10am Connie is teaching a Mini Masterclass: Finding the Storyteller in You.
Explore the legacy of “memory” as you gain confidence in finding your voice and connecting with listeners through creating and sharing stories. All are welcome – teachers, ministers, writers, storytellers, grandparents, and those curious about telling stories. Please join us if you are drawn to the spoken word and desire deeper personal experiences through stories in a supportive and playful atmosphere.
Then stick around for her 2 pm show!
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Morganton NC ** Saturday, June 21
4 pm Workshop & 7 pm Performance
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The Art and Heart of Storytelling
Storytelling is easier than you think! This workshop welcomes all – teachers, parents, librarians ministers, storytellers, and those just curious.
With partner exercises and a ‘walk through memories’, participants enjoy exploring life events in a supportive, creative atmosphere. Utilizing ‘deep listening’, experience how the 5 senses and the ‘colors’ of the moment bring a story to life and connect you with your listeners. Connie generously shares tools she has developed and learned throughout her trailblazing storytelling career that spans 5 decades and 6 continents. Whether telling to family on the front porch, a gathering at a party, or on stage, come to enjoy a taste of the ‘art & heart’ of storytelling.
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4:00 pm - The Art & Heart of Storytelling - one hour workshop open to all levels of interest including those just curious! Followed by a meet and greet.
- 7:00 pm - Evening Storytelling Performance
Join us for either or both! (Ticket price includes both workshop and performance.)
Connie’s event is part of a series for the Table Rock Storytelling Festival sponsored by Burke County Arts, including Michael Reno Harrel who kicked it off in March, 2025 – June 21, featuring Connie Regan-Blake; September – Josh Goforth; and Tim Lowery presenting Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol on December 6, 2025.
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July 12 - 11 am to 1 pm
Connie is telling stories at The Hans Christian Andersen statue this summer in New York City’s Central Park on Saturday July 12, 2025, at 11:00 am.
The summer hold a wide variety of storytellers. Schedule: The Hans Christian Anderson Story Center
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Mark your calendar and plan to attend National Storytelling Network 2025 Conference – July 17-20, at Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA (outside Atlanta.) Each year NSN brings together storytellers from every corner of the world to participate in an annual conference with a wide variety of work-shops, education sessions, performances, and networking opportunities. A full-conference ticket is available for NSN members at only $249 until the May 31 early-bird deadline. All full-conference tickets also includes access to the live-streamed and recorded virtual ticket.
Connie is among the featured national tellers on Friday evening including Carmen Agra Deedy, Lyn Ford, Bill Harley, and Rev. Robert Jones with Adam Booth as emcee. Saturday morning, July 12 at 9:00 am she is also performing “A Legend in Overalls: Storytelling in the Footsteps of Ray Hicks”.
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