The StoryTown Radio Show returns to the stage and airwaves on Monday, February 26th at 7:00 pm. The 13th season kicks off with “Love Leads the Way,” a brand-new show featuring new stories about romance and Black history from right here in Northeast Tennessee.
If you’ve never been to the StoryTown Radio Show, it is reminiscent of the radio programs of the 1930s-1950s. We’re embracing that old time radio feel more than ever this season. Think Jack Benny, think George Burns and Gracie Allen, think vintage commercials and serial features. Some of those features will include regular check ins with the residents of the Old Jonesborough Cemetery, community news straight from the local paper, and the history of the area as shared by one of its oldest residents (we’re talking hundreds of years) who lived to see it all.
And don’t forget the music, if you have a radio show, you’ve got to have music. February’s musical guests will be the cast of Crowns reunited for one night only on the McKinney Center stage. Crowns is a joyous celebratory gospel musical by Regina Taylor, adapted from the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry. The play was a partnership between Umoja and the McKinney Center in August of 2023, and the cast played to five, sold out houses. The reunited cast includes all the original voices, Tisha Sanders, Cathy Walker, Ralph Martin, Christa Reid, Stephanie Lattany, Taleah Rogers, and Jasmine Potter. You don’t want to miss their beautiful harmonies as their voices soar to the heavens. They will lift your spirits. StoryTown Radio Show is the perfect cure for the wintertime blues. In addition, local poet Jasmine Henderson will be joining the cast to share some of her poems.
Just like in those old radio shows, if you come to the live recording, you’ll be a part of the show, too. The stories will make you laugh, make you think, and some might even bring a tear to your eyes. February’s show will also include the Opening Night Gala. Stick around after the stories for delicious treats (Main Street Café’s pies, Boone Street Market’s pimento cheese, etc.) and fellowship with the cast, writers, and musical guests. It’s a great way to get to know your community.
Tickets for the StoryTown Radio Show are only $10.00 and can be purchased at Jonesborough.com/tickets or by calling the Visitors Center at 423-753-1010. The show is performed before a live audience on the fourth Monday of the month at the McKinney Center and aired on WETS 89.5 FM on the last Wednesday of the month. You can also enjoy the program through the StoryTown Radio Show podcast, available wherever you download the podcasts you listen to.
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The StoryTown Radio Show is sponsored by the Tennessee Arts Commission, Gary and Sandee Degner, Trivia with Budds, the Silver Raven, and McLeod Organics.