The Jonesborough Storyteller’s Guild is proud to present our 2026 edition of Tellabration!^TM

In 1988, Tellabration!^TM  was born. This event, dedicated to storytelling and story listening, was the brainchild of J.G. Pinkerton. J.G. was a board member of both the national and CT storytelling organizations as well as a CT storyteller. His vision was to create a fund-raising event that would also introduce new listeners to storytelling. That first year, TELLABRATION!^TM took place in six towns across Connecticut. The following year, Texas and Missouri joined in producing Tellabration!^TM. Since that beginning, Tellabration!^TM  events have been held across the United States and around the globe. Venues have included public parks, public libraries, theater stages, senior citizens’ centers and virtual events. Wherever a Tellabration!^TM   happens, audiences discover the delight of story listening.

Our Guest Teller, 12 Time Moth Story Slam Champion, Raymond Christian grew up in the Richmond, VA of the 1960’s and 70’s and escaped by joining the U.S. Army at age 17. Following his 20 years of service, the combat-decorated veteran went back to school and earned degrees in history and a Doctorate in Education Leadership. In 2020, Ray was chosen as a Fulbright Scholar for expertise in Education and Storytelling Narrative, a prestigious and highly competitive award gifted by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Christian’s stories have appeared in Readers Digest and The Bitter Southerner, and he has been featured on NPR’s Snap Judgement and the Moth Radio Hour. He is a 12-time Moth Story Slam champion and the winner of the 2016 National Storytelling Festival Story Slam. Ray currently resides in the remote mountains of Watauga County, NC where he hosts and produces “What’s Ray Saying,” a podcast that uses history, storytelling, and social commentary to explore the Black experience in America. 

The performance will also feature member Nancy Donoval, our president Jim Priesmeyer, and alumni Cynthia Milhorn in what should be a very memorable Tellabration!^TM

McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School
103 Franklin Ave, Jonesborough, TN 37659
(423) 753-0562

Jonesborough Visitors Center
117 Boone St, Jonesborough, TN 37659
(423) 753-1010