2nd Annual Blue Ridge Storytelling Summit

Larry Pearlman

Actor, salesman, entrepreneur, radio show host, author, minister,

workshop facilitator, public speaker, trainer, Peace Corps Volunteer,

storyteller and pet-sitter. Larry has been all of these and found that

the thing that ties them all together (yep - even petsitting!) is the

importance of stories. Humor is a key ingredient, whether the story is

for entertainment or a deeper purpose.

Catherine Yael-Serota

Catherine Yael Serota is a native of Asheville NC and a graduate of Mars Hill University where she participated in the Appalachian Studies Program.

She tells stories of Appalachian history, folktales, and original as well as traditional Jack Tales. Personal narratives of growing up in Southern Appalachia are also a part of her portfolio. Catherine is a member of the Asheville Storytelling Circle and the Jonesborough Storytellers Guild.

She lives in Flag Pond Tennessee with her husband Wallace Shealy.

Wallace Shealy

With a twinkle in his eye Shealy said, “of course I embellished the truth slightly.” The Mountain Xpress said in their opinion “Shealy exaggerates more than slightly.” The Tribune revealed that this upstanding local had been caught lying. It doesn’t matter if he is recalling a tale from his childhood, telling a story based on the Good Book or spinning a yarn you will be delighted listening to him stretch the truth all out of proportion.

Sherry Lovett

Sherry Lovett has been a middle school teacher, elementary media specialist, homeschooler, educational cooperative leader, teaching artist for Penland School of Crafts, workshop facilitator, and, through it all, a storyteller. Through mystical Celtic stories, haunting ballads, historical narratives, and wise and wonderful folktales, Sherry swirls together a magical stew to delight audiences from school assemblies to a variety of adult performances. She connects with her audiences through universal themes and delivers stories with beautiful language and graceful movements. Her mission is to inspire, encourage, entertain, and connect with people through the art of storytelling.