2nd Annual Blue Ridge Storytelling Summit
Join us for the 2nd Annual Blue Ridge Storytelling at the Center for Pioneer Life! Experience a day filled with captivating tales from renowned storytellers, each bringing their unique flair and years of experience. Don''tmiss out on this family-friendly event on June 28th from 10 AM to 2 PM. Click the link above to learn more and purchase your tickets!
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.
Michael Reno Harrell
Meet Michael Reno Harrell – a nationally acclaimed storyteller, award-winning songwriter, published author, and visual artist joining us for the Blue Ridge Storytelling Summit on June 28th!
Hailing from the Southern Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, Michael’s stories and songs are steeped in generations of mountain heritage. His performances—praised for their wit, warmth, and emotional depth—have taken him across 44 states and several countries over the past fifty years. From the National Storytelling Festival to MerleFest, Michael’s work captures not just the spirit of Southern Appalachia, but the broader American experience.
With the familiarity of a well-worn pocketknife and the sharp insight of a seasoned storyteller, Michael’s performances are heartfelt, humorous, and unforgettable.
Wallace Shealy (Emcee)
Wallace was named the Southeast Bold-Faced Liar Champion by the Storytelling Arts Center of the Southeast—an honor celebrating his unmatched ability to spin wildly imaginative, humorous tales. With roots in small-town South Carolina and a background as a hospice chaplain, Wallace brings a unique blend of compassion, wit, and Southern charm to every story he tells.
Pig and Grits Food Truck
From our Smokehouse Breakfast and Slow Smoked Hickory BBQ to the Sweet Iced Tea, Pig & Grits delivers that 'down home' southern experience that BBQ is known for. With humble beginnings, we opened our doors in December 2014, and grateful to be a part and serve the Burnsville Community and surrounding areas.
Our slow-smoked meats include Pulled Pork, Brisket, Chicken, Turkey, Ribs and more. We do all of our smoking over locally grown, hand-cut hickory. We proudly smoke these all natural meats in-house, daily over hand cut hickory! It goes fast, so when it's out it's out!
You'll always find five regional sauces, from Eastern NC to Georgia, Tennessee & beyond, to satisfy your flavor exploration. In addition, we feature Signature Seasonal Sauces that include Cherry Bourbon, Honey-Sriracha, Applewood Smoked BBQ & more.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing dining experience, catering for hundreds or just seeking delicious Breakfast and BBQ, we are here to serve. Our team is trained and dedicated to delivering that "Southern Hospitality" that just makes you feel good inside.
We are grateful to work with our local vendors and partners to provide you with all natural, local and sustainably sourced proteins, produce and ingredients.
It's our Promise to Freshness!
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.
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.
Spinning Wheel (Music)
Spinning Wheel is comprised of John Koester and Barbara Jones who have played music together for over twenty years.
Spinning Wheel's mostly instrumental music is performed on guitar and fiddle.