Storytelling Workshop & Story Slam:
To Benefit Scholarship Funds

Sponsored by the Tree of Life Cultural Foundation 501(c)3

Saturday, October 11, 2025 / Ages 5 - Adult / First Presbyterian Church of Forest City, NC
4:00-5:30 pm: Workshops / 5:45-6:45 pm: Supper ($5 donation requested)  / 7-9 pm: Story Slam
Attending the Story Slam ONLY is an option. 
Tuition: Donations Appreciated
Registration Fee (per family): $5.00
Donations support the TOLCF Scholarship Fund.

Benefits of Storytelling
Engagement: Stories capture attention and make information more memorable.
Empathy: Stories allow audiences to connect with characters and their experiences.
Learning: Stories can effectively convey complex information and teach valuable lessons.
Persuasion: Stories can be powerful tools for persuasion and influencing behavior.
Cultural Preservation: Stories are vital for transmitting cultural knowledge and values across generations.

REGISTER HERE

Meet Our Storytellers

Johnny Thomas Fowler

Storyteller

Johnny Thomas Fowler is a storyteller-musician rooted in the rich traditions of the Appalachian South. With a voice steeped in heritage and humor, he brings to life a vibrant mix of folk tales, personal narratives, and mountain music played on banjo, harmonica, washboard, and jaw harp. Whether he's spinning a tall tale or sharing a soulful ballad, Johnny’s performances are filled with warmth, authenticity, and the spirit of a front porch gathering.

A featured performer at festivals like the National Storytelling Festival, Florida Storytelling Festival, and Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival, Johnny captivates audiences of all ages. He also shares his talents in schools, libraries, churches, and community events, offering programs that celebrate culture, creativity, and connection. With every story and song, Johnny invites listeners to laugh, reflect, and remember the power of a well-told tale.

johnnythomasfowler.com

Lance Smith

Storyteller

Lance Smith is a teacher, pastor, father and musician. He has always known the power of a good story and lives to keep the tradition alive. Lance loves mountain tales about “Jack” and native stories as well as tales from cultures all around the world. He has been known to tell around campfires, schools, churches, festivals and functions throughout WNC and the Upstate. He lives at the foot of White Oak Mountain in Columbus, NC.