Emmy-winning Bobby Norfolk arrives at Storytelling Live

The International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough will soon host the Emmy Award-winning performer, Bobby Norfolk, for a limited run of performances during Storytelling Live.Storytelling Live withBobby NorfolkWhen: 2 p.m. daily fromTuesday, June 17, to Saturday, June 21Where: International Storytelling Center, 100 W. Main St., JonesboroughA former stand-up comedian turned National Park Service Ranger, the seasoned storyteller will showcase adventure stories from American history and a dynamic range of folk tales, according to a press release from the International Storytelling Center."A lot of people have a misconception that folktales and fairy tales were meant for children, to put babies down at night," Norfolk said, in the press release, "But it's the opposite."He said traditional stories were designed to make adults contemplate their choices in a complicated world — and, of course, stay wide-eyed and entertained.During his weeklong artistic residency, which is part of ISC's signature Storytelling Live series, Norfolk will bring his A-game to "revamp, revise and have a resurgence of folktales and fairy tales," the release states. His performances include Jack tales from Appalachia and Anansi the Spider stories from West Africa.Norfolk's other specialty is U.S. history, which he brings to life with music and movement, according to the release. During his residency, he'll sprinkle in stories about the Harlem Renaissance, including tales about luminaries such as Langston Hughes, Duke Ellington and Zora Neale Hurston, the release said."I'll try to mix it up and have a different theme every day," Norfolk said, in the release.Norfolk's performances will be held daily in ISC's state-of-the-art theater starting Tuesday, June 17, through Saturday, June 21. All concerts begin at 2 p.m., and reservations are recommended. Tickets are now available.The release said that Norfolk will also offer a free program at Fischman Gallery on Wednesday, June 18, as part of its month-long Juneteenth celebration sponsored by Umoja Arts and Cultural Inc. He plans to share the story of Henry "Box" Brown, a formerly enslaved man who was a key figure in the Underground Railroad. Doors will open at 6 for the 6:30 p.m. show.In addition to the matinee performances and the free concert at the gallery, the International Storytelling Center will offer a virtual concert to at-home viewers, according to the release. That performance, which will be recorded in front of a live audience on Wednesday, will be available to stream on Friday, June 20. The release states it will remain accessible to the ticketholder's household until Monday at midnight.The full 2025 lineup for Storytelling Live, including evening concerts, holiday shows and three workshops, is available on storytellingcenter.net. Tickets can be purchased online or over the phone. Pre-registration is required only for workshops. Walk-in seating will be available for all concerts as long as supplies last. Deeply discounted season passes for in-person or virtual shows remain available for a limited time, according to the press release.Funding for Storytelling Live comes from the Tennessee Arts Commission, East Tennessee Foundation, Niswonger Foundation, Norris Family Foundation, Carol & Bobby Frist, Sandy & Terry Countermine, Mary Brugh, Ballad Health, Niswonger Children's Network, BrightRidge, The Trail Head Lodge, Eastman Credit Union and Bank of Tennessee.Media sponsors include the Kingsport Times-News, Johnson City Press, Herald & Tribune and WETS 89.5 FM.The International Storytelling Center is located at 100 W. Main St., Jonesborough. For more information about Storytelling Live, including the full schedule, or to purchase tickets and season passes, visit www.storytellingcenter.net or call (800) 952-8392.