New Voices

Gayle Webber: Gayle Webber is a native Charlottean. She has been active in Toastmasters International for five years, holding several offices, including President. Gayle was introduced to storytelling through Michael Reno Harrell’s "stories in song" and was spellbound the first time she attended the National Storytelling Festival. In 2008, Michael Reno challenged her to participate in our "Bold-Faced Liars’ Showdown". She accepted the challenge and has now competed four times, winning the coveted “People’s Choice Award” in 2010. She is an executive assistant for Duke Energy, where she has worked for 27 years.

Alan Hoal: Alan Hoal lives in Cary, NC and has been involved with promotion and preservation of storytelling for more than 20 years. He and his wife are founders of three storytelling festivals in Virginia and North Carolina. He has won the Virginia Tall Tale Competition as well as our own "Bold Faced Liars' Showdown" (2011). In 2012 he won second place and the coveted "People's Choice" award in the BFLS. He loves to tell folktales, literary stories and personal stories most of which are true except the parts that ain't. He has an energetic and animated storytelling style that holds the audience captive throughout his performances.

Anthony Burcher: Anthony Burcher grew up in Grafton VA, and now tells of that experience in ways that will make you laugh until your sides split. He spent most of his young life hearing himself described as "He Ain't Right..." Anthony's storytelling passion began over two decades ago with "Story Night", an annual performance for the summer staff of the camps where he serves as Assistant Director. His gift (or curse) of wit has entertained friends and family for a generation. Now his humor has hit the road, performing for a variety of audiences in Virginia and beyond. Anthony is the reigning "Bold Faced Liar of the Southeast".

Ray Mendenhall: Ray Mendenhall, the Basic Bard, has entertained and delighted audiences of all ages across the Carolinas. He is a prize winning Liar, storyteller, singer and song writer. With a whimsical flair, Ray shares his Stories2Go weaving a spell with classic fables, folk and fairytales; stories from around the globe and even a bit of hometown humor. Ray's Amazing Songs and Whimsical Stories "give us new eyes, new ears and new ideas". He "draws us in, turns us around and offer us a broader world view".
-- NC Storytelling Guild

New Voices At SFOC

Well, "New" voices by our definition only, which means they have never performed as a storyteller on our stages before. At our "Bold Faced Liars' Showdown" in January, the competition was so intense and the judging and audience vote (People's Choice) was so close that we just had to invite 4 of the top finishers (actually 5 but Ron Jones, our third place winner was not available) to appear at SFOC. All are long-time storytellers with impressive credentials and we are overjoyed to have them with us for our sixth annual festival. We know you're going to love them all and give them a warm welcome!