Our 2025 Storytellers
Carol Birch
Carol Birch believes stories undo the damage of haste. Renowned for a conversational style that is eloquent but never scripted, dramatic but never overtly theatrical, she received an Oracle Circle of Excellence Award from the National Storytelling Network. Since she began 52 years ago, she also received National Endowment for the Humanities grants to develop a storytelling program for television. She’s toured nationwide with multiple appearances at both the National Storytelling Festival in Tennessee and Timpanogos in Utah, as well as performances in Australia, Europe, and Singapore.
Her two books and eight recordings earned multiple awards; and she’s taught storytelling on both coasts, including Wesleyan and Southern Ct Universities. Media appearances include ABC’s Nightline, CBS’ Morning Show and National Public Radio. “[Her] voice is a magnet for ears and the tales she tells make the heart beat with a little more confidence … a warm and enchanting style.” –NUVO Weekly
www.carolbirchstoryteller.com
Johnny Thomas Fowler
Johnny Thomas Fowler from the foothills of upcountry South Carolina is a captivating storyteller, award winning musician, and author. He is the recipient of the coveted Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award in 2013, the pinnacle of recognition for folk artists in South Carolina. He is also one of seventeen national storytellers featured in the book Southern Appalachian Storytellers (McFarland Press) and co-hosts a weekly old-time radio show on North Carolina public radio station.
His storytelling weaves a mesmerizing tapestry of Appalachian folk tales, whimsical fairy tales, towering tall tales, and modern yarns, all embellished with the soul-stirring melodies of traditional songs and ballads. His enchanting narratives have graced the grand stages of prestigious storytelling festivals, from the Stone Soup Storytelling Festival to the International Storytelling Festival Exchange Place, Madison County Florida Storytelling Festival and The Old North State Storytelling Festival. He is also host-teller-in-residence – at the Hagood Mill Storytelling Festival.
His performances are a delightful blend of southern charm, theatricality, and humor, leaving audiences both entertained and informed. He is a true treasure in the storytelling and music scene.
Paul Strickland
Paul Strickland is a multi-award-winning storyteller and theatre artist from Kentucky. His stories are always a touch surreal but always find a way to touch your heart.
Adept at adapting to whatever listeners are in front of him, Paul has told stories Off-Broadway, with Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra, on Sirius/XM Radio and has been a Featured Teller at the National Storytelling Festival, but perhaps even more importantly he performs at elementary schools, libraries, living rooms and even two prisons – where he was NOT an inmate at the time.
“… an expert raconteur who spins hilariously entertaining stories…” – St. Paul Pioneer Press
“… touches the heart and excites the imagination.” – Orlando Weekly
Linda Chancey Guice
Linda Chancey Guice is a retired Children’s Librarian and Library Director. She was introduced to the wonderful world of storytelling when she attended college. She grew up in a tiny town called Homeland, Florida, and loves to tell tales of growing up as a phosphate miner’s daughter. Linda attended the very first Florida Storytelling Festival (formerly called the Florida Storytellers Guild) at Camp Moon and has only missed a handful of Florida Storytelling festivals throughout the years. She was honored to serve as President of the Florida Storytelling Association in 1993 (then called the Florida Storyteller’s Guild.) Linda is on the Committee that produces the Cracker Storytelling Festival at the Homeland Heritage Park held in November-each year. She loves to tell funny tongue twister stories, folk tales and tales that touch the heart. Linda has 2 daughters and 6 grandchildren and at the age of 70 married her childhood sweetheart and added a whole new wonderful family to her life.
Tamara Green
Tamara Green is a retired educator with over 30 years of teaching experience. She is a graduate from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where she received a B.S. degree in English Education and a Master of Fine Arts in Performing Arts. Tamara is an award-winning storyteller, workshop presenter, author, and producer. She was the 2014 Hillsborough County Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year. Tamara is a member of the Florida Storytelling Association and served as Youthful Voices Director from 2011-2015. After completing her years of service with F.S.A., she received the Distinguished Service Award in 2015. Tamara was the 2023 featured storyteller at the 43rd Tampa- Hillsborough County Storytelling Festival. She now serves as an artist in residence with the Hillsborough County Arts-in-Education Program.