Posted on Friday, February 27, 2026
With just a microphone and a voice, talented storytellers of tales and lived experiences can capture the hearts of an audience. Four performers who have perfected this craft will take the stage March 6-8 at the Azalea Storytelling Festival at Callaway Auditorium.
“A compelling story typically includes relatable characters, a clear narrative arc, emotional truth, vivid details and authenticity,” said Kirsten Dunn, Director of the Azalea Storytelling Festival. “Most importantly, a good story creates connection; listeners should see themselves, someone they know or a shared human experience reflected in it.”
The three-day event will feature Donald Davis, the Rev. Robert B. Jones Sr., Kevin Kling and Tim Lowry. Carol Cain ’82 will serve as emcee.
Born and raised in Detroit, Rev. Jones weaves music into stories both from his personal life and from historic people of the past.
“Storytelling is the oldest form of human entertainment,” he said. “It connects us to our ancestors.”
Kling, a Northern resident who mixes folk tales with personal narratives as well as history and science, said the LaGrange community has become like his family.
“When we laugh with each other, we’re family, and there is a connection, whether it’s through faith or community or a shared history,” he said. “And these days there’s a great deal of value in a good laugh.”
Kling said it warms his heart when people resonate with his stories.
“I know a story really worked when a kid comes up afterwards and says, ‘you’re almost as good as my grandpa,’” he said. “There is such a comfort when a connection is made.”
Lowry, who hails from South Carolina, said his style of storytelling was best described by an audience member from one of his shows.
“Tim Lowry might share a personal story, a historical anecdote, maybe something about a rabbit, or he might play the kazoo,” he said. “You never know what’s going to pop out of that clown car next. He is a Southern Fried Circus!”
Decades of stories
Founded by community leaders the late Pat Gay, the late Evelyn Jordan and Joyce Morgan-Young, the festival has grown over the years from a small gathering to about 2,000 people.
“Each year brings fresh energy through featured tellers, updated programming and efforts to reach broader audiences,” Dunn said. “While the heart of the festival remains the same—live storytelling—we continually look for ways to expand outreach, enhance the audience experience, and keep the tradition vibrant for future generations.”
She said guests are usually surprised to learn that there are different styles of storytelling.
“Some focus on personal narrative, others on folklore or tall tales, and some even celebrate the art of creative exaggeration, such as the famous Liar’s Contest held in places like West Virginia and beyond,” Dunn said.
In 2027, the festival will celebrate 30 years of existence.
“The 30th anniversary will celebrate both tradition and growth,” Dunn said. “Audiences can expect outstanding featured storytellers, engaging performances for all ages, and special moments that honor the festival’s history while looking toward its future. We will also be partnering with other community organizations to make it our biggest celebration yet.”
Tickets for individual days or the full three-day weekend can be purchased on the Lafayette Society for Performing Arts website, by phone at 706-882-9909 or in person at the festival.
For those who enjoy stories throughout the year, the Azalea Storytelling Festival branch of the LSPA offers year-round programming.
“We have a (mostly) monthly open-mic-style storytelling event called Stories with Friends; the Summer Storytelling Workshop for those interested in developing their own stories with Donald Davis; a fall partnership with Hills & Dales Estate, where we bring a storyteller to perform in the beautiful pecan orchard; and in December, Donald Davis returns to share holiday stories about Christmas and family,” Dunn said.
Category: Events, Community, Arts and Culture
Keywords: Performing Arts, Education
