High Knob Outdoor Festival Storytelling Workshop
Sat, Aug 08
|High Knob Destination Center
This storytelling workshop explores the lives and music of three influential Appalachian blues women who used their voices to document life in the early 20th century. Participants will compose original blues songs with lyrics that tell a story. Registration Required!
Time & Location
Aug 08, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
High Knob Destination Center, 1147 Laurel Ave SW, Norton, VA 24273, USA
About the event
This storytelling workshop explores the lives and music of three influential Appalachian blues women—Bessie Smith, Ida Cox, and Leola Manning—who used their voices to document the struggles, joys, and realities of life in the early 20th century. Their songs, much like photographs, capture snapshots of life, from the hardships of the Great Depression to personal struggles, natural disasters, and resilience. Through their lyrics and musical styles, they exemplify the blues tradition, blending honest emotion with storytelling. Participants will compose original blues songs with lyrics that tell a story. This workshop is for all ages, beginner and advanced storytellers!
Registration is required for this workshop: email destinationcenter@nortonva.org or call (276) 679-3103.