Experience Appalachian Storytelling
LIVE ON STAGE
Bring the warmth and humor of Appalachia to your audience. Wayne Jordan’s stories connect people and spark laughter at festivals, libraries, and community events.
Wayne’s stories were engaging and fun, and the entire audience participated.
Joe Torrence, Children’s Museum of Richmond
Explore Stories of the Appalachians
I deliver Appalachian storytelling and history that makes your event lively, clear, and fun. You bring the room; I bring a set that fits the crowd and keeps them: an upbeat, engaging program that keeps audiences smiling and connected.
What you get:
- A program tailored to your audience size and setting.
- Clean, family-safe material with steady pacing.
- Crowd engagement without awkward participation stunts.
- A pro who arrives early, starts on time, and keeps to the schedule.
Who it’s for:
Libraries. Museums. Festivals. Community nights. Company gatherings. If you need a speaker who entertains and leaves people feeling connected, this works.
Program suggestions:
- Chestnut Ridge Tales – small-town characters, close calls, and mountain humor.
- Everyday Legends – ordinary moments that turn into keepers.
- Memory Mining Workshops – participants uncover and share their own stories.
- Blue Ridge Tales – history from the hills told with a light hand.
- Traditional Folk Tales – Favorites from around the world.
Popular Stories:
- Three Knocks for the Holler Man — cousins, a curse, a ghost, and a magic ring.
- You Ate What, Now? — a humorous look at unusual Appalachian foods.
- The Regift of the Magi — an O. Henry–inspired Christmas tale with a gift that no one talks about.
- Scrooge’s Christmas Ghost Train — Dickens retold in 1920s Virginia with ghosts and a haunted train.
Logistics:
Run time set to your agenda within a 20–45 minute window. I can use your sound equipment or mine. I travel within a 100-mile radius of Galax, VA (Southwestern Virginia).
Ready to book?
Tell me your date, audience, and goal. I’ll shape the program to fit and send a simple agreement. I’m happy to confirm budget fit before anything else.
My Clients Are Saying Nice Things…
“Wayne is a very dynamic person with exceptional speaking skills. He conveys his message well, captivates the audience, and provides interesting and relevant research data to support his topics. He would make an excellent presenter/speaker on any subject he chooses to research and speak on. On a personal level, he is very candid, forthcoming and is extremely willing to help at a moment’s notice. His ability to win multiple speaking awards at Toastmasters speaks for itself.
Allen Tsang, Negotiation Coach
“Wayne Jordan is a seasoned storyteller with roots in the Blue Ridge Highlands, weaving together history and folklore with a touch of humor. At Wild West Days, he’ll share captivating tales from the Cherokee tradition, bringing the spirit of the mountains to life.”
Cathy and Marlon Staples, Producers, Wild West Days
“Wayne was excellent with our kids here at the Children’s Museum of Richmond. His stories were engaging and fun, and the entire audience participated. He was easy to work with and a constant professional. I could not recommend him enough for your next kid’s event.”
Joe Torrence, Community Outreach Manager, Children’s Museum of Richmond
Recent Appearances and Program Highlights
Here are a few recent performances and venues, so you can see how these programs work in real settings
A Program That Works for You
Event planners have enough moving parts to juggle. My job is to make this one easy. I provide clear communication before the event, flexible setup options, and a performance that holds attention from start to finish. You’ll get laughter, connection, and a crowd that thanks you for bringing them together. Let’s make your next program easy, memorable, and worry-free.
If you’re planning an event and wondering whether one of these programs would be a good fit, let’s talk. Most programs fall within typical library and cultural event budgets.