Festival and Conference Highlights

The 34th “In the Tradition...”
Annual National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference
“THE WAY WE TELL IT, IS THE WAY IT IS!”
Philadelphia, PA, November 2-6, 2016.
PRE-FESTIVAL EVENT AT THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM IN PHILADELPHIA The pre-festival gala is the kick off event that hosts culturally rich, stellar and renown Philadelphia talent during a two-hour family concert. It's Philly's best artistic and cultural vibe coming to you live!
NATIONAL ADOPT-A-TELLER PROGRAM NABS Storytellers from across the country will provide dynamic educational and cultural experiences in Philadelphia's schools, libraries, museums, correctional facilities, recreation and senior centers.
PHILADELPHIA AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE TOUR We will begin our tour on the hallowed ground of the historic Mother Bethel AME church. Founded in 1787 by Richard Allen and Absalom Jones, the church rests upon the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by African Americans. We will also visit the Lest We Forget Black Holocaust Museum of Slavery to see artifacts and hardware used during the periods of enslavement and the Jim Crow era; The President’s House where nine enslaved persons of African descent were part of Georg Washington’s household; his stablehands lived 5 feet from the entrance to the Liberty Bell Center. We will end our tour at the African American Museum Philadelphia.
OPENING GALA & MOTHER MARY CARTER SMITH LOVE CIRCLE The official opening of our festivities including libation and storytelling concert. Our traditional Mary Carter Smith Love Circle culminates the evening!
STORYTELLING CONCERTS The nation’s finest and best in the African Oral Tradition!
STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS Dynamic beginner and advance workshops including tips and techniques for performance, teaching & drumming.
AKWABAA GATHERING First-Time attendees, New Members and Old-Timers gather to get tips on how to maximize the Festival & Conference experience and get the most out of their NABS membership!
VILLAGE TELLIN’ NABS’ Affiliate names are drawn out of a hat to invite one of their members to represent their unique style and unique regional Blackstorytelling!
AFRICAN AMERICAN MARKETPLACE with NABS RESOURCE CENTER African imports, Afro-centric wearable art, African American literature, Black art, Karamu Corner and intriguing wares.
A CONVERSATION WITH THE MATRIARCH OF THE BLACK ARTS MOVEMENT- SONIA SANCHEZ Listen in, as Co-Founder Linda Goss and Dr. Linda Humes interview the Poet Laureate of Philadelphia, Sister Sonia Sanchez.
AUCTION A ticketed auction! Please bring items to donate!
SUNDAY SONG FEST ' Get your Praise On, led by Elder Ami Jackson.
NABS STORE The NABS STORE celebrates our organization with unique merchandise with NABS Members and storytelling lovers in mind!
JACKIE TORRENCE TALL TALES CONTEST In honor of Jackie Torrence, the Liar’s Contest has been renamed! Yet, is still the one place Big Mama won’t mind the children tellin’ a little tall tale! Then, the adults get a chance to test their lifetime practice of the art!
2016 Festival Highlights Hotel General Information Schedule at A Glance Featured Tellers Souvenir Journal Community Outreach Full Fest' Flier REGISTER
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