DOC McCONNELL

Southern storytelling with a mountain flavor are often the terms used to describe Doc McConnell’s storytelling.  He often provides workshops, lectures and performances and sometimes includes a stringed instrument in his presentations.  In addition, Doc is considered the best of the old time ‘pitch men’ as he recreates entertainment of days gone by in “Doc McConnell’s Old Medicine Show” complete with wagon, copper bracelets and entertainment.

Doc has been featured at major festivals, fairs, concerts, schools, colleges and conventions over much of the United States.  He has appeared on many television and radio shows and was a founding member of the national and the state storytelling organization.  He has been honored with the National Storytelling Association “Circle of Excellence” award, the “Lifetime Achievement” award and is listed on the Tennessee  Arts Commission artists’ roster.

Doc provides concerts, workshops, seminars and classroom instructions focusing on improving storytelling skills, acquiring better understanding of people and their culture through traditional storytelling, developing a keener sense of humor and imagination. 

His traditional stories, tall tales and family reminiscences are appropriate for all ages above 5 years and enhances listening and narrative skills. Doc’s presentations provide a fresh look at storytelling as a part of American life and everyday events.

Doc McConnell   

Pills, Nostrums, Tonics, Music & Fun

The Doc McConnell's "Old Medicine Show" is an authentic medicine show reminiscent of the traveling medicine shows shown a hundred years ago.  The show is complete with a real medicine wagon, gaily painted and outfitted.  The show is suited for all members of the family and is always in good taste.  The show is in its 30^th season and has appeared on network television, celebrations, stadiums, towns, cities, and universities all over the United States.  The show is fast moving and guaranteed to bring a laugh to most, and at least a smile to all the rest.  The chant of the medicine show man peddling his roots, herbs, barks and brews, the magic tricks charming the children, the trained flea act, the old time music, and colorful costume, are sure to bring enjoyment to all who have an opportunity to see and hear…. Doc McConnell's Old Medicine Show.

Southern Storytelling with a mountain flavor are often the terms used to describe Doc McConnell's storytelling.  His traditional stories and tall tales appeal to the young and old alike . He often provides workshops, lectures and performances and sometimes includes a stringed instrument in his presentations.  In addition, Doc is considered the best of the old time "pitch men" as he recreates entertainment of days gone by in "Doc McConnel's Old Medicine Show" complete with wagon, copper bracelets, and entertainment.

His tall tales, traditional stories and family reminiscences are appropriate for all ages above five years old and he has delighted many an adult audience wit his humor as well.

Traveling

Doc McConnell's "Old Medicine Show" is in its 30^th season and has appeared on network television, celebrations, stadiums, towns, cities, and universities all over the United States.  Appearances include the Minnesota State Fair, 1982 World's Fair, Country Music Hall of Fame, Tallahassee Museum, Milwaukee Rodeo Days, Albuquerque Balloon Fest, State University of N.Y., Tennessee Valley Fair, Stone Mountain Georgia, National Storytelling Fest, National Barbeque Festival, and the Novello Festival of N.C.

Recording of Doc's Medicine Show in presentation to a live audience is now available in audio tape and CD.  See them in the Product Catalog.

NEW FROM DOC McCONNELL!

A "MUST HAVE" FOR YOUR COLLECTION!

“VIENNA SAUSAGE COOKBOOK”

See it in the Product Catalog.

Figure Caption: Doc telling at J.T.Moore Middle School in Nashville for the "Learning and Growing Through Storytelling Program"

PAST EVENTS

2009

March 20-26, Family Stories and Myths workshop w/Jim May in Oaxaca, Mexico.  Click here to see more!

April 17-18 -- Fiddler's Grove Storytelling Festival in Lebanon, TN.

April 25th, The Rogersville Heritage Association hosted a 2 1/2 hour walking tour with Guerry McConnell through Historic Downtown Rogersville.  The tour begins at the Rogers Cemetery in Crockett Park and a donation of $10. per person is requested.  The guests on April 25th were from the New York State, Gate City, Va and Greeneville, TN.    Tours can be booked by appointment through Guerry or the Heritage Association - 272-8549 or 272-1961.
 
May 5, 6, 7, 2009, 8:00am-2:00pm- Guerry's alter ego "Recycling Rubie" works the Conservation Camp for area Middle Schools with the Clinch Powell RCD

"Tennessee Storytelling Festival & Conference was held April 11-13, 2008 - see www.tnstorytelling.org for further details"

October 31, Wednesday, "Trunk or Treat"  5:00-8:00PM Downtown event for children to have a safe Halloween.

November 9, Yarnspinners "Tellebration!" celebration.   The official date for the nationwide Tellebration! is Saturday, November 17 - watch for other events across Tennessee -www.tnstorytelling.org

2006

January 28 Doc & Guerry studied at Oral History workshop by Katie Doman, Rogersville

February 2-4- Guerry presented workshops, "Wow! Did You Hear That?" on learning stories and
"What is Your Storytelling Voice" on projecting and protecting the tellers voice
Doc presented a workshop on "Learning Younguns" and was featured in concert
Guerry attended workshop on developing characters with Jay O'Callahan

Feb. 14-15 Doc & Guerry attend workshops at the Center for Nonprofit Management, Nashville

February 16 Guerry at J.T. Moore Middle School, history program for 5th grade

February 17 Doc at Peagram Elementary, Peagram TN full day of programs

March 15 Guerry at Rogersville Rehab & Convalescent Center, Rogersville

April 7 & 8 Guerry featured in the "Spring Fling Musical Revue", Top Hat Productions, Rogersville

April 8 Doc is featured in the Smoky Mountain Storytellers "Mining the Gold" concert at Maryville College, Maryville TN

Doc & Guerry attended oral history workshop at Maryville College with Millie Sieber

April 21 "Fiddlers Grove Storytelling Festival", Lebanon TN
Guerry & Doc tell to middle school students

April 21-23 TN Storytelling Association Conference & Festival
Doc's workshop "Folk Traditions, Fun and Games"
Guerry featured as rep for Yarnspinners of Hawkins County
Doc & Guerry attended workshops on the principles and ethics of oral history collection with Dr. Lisa Pruitt and a foodways workshop on the "Three Sisters" with Donna Reagan.

April 28 Guerry & Doc at Lincoln Elementary, Kingsport TN

June 15- Doc tells to Bristol TN Senior Expo

June 30- Doc tells to Kiwanis Club of Erwin TN

July 1 & 2- Doc and Guerry in “Doc’s Old Medicine Show”, Jonesborough TN

July 8-August 12 traveling to Australia and New Zealand to see family and friends:

July 22 & 23- Doc & Guerry at the National Museum of Australia, presenting a workshop for local tellers and two concerts for family and children

July 25 Doc & Guerry in Manly (Sydney), Vocal Arts Centre for “So You Want to Be A Storyteller” workshop and an evening concert.

August 15 Doc & Guerry in “Doc’s Old Medicine Show”, National Convention of State Legislators in Nashville

August 24 Guerry tells to Caregivers during conference in Greenville, TN

August 26 Doc & Guerry with the Yarnspinners of Hawkins County at Top Hat Productions theater in Rogersville

October 5-8 Doc & Guerry in "Doc's Old Medicine Show", Jonesborough for the National Storytelling Festival

Oct. 13-14 Rogersville Heritage Days, Yarnspinners of Hawkins County event

October 28 Doc in Chattanooga for company dinner

November 4 Doc in Richmond VA for a concert at Glen Allen Art Center

2005

November 24, Thursday -- Thanksgiving

December 25, Sunday -- Christmas

December 31, Saturday -- New Year's Eve

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Workshops formerly given by Doc McConnell 

The Philosophy and Psychology of Humor (or What’s Funny and Why?)
In this workshop learn that humor is a state of mind, sometimes called a ‘sense’.  Attendees will have an opportunity to learn the types of humor, to be able to tell funny stories, to prepare and tell stories in a humorous manner, and to know the difference.  Laughter is much more than just a sign of amusement.

So You Want to be a Storyteller!
This is for the novice as well as the seasoned teller.  It will explore the question of where do you find stories to tell, what stories should you tell, how to learn stories and how to tell your own story.  Those attending will go away with a better understanding of storytelling and should be prepared to begin telling stories with the newly learned skills and with much more confidence.

Giving Up the Day Job (or So you want to be a professional storyteller?)
Participants will be introduced to such subjects as: What is a professional storyteller?  Expenses and Income, Lifestyle, Job satisfaction, Preparation for the job, Marketing and Promotions.   The workshop will provide the method of self evaluation of elements and facts that would determine if an attendee is capable, willing and able to pursue a career of storytelling.

Home-made Stories (or Make and Tell Your Own Story)
This workshop is for those who would like to construct their own story to tell.  They will learn how to select a subject or experience and how to arrange the story in such a way that they can remember it, tell it, and make it well understood by the listeners.

Storytelling In Business
This workshop helps provide the study and practice of storytelling to enrich and improve the communication skills of workers and leadership of businesses and organizations.  These skills improve attitude and performance in all who participate.

Learning Youngin’s (or Storytelling in Education and Classroom Learning),
Providing answers and skills that will help educators and parents meet some of the demands made of them as they attempt to teach today’s children.  Attendees will find a useful tool for meeting the personal needs of the student in speaking, listening, use of problem solving, imagination, resolving conflict and developing higher levels of thinking skills.