SYLVA – Gary Carden of The Liars Bench, a two-year old program featuring authentic traditional Southern Appalachian storytelling, music, poetry, and drama, announced the third of the “Balsam Chronicles” series, continuing with the story of Osley Bird Saunooke, colorful Chief of the Cherokees at WCU’s Mountain Heritage Center on Thursday, May 17 at 7pm. Free admission for all.
Supported in part by a grant from the Grassroots Arts Program of the Jackson County Arts Council and the North Carolina Arts Council, this is the fascinating story of a young EBCI man’s rise from Indian boarding school, entry into and success in the world of professional wrestling, and finally becoming the elected leader of his band during a turbulent period in their history.
Carden said,“Chief Osley Saunooke had a reputation for honesty and was quite popular all over WNC. Historical accounts say he was the most approachable, the most well known—and in terms of being chief and politics, he was the most amenable–he was totally in favor of tourism and development for the Cherokees.”
In addition to Liars Bench regulars Gary Carden, host and storyteller; Lloyd Arneach, the Cherokee storyteller; Paul Iarussi, claw-hammer guitar specialist; William Ritter, vocalist and musician; and Karen Barnes; the May 17 performance will also feature Dave Waldrop singing home-spun vocals.
Info: Mountain Heritage Center (828) 227-7129
– The Liars Bench
