On Stage at the Peacock Performing Arts Center

Recently I had the privilege of participating in ‘Writers Speak Up,’ the final performance of the 2022 Scribes on Stage series at the Peacock Performing Arts Center in Hayesville, North Carolina. I read a story and shared a song from a new book I’m working on, Girls Can’t Do That!, about my adventures as one of America’s first female foresters back in the last century. What a hoot!

Here’s how it was hyped in our local newspaper just before the performance:

Stories, poems, songs, and humor are the focus of ‘Writers Speak Up,’ the final 2022 event of the new Scribes on Stage series at the Peacock Performing Arts Center in Hayesville, NC. Eleven entertaining writers, poets, and actors, including award-winning locals, will share prose and poetry, with a little music thrown in.

“Writers on stage at the Peacock for this performance will thrill the audience with their talent and wit,” says event organizer and performer Mary Ricketson. “Many are known well beyond the bounds of our local counties; several are published, award-winning authors. All are experienced writers who live and work in our mountains.”

Performances include poetry from Richard Cary, Mary Ricketson, Carroll Taylor, and Michael Wright; Appalachian and Alabama family history from Brenda Kay Ledford, Sheilah Queen, and Anne Wheeler; life-changing, inspirational stories from Raven Chiong and Alex Peers; and a bit of humor from Bob Grove and Sandy Benson.

The Peacock board worked with a group of area writers and storytellers to bring this local talent to the main stage. The series producers put together an assortment of programs including plays, a variety show, Appalachian stories, and readings.

“The Scribes on Stage 2022 season reinforces the Peacock Performing Arts Center reputation as a regional hub of community and cultural activity and providing entertainment for Western North Carolina and North Georgia residents,” says host Kanute Rarey. “The audience will love this show.”

Ryan Hunter, series director, and Resident Artistic Director Laurel Adams are working with Rarey to plan another Scribes on Stage season for 2023. Performance is September 24, 7 p.m. at the Peacock, 301 Church St., Hayesville. All other details may be found on our website (thepeacocknc.org) or by calling the office:  828-389-ARTS. extension 1. The Peacock is a non-profit 501(c)3 equal provider and employer organization.

Curtain Call. Left to right: Host Kanute Rarey, Sandy (S.G.) Benson, Carroll Taylor, Richard Cary, Mary Ricketson, Sheilah Queen, Alex Peers, Bob Grove, Anne Wheeler, Raven Chiong, Brenda Kay Ledford.