Mitch Capel, a.k.a. “Gran’daddy Junebug”, actor, author, poet, stand-up comic and Master Storyteller was born and raised in historic Southern Pines NC, learning the poetry of Paul Laurence Dunbar as a 3- year old at his grandma’s knee. By the 1980’s he was helping his own children memorize Laurence’s work and sharing his word magic in schools and festivals. Called a “national treasure”, “transformer of lives” and “the national interpreter of Laurence’s work”, he received “The Zora Neal Hurston Award” (highest honor of the National Association of Black Storytellers), co-founded the annual African American Storytellers’ Retreat, performed for the National Storytelling Festival, Timpanogas Festival, Smithsonian’s Folklife Festival and annually since 1988, the National Black Storytelling Conference. A highlight was his performance at the Smithsonian’s celebration for Barack Obama’s inauguration.

Stories In The Round is a 10 session series at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Hagerstown, 13245 Cearfoss Pike (Salem Ave. extended) usually on the 4th Monday of the month, March thru December. Children 12 years & older welcome when accompanied by a parent or group leader.

$10 in advance, $12 at the door.  Contact: Fanny Crawford, 301-730-1638 or fanitsky@hotmail.com.