In 1997, novelist, George Dawes Green founded The Moth, a series of storytelling nights in New York City, featuring many creative storytellers, poets, novelists, journalists and actors. These include talented people like Salman Rushdie, Garrison Keillor, Malcolm Gladwell and Sam Shepherd. Since its inception, The Moth has expanded with regular shows in Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta and Boston. The traveling series is now featured on more than 200 radio stations and is one of the most successful new programs in 30 years.
The Unchained Tour is an idea of Green’s that branched off from The Moth series, and is coming to Atlanta October 28 and 29. A group of musicians, storytellers and a juggler have boarded an old Blue Bird school bus to commence The Unchained Tour of 13 Georgia towns to support independent bookstores. The tour bus was painted and refurbished by more than 30 artists, including some students from SCAD’s Savannah location.
The tour began in St. Simons Island, then traveled to the communities of Statesboro, Thomasville, Newnan, Macon, Zebulon, Gainesville, Athens, Washington, Savannah, Augusta and Canton, concluding with two nights of shows in Atlanta. As Green discussed The Unchained Tour, he commented that “It’s time to break the chains of the Internet and of addictive shallow surfing, and get back to books and deep reading and sharing evenings with living breathing people.” The tour seeks to bring people together through reading and storytelling.
Amongst the tour’s creative performers are musicians Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent. Hearst grew up in Nashville and developed a love for the guitar. Her song, “Hells Bells,” was featured on the hit new television series, “True Blood,” on HBO this season. Other performers include storytellers Dan Kennedy, Edgar Oliver, Juliet Hope Wayne and Wanda Bullard.
According to Green, “Nights of storytelling and music, of book groups and talent shows, are at the heart of any living town.” The Unchained Tour’s Atlanta performances will be held October 28 and 29 at Manuel’s Tavern in Virginia Highlands, beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets and information are available online.