"A Night of Storytelling" is a biannual Our Jackson Home event that seeks to create a warm environment for you to dig deeper into the people and places of our city by hearing personal stories from your Jackson neighbors.

The event was created upon seeing the success of theCO's past Pecha Kucha gatherings but wanting to give it an Our Jackson Home twist. So we've gathered some of the best stories of Jackson businesses, passion projects, and artistic endeavors to share with you.

This event is family-friendly and free, where you'll enjoy being told six Jacksonian tales, hearing some live and local music, and listening to some Jackson poetry—after munching on some empanadas from the La Cubanita food truck, of course. And make sure to grab those tees and mags you've been meaning to get for so long.

We will also be taking preorders for our upcoming summer magazine (Vol. 2, Issue 2: Elements), which means you'll be the first to see the cover unveiled and to watch the promo video.

Come hear the stories of your neighbors Friday, April 15, at theCO, and be on the lookout for our next Night of Storytelling at theCOtoberfest this October!


presenters

Harbert Alexander, Sr.
Soldiers, Saints & Sinners

Jackson native Harbert Alexander is an author and historian better known as "Jackson's Storyteller." A war veteran, former banker, and Jackson's Man of the Year of 1991, Harbert is involved in dozens of Madison County organizations. In addition to Soldiers, Saints & Sinners, he has also written Tales of Madison, Old Trails and Tales of Tennessee, Autumn Memories, and most recently Jackson & Madison County: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow.

Caleb Curlin
Marmilu Farms

Caleb Curlin is a Jackson native whose love for farming only emerged a few years ago in the Shenandoah Valley after serving in Afghanistan. He has now brought his wife, four daughters, and agricultural experience back to West Tennessee to plant the all-organic Marmilu Farms.

Learn more about Marmilu Farms on their website, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Dr. Sandra Dee
Jackson International Food & Art Festival

Dr. Sandra Dee is an Interventional Cardiologist at the Jackson Clinic. She moved to the area in 2006 and has been actively involved with the Jackson community. She has served as one of the Co-Chairs of the Jackson International Food and Art Festival since its inception. She also served as President of the West Tennessee Filipino-American Association, was an active member of the Circle of Red for Women, and received the Sterling Award as one of the Top 20 Most Influential Women in West Tennessee for 2015.

To learn more about the Jackson International Food & Arts Festival, visit their website and Facebook page.

Alana Lagares
La Cubanita

Originally from Miami, Florida, Alana Lagares has lived in Jackson for eleven years with her husband, Hector. In 2014, she combined her Cuban heritage from her mother, Maruchi Fraga, with her husband's Puerto Rican roots to create Jackson's favorite food truck, La Cubanita.

To learn more about La Cubanita, follow them on Facebook.

Ross & Laura Priddy
Local Family

Ross Priddy was born and raised in Jackson and is a banker at First Tennessee. His wife Laura is from Franklin, Tennessee, and is a Registered Nurse who is currently at home figuring life out with their three boys, Jack, Thad, and Owen. Ross and Laura originally met in Colorado at a Young Life camp and then again during college at Middle Tennessee State University. After getting married, they moved to New Jersey for five years and returned to Jackson as a family in the fall of 2013.

JULANNE STONE
THE SCARLET ROPE PROJECT

Julanne Stone is married to Will Stone and is the mother of three very beautiful and busy kids. She has served as Volunteer Administrator for the Scarlet Rope Project for the past year and considers herself to be blessed to be a part of this ministry working with such incredible women.

To learn more about the Scarlet Rope Project, visit their website.

Chris Taylor
Chris & donnie Taylor Farrier Services

Chris Taylor is a local farrier (A.K.A. horseshoe maker) who serves as Co-owner and Operator of Chris & Donnie Taylor Farrier Services. He has been working alongside his father in this trade since 2007 to serve the greater West Tennessee area. He is happily married to Ebony Taylor and is the father of three children.


Music & Poetry

The Skeleton Krew
Local Band

The Skeleton Krew consists of West Tennessee natives Hunter Cross and Cameron Briley and was started in July 2014. This eclectic group has influences that range anywhere from blues rock, folk, and indie rock to garage rock and neo-psychedelia. They have had the privilege of playing in such venues as the New Daisy on Beale Street, Jackson's Carl Perkins Civic Center, Nashville's The End, and several local television programs and festivals, and they are proud to share that they plan on recording a new EP soon.

Listen to The Skeleton Krew on Soundcloud, and make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

patricia L. hamilton
Local Poet

 Patricia L. Hamilton is a professor of English at Union University. Her debut volume of poetry, The Distance to Nightfall, was published by Main Street Rag Publishing (Charlotte, NC) in 2014. She won the 2015 Rash Award for Poetry and has been nominated twice for a Pushcart Prize.



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