Chronicle photo by Toni Milbourne Storyteller Adam Booth holds audience attention last Tuesday as he told a scary tale to those gathered at the Community Club dinner.

The Shepherdstown Community Club last week, hosted a presentation by local storyteller Adam Booth. The show was in conjunction with the Club’s dinner programs offered several times each year. More than 60 individuals turned out to hear Booth’s tales of suspense and of traditional lore.

Booth’s original stories blend traditional mountain folklore, music and an awareness of contemporary Appalachia. His work, both humorous and touching, is influenced by the rhythms and gestures of generations of diverse West Virginia storytellers and often features familiar tales disguised in Appalachian clothing.

He teaches Appalachian studies courses at Shepherd University and is the founder of the monthly Speak Story Series in Shepherdstown. His stories and recordings have been honored with two Parents’ Choice Silver Honors, three Storytelling World Awards and Honors, the National Storytelling Network J.J. Reneaux Mentorship Grant to work with Dovie Thomason, and four West Virginia Liars’ Contest wins.

His telling appearances include Teller-In-Residence at the International Storytelling Center, New Voice at the National Storytelling Festival, resident at the Banff (Alberta) Spoken Word program, a collaboration with the West Virginia Dance Company, and multiple events in seventeen states. Equally at home as a teller and educator, his research and presentations have included the Berea Appalachian Sound Archives Fellowship, Ghost Ranch, the National Storytelling Conference and the Appalachian Studies Association Conference.

Booth is also an active musician with degrees in music composition and musicology and occasionally uses balladry with his storytelling. He is most at home sharing stories and music with the next generation of listeners and tellers throughout Appalachia.

The Community Club offers its next dinner and show on Dec. 20. Details on entertainment for that evening will be released shortly.