Of Ginseng, Golden Apples, and the Rainbow Fish

Ancient Tales, Traditional Lore, Lively Tunes, and a Modern Mythic Adventure

Storytelling Concert with Doug Elliott

TBD 2025

Earthaven Ecovillage
Near Asheville, NC

School of Integrated Living presents Doug Elliott, well-known storyteller, humorist, and naturalist!

In this program, Doug Elliott will tell about visiting Appalachian storyteller Ray Hicks, who is famous for his tales about the mythical folk hero Jack. Along with Jack’s exploits, you’ll hear a few of Ray’s own hair-raising adventures, such as when he was followed by a panther.

You’ll hear colorful folklore about the love life of ‘possums, bloodsucking owls, and tips for successful ‘seng hunting. Driving home with his head full of wild tales, Doug embarks on a true modern-day mythic journey where he catches a trout by hand; harvests wild apples, ginseng, and mushrooms; ponders Greek myths; meets three strangers; and finds himself living out his own folktale.

The program includes a poem by William Butler Yeats, quotes from the Roman poet Ovid, and some lively tunes, including a risqué herbal ballad by the great botanist Jim Duke. You’ll find out what happens when Artemis (also known as Diana) gets caught skinny dipping and when Atalanta loses a foot race, as well as what happens when Jack leaves home to sell a cow and comes back with a rock.

This concert is the evening before the Reclaiming Nature Connection Conference (RNC), also at Earthaven.

We offer a special one-night camping option for Friday evening after the concert. To round out your stay, register for the Saturday morning Earthaven tour.

Of Ginseng, Golden Apples, and Rainbow Fish

Doug Elliott and Michael Ismario performing at Earthaven Ecovillage

Program

Fun for the whole family!

Friday, May 31
6:00 pm (Optional) Dinner
7:30 pm Stories and Songs at Earthaven Ecovillage

Reservations and Cost

Show and dinner: Sliding scale $30 – $50

Show only: by donation

Friday night camping: $40

Logistics

Food

Delicious, omnivorous meals are prepared by talented culinary artists from the Earthaven community. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. Snacks and beverages (tea, coffee) are provided.

As much food as possible is sourced from Earthaven and its surrounding farms and gardens, with some ingredients sourced from local grocery stores. Our meals are created with seasonal, local, fresh, wildcrafted, humanely-raised, and organic ingredients.

***If you have dietary needs beyond the ones listed here, please be prepared to bring supplemental food to support your nourishment and well-being. Our kitchen cannot accommodate all diets.

Program Specific Info

Dinner is included in the ticket price and must be pre-ordered. Reservations, which include the storytelling concert, are sliding scale $25-$45 per person.

Cancellation & Refunds

If you cancel your registration, you may:

Donate your tuition to support our continued work
Request a refund per our policy:
- 90% refund for cancellations prior to 30 days before the start of the program
- 50% refund for cancellations prior to 10 days before the start of the program
All refund requests received within one week of the start of the program will be considered within two weeks of the end of the program.

If SOIL cancels this program for any reason whatsoever, you would receive a 100% refund.

Lodging

Camping Friday night after the concert is available at an additional cost of $40 per adult. A bed in the Campground Cabin is $50 (all ages). If you want to camp additional nights, register for camping on the camping page instead of here.

Location

This program takes place at Earthaven Ecovillage. This permaculture-based community offers a unique living classroom where participants will engage with the natural world, eco-infrastructure, and the intimate experience of rural community living.

What to Expect at Earthaven

Storyteller

Doug Elliott

Storyteller, Faculty

Doug Elliott is a naturalist, herbalist, storyteller, basket maker, back-country guide, philosopher, and harmonica wizard. He has spent a great deal of time with traditional country folk and indigenous people, learning their stories, folklore and traditional ways of relating to the natural world. In recent years, he has performed and presented programs at festivals, museums, botanical gardens, nature centers and schools from Canada to the Caribbean.

Full Profile Page