Archived Arts & Entertainment

Liars Bench presents Osley Saunooke, colorful chief of the Cherokee

The Liars Bench will perform the third of the Balsam Chronicles series with the story of Osley Bird Saunooke, colorful chief of the Cherokee, at 7 p.m., May 17, at WCU’s Mountain Heritage Center.

Supported in part by a grant from the Grassroots Arts Program of the Jackson County Arts Council and the North Carolina Arts Council, the story is about a young Cherokee man’s rise from Indian boarding school, entry into and success in the world of professional wrestling, and finally becoming the elected leader of his band during a turbulent period in their history.

“Chief Osley Saunooke had a reputation for honesty and was quite popular all over WNC. Historical accounts say he was the most approachable, the most well known — and in terms of being chief and politics, he was the most amenable,” said Gary Carden, host and storyteller.

The Liars Bench is a two-year old program featuring authentic traditional Southern Appalachian storytelling, music, poetry and drama.

In addition to Liars Bench regulars Carden; Lloyd Arneach, the Cherokee storyteller; Paul Iarussi, claw-hammer guitar specialist; William Ritter, vocalist and musician; and Karen Barnes, the May 17 performance will also feature Dave Waldrop singing home-spun vocals.

828.227.7129. Free.

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