Songwriting Workshop with Michael Reno Harrell 

Join one of Burke County’s most beloved songwriter and storyteller Michael Reno Harrell as he presents a songwriting workshop for all levels on Saturday, May 16 in our new theater! 

The workshop will cover both lyric and melody writing and will be directed at both beginning and advanced writers. The workshop is recommended for high school students to adults. Attendees are invited to perform an original work as time permits with a critique upon request.

Please bring your instrument, a pencil and a notepad. All instruments and genres are welcome!

Instructor Michael Reno Harrell 
Saturday, May 16, 2026
11AM - 1PM
$30 Members / $35 Non-members  
Limited space is available. Please sign up early!

Michael Reno Harrell is an award winning songwriter, a published author, a nationally known storyteller and a visual artist - and he’s from the Southern Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina where all those things are as much a part of life as breathing. 

Michael’s talents in the aforementioned fields have taken him to forty-four states and several foreign countries over his fifty plus year career. His work is based on life experiences that reflect the culture of his mountain roots, which go back eight generations. 

Michael’s stories, songs and artworks reflect not only the southern experience, but also American’s story. His work, in whichever form it may take, all comes down to one thing...story.

Michael’s natural knack for storytelling, in print, song and spoken word has earned him praise from not only the music community but from the literary and storytelling worlds as well, having had the honor of being a Featured Teller at the National Storytelling Festival and to be Teller In Residence at the International Storytelling Center, as well as performing at major music events like MerleFest and the Walnut Valley Festival. 

Along with his performances, Michael often conducts workshops in songwriting and storytelling as well. His humor and wit, as well as the emotional depth of his work, keep his fan base growing and staying tuned in for whatever comes next. Don’t miss the chance to experience what those faithful fans keep returning again and again to enjoy. 

To learn more about Michael, please visit his website: www.michaelreno.com