Hoot and Holler Celebrates Tenth Anniversary in Roanoke
The storytelling organization marked its decade-long milestone with a sold-out performance at the Grandin Theater.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Other — General
Live Poll
Do you believe local storytelling events help strengthen the character of your community?
Roanoke-based storytelling program Hoot and Holler celebrated its tenth anniversary with a sold-out event at the Grandin Theater. Founded by Lee Hunsaker, the organization has grown from local coffee shop gatherings to a recurring feature on Radio IQ.
Why it matters
The program was established to foster a literary and music scene that reflects the unique character of the Roanoke region. Its expansion onto public radio has significantly increased the reach and cultural impact of local storytelling.
Hoot and Holler has been in operation for 10 years, expanding from outdoor coffee shop events to a regular Sunday broadcast at 2:00 PM on Radio IQ. Organizers have already scheduled six shows for the 2027 calendar year.
The players
Hoot and Holler
This is a Roanoke-based storytelling organization that features literary and musical performances.
Lee Hunsaker
He is the founder and primary organizer of the Hoot and Holler program.
Grandin Theater
This historic venue serves as the primary host for Hoot and Holler storytelling events.
Radio IQ
This public radio station broadcasts Hoot and Holler content to a wider audience.
The details
Founder Lee Hunsaker maintains the program by accepting written submissions and remote audio recordings from participants. In addition to stage performances, Hunsaker facilitates writing workshops at various community venues, including libraries and local breweries.
Timeline
The program began in October 2016.
The organization joined Radio IQ in early 2026.
The tenth anniversary event took place on October 22, 2026.
A holiday show is scheduled for December 10, 2026.
Six additional shows are planned for 2027.
Industry Dynamics
Hoot and Holler’s transition to public radio reflects a broader trend of intimate, locally-focused storytelling programs scaling to larger media platforms. This growth mirrors the increasing popularity of regional narrative arts as a counterpoint to mass-produced entertainment.
Listeners can access the storytelling content every Sunday at 2:00 PM through Radio IQ. Residents interested in participating can attend upcoming workshops held at various local venues or submit their stories for consideration via Hunsaker.
The takeaway
The sustained success of this storytelling program illustrates how community-driven initiatives can become significant cultural fixtures over time. Aspiring storytellers should look for opportunities to engage with local writing workshops to refine their craft for future events.
What happens next
Hoot and Holler is scheduled to hold a holiday show on December 10, 2026.
Further reading
Discover more local cultural developments in Roanoke Other — General.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WVTF.
Live Poll
Do you believe local storytelling events help strengthen the character of your community?
