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Over the years, Morristown’s Rose Center has played host to literally thousands of musicians. From solo acts to large bands, the center’s Prater Hall and galleries have featured country, rock, pop, blues, Contemporary Christian and more.

However, Michael Reno Harrell has a unique style that is all his own. Perhaps that is why he has played the Rose more than any other artist over its long history.

He’ll be returning this Saturday, September 16.

Harrell is an award-winning songwriter, as well as a veteran storyteller and entertainer, and he’s from the South – the Southern Appalachian Mountains to hone it a bit finer.

One could compare Michael’s performances to his granddaddy’s pocket knife: well warn and familiar feeling, but razor sharp and with a point.

His brand of entertainment appeals to a very diverse audience. A typical day for Michael might include a program for 4th graders in the afternoon and a concert for a mixed audience that evening.

“We are so excited to have Michael back at home at the Rose,” says Beccy Hamm, director of the Rose Center.

“Since he has such a history in Morristown, his songs and stories are familiar and heartwarming. His kind, gentle presence infuses his music like no other artist I know.”

Michael’s recordings top the Americana Music Association charts year after year.

His original songs and stories have been described as “Appalachian grit and wit” but, as his writing shows, Michael’s awareness is much broader than the bounds of his boyhood home or even the Southern Experience. Having toured throughout the British Isles and much of Europe, as well as most of the US, the songs he writes and the stories he creates reflect an insight into people’s experiences that catch the ear like an old friend’s voice.

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.

Michael’s recordings have for years received and continue to garner awards in Country, Americana and Folk circles. 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.

For this year’s appearance at the Rose, Michael is playing the Edith Davis Gallery in a house style concert.

Michael Reno Harrell will perform on Saturday, September 16 in the Edith Davis Gallery at Rose Center.

The show will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are available on the Rose Center website under the Online Store tab.