May. 14, 2026

Voices and Verses lit up Flyway Memphis on April 27, 2026, as NSAI Memphis and the Memphis Songwriters Association (MSA) joined forces to celebrate National Tell A Story Day. Fourteen talented artists brought the room to life, sharing 21 unforgettable stories through music, spoken word, and prose. Co-hosts Yolanda Harper (NSAI Memphis chapter co-coordinator) and Joe Matthews (Memphis Songwriters Association board member) guided an evening full of creativity, connection, and community. NSAI Memphis chapter co-coordinator Amber Rae Dunn donated prizes and provided support throughout the event. NSAI Memphis chapter members who shared story songs include Yolanda Harper, Melinda Bailey Buchanan, Brian Ford, Mindy Stevenson, and Kris Grauel. The event included a “Story Sleuth Showdown” in which audience members listened to stories to find clues to compete for prizes (NSAI and MSA swag). Special guests included Mark Parsell (MSA President), Stu Mendleson (Memphis-based story-teller), and BJ Banks (Bartlett Songwriters Alliance founder). It was a night where every voice mattered—and every story resonated!