The Bloom Stage brings a blend of storytelling, poetry, music, and art to the stage in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and beyond. Now in its 8th season, the series is produced quarterly at the Walnut House by storyteller and personal coach Kara J. Kemp with assistance from poet and writer Kory Wells in partnership with Poetry in the Boro. The show also has select performances in historic Rugby, Tennessee.
The Bloom Stage celebrates the ability of art to honor both the diversity and commonality of human experience, and to satisfy a vital human need for connection. It seeks to present established and emerging storytellers, poets, performers, and artists and to encourage unity among communities whose stories often go unheard.
Each show presents a broad theme for artists to build upon, such as “Defibrillator” for a February Valentine’s show, “Cornbread and Casseroles” for Mother’s Day and “The Dog Days” for an August show on furry friends, summer’s end and school’s beginning. Live musicians weave the stories together throughout the series as well as visual artists on exhibit.
Bloom Stage shows in 2026 are
- Walnut House in Murfreesboro: March 22, May 7, September 10, and December 3
- Historic Rugby: March 28 and September 12
Check our events page for more information as these dates approach.