Storytelling Nova Scotia

WTF! on January 26 - CANCELLED!

2012-01-26T11:15:00.001-04:00

Sorry Folks. WTF has been cancelled for February 26 because Just Us Cafe is closed on Fridays in January.
WTF Resumes on Friday February 10th with a blast celebrating 2 years of WTF!

WTF! What the Folk!
The Helen Creighton Folklore Society will be celebrating its 2nd WTF! Anniversary:

Friday, February 10th, 7-8;30 pm
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road
Featured Host: musician, author & folklorist, Clary Croft.

Open Mic format. Expect a good time via singing, storytelling and allegedly fabulous door prizes! Bring a song or story from the Helen Creighton Collection to be eligible for the night's bonus prize.

WTF! meets every second and fourth Friday of the month at Just Us Café.

Finger Lickin' Good: Stories from the Sack, Part 2.

2012-01-22T11:10:00.001-04:00

I just heard about this group who meet to tell stories in Halifax.They meet about every months.The next meeting is in February.
Check it out,
Cindy

From Blowhard on Facebook:

Thanks everyone who came out to last night's Lost and Found - a great night! Blowhard's next theme will be part of the Sex Festival on Monday Feb 27th - Finger Lickin' Good: Stories from the Sack, Part 2. We are looking for your sexy stories including any leads for a sex neurologist, a gigolo and an abstainer - email blowhardpresents@gmail.com!

A bit o' background:
Why do we tell stories? “Because it’s how we understand the world. It’s how we learn. It’s how we form memories” says Stephanie Domet. Domet is one of the four storytellers who have brought Blow Hard to Halifax. Blow Hard is a public storytelling session that happens about once every three months.

For the cost of five dollars, there is food and plenty of entertainment.

Founded by: Stephanie Domet, Andrea Dorfman, Tara Doyle and Jackie Torrens, they wanted the public to experience the gift of a told story. The evening also serves to give storytellers, both amateur and professional,a chance to ply their craft.

Storytelling is how people pass on their knowledge and wisdom. It is the craft which formed our creation myths. Though ancient, the experience of a told story is mesmerizing. Even though society revels in 3D movies on the IMAX screen, the experience of one person relaying a story to a handful of other people is as captivating as the newest media form. Andrea Dorfman, another of Blow Hards organizers, shares that storytelling “made me connect to different people in a different way. It’s profound.” From these recognitions, Blow Hard was born.

On a cold December morning, three of the four Blow Hard organizers met with me at the Smiling Goat cafe on South Park St. in Halifax. Getting three storytellers around one table meant a symphony of sounds - there was no need to ask questions. The three women recounted there experiences and there thoughts.

The women shared how anything goes at Blow Hard. But there are two rules that storytellers should adhere to.The first rule is that the told story must be true and the second rule is that no written notes are allowed. However, if a storyteller chooses not to heed the advice of the organizers, the only repercussion is that the audience’s experience is diminished. With paper “you’re not telling a story anymore, you’re reading it. There’s almost a glass wall [between you and the audience]” explains Tara Doyle.

A Blow Hard evening consists of four prepared stories, each told by a different presenter. These are four members of the community who have prepared a tale to last about ten minutes. Each storyteller is introduced by a member of the organizing team who may take the opportunity to recount a story themselves. As a half-time show, Blow Hard opens the microphone to the audience so that anyone itching to tell a story has a forum to do so.

Blow Hard advertises by word of mouth (appropriately) and through their website. Organizers are involved because they love the craft - not for any monetary return.

The Blow Hard session held on Monday, November 2nd focused on the topic of Sibling Rivalry.

Veronica Simmons was the first presenter. That evening, Simmons detailed how her perception of her sister influenced who she became and how she later had to work to overcome the internal stereotyping that she had done.

“I try to pick a couple of people in the audience to connect with and gage their reactions to what I am saying,” said Simmons. It is this connection formed between the audience and the storyteller which helps make the evening so magically intimate.

Organizer Stephanie Domet notes that it’s this intimacy which Blow Hard tries to capture. Each evening’s performance is different and each session is different. But it is always extraordinary.

Blow Hard has had about 20 sessions over the course of four years. The 80 people in attendence in November was probably the biggest crowd the event ever attracted. Held at Fred’s on Agricola street in Halifax, Domet says if the evening attracts an even bigger audience they will have to start turning people away. “The space right now is perfect. We wouldn’t want to move anywhere.”
~ Jen Powley

Cancellations For January!!!

2012-01-12T17:16:00.000-04:00

Sorry folks, the following events are cancelled:

Thursday, January 12th: due to bad weather

Storytellers Circle of Halifax gathering at Just Us Cafe,Spring Garden Road, 7-8:30pm

Rose and Kettle Concert Sessions: Brook Miller featured, Cole Harbour Farm Museum, Cole Harbour, 7-9pm

Friday, January 13the AND Friday, January 27th
What the Folk! at Just Us Cafe on Spring Garden Road, 7-9pm.

Just Us Cafe will be closed at 7pm on Friday evenings in January.

WTF will resume on Friday, February 10th with a special surprise theme: TBA.

Check back here for more info after February 1st.

In the meantime....keep singin' and tellin'!

Yours in story and in song,
Cindy

South Shore Tellers in Mahone Bay!

2012-01-09T16:09:00.001-04:00

The Southshore Tellers will be telling winter stories at the Biscuit Eater
in Mahone Bay on January 19th at 6:30 p.m.

Come join us for a cup of coffee,a sweet and good stories on a winter's
night.
An even sweeter deal: tonight the stories are free for listening!

For more information, contact, Clara Dugas at 1-902-527-2241.

Tales For A Winter Night!

2012-01-03T13:06:00.000-04:00

TALES FOR A WINTER NIGHT:
Our all-time favourites !

by the

Storytellers Circle of Halifax

Thursday, January 12, 2012 7-8:30 pm

Just Us! Cafe
5896 Spring Garden Road, corner of Carleton
www.justuscoffee.com

Over the years, our winter storytellings have
brought forth stirring tales from many traditions:
stories of the dark and cold, the return of the light;
stories of fortitude and survival in harsh conditions;
stories to warm cold hearts.

Perhaps you have a story to share,
or come just to listen and wonder.

Always open to the public. Resolve to
exercise your imagination in 2012!

Anytime after 6:30; stories start at 7:00.

Contact: Linda Winham
lwinham88@hotmail.com
storytellingnovascotia.blogspot.com

Gifts Mundane and Momentous

2011-11-28T11:38:00.001-04:00

The Storytellers Circle of Halifax presents

GIFTS MUNDANE AND MOMENTOUS

Stories of things given and received,
tangible and intangible

Thursday, December 8, 7-8:30 pm

Upstairs at Just Us! Cafe
5896 Spring Garden Road, corner of Carleton
www.justuscoffee.com

What is the greatest, or least, gift you have received?
Have you, with the best of intentions, given something that turned out ALL WRONG?
What stories do you know of gifts, real or magical,that come with unexpected obligations or consequences?
Come and hear our stories of giving and receiving, of memorable holiday gifts, or unsolicited gifts of kindness.

Feel free to offer your own story, personal or traditional,or come just to listen and remember.

Always open to the public, to tell or to listen.

Anytime after 6:30; stories start at 7:00.

Contact: Linda Winham
lwinham88@hotmail.com
storytellingnovascotia.blogspot.com

The Storytellers Circle:
Where listeners relax while the tellers are bold
When tales are not read, just wondrously told.

WTF: What The Folk! celebrates WOMEN & GIRLS!!

2011-11-19T17:45:00.000-04:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents:

WTF: What The Folk! celebrates WOMEN & GIRLS!!
folksongs . folktales . folkcraft . folklore

Friday, November 25th
6:30pm Gathering and grabba cuppa
7:00 - 8:30pm – Performances
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road

Our theme this week is
GIRLS & WOMEN!!

“ WHERE HAVE ALLTHE COWBOYS GONE?” It was Race Day and Paula was puzzled. Tracy revved the engine of her FAST CAR and waited BEHIND THE WALL for the others to show up. “Those boys are just playin’ FOOLISH GAMES tryin’ to make us lose our edge,” moaned Jewel.

“YOU OUGHTA KNOW,” smirked Alanis who secretly believed every one of them but her was a BARBIE GIRL. “What we need is a little R.E.S.P.E.C.T starting right here, right now,” roared Aretha. “She’s such a GOOD MOTHER,” stated Jann ardently.

As if on cue, the boys arrived pushing their car. “Sorry. Engine trouble.”
“I’M GONNA BE AN ENGINEER,” announced Peggy proudly. “I’ll take a look inside.” She made a few quick adjustments and the car was ready.

The boys peeled off. The girls erupted in a fit of giggles as Peggy described her mechanical prowess. ”CRAZY ON YOU!“ squealed Ann.

Way down the road THE CAR WITH NO BRAKES was nearing the creek as the now hysterical girls launched into a robust rendition of I’M GONNA WASH THAT MAN because as everyone knows… GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN J

Format: Open mike unplugged. Cost: free will donation
If you are free on Friday, please join us. Tell your friends and family.
The space is cozy, the coffee is great and the fun is contagious!

Yours in folk,
Host/co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157

WTF: What the Folk! meets, same time and place , every second and fourth Friday of the month.

Telling Tales Once Again!

2011-11-08T13:44:00.000-04:00

The Storytellers Circle of Halifax and Friends will be telling tales again at Just Us Cafe on Spring Garden Road in Halifax.
6:30 grabba cuppa, 7pm stories start.
Thursday, November 10th!

All welcome!

The Storytellers Circle of Halifax meets on the 2nd Thursday of every month.
Continuing the Oral Tradition of Storytelling and celebrating this ancient art form in the 21st century.

Halifax Explosion Walking Tours

2011-11-08T13:38:00.002-04:00

Hi all - I have been wanting to do this for several years now .Beginning on Monday Nov 14 and running daily through to Dec 5th I will be hosting Halifax Explosion talking/walking tours around various sites in the north end...11, 1 and 3 daily – weather permitting; talking about the lead up to the explosion, the aftermath, some of the personal stories of survivors and heroes, as well as touching on the widely believed sabotage story and some unanswered questions...approximately 90 minutes – $10.00 per person...I have been studying and writing about the Halifax Explosion since the mid 1990s now and have a lot of stories and information to share...For details and booking times – 902 – 406 – 5461 or by email or Facebook...Dress warmly, bring good shoes and an eager mind...Please spread the word for me – it would be a great help...No minimum – but a maximum of ten people per tour.
Dave Stone
_______________________________________________

Ghostly Gala Reviewed

2011-11-08T13:24:00.000-04:00

Fires popped and distant screams cut through the darkness as storytellers bowed over their gas-lit lanterns on Wednesday night. The annual Ghostly Gala at the Cole Harbor Heritage Farm Museum beckons one and all to hear the Storytellers Circle of Halifax tell ghoulish tales. The event, which has taken place on the farm for more than five years, was followed by hot chocolate and cookies in the museum’s Rose and Kettle Tea Room.

Stories took place in three different 20-minute stations, leaving spectators to venture through the old empty farm grounds to arrive at their destinations. The farm consists of a blacksmith’s hut, a barn, and an old farmhouse from Cole Harbor, which was transferred to the site in the 1970’s. According to the museum’s director, the farm still operates vegetable gardens and livestock from May until October.

An old barn door crashes open with the breeze as Cindy Campbell draws her cape tighter around her neck and continues her frightening tale. Campbell, who is the president of Storytellers of Canada, has been a professional storyteller for more than ten years.

“They make me happy, it’s a shared experience,” Campbell said over hot chocolate.“The nicest thing about hearing and telling stories is it’s never the same thing twice.”

Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Campbell’s love of stories began at a very young age with her interest in stories of her family history and community.

“I would sit in the corner of the kitchen and listen to the grown-ups talk; I just absorbed the stories,” Campbell said.

Lately, Campbell has been noticing the tradition of oral storytelling is losing the recognition it once had as an art form, and the industry is becoming less acknowledged in the public eye.

“I wonder if we’re missing out on the power of the storytelling,” she says.

Nancy Muzzatti, who loves to tell any type of story, says that her spooky repertoire is a combination of collected and real-life stories. As a member of the Storytellers Circle of Halifax, she says that the group holds monthly meetings at the Just Us Café on Spring Garden Road.

“They’re usually very good about it, they let us take over the whole space,” Muzzatti said.

Cindy Campbell’s blog is titled Story Telling Nova Scotia and informs readers all about the storytelling events going on in the area.

Hannah Witherbee
King's Journalism
Dalhousie University

Lots of ghostly and interesting stuff going on this week!

2011-10-24T13:36:00.000-03:00

Check out the blog posts below and check out the Helen Creighton Blog for more ghostly events!

Ghostly Gala

2011-10-24T11:57:00.000-03:00

Storytellers Circle of Halifax presents:

Ghostly Gala

Dare to step through the unhinged door between the real & unreal.....Beware! This ‘spook’tacular storytelling event is for not for the faint hearted!

Wednesday, October 26th, 7:00pm
Cole Harbour Farm Museum

Be prepared to travel throughout the spookiest areas of the Farm, inside and out, so wear warm clothing and comfortable footwear.

Afterward, hot chocolate and cookies will be available in the Rose & Kettle to calm your shivers and warm your soul.

Adults/Teens: $5.00

Youth 8 - 12 years: $3.00 (no children under 8 please; youth must be accompanied by an adult)

Tickets available in advance or at the door.

For information/tickets please call: 434-0222

MYSTERIOUS AND GHOSTLY TALES

2011-10-24T11:51:00.000-03:00

MYSTERIOUS AND GHOSTLY TALES

Come join Storyteller Joanna Jarvis for an evening of stories at the Weymouth Waterfront Library on OCTOBER 30 at 7:00 p.m.
Drum maker/Drummer Pat Jarvis will also join Joanna on his drums for some of the stories.

WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US!
(There will be a free-will offering)

WTF: What the Folk! goes trick or treating?

2011-10-24T11:46:00.000-03:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents:

WTF: What The Folk! goes TRICK OR TREATING !!
folksongs . folktales . folkcraft . folklore

Friday, October 28th
6:30pm Gathering and grabba cuppa
7:00 - 8:30pm – Performances
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road

Our theme this week is
BLUENOSE GHOSTS
& OTHER WANDERING SPIRITS !!

Night had fallen. The decorations were set. The Lady was ready. It wouldn’t be long now before the neighbourhood would be resonating with YOUNG HUNTING for treats. “No treats here,” she giggled, “except for mine.”

Next door, THE SWEET TRINITY of BFFs were checking out their costumes. BONNIE ANNIE, white teeth a-gleaming, was resplendent as RINORDINE. ALLISON GROSSed everyone out as THE LAILY WORM. ELIZA LONGed for something special too but with THE CRUEL MOTHER holding the pursestrings, it would take something akin to THE SUFFOLK MIRACLE.

Just then a knock sounded at the door. “It’s the boys!” they shrieked. They had promised to be there by dark and LORD RANDALL and THOMAS RHYMER were right on time. “Sorry we LOST JIMMY WHALEN but knowing him, THE CONSTANT FARMER’S SON will surely TURNIP before long.”

“Ha! Ha!” groaned the girls as they all set out. Next door, the atmosphere was positively electric. Blood curdling shrieks and wails eminated from THE UNQUIET GRAVE displayed on the front lawn. “It looks & sounds so real.”

Unbeknownst to them it was. Jimmy wasn’t lost at all. He knew exactly where he was and he didn’t like it one bit. LADY MARGARET, on the other hand, was ecstatic. Any moment now, the late Jimmy Whalen would be meeting up with his friends. Trick AND Treat J

Format: Open mike unplugged. Cost: free will donation
If you are free on Friday, please join us. Tell your friends and family.
The space is cozy, the coffee is great and the fun is contagious!

Yours in folk,
Host/co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157

WTF: What the Folk! meets, same time and place , every second and fourth Friday of the month.

2011-10-08T15:55:00.000-03:00

Storytellers Circle of Halifax presents:

PERCEPTIONS

Stories of things seen and sensed

Thursday, October 13, 7- 8:30 pm

Just Us! Café
5896 Spring Garden Road, corner of Carleton
www.justuscoffee.com

Perceive, v.t. & i, to experience through the senses,
to understand with the mind

Sometimes we perceive things clearly, although
our perceptions may be different than others’.

And what about those things which are at the
borderline of the senses, barely perceptible,
leading us to question what we experience….
like… visions… ghosts… ?

If you haven’t yet discovered the pure
enjoyment and relaxation of an evening
of storytelling, come give it a tryl

We welcome new tellers and delight in
new listeners, for there must be ears to hear.

Anytime after 6:30; stories start at 7:00.

Contact:
Linda Winham lwinham88@hotmail.com
Cindy Campbell storysong@ns.sympatico.ca

Storytellers Circle of Halifax

2011-09-07T12:47:00.000-03:00

Celebrating the art of oral storytelling, the Storytellers Circle of Halifax meets the second Thursday of the Month at Just Us Cafe on Spring Garden Road, Halifax.

Thursday, June 9, 2011
6:30 grabba cuppa
7pm stories start!

Bring friends, family, spouses, partners, neighbours.
Come tell a tale or listen along....much better than sittin' in front of a T.V. or pullin' weeds!

The Storytellers Circle of Halifax is a proud member of Storytellers of Canada - Conteurs du Canada.
Listen Up and be Amazed: That's the Art of Storytelling!

WTF: What The Folk! seeks HEROES & VILLAINS !!

2011-09-07T12:44:00.002-03:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents:

folksongs . folktales . folkcraft . folklore

Friday, September 9th
6:30pm Gathering and grabba cuppa
7:00 - 8:30pm – Performances
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road

Our theme this week is
HEROES & VILLAINS !!

it had been A HARD DAY’S NIGHT! PANCHO AND LEFTY had been trekkin’ the STREETS OF LAREDO ALL NIGHT LONG in search of FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD. Pancho was sure he hadn’t been this hungry since THE NIGHT THEY DROVE OLD DIXIE DOWN to the abattoir as a last resort.

As they exited THE BIG YELLOW TAXI, Pancho hoped that the SISTERS OF MERCY would have something for them in their HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN. He and Lefty were RUNNIN’ ON EMPTY in more ways than one

They approached reverently and stood knock, knock KNOCKIN’ ON HEAVEN’S DOOR but no one answered. “HELLO IN THERE”. Again no response. Apparently the ANGELS FROM MONTGOMERY had flown.

But all was not lost. On the doorstep was left some BREAD & ROSES. “HALLELUJAH,” praised Pancho as he tore into the loaf. Just then the sky brightened. “ Pancho look,“exclaimed Lefty,“ MORNING HAS BROKEN”.

”That ain’t all that’s broken,” lisped Pancho as he spit out what was left of his teeth. Under the porch CASEY JONES could barely contain himself. And they had told him THE WABASH CANNONBALL would never RISE AGAIN

Format: Open mike unplugged. Cost: free will donation
If you are free on Friday, please join us. Tell your friends and family.
The space is cozy, the coffee is great and the fun is contagious!

Yours in folk,
Host/co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157

WTF: What the Folk! meets, same time and place , every second and fourth Friday of the month.

Lies, Fibs and Tall Tales!

2011-08-08T13:10:00.001-03:00

Celebrating the art of oral storytelling, the Storytellers Circle of Halifax meets the second Thursday of the Month at Just Us Cafe on Spring Garden Road, Halifax.

This week: Lies,Fibs and Tall Tales!

Thursday, August 11, 2011
6:30 grabba cuppa
7pm stories start!

Bring friends, family, spouses, partners, neighbours.
Come tell a tale or listen along....much better than sittin' in front of a T.V. or pullin' weeds!

The Storytellers Circle of Halifax is a proud member of Storytellers of Canada - Conteurs du Canada.
Listen Up and be Amazed: That's the Art of Storytelling!

WTF: What The Folk! goes TIME TRAVELLING !!

2011-08-08T13:01:00.001-03:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents:

WTF: What The Folk! goes TIME TRAVELLING !!
folksongs . folktales . folkcraft . folklore

Friday, August 12th
6:30pm Gathering and grabba cuppa
7:00 - 8:30pm – Performances
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road

Our theme this week is
YOUTHFUL MEMORIES !
[songs & tales about people, places & things you’ll never forget… no matter how much you try]

JUMPIN’ JACK FLASH couldn’t believe his eyes! Here he was IN THE YEAR 2525, and they were ALL here… THE GOOD… THE BAD… AND THE UGLY.
The STONED SOUL PICNIC Reunion was on!!!

GRAZING IN THE GRASS of MacARTHUR PARK was that ANGEL OF THE MORNING… MRS. ROBINSON. “YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY,” she snorted,
“This is way better than the grass at INDIAN LAKE”.

She was more than HALFWAY TO PARADISE when the HURDY GURDY
MAN crawled over to her with a full can of CLASSICAL GAS.
“LIGHT MY FIRE,” he begged. I’ve got INCENSE AND PEPPERMINTS.“

Anyone else would have panicked at the thought of imolating all that CRIMSON AND CLOVER but she wasn’t afraid. She was counting on there being FIRE AND RAIN. After all… it WAS the dawning of the age of…
AQUARIUS.

Format: Open mike unplugged. Cost: free will donation
If you are free on Friday, please join us. Tell your friends and family.
The space is cozy, the coffee is great and the fun is contagious!

Yours in folk,
Host/co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157

WTF: What the Folk! meets, same time and place , every second and fourth Friday of the month.

WTF: What The Folk! keeps FRIENDS close & ENEMIES even closer!!

2011-07-19T07:44:00.000-03:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents:

WTF: What The Folk! keeps FRIENDS close & ENEMIES even closer!!
folksongs . folktales . folkcraft . folklore

Friday, July 22nd
6:30pm Gathering and grabba cuppa
7:00 - 8:30pm – Performances
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road

Our theme this week is
FRIENDS & ENEMIES & FAMILY TOO !
[ sometimes they’re one & the same ]

Simon and Garfunkel were HOMEWARD BOUND for a CELEBRATION with Kool & the Gang. It had been an arduous journey and they were famished! Unfortunately… it started raining cats & dogs just as they arrived.

Fortunately… Rihanna had an extra UMBRELLA so Paul & Art, warm & dry beneath, headed to the buffet table where they were REUNITED with all the Peaches and Herbs they could stomach.

They paused in their feeding frenzy when Betty White appeared looking like a drowned rat. She was mud from head to toe. “It’s Hot in Cleveland,” she said, “but I didn’t know it was so wet!”

“Peach?” offered Paul. Art seriously questioned Paul’s eyesight. He was sure that she hardly looked peachy at all. In fact… no one would ever have mistaken her for a Golden Girl!

“THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIE ND,” blubbered Betty. “THAT’S WHAT
FRIENDS ARE FOR,” said Paul, having spent many tedious hours in the recording studio with Dionne Warwick.

Meanwhile… unbeknownst to Dolly, Art had taken her COAT OF M ANY
COLOURS from the front porch and was on his way back with it for poor bedraggled Betty.

“So… this is what you TEACH YOUR CHILDRE N?”, said the boys from CSN, “It’s OK to steal?” “Oh, it’s hardly stealing, said Art’s Sister, Sledge, because
WE ARE FAMILY.

Format: Open mike unplugged. Cost: free will donation
If you are free on Friday, please join us. Tell your friends and family.
The space is cozy, the coffee is great and the fun is contagious!

Yours in folk,
Host/co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157

WTF: What the Folk! meets, same time and place , every second and fourth Friday of the month.

Graveyards!

2011-07-12T15:19:00.002-03:00

Are you a local youth, aged 14-17, with an interest in the internet, mobile technology and QR codes?

Alderney Landing invites youth, free of charge, to join local media artist Leola LeBlanc to create an on-line interactive map of the historic Geary Street Cemetery located in downtown Dartmouth. The cemetery is a historic public site founded in 1830 and contains an ancient Mi’kmaq burial ground, a family crypt, early Catholic settlers, Anglican immigrants, and the relative of a French empress.

Where: Craig Gallery in Alderney Landing
When: July 18-22 and July 25-29, 9:30 am-12noon
Why: to create an interactive on-line map of the Geary Street Cemetery, and to tell the stories of those buried there
Who: You! Youth aged 14-17 with an interest in mobile technology, and

GRAVEYARDS!

This on-line map will be used for school curriculum during the Bluenose Ghosts Festival, October 14-31, 2011

This residency is hosted with the support from the Halifax Regional Municipality and the Craig Gallery at Alderney Landing

Storytellers Circle of Halifax

2011-07-12T09:00:00.000-03:00

What The Folk! Wildlife!

2011-07-07T21:43:00.002-03:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents:

WTF: What The Folk! takes a walk on the WILD side !!!
folksongs . folktales . folkcraft . folklore

Friday, July 8th
6:30pm Gathering and grabba cuppa
7:00 - 8:30pm – Performances
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road

Our theme this week is WILDLIFE !

So…

Put your own spin on it.

Maybe a tribute to your fine furry friends…
Or…
A song of reverence to party animals.

Get your motor runnin’… head out on the highway…
For What The Folk adventure or whatever comes your way…
‘Cause tonight we’re all…

BORN TO BE WILD.

Format: Open mike unplugged. Cost: free will donation
If you are free on Friday, please join us. Tell your friends and family.
The space is cozy, the coffee is great and the fun is contagious!

Yours in folk,
Host/co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157

WTF: What the Folk! meets, same time and place , every second and fourth Friday of the month.

What the Follk! weathers the WEATHER!

2011-06-08T16:38:00.001-03:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents:

WTF: What The Folk! weathers the WEATHER !!!
folksongs . folktales . folkcraft . folklore

Friday, June 10th
6:30pm Gathering and grabba cuppa
7:00 - 8:30pm – Performances
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road

Whether the WEATHER be fine… Or whether the WEATHER be not…

Whether the WEATHER be cold … Or whether the WEATHER be hot…

We’ll WEATHER the WEATHER Whatever the WEATHER…

Whether we like it or not.

A. Nony Mouse

Format: Open mike unplugged. Cost: free will donation.
If you are free on Friday, please join us. Tell your friends and family.
The space is cozy, the coffee is great and the fun is contagious!

Yours in folk,
Host/co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157

WTF: What the Folk! meets same time and place ,
every second and fourth Friday of the month.

Storytellers Circle of Halifax

2011-05-22T15:53:00.001-03:00

The Storytellers Circle of Halifax meets the 2nd Thursday of every month at Just Us Cafe on Spring Garden Road.
Time: 6:30pm gathering and grabba cuppa
7:00pm the stories start
8:30pm wrap up

Everyone is welcome to tell a tale or listen.

For more information, contact Linda Winham: lwinham@hotmail.com

What the Folk Goes Hollywood

2011-05-22T15:25:00.001-03:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents:

WTF: What The Folk! goes HOLLYWOOD !!!
folksongs . folktales . folkcraft . folklore

Friday, May 27th
6:30pm Gathering and grabba cuppa
7:00 - 8:30pm – Performances
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road

Tonight’s theme celebrates the art of
Vincent Price
May 27,1911 - Oct. 25, 1993

When you take a serious look at the royal family of horror,
those actors and actresses that not only help establish the genre,
but set the standards by which we judge it,
Vincent Price would be the king.

During the early 60s, Gothic horror was at an all time high,
the classics of Edgar Allen Poe taking centre stage.
Hollywood needed an exceptional actor to undertake this journey into
The World of Poe,

someone extraordinary to bring to life such classics as…
~ The Fall of the House of Usher ~
~ The Pit and the Pendulum ~
~ The Raven ~

Vincent Price approached his craft as he approached his characters…
with intelligence & charm, rather than force or fear.
He was the thinking man’s epitome of evil…
A Master of the Macabre.

Nevermore would a soundstage be graced by such a presence.

Quoth the Raven:
“Nevermore”

Format: Open mike unplugged. Cost: free will donation.
If you are free on Friday, please join us. Tell your friends and family.
The space is cozy, the coffee is great and the fun is contagious!
Host/co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157

WTF: What the Folk! meets same time and place ,
every second and fourth Friday of the month.

WTF: What the Folk Gets Supernatural

2011-05-09T11:54:00.000-03:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents:

WTF: What The Folk! gets SUPERNATURAL !!!
folksongs . folktales . folkcraft . folklore

Friday, May 13th
6:30pm Gathering and grabba cuppa
7:00 - 8:30pm – Performances
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road

Triskaidekaphobia is the morbid fear of…
the number 13
Friggatriskaidekaphobia & Paraskervidekatriaphobia are specific fears of…
Friday the 13th

“Who’s afraid of the Big Bad Words, the Big Bad Words, the Big Bad Words… Who’s afraid of the Big Bad Words?…” sang the 3 little pigs.

“Not me! Not me! Not me!”, said each of them in turn as they headed out for a supernatural evening at WTF.

“I’ll huff & I’ll puff & I’ll blow your house down”, said the Big Bad Words.

“Great”, said the 3 little pigs.
“We could use a robust horn section”.

Inside WTF…
the music was swelling, the walls were pulsating and
the roof was lifting off.

Outside WTF…
There was a lineup around the block.

Format: Open mike unplugged. Cost: free will donation.
If you are free on Friday, please join us. Tell your friends and family.
The space is cozy, the coffee is great and the fun is contagious!

Host/co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157

WTF: What the Folk! meets same time and place ,
every second and fourth Friday of the month.

Wanted! Storyteller In Residence

2011-04-26T19:57:00.000-03:00

At the Cape Breton Regional Library, we understand and appreciate the importance of stories to the Island community and to residents of all generations. In recognition of this rich oral tradition, the Cape Breton Regional Library Board has established a Storyteller-in-Residence program.

The term for the Storyteller-in-Residence shall be two years. The Storyteller-in-Residence will receive an honorarium for events plus approved mileage. A Storyteller-in-Residence Committee will be responsible for reviewing the applications, interviewing and recommending the candidate. Apply now to share your stories and craft and be the first ever Cape Breton Regional Library Storyteller-in-Residence.

WTF: What The Folk! lives in HOPE !!!

2011-04-26T19:35:00.000-03:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents:

WTF: What The Folk! lives in HOPE !!!
folksongs . folktales . folkcraft . folklore

Friday, April 29th
6:30pm Gathering and grabba cuppa
7:00 - 8:30pm – Performances
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road

“Blackbird singing in the dead of night…
Take these broken wings and learn to fly…
All your life…
You were only waiting for this moment to arise.”
* John Lennon & Paul McCartney

“… When you walk in love with the wind on your wing…
and cover the earth with the songs you sing…
The miles fly by.”
* Sr. Miriam Therese Winter

“Weave, weave, weave me the sunshine…
Out of the pouring rain…
Weave me the hope of a new tomorrow…
And fill my cup again.“
* Peter Yarrow

Format: Open mike unplugged. Cost: free will donation.
If you are free on Friday, please join us. Tell your friends and family.
The space is cozy, the coffee is great and the fun is contagious!

Host/co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157

WTF: What the Folk! meets same time and place ,
every second and fourth Friday of the month.

WTF: What The Folk! CHANGES !!!

2011-04-04T19:25:00.002-03:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents:

WTF: What The Folk! CHANGES !!!
folksongs . folktales . folkcraft . folklore

Friday, April 8th
6:30pm Gathering and grabba cuppa
7:00 - 8:30pm – Performances
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road

“Sit by my side, come as close as the air…
Share in my memories of grey…
Wander in my world, dream about the pictures
That I play of

CHANGES…”

And there are lots of changes at What The Folk!
Tonight’s theme reflects them.
We’ve moved downstairs into the brand new performance space.
There’s a proper stage, matching tables and chairs… a real coffee house!
Phil Ochs would be proud of our changes.

“Movements of magic will glow in the night…
One last cup of wine I will pour…
I’ll kiss you one more time & leave you on the rolling
River shore of

CHANGES…”

Format: Open mike unplugged. Cost: free will donation.
If you are free on Friday, please join us. Tell your friends and family.
The space is cozy, the coffee is great and the fun is contagious!

Yours in folk,
Host/co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157

WTF: What the Folk! meets same time and place ,
every second and fourth Friday of the month.

What the Folk! Springs Out!

2011-03-23T16:57:00.000-03:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents:

WTF: What The Folk! SPRINGS OUT !!!
folksongs . folktales . folkcraft . folklore

Friday, March 25th
6:30pm Gathering and grabba cuppa
7:00 - 8:30pm – Performances
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road

I’m as restless as a willow in a windstorm…
I’m as jumpy as a puppet on a string…
I’d say that I had SPRING FEVER…

And with any luck at all..
It’s contagious…
And you can catch SPRING FEVER this Friday at WTF.

And if you have Irish leftovers from last week, bring them along.
We’re not adverse to an IRISH SPRING .

Format: Open mike unplugged. Cost: free will donation.
If you are free on Friday, please join us. Tell your friends and family.
The space is cozy, the coffee is great and the fun is contagious!

Yours in folk,
Host/co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157

WTF: What the Folk! meets same time and place ,
every second and fourth Friday of the month.

What the Folk Cools Off!

2011-02-24T17:17:00.002-04:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents:

WTF: What The Folk! COOLS OFF !!!
folksongs . folktales . folkcraft . folklore

Friday, February 25th
6:30pm Gathering and grabba cuppa
7:00 - 8:30pm – Performances
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road

Almost everyone loves a good summer song, but what about winter songs?
Poor old much maligned winter is the Rodney Dangerfield of the seasons…
It just don’t get no respect!

So…

Let’s all sing a SONG FOR A WINTER’S NIGHT with Gord or play some HOCKEY with Jane. Neil says there’s no need to feel HELPLESS unless you’re FROZEN IN FROBISHER BAY or Jame’s Bay.

Simon says “IT’S A HAZY SHADE OF WINTER” so open up your COLD, COLD HEART like OL’ Hank and come out and play some Dylan with this GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY.
But…

For Heaven’s sake… unless you wanna be zappa’d good… please
DON’T EAT THE YELLOW SNOW.

Format: Open mike unplugged. Cost: free will donation
If you are free on Friday, please join us. Tell your friends and family.
The space is cozy, the coffee is great and the fun is contagious!

Yours in folk,
Host/co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157

WTF: What the Folk! meets, same time and place , every second and fourth Friday of the month.

A Maritime Ramble with Two Irishmen!

2011-02-24T17:04:00.003-04:00

It's a Maritime Ramble with Mossie O'Scanlain and Cian O'Morain from Ireland!

Irish Workshop: Songs and Stories
Thursday, March 3rd, at 7:00 pm
The Rose & Kettle Concert Sessions, Cole Harbour Heritage Farm
Price: By donation as always

An Evening of Music, Song and Story
Friday, March 4th, at 8:00 pm
The Music Room, 6181 Lady Hammond Road, Halifax
Price: $20.00, tickets or further info call 240-5278, tickets at the door
Sponsor: An Cumann / The Irish Association of Nova Scotia

Irish Storytelling Workshop
A talk on the history and tradition of Irish storytelling in both English and Irish, as well as a sampling of the stories of Eamon Kelly. Some lively tunes will round out this afternoon.
Saturday, March 5, from 2-4pm, $20.00
St. Mary's University - Atrium Room AT216
Sponsors: Storytellers Circle of Halifax/ Dept. of Irish Studies SMU

Bio's:

Mossie Ó Scanláin was born at the foot of Mount Brandon on the Dingle
peninsula. He was immersed in Irish music and culture from the cradle
and has carried that with him despite having spent forty years as an
emigrant. He sings with passion the songs that he grew up with in his
native Corca Dhuibhne and relishes the opportunity to promote the
language and culture where ever he travels. He has released two
albums, written an autobiography in his native language and toured in
Australia, Europe and the US. Please take the opportunity to visit his
website at www.mossiescanlon.com

Cian Ó Móráin is one of the new generation of Irish musicians. Also
hailing from the Dingle peninsula he grew up surrounded by music and
song and from a young age developed a passion for Irish culture and
tradition. He is a multi-instrumentalist, playing low whistles, guitar
and uilleann pipes. He was aware of Mossie's music through his CD's
and local radio and when Mossie returned from Australia sometime ago
they met by chance in a local bar.They quickly realized they had a
common love of the local music, song and language and the rest is
history.

Join these two natives, and let them take you back through the mists
of antiquity.

WTF: What the Folk! Loves You!

2011-02-07T17:36:00.000-04:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents:

WTF: What The Folk! Loves You
folksongs . folktales . folkcraft . folklore

Friday, February 11th
6:30pm Gathering and grabba cuppa
7:00 - 8:30pm - Performances
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road

Be Our Valentine.
Bring a love song or a song you love.
If you can't be with the song you love then love the song you're with.

Format: Open mike unplugged. Cost: free will donation
If you are free on Friday, please join us. Tell your friends and family.
The space is cozy, the coffee is great and the fun is contagious!

Yours in folk,
Host/co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157

WTF: What the Folk! meets, same time and place , every second and
fourth Friday of the month.

Warm Tales, Heart-warming Stories

2011-01-28T21:55:00.000-04:00

For Immediate Release

Thursday February 10, 2011 storytelling event

Warm Tales for a winter night

Heart-warming Stories

by the

Storytellers Circle of Halifax

Thursday, February 10, 7-8:30 pm

Upstairs at Just Us! Cafe
5896 Spring Garden Road, corner of Carleton
www.justuscoffee.com

This is the month for your heart; why not warm
it at the fireside of your imagination, as the
storytellers regale us with feel-good tales.

Or perhaps a HOT story of anger and revenge!
Or something else altogether…

We’re never quite sure what we’ll hear.
Join us for another storytelling adventure.

Come to listen or to share a story. All welcome.

Anytime after 6:30; stories start at 7:00.

Contact: Linda Winham
lwinham88@hotmail.com
storytellingnovascotia.blogspot.com

What the Folk! has all the Time in the World for YOU!

2011-01-24T16:51:00.002-04:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents:

WTF: What The Folk! has all the Time in the World for You
folksongs . folktales . folkcraft . folklore

Friday, January 28th
6:30pm Gathering and grabba cuppa
7:00 - 8:30pm - Performances
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road

A folkie quiz!!!! Its about TIME!

____________ puts his TIME in a Bottle.
_____________ lives One Day at a TIME.
____________ turns to TIME for every purpose under Heaven.
______________ reassures us that we have TIME on Our Side.

ANSWERS: Choose from the following.
(a) Pete Seeger (b) Jim Croce (c) Mick & the Boys (d) Willie Nelson

BONUS:
_____________ go to a fair in Scarborough. They have lots of THYME.

Format: Open mike unplugged. Cost: free will donation
If you are free on Friday, please join us. Tell your friends and family.
The space is cozy, the coffee is great and the fun is contagious!

Yours in folk,
Host/co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157

WTF: What the Folk! meets, same time and place , every second and
fourth Friday of the month.

New Beginnings @ What The Folk!

2011-01-10T16:53:00.001-04:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents:

WTF: What The Folk! makes a Fresh Start with NEW BEGINNINGS!!!
folksongs . folktales . folkcraft . folklore

Friday, January 14th
6:30pm Gathering and grabba cuppa
7:00 - 8:30pm - Performances
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road

2011 is here and that can mean only one thing. New Beginnings!!!
It could be a song or story about starting over. Or about making resolutions.
Maybe its the latest song you wrote or wish you wrote and want to share.
So... begin the year with something new.
Make a fresh start or just be a little "fresh".

Start spreadin' the news... we're meetin' again...
I wanna be a part of it... at What The Folk!!!!

Format: Open mike unplugged. Cost: free will donation
If you are free on Friday, please join us. Tell your friends and family.
The space is cozy, the coffee is great and the fun is contagious!

Yours in folk,
Host/co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157

WTF: What the Folk! meets, same time and place , every second and
fourth Friday of the month.

Tales For A Winter Night - Storytellers Circle of Halifax

2011-01-04T23:06:00.000-04:00

Storytellers Circle of Halifax presents

Tales for a Winter Night

Thursday, January 13, 7-8:30 pm

Upstairs (or downstairs?) at Just Us! Cafe
5896 Spring Garden Road, corner of Carleton
www.justuscoffee.com

With the New Year, we revive an old and

favourite theme, Tales for a Winter Night,

for winter darkness is the time for coming

together in the warmth of human company,

and passing the time sharing stories.

Come to hear stories of the fury of winter,

of the darkness, and the return of the light.

Or perhaps there will be stories of warmer

climates, to take the chill from your bones.

All welcome, to tell or to listen.

Anytime after 6:30; stories start at 7:00.

Contact: Linda Winham

lwinham88@hotmail.com

storytellingnovascotia.blogspot.com

Storytelling: the oral tradition continues....

What the Folk! Brings Gifts!...Sorta....

2010-12-07T19:34:00.001-04:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents:

WTF: What The Folk! brings GIFTS!!!
folksongs . folktales . folkcraft . folklore

Friday, December 10th
6:30pm Gathering and grabba cuppa
7:00 - 8:30pm - Performances
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road

The theme is... GIFTS!

Christmas is fast approaching but not everyone is enthused with singing Christmas songs.
Too many. Too soon. Too often. But... in keeping with the Season...
Why not bring a song or tale that you consider a GIFT?
It could be something you wrote that seemed to come out of nowhere - a GIFT to you.
It could be something that you consider meaningful or special and want to share - a GIFT to us.
Or... a [GASP!] Christmas song...
Because... not everyone at WTF! is a Grinch.

This will be our final gathering for 2010 as the fourth Friday falls on December 24th.
May you all enjoy a lovely Holiday season and we'll meet again in the New Year.

Our first WTF! of 2011 will be on January 14th.

Format: Open mike unplugged. Cost: free will donation
If you are free on Friday, please join us. Tell your friends and family.
The space is cozy, the coffee is great and the fun is contagious!

Yours in folk,
Host/co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157

WTF: What the Folk! meets, same time and place , every second and fourth Friday of the month.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Safe Harbour: Sharing Immigrant and Refugee Experiences in Canada.

2010-11-27T15:01:00.000-04:00

Safe Harbour: Sharing Immigrant and Refugee Experiences in Canada.

Join us on Sunday, November 28th from 1:30-3:30pm at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic for an event entitled, Safe Harbour: Sharing Immigrant and Refugee Experiences in Canada.

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic will be hosting an event on Sunday, November 28th from 1:30-3:30pm to acknowledge the closing of the St. Louis: Ship of Fate exhibit - a powerful exhibit which has raised awareness about issues of asylum and the current realities for refugees seeking safety in Canada.
The St. Louis: Ship of Fate exhibit tells the story of over 900 Jewish refugees who fled Nazi Germany aboard the ocean liner SS St. Louis in late May 1939. The ship sailed to Cuba, but the refugees were turned away. It then approached the United States, but the refugees were turned away again. At this time, a group of progressive academics petitioned Canada's Prime Minister to allow the refugees aboard the St. Louis to come to Canada via Halifax. The request was denied. Out of options, these refugees were subsequently forced to return to Europe where 254 of them were later murdered within Nazi concentration camps.
In an effort to raise awareness about the history of Canada's reaction to asylum seekers, this event will feature a guided tour of the exhibit as well as a special interpretive performance by actor/singer, Tringa Rexhepi, who will portray her perception of the experience of a
passenger on the SS St. Louis. Similar issues persist today and the Safe Harbour event will also provide an opportunity for Halifax's refugees to share their contemporary experiences and invite the public to join in on the discussion to learn more about these important issues that impact all Canadians.
Everyone is welcome to share in this community conversation about respecting and understanding the different realities of asylum seekers and refugees in Canada.
This event is made possible through collaboration with Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Immigrant Settlement & Integration Services, YMCA Centre for Immigrant Programs, the Halifax Refugee Clinic, FUSION Halifax, Pier 21, and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
Child Activities available. Interpreters may be available free of charge for those who require additional language support. Bus tickets are also available for those who require public transportation. If you or someone you know would like to have an interpreter present or require
bus tickets, please contact Naomi Arron via email or at 406-8613 to discuss this further.
Event details are attached. Please forward this information through your networks. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
Hope to see you there!

Jon Stone
Director, Communications Atlantic Region | Directeur de Communications,
Région d l'Atlantique
ATL - Atlantic Region | ATL - Région de l'Atlantique
Citizenship and Immigration Canada | Citoyenneté et Immigration Canada
1741 Brunswick St. Suite 220 Halifax NS B3J 3X8 | 1741, rue Brunswick,
bureau 220 Halifax N.-É. B3J 3X8
Jon.Stone@cic.gc.ca
Telephone | Téléphone 902-426-1419
Facsimile | Télécopieur 902-426-8346
Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada

Someone Special: stories of those who mean a lot - Cancelled

2010-10-30T15:48:00.004-03:00

Thursday November 11 storytelling with the Storytellers Circle of Halifax

Someone special:Stories of those who mean a lot to us

~~Thursday, November 11, 7-8:30 pm~~
Cancelled due to holiday
Next Meeting December 9th
Upstairs at Just Us! Cafe
5896 Spring Garden Road, corner of Carleton
www.justuscoffee.com

Is there someone special in your past, someone who
helped you, mentored you, showed you the way?
We’ll explore those characters in our own lives, or
in fiction or folklore, who became part of who we are.
And considering that today is Remembrance Day,
we might remember a friend or relative who served
their country in the armed forces.

Anytime after 6:30; stories start at 7:00.
All Welcome, to tell or to listen.

Contact: Linda Winham
lwinham88@hotmail.com
storytellingnovascotia.blogspot.com

Ghostly Gala

2010-10-26T17:50:00.001-03:00

The Storytellers Circle of Halifax presents

GHOSTLY GALA 2010

Wednesday, October 27th

Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum

7:00 pm

Adults/Teens: $5.00 Youth 8 - 12 years: $3.00

Dare to step through the unhinged door between the real & unreal...

Beware! This ‘spook’tacular storytelling event is for not for the faint hearted!

Afterward, calm your shivers and warm your soul with a cuppa hot chocolate

in the Rose and Kettle Tearoom. Be prepared to travel throughout the spookiest areas of the

farm, inside and out, so wear warm clothing and comfortable footwear.

For more information 434-0222

Ghostly Tales!

2010-10-03T17:12:00.000-03:00

Storytellers Circle of Halifax presents:

Ghostly Tales

Thursday, October, October 14th
Just Us Cafe
Spring Garden Road

6:30 gather, 7pm stories start

Come one and all, listeners and tellers!

For more info: Linda Winham lwinham88@hotmail.com or 835-3180

What the Folk! Colours Your World!

2010-10-03T17:09:00.003-03:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents:
WTF: What The Folk!
folksongs . folktales . folkcraft . folklore

COLOURS your world!!!

Friday,October 8th
6:30pm:Gathering and grabba cuppa
7:00 - 8:30pm - Performances
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road
*
The psych ward is ablaze with lights. The alarms are sounding.
The door to the room at the end of the hall is open. The bed is empty.
She's Baaaaaaccckkk!

After The Gold Rush, The Queen of the Silver Dollar put on her Long Black Veil to hide the hideous Platinum Blonde, Suicide Blonde locks that were now indeed a Whiter Shade of Pale.
Mellow Yellow she was not as she hastily exited the Orange Blossom Special
hot on the trail of the Lady In Red, that Brown Eyed Girl who had called herself a beautician.
She was Tickled Pink as she wrapped the Greensleeves of her Famous Blue Raincoat tighter and tighter around a face now gloriously Deep Purple.

If you are free on Friday, please join us. Tell your friends and family.
The space is cozy, the coffee is great and the fun is contagious!

Format: Open mike unplugged. Cost: free will donation

Yours in folk,
Host/co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157

WTF: What the Folk! meets, same time and place , every second and fourth Friday of the month.

What the Folk! Animals!

2010-09-23T07:48:00.002-03:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society presents:
What the Folk!
folksongs, folktales, folkcraft, folklore
Thursday, September 23rd
Just Us Cafe, Spring Garden Road, Halifax
6:30pm grabba cuppa
7pm performances start
8:30 wrap up
Open mic format
This weeks theme is animals
Hosted by Margo Carruthers and Cindy Campbell

What the Folk happens the second and fourth Thursday of every month

What the Folk Walks the Plank!

2010-08-24T22:11:00.003-03:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents:

WTF: What The Folk! walks the plank for SAILORS AND THE SEA!!
folksongs . folktales . folkcraft . folklore
Friday, August 27th
6:30pm Gathering and grabba cuppa
7:00 - 8:30pm - Performances
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road

As a lead up to the 2nd Annual Halifax Harbour Sea Music Festival, September 4-5
at or around the grounds of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic,
www.halifaxharbourseamusicfest.com

What The Folk invites you to a night of
Seafaring Songs & Stories,
Pirates & Parrots & Pieces of Eight

Format: Open mike unplugged. Cost: free will donation
If you are free on Friday, please join us. Tell your friends and family.
The space is cozy, the coffee is great and the fun is contagious!

Yours in folk,
Host/co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157

WTF: What the Folk! meets, same time and place , every second and fourth Friday of the month.

Storytellers Circle still going strong at Just Us Cafe

2010-08-10T17:01:00.000-03:00

The Storytellers Circle meets the second Thursday of every month at Just Us Cafe on Spring Garden Road.
The next gathering is August 12th and the theme is 'By the Sea'

6:30 grabba cuppa
7pm storytelling starts

Come listen or tell a tale. Bring friends, families, neighbors.

The Storytellers Circle of Halifax celebrates the oral storytelling tradition, stories are told, not read.

Three Happenings this Week!

2010-06-06T18:59:00.000-03:00

Check out the following 3 blog posts!

Stories For The Summer Solstice

2010-06-06T16:51:00.000-03:00

Storytellers Circle of Halifax
presents

“Summer is a’ Coming In”
Stories for the Summer Solstice

Thursday, June 10, 7-8:30 pm

Upstairs at Just Us! Cafe
5896 Spring Garden Road, corner of Carleton
www.justuscoffee.com

We’re more than likely to be fog-bound in June,
but summer comes anyway, and that longest day
is less than two weeks away.
So lets gather to celebrate the solstice with stories of
summer, the turning of the seasons, old tales and new
observances…. Or stories of fog, if you will.

Anytime after 6:30; stories start at 7:00.

All Welcome, to tell or to listen.

Contact: Linda Winham
lwinham88@hotmail.com
storytellingnovascotia.blogspot.com

Beginner/ Intermediate Storytelling Workshop:

2010-06-05T18:25:00.000-03:00

Beginner/ Intermediate Storytelling Workshop:

At the Root , It’s All about Connections

Sunday, June 13th 1:00 - 4:30 pm

Oral storytelling at its roots has been connecting people and helping to define culture for several thousand years. Storytelling develops connections unlike any other art form.

Find your connection whether it be world or cultural tales, personal or family stories, community or historical, fairy or folk tales. Learn a few basic skills that will connect with your storytelling style and help you find, choose, learn, develop, and tell, your story. Discover a few techniques that can help you connect with your listeners of any age and audience size.

This participatory workshop is for novice or intermediate tellers who wish to explore storytelling for use in literary, educational, or historical environments, or for community, casual or performance type events.

For more information on cost and location, contact Cindy Campbell at storysong@ns.sympatico.ca or 902-466-0157

WTF: What The Folk! foresees Hard Times & Blues!!!

2010-06-05T18:21:00.001-03:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents:

WTF: What The Folk! foresees Hard Times & Blues!!!
folksongs . folktales . folkart . folklore
Friday, June 11th
6:30pm Gathering and grabba cuppa
7:00 - 8:30pm - Performances
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road

Stephen Foster said: Let us pause in life's pleasures and count its many tears
While we all sup sorrow with the poor
There's a song that will linger forever in our ears...

Eleanor Rigby put on her Long Black Veil and took the Midnight Special to Nowhere Man because she had promised to Send In The Clowns to cheer up Tom Dooley who was suffering in St. James Infirmary with the Worried Man Blues.

Frankie & Johnnie had Trouble In Mind when they passed this Wayfaring Stranger going Down To The River To Pray and not even Angels From Montgomery could have saved her from what waited on the Banks Of The Ohio.

...What awaits YOU at What the Folk? Check out our Blog.

Format: Open mike unplugged. Cost: free will donation
If you are free on Friday, please join us. Tell your friends and family.
The space is cozy, the coffee is great and the fun is contagious!

Yours in folk,
Host/co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157

WTF: What the Folk! meets, same time and place , every second and fourth Friday of the month.

What The Folk Has Sole!

2010-05-21T23:45:00.000-03:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents:

WTF: What The Folk! has SOLE!!!
folksongs . folktales . folkart . folklore
Friday, May 28th
6:30pm Gathering and grabba cuppa
7:00 - 8:30pm - Performances
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road

The Theme is SHOES!
Tonight - we cobble together sole music and tales with sole.

Mr. Bojangles danced the old soft shoe with an old sole on his worn out shoes.
O My Darlin' Clementine's sole was a fairy-light size nine!
But were they Golden Slippers?
Paul Simon swore she had Diamond's On The Soles of her Shoes.
Elvis swore they were Blue Suede Shoes.
Dylan swore off shoes altogether in favour of Boots of Spanish Leather.
Stompin' Tom's went to the The Gum Boot Cloggeroo
Where I'm sure Rindercella slopped her dripper
And put on her High-Heeled Sneakers.

Shoes, Glorious Shoes...
Bring yours and sing yours. A shoe by any other name would smell....

Format: Open mike unplugged. Cost: free will donation
If you are free on Friday, please join us. Tell your friends and family.
The space is cozy, the coffee is great and the fun is contagious!
And... Be Kind To Your Web-Footed Friends for a duck may be...
...somebody's sole mate.

Yours in folk,
Host/co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157

WTF: What the Folk! meets, same time and place , every second and fourth Friday of the month.

A Potpourri of Tales!

2010-05-05T11:57:00.001-03:00

Surprise! A potpourri of tales of all sorts

by the Storytellers Circle of Halifax

Thursday, May 13, 7-8:30 pm

Upstairs at Just Us! Cafe
5896 Spring Garden Road, corner of Carleton
www.justuscoffee.com

This is a “tell whatever you want” month, so
bring your favourite to our monthly gathering.
Try a new story in supportive company!

Or come as a listener with big ears,
prepared to hear most anything!

Anytime after 6:30; stories start at 7:00.

All Welcome.

Contact: Linda Winham
lwinham88@hotmail.com
storytellingnovascotia.blogspot.com

Protest: WTF!

2010-04-20T11:29:00.001-03:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents:

WTF: What The Folk!

PROTEST
folksongs . folktales . folkart . folklore

Friday, April 23rd
6:30pm Gathering and grabba cuppa
7 - 8:30pm - Performances
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road

Taxes got you down? Fed up with the state of the environment?
War? Overwhelmed by man's inhumanity to man?
Then...Raise your voices, raise a ruckus and raise our collective spirits
With protest songs & stories [ old and new ]

Format: Open mike unplugged. Cost: free will donation
If you are free on Friday, please join us. Tell your friends and family. The space is cozy, the coffee is great and the fun is contagious!
Protesting is optional.

Yours in folk,
Host/co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157

WTF:
What the Folk! meets, same time and place , every second and fourth Friday of the month.

The Trouble With Trees

2010-04-11T13:25:00.001-03:00

Storytelling last Thursday evening at Just Us Cafe was all about trees....well, not quite...the trouble with telling tree stories is that they branch out in different directions! There were tales with trees such as the tree of life and freedom, a mention of an oak tree (just to get the tree theme in the story being told), a tree pining for some fun with a kite, a tree who became a woman, a tree climbing dog, and even a song about wood from trees, but somehow we ended the evening talking about ghost stories....perhaps the connection was haunted woods? No matter, I'll go out on a limb and say all of us who were there had a tree-mendous time!
(Sorry, I couldn't resist)
Yours till the tree pines,
Cindy

Stories About Trees

2010-04-03T12:49:00.002-03:00

To all storytelling fans, tellers and listeners:

Another great night of stories coming up next week.
Last month's gathering led to the idea of stories about
TREES, but who knows what will grow that night?

Come join us in the forest (where the wild things are).

Thursday April 8, 7-8:30 - but come early!

Upstairs at Just Us! Coffee Shop,

Spring Garden Road at Carleton

All welcome, bring a friend!

Contact: Cindy Campbell
storysong@ns.sympatico.ca

Storytelling Workshops Offered!

2010-04-01T13:14:00.001-03:00

Storytelling Workshops: Spring 2010
Cindy Campbell’s Place (Dartmouth) or TBA

I am excited to be able to offer storytelling workshops this Spring. I have been telling stories professionally for 10 years and this fall I will be attending a storytelling festival and offering workshops. To help me prepare, I am offering a variety of workshops at a special price.
Whether you choose one or two workshops, you’ll get your creative spirit soaring to new levels...just bring your enthusiasm!
To register, contact Cindy at 902-466-0157 or at storysong@ns.sympatico.ca. I can also take requests for workshops at another time and place.
My web page can be found on www.professionalstoryteller.ning.com. For updates on storytelling and workshops, check out my storytelling blog at www.storytellingnovascotia.blogspot.com.

Costs for Each Workshop:
$30.00 per person
$25.00 for members of Storytellers Circle of Halifax

Beginner Storytelling Workshop:

Tell It! An Introduction to Storytelling
Saturday, April 24 1:00 - 4:30 pm

Wanna find out more about oral storytelling? Or perhaps you are interested in being a storyteller but don’t know if you have what it takes. Want to learn a few basic skills and connect with your storytelling style? This workshop is for you and will help you find, choose, learn, develop, and tell, your story.

Beginner/ Intermediate Workshop:

At the Root , It’s All about Connections
Saturday, May 15 1:00 - 4:30 pm

Storytelling at its roots has been connecting people and helping to define their culture and beliefs for several thousand years. Storytelling develops connections unlike any other art form.
Find your connection whether it be world or cultural tales, personal or family stories, community or historical, fairy or folk tales. Learn a few basic skills that will connect with your storytelling style and help you find, choose, learn, develop, and tell, your story. Discover a few techniques that can help you connect with your listeners of any age and audience size.
This participatory workshop is for novice or intermediate tellers who wish to explore storytelling for use in literary, educational, or historical environments, or for community, casual or performance type events.

Journeyman/Masters Workshop:

Delving for Buried Treasure: Dig Deeper, Connect, and Open Up
Saturday, June 19 1:00 - 4:30 pm

Think you’ve found a treasure of a story but can’t quite see the map? Been telling a story for so long, you’ve lost the magic? This workshop will help you navigate and find the hidden treasures in a new story or an old one. Learn constructive dissection of story parts or characters, then rebuild the story with satisfying improvements. Explore ways to combine several versions of a story or to weave fragments of one story into another one. Find out how to take small stories, anecdotes, folk lore and make a longer cohesive story. Discover the many ways to develop story combos, such as storysongs or how to enhance a story through trickery of voice.
This particpatory and peer supportive workshop is for journeymen or master tellers who wish to delve deep, explore, experiment, share ideas and experiences and feel empowered by change.

A Wonderful Story From Lower Rose Bay

2010-03-15T21:48:00.003-03:00

There should be more stories like this in the news!
(Hint: Click on the title for the link)

Storytelling Celebration, a Sore Face, and Bagpipes?

2010-03-14T13:24:00.004-03:00

A record crowd gathered for the celebration of World Storytelling Day on Thursday, March 11th at Just Us Cafe on Spring Garden Road. I could only stay for half of the event because of other commitments, but Wow!...what a variety of stories! Two of the stories I heard were so funny, I left with a sore face from laughing.
If you were at this event, please comment at the bottom and let me know how the rest of the evening went....I've heard rumours there were bagpipes and stories??? Sorry I missed that.
Cindy,
Storyteller

Exciting Events of Story!

2010-03-10T13:24:00.000-04:00

Three exciting events featuring storytelling over the next few days!

World Storytelling Day!
Folk n' Green!
Francophone Days: Stories to Remember!

For more info, read the three previous posts!

Folk n' Green!

2010-03-10T13:18:00.001-04:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents:
WTF: What The Folk!
folksongs . folktales . folkart . folklore

Friday, March 12th
6:30pm Gathering and grabba cuppa
7:00 - 8:30pm - Performances
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road

Open-mic format, unplugged.
Cost: Free Will Donation

Since St. Paddy's day is just around the corner, why not celebrate your inner, outer, inate, inordinate Irish and bring something Irish to share. It doesn't have to be a song or story, you can maybe dye your hair green, wear a Fair Isle sweater, smuggle in a Leprechaun....

If you are free on Friday, please join us. Tell your friends and family. The space is cozy, the coffee is great and the fun is contagious!

Yours in folk,
Host/co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157

WTF: What the Folk! meets, same time and place , every second and fourth Friday of the month.

Francophonie Days: Stories to Remember

2010-03-09T12:00:00.001-04:00

Huit raconteurs locaux s’organisées afin de raconter des histoires en soirée de Histoires en parole.

17 mars - Semaine de la francophonie Histoires en parole avec divers artistes : Père Maurice LeBlanc, Felixa d’Entremont, Laurent d’Entremont, Roseline LeBlanc, Marie d’Entremont, Sandra d’Entremont, Donnie Jacquard et Pauline d’Entremont

Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos
Heure : –à 19h –$3.00 la personne

Pour plus de renseignements contactez le Musée acadien (902) 762-3380

***************************************************
The Francophonie week will feature story telling Our history in stories.

17 March Francophonie Days

Stories to remember – 7pm - French stories told by different storytellers:

Père Maurice LeBlanc, Felixa d’Entremont, Laurent d’Entremont, Roseline LeBlanc, Marie d’Entremont, Sandra d’Entremont, Donnie Jacquard and Pauline d’Entremont

At Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos , West Pubnico

$3.00 per person - For more information contact 902-762-3380

World Storytelling Day Event

2010-03-09T11:59:00.001-04:00

Storytellers Circle of Halifax, Friends of Storytelling, and Newcomers:

It's time for our monthly gathering at Just Us! for stories. What a variety we had last month, with a peak crowd of 20+, including visiting Katimavik students!
See Feb. 15 entry on www.storytellingnovascotia.blogspot.com

This week, on Thursday, we celebrate World Storytelling Day, which comes at the spring equinox. The theme this year is Light and Shadow, if tellers wish to tell to this theme, but all stories are welcome. And listeners are absolutely necessary! See www.worldstorytellingday.webs.com

7:00-8:30 pm, Thursday March 11, Just Us! at 5896 Spring Garden Rd., Halifax

Come at 6:30 to pick up your coffee or snack. See you there!

News from Pubnico

2010-02-28T00:04:00.000-04:00

(English version follows)

Soirée de musique
À la Salle Sylvester's
Pubnico-Ouest, N.É
Le mercredi 3 mars
- 19h30 à 21 h30
Boîte à chansons
- Musique avec artistes locaux
- Histoires amusantes avec Laurent d'Entremont
Goûter : thé, café, jus
5$ la personne
Bienvenue à tous!
Pour plus d'info :
Tél : (902) 762-3380 courriel : musee.acadien@ns.sympatico.ca
Site web : http://www.museeacadien.ca

**********************************
Kitchen Party (Soirée de Musique )

At Sylvesters Room (Fire Hall),West Pubnico
Wednesday March 3
7:30 pm. to 9:30 pm.-
$5.00 per person

Music by local artists
Stories and jokes by Laurent d'Entremont
Tea & coffee

Everyone invited.
For more info contact Bernice d'Entremont
Tel : (902) 762-3380 email : musee.acadien@ns.sympatico.ca
Web site : http://www.museeacadien.ca

**************************************************************************
Nouvelle Publication

Livre de généalogie, Jacques II Mius-d'Entremont (c. 1679-1759) et
Marguerite Amirault (1704-1796) Five generations of the descendants of , est en vente pour à 55$ au Musée acadien des Pubnicos, West Pubnico. Musée 762-3380.

New publication

Genealogy Book , Jacques II Mius-d'Entremont (c. 1679-1759) et
Marguerite Amirault (1704-1796) Five generations of the descendants of , is for sale for 55$ at he Musée acadien des Pubnicos, West Pubnico . Musée 762-3380.

Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos
et centre de recherche
C.P. 92, Pubnico-Ouest
Comté Yarmouth, N.-É.
B0W 3S0
P.O. Box 92, West Pubnico
Yarmouth Co., N.S.
B0W 3S0

WTF: What The Folk

2010-02-25T14:20:00.000-04:00

What the Folk
The Helen Creighton Folklore Society presents
Folksongs, Folktales, Folkart, Folklore

Friday, February 26th
6: 30 gathering and grabba cuppa
7 - 8:30 pm - performances
Just Us Cafe on Spring Garden Road in Halifax
www.justuscoffee.com/springgarden.aspx

Open Mic - Unplugged

All are welcome - Folk performers and listeners
Tell your friends.
The coffee and tea are tasty
The fun is contagious!

WTF meets on the second and fourth Fridays of each month.
Helen Creighton Folklore Society: www.helencreighton.org

Listening to Tales of Love Over A Hot Cuppa

2010-02-15T14:14:00.000-04:00

Wow! What great tales at Storytelling the other night. On Thursday, February 11th, 24 people gathered for stories at Just Us Cafe on Spring Garden Road In Halifax. A group from Katimavik attended and it was good to see other new faces too.
Here are a few hightlights:
Robert told a personal experience story that he watched unfold like a silent movie. With much anticipation, we could all imagine the scenes frame by frame: From a kiss and a truckers horn to an exploding slushie with much drama in between.
Linda told a humorous story about love, betrayal, trickery, tablecloths and dishrags.
Cindy told a tale called The Woman With Three Lovers based on a tale from A Folktale Journey. A woman's dilemma of choosing a husband based on who tells the best story.
Liz told a tale of making decisions, respect and togetherness and pulling a rope over a barn.
Claire's tale was from Haiti. A frog and a horse run a race for love with surprising results, and a humorous twist.
Cassandra told the tale of the Rose of Tralee, which is also a folksong. Afterward, many listeners tried to remember the words and tune. The next day, the words and tune were found and emailed around.
Betty's story of love, promises, betrayal and revenge took us all to the banks of the Nile in Ancient Egypt.

Yes, a lovely evening it was. Such a wonderful variety of stories and telling styles.Can't wait for the next one. Must mark it on my calendar: Thursday, March 11, 2010 - 7pm sharp.

by Cindy Campbell
Storyteller
Storytellers Circle of Halifax

WTF Night

2010-01-29T14:04:00.000-04:00

WTF: What the Folk is at the Just Us Cafe on Spring Garden Road in Halifax tonight at 7pm. It is a celebration of the oral traditions: folklore, folksongs, folktales, folkart.
This is the second time for this open mic 'unplugged' event. The first event on January 15th, was a very enjoyable evening with lots of laughter and amazement for the variety of songs, stories and lore shared amongst the performers and the audience. Here is just a small list of some of the entertainment from January 15th.

A song in gaelic by Margo
A NS cultural medley by Rosalee (also played another tune on the dulcimer)
Lore about NS and anecdotes about Helen Creighton by Clary Croft
A Forerunner Tale by Cindy
NS Fiddle Tunes by Kate
A lobster story by Ray
A Sea Chantey by Jay

AND spontaneous sharing of familylore,regional lore, superstitions.

Afterward one person commented: "This was really fun.It's unlike anything I've ever been to."

Next WTF night: Friday, February 12th at 7pm.
This will first theme night: Love, Loss, Longing - something for every Valentines mood.

TelliNS

2010-01-21T12:48:00.001-04:00

Here is what is going on in Nova Scotia that has anything to do with storytelling:

Groups:

Storytellers Circle of Halifax: contact Linda Winham at lwinham88@hotmail.com

Gatherings:

Storytellers Circle of Halifax presents an evening of stories on every second Thursday of the month from 6:30-8:30pm at Just Us Coffee Shop on Spring Garden Road in Halifax - http://www.justuscoffee.com/springgarden.aspx

What the Folk
The Helen Creighton Folklore Society presents
Folksongs, Folktales, Folkart, Folklore
The second and fourth Fridays of each month.
7 - 8:30pm at Just Us Cafe on Spring Garden Road in Halifax
http://www.justuscoffee.com/springgarden.aspx

Berwick Storytellers, Berwick/North Mountain area (contact info TBA)

Festivals featuring Storytelling:

Festival Acadien de Clare/ Clare Acadian Festival
http://www.festivalacadiendeclare.ca/

Museums Featuring Storytelling on Occasion:

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Halifax - www.museum.gov.ns.ca/mma

Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum, Cole Harbour - www.coleharbourfarmmuseum.ca

Highland Village, Iona Cape Breton - www.museum.gov.ns.ca/hv

Libraries featuring storytelling on occasion:

Halifax Publlic Libraries, Halifax Regional Municipality - www.halifaxpuliclibraries.ca

Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Annapolis Valley - www.valleylibrary.ca/

Coffee Shops featuring storytelling:

Just Us Coffee Shop, Spring Garden Road Halifax.
http://www.justuscoffee.com/springgarden.aspx

Chatterbox Cafe, 10163 Durham Street,Pugwash,NS. 902-243-4059

Storytelling Symposium:

Cape Breton University
Folklore (Community Studies)
P.O. Box 5300
1250 Grand Lake Rd.
Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada B1P 6L2
Afra Kavanagh

Sponsors the annual UCCB Storytelling Symposium http://faculty.cbu.ca/afrak/storytelling/default.htm

Cultural Projects featuring Storytelling:

Eilean nan Òg
Eilean nan Òg (Island of Youth) is one of the most popular projects now organized by Comhairle na Gàidhlig. Hosted by the Highland Village Museum, this apprenticeship program gives youth the opportunity to learn Gaelic language and cultural skills, such as singing, storytelling and dancing, while introducing them to tradition-bearers from the local community. Coordinated by noted Gaelic singer Mary Jane Lamond, this year's program saw ten young people between the ages of fourteen and eighteen take part in the two-week paid program.

Bluenose Ghosts Haunted Sculptures Project
Storytelling, Drama and Scultpure Workshops based on the book Bluenose Ghosts by Dr. Helen Creighton
Alderney Landing Cultural Convention Centre, Dartmouth Nova Scotia - www.alderneylanding.com/

Tales For A Winter Night in Halifax

2010-01-13T12:03:00.000-04:00

The Storytellers Circle of Halifax presents:

Tales for a Winter Night

Thursday, January 14, 7-8:30 pm

Upstairs at Just Us! Cafe
5896 Spring Garden Road, corner of Carleton
www.justuscoffee.com

Come join us for a sharing of tales both chilling and warming, told in the old way, to pass the dark hours of a winter night!

Scheduled stories 7-8:00; open mike 8-8:30.

Open to all, listeners and tellers alike.

Contact: Linda Winham
lwinham88@hotmail.com

WTF: What the Folk!

2010-01-13T11:50:00.000-04:00

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society presents
WTF: What The Folk!
folksongs . folktales . folkart . folklore
Friday, January 15th
Friday, January 29th
7pm - 8:30pm
Just Us Cafe, 5896 Spring Garden Road, Halifax
This inaugural event, an open-mike format, will be co-hosted Cindy Campbell and Margo Carruthers. Our long-term plan is to have features, theme nights, and anything/everything that will educate, entertain and overall inject enthusiasm for all things folk into the lives of those who join us. There will be singing, music, storytelling, folkloric tidbits, and a good time over a cuppa brew.
We plan to have regular gatherings twice a month. This is an event that will start small and hopefully develop into a really special celebration of all things folk.
Tell your friends, family, neighbors. Hope to see you there.
FMI: Co-ordinators: Margo Carruthers 425-3828, Cindy Campbell 466-0157
Jan/ 2010

Storytelling Event in Halifax

2009-11-26T12:49:00.000-04:00

Storytellers Circle of Halifax

Meeting Friday December 11, 7-8:30 pm
in our new location

Just Us! Cafe
5896 Spring Garden Road, corner of Carleton
www.justuscoffee.com

It’s a busy season, but why not take a few minutes to
relax with a hot drink and a snack, and let the stories
take away your cares. You can just sit back and listen,
or share your own favourite holiday memories.

It’s always a treat to see what stories emerge!

“What good is a tale told to the wind,
if there are no ears to hear it?” -Anon

The Storytellers Circle invites
-anyone who loves a good story
-new tellers who seek a supportive environment
-tellers working on new material
-storytellers and writers, for networking, refining ideas,
and extending repertoire
-anyone who wishes to use stories
with their class, group, or business.

Open to the public. Please join us!

Contact: Cindy Campbell
storysong@ns.sympatico.ca
Ph: 902-466-0157

Kiviuq’s Journey Told Again

2009-11-14T09:27:00.000-04:00

If you missed the wonderful performance by Kira Van Deusen last night, there is another chance to hear the tale of Kiviuq’s Journey. Linda Winham will be hosting a house concert on Sunday, November 15th, 3-5:30 pm at her place in Bedford, NS.
Contact Linda at 835-3180 for details.
Linda's Comments:
"What a wonderful evening, and a masterful storytelling we had with Kira Van Deusen on Friday night! Her telling of the Inuit Kiviuq story, with cello and song too, took us to the mystical world of the far North."

Kira van Deusen Comes to Halifax!

2009-10-27T19:13:00.000-03:00

Kira and her Cello are telling at Just Us Cafe: www.justuscoffee.com
on Spring Garden Road in Halifax on Friday, November 13th from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
Hosted by The Storytellers Circle of Halifax, contact Linda Winham at lwinham88@hotmail.com, 902-835-3180.
Check out Kira's website at: http://www.kiravan.com/

She will be telling a fascinating Inuit tale:

Kiviuq’s Journey—An Inuit Hero’s Epic Quest
One of the most ancient and beloved legends of the Inuit people. The great shaman hero has inspired generations with his terrifying adventures at sea, his meetings with strange beings, kindness to orphans, service to community, and his marriages with animals and birds. In 2004, traveling in Nunavut, Kira listened to forty Inuit elders, each telling this great epic in an individual way. Every telling was full of depth and humour and illuminated this ancient story in new ways. With the blessing of the elders, she has created this performance from the richness of material they offered her, adding cello music inspired by this story of epic adventure and by the great landscapes of the Canadian north. Two and a half hours with break. Also available in a shorter version for schools.

Marathon a Success!

2009-10-27T19:06:00.000-03:00

For 5 Hours, stories were told. The tellers were mostly from the Halifax Area: Linda Winham, Betty Skonnard, Liz Newkirk, Claire Miller, Sarah Davis,Donny Macdonald (gaelic teller) and Cindy Campbell.
Joanna Crinion and her fiance, Pat came from Digby area...and the farthest CFA was an Irish seanachie, Batt Burns! All proceeds went to the Dartmouth Boys and Girls Club, who were part of the Bluenose Ghosts Haunted Sculptures Project. The Haunted Sculptures were lit up in the Alderney Landing Parking Lot and did they look spooky!
Helen Creighton would have been proud!

Ghostly Gala on the Farm

2009-10-27T18:59:00.000-03:00

Last night the Storytellers Circle of Halifax held a Ghostly Gala at Cole Harbour Farm Museum. Ghostly, Spooky, Eerie tales were told by 6 tellers: Linda Winham, Betty Skonnard, Claire Miller, Nancy Muzzatti, Liz Newkirk and Cindy Campbell. All proceeds went to the Farm Museum. It was the fifth annual Ghostly Gala.

Storytelling Marathon in Dartmouth!

2009-10-16T13:39:00.000-03:00

The Storytellers Circle of Halifax presents a Storytelling Marathon. Non-stop storytelling from 6pm to midnight!
Saturday, October 17th
Alderney Landing Market (the blue building attached to the ferry terminal)
Alderney Drive, Dartmouth

Featuring Bluenose Ghost Stories, World tales, Cultural tales, Family and Personal stories for all ages.
Featuring Professional and Novice Storytellers:
Liz Newkirk, Linda Winham, Claire Miller, Cindy Campbell, Joanne Crinion (from Digby, NS), Donnie MacDinald (gaelic teller)Sarah Davis, Betty Skonnard, and perhaps some surprise tellers!
Batt Burns, irish storyteller, a seanachie, from Ireland may stop by along with his musician wife, Moira.

This event is part of the Nocturne Arts Festival and Bluenose Ghosts Festival.

They've outgrown local jo!

2009-10-16T13:31:00.000-03:00

The Storytellers Circle of Halifax has outgrown the local jo cafe and has moved to a larger coffee shop. The new location is at Just Us Cafe on Spring Garden Road and Carleton Street. The cafe has a lovely lounge area upstairs.
The Circle usually meets on the second THURSDAY of every month with the exception of the next two months. For November, the Circle will meet on Friday, November 13th and will feature a special guest storyteller from Vancouver, Kira van Deusen. More to come on Kira!
For December , the Circle will again meet on a Friday...the 11th.

Batt And Moira Burns were Fantastic!

2009-10-16T13:23:00.000-03:00

Last night Batt Burns told at the Waegwoltic Club in Halifax. He told Irish tales, recited poetry, humorous anecdotes and jokes. His wife, Moira, played traditional tunes on the concertina.

Next Batt and Moira will be performing at the Alderney Gate Library in Dartmouth on Sunday, October 18th at 2:30 pm. This show will be more family oriented.

Batt may also drop by to tell at the Storytelling Marathon on Saturday, October 17th at after 6pm. The Storytelling marathon is part of Nocturne Arts Festival on the Dartmouth Waterfront at Alderney Landing. The Marathon will be non stop storytelling from 6pm to midnight and is hosted by the Storytellers Circle of Halifax.

Irish Storyteller in Dartmouth!

2009-09-22T20:01:00.000-03:00

An Irish Storytelling Event with
Batt and Maura Burns

This unique show features the ancient art of the Irish seanachie( storyteller) who related great tales around Irish firesides for centuries. Batt’s tales about old Irish wakes and weddings have a strong content of humour, and his repertoire also encompasses hero tales, adventure stories, encounters with the Wee Folk and tales of enchantment.
The show is laced with snippets of Irish history, folklore, excerpts from Irish writers and some very evocative poetry from Irish poets like William Butler Yeats, Patrick Kavanagh, Brendan Kenneally, Seamus Heaney and many others. All of this is complemented by great traditional music on the concertina by Maura Burns, a member of the O’Dwyer family of musicians from The Beara Peninsula in Co. Cork.
This show, which is steeped in Irish tradition, has been presented all over the USA by this talented husband and wife duo and they will be featured at The Kennedy Centre in Washington DC on St. Patrick’s Night 2010.

Alderney Gate Public Library
60 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth, NS
Sunday, October 18, 2:30 pm
All ages

TellinNS or tellings in Nova Scotia

2009-09-10T22:45:00.000-03:00

Here is what is going on in Nova Scotia that has anything to do with storytelling:

Groups:

Storytellers Circle of Halifax: contact Linda Winham at lwinham88@hotmail.com

Gatherings:

Storytellers Circle of Halifax presents an evening of stories on every second Thursday of the month from 6:30-8:30pm at Just Us Coffee Shop on Spring Garden Road in Halifax - http://www.justuscoffee.com/springgarden.aspx

WTF: What the Folk
The Helen Creighton Folklore Society presents
Folksongs, Folktales, Folkart, Folklore

The second and fourth Fridays of each month.
7 - 8:30pm at Just Us Cafe on Spring Garden Road in Halifax
http://www.justuscoffee.com/springgarden.aspx

Berwick Storytellers, Berwick/North Mountain area (contact info TBA)

Festivals featuring Storytelling:

Festival Acadien de Clare/ Clare Acadian Festival
http://www.festivalacadiendeclare.ca/

Museums Featuring Storytelling on Occasion:

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Halifax - www.museum.gov.ns.ca/mma

Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum, Cole Harbour - www.coleharbourfarmmuseum.ca

Highland Village, Iona Cape Breton - www.museum.gov.ns.ca/hv

Libraries featuring storytelling on occasion:

Halifax Publlic Libraries, Halifax Regional Municipality - www.halifaxpuliclibraries.ca

Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Annapolis Valley - www.valleylibrary.ca/

Coffee Shops featuring storytelling:

Just Us Coffee Shop, Spring Garden Road Halifax.
http://www.justuscoffee.com/springgarden.aspx

Chatterbox Cafe, 10163 Durham Street,Pugwash,NS. 902-243-4059

Storytelling Symposium:

Cape Breton University
Folklore (Community Studies)
P.O. Box 5300
1250 Grand Lake Rd.
Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada B1P 6L2
Afra Kavanagh

Sponsors the annual UCCB Storytelling Symposium http://faculty.cbu.ca/afrak/storytelling/default.htm

Cultural Projects featuring Storytelling:

Eilean nan Òg
Eilean nan Òg (Island of Youth) is one of the most popular projects now organized by Comhairle na Gàidhlig. Hosted by the Highland Village Museum, this apprenticeship program gives youth the opportunity to learn Gaelic language and cultural skills, such as singing, storytelling and dancing, while introducing them to tradition-bearers from the local community. Coordinated by noted Gaelic singer Mary Jane Lamond, this year's program saw ten young people between the ages of fourteen and eighteen take part in the two-week paid program.

Bluenose Ghosts Haunted Sculptures Project
Storytelling, Drama and Scultpure Workshops based on the book Bluenose Ghosts by Dr. Helen Creighton
Alderney Landing Cultural Convention Centre, Dartmouth Nova Scotia - www.alderneylanding.com/