Passages to Canada Storytelling

Tonight I attended a workshop at The Hub on Barrington Street in Halifax. It was presented by the national storytelling initiative Passages to Canada . The workshop was on storytelling and public speaking for immigrants and Canadian born Haligonians interested in sharing stories of heritage and diversity. It was titled: StoryCrafting and City Shaping: We all have a story. Learn to Tell Yours. Well, I certainly heard some great stories from a roomful of appx. 40 people from differing experiences and cultures; some immgrated to Canada recently, some quite a while ago. The stories of immigration or arrival, personal or family tales were fascinating. I came away from the event very inspired and excited about telling stories and listening to stories from others. Technology can certainly help spread the stories and help people make story connections but there is something special about meeting people face to face that really connects people. This workshop was well done and the handout/workbook included basic storytelling techniques to help learn and tell stories. I encourage you to tell your own stories, your family stories and your cultural or community stories. It is very powerful stuff. Cindy Storyteller Halifax, NS This workshop was presented in partnership with speakers from Pier 21: Canada's Museum of Immigration, and Fusion Halifax Immigration and Diversity Action Team. Sponsored by Citizen and Immigration Canada, TD Bank, and Historica Dominion Institute.

What the Folks First Singalong!

It is no secret that What The Folk! listening audiences love to sing. Any excuse to sing-a-long is always met with unbridled ( and usually... in tune :-) enthusiasm so... it is our great pleasure to invite you to bring your voices and join us in a chorus or two as What The Folk! presents its first ever Sing-A-Long Nite. If you are a performer... all you need to do is find a song or songs with a great chorus OR write a song or songs with a great chorus. The subject matter is totally up to you... of chorus :-) You can also tell a story with a repeatable refrain or song or a particpatory story! The first ever What The Folk! Sing-A-Long Nite is next Friday... November 23rd. Music starts around 6:30 but you can always come early for a bite of Mike's scrumptious cuisine... some of which is now Gluten free. Margo WTF! is a musical outreach program of the Helen Creighton Folklore Society. We meet every second and fourth Friday of the month at CHEBUCTO COFFEE, 6430 Chebucto Road, corner of Chebucto & Kline in Halifax where Mike's extraordinary culinary fare is approaching legendary status. Come early for a bite and stay for the entertainment which starts around 6:30 and goes until 9:00ish. As always... admission is by free-will donation towards the Society's work.

Ghostly Event in the Valley with Storytellers

Name Ghost Story Gala link Date Saturday October 27, 2012 Time 6:45 pm Type Literary Description For a Macarbre and beautifully grotesque experience, join us for an evening's entertainment featuring: Ghost Story Writer Steve Vernon; Storytellers Cindy Campbell, Shalan Joudry & Daurene Lewis; Singer Caleb Miles; Violinist Daniel Froese; Swing Band Jazzette & resident "Town Ghosts"... with MC Stephanie Domet of CBC's Mainstreet. PLUS Zenda the Tarot Card Reader People's Choice Costume Award Macabre Nibbles & Shocktails Silent Auction of Artwork inspired by Munch's The Scream.. Cost $10 Tickets ARTsPLACE Gallery Annapolis Royal - call 532-7069 Email arcac@ns.aliantzinc.ca mailto Telephone 902-532-7069 Telephone Number For more info, see: http://valleyevents.ca/event?id=18267

Annual Ghostly Gala on the Farm

GHOSTLY GALA “Spooky Tales & Ghoulish Ghost Stories” presented by Storytellers Circle of Halifax and Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum Where: Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum 471 Poplar Drive Dartmouth When: Saturday, October 27 at 7:00pm Tickets: Adults: $5 Youth 8 - 12: $3 Information: 434-0222 or 434-4306 (proceeds to support Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum)

New Telling Spot in Dartmouth!

Mysterious and Ghostly Tales in Weymouth!

Come join Joanna Jarvis for an evening of stories that may chill your bones or leave you wondering…… Special guest: Pat Jarvis who will accompany Joanna on his drums for some of the stories. DATE: Friday October 26,2012 TIME: 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Weymouth Waterfront Library (in the Program Room) COST: Donation (Free will offering)

Sycamore Stories!

Let's all turn out to support Frank Stevens as he winds his way through family stories from the early history of the USA. www.sycamorestory.com Chebucto Coffee, 6430 Chebucto Road, starting at 7 pm. this Friday October 19. Come early for soup 'n' stuff.

Bluenose Ghosts Festival and Ghost stories!

The book,Bluenose Ghosts by Dr.Helen Creighton has inspired many storytellers! Hear these scary, spinetingling tales and more!- at the Bluenose Ghosts Festival, Alderney Landing. The Storytellers Circle of Halifax and the Helen Creighton Folklore Society will be Telling Tales From the Shed while you wait to enter the Haunted House. No charge for the stories, just the Haunted House. Stop by between 6:30 and 9:pm most evenings. For more information: http://www.bluenoseghostsfestival.com/haunted_house.php Come on by...if you dare!

A Gathering of Ghosts! on Oct 11th

Storytelling Event Thursday October 11 A Gathering of Ghosts: Share Your Favourites! Halloween used to be on October 31st, now it’s the whole month, so come join us to hear the best of ghost stories. Anyone may tell, and everyone can listen! Storytellers Circle of Halifax at Just Us! Café on Spring Garden Road, Thursday October 11 at 7 pm. Contact: Linda Winham, lwinham88@hotmail.com Cindy Campbell, storysong@ns.sympatico.ca The Storytellers Circle of Halifax seeks to preserve and promote the oral sharing of stories, and to provide resources and programs for those interested in storytelling.

WTF: Heroes , Dreamers or Fools!

Hi gang, This week on October 12th... Chebucto Coffee will be home to HEROES, DREAMERS or FOOLS.... What else is new :-) Actually... this theme was chosen by the evening's Guest Host, the incomparable Mr. Dan McKinnon, who has graciously offered to attempt to "herd the cats" before taking off for his annual British tour. We are fortunate indeed. Say a prayer for Dan :-) As for herding cats... last week was more about herding "moose". Morris and Mr. Moose would like me to convey their "moost" sincere thanks for the warm reception they received as co-hosts for FUN & GAMES night and they can't wait to return. For those of you who unfortunately missed their "antlerics" and for those who were there and want to relive the hysterics... there ARE attachments. #1 shows the two Meese in the spotlight... completely in their element. #2 shows Don Burke serenading Morris. Remember Don's Crazy English rant? If more than one goose is geese, then more than one moose must be meese? Morris isn't buying it. #3 shows Leo Feinstein entrancing/horrifying us with the tale of Rene's desperate hunt to shoot the moose before the moose finds HIM. Can't blame him really... considering the alternative. Notice the absence of Morris & Mr. Moose. Hmm! Subject matter too close to home? Too Deliverance? They ARE cousins after all :-) #4 shows Michael Thompson boldly breaking from tradition to go wahwahwahwah waltzing with Moose and enjoying every hilarious minute. The bears are history now :-) We laughed. We laughed so hard we cried. We couldn't believe what came out of the mouths of moose. It was a fabulous night of FUN & GAMES. This week will be no less stellar and guess what? In addition... Mike will be holding a Pre-Folk Barbecue on the deck outside from 4:30 - 6:15 and he has graciously offered to split the proceeds 50-50 with us. It's a definite win-win! So please... kick your predictably boring dietary plans to the curb and skip breakfast. Take a pass on lunch. Just say "no" to snacks and show up at Chebucto Coffee absolutely famished for food & folk. A better combination can not be found in Metro. Xo Margo WTF! is a musical outreach program of the Helen Creighton Folklore Society. We meet every second and fourth Friday of the month at CHEBUCTO COFFEE, 6430 Chebucto Road, corner of Chebucto & Kline in Halifax. As always... admission is by free-will donation towards the Society's work.

Foc'sle Party!

Nocturne Foc’sle Party Maritime Museum of the Atlantic Saturday, October 13, 2012 Nocturne event – 6 p.m. to 12 Midnight The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in collaboration with the Helen Creighton Folklore Society will re-launch the Helen Creighton Sea Songs collection as part of the annual Nocturne events on Saturday, October 13 at the Museum. Events will feature music, storytelling, and a special presentation of artwork by internationally renowned artist Tom Forrestall. The Sea Songs CD is a selection of the actual field recordings made by Dr. Helen Creighton during her years of collecting folk songs and stories from around our region. The tracks on this recording include many sea songs, sea shanties and the stories behind them as told and sung by the tradition bearers in our communities. Music will include performances by members of the Helen Creighton Folklore Society, which includes Dan McKinnon who was the principle researcher behind the collection of sea songs on the recording project. Performances will also include sea songs from the sea shanty group "The Dory Bungholes"; storyteller Cindy Campbell will do a story and song from the Creighton Collection; and a special "flash mob" musical performance by Scott MacMillan based on his acclaimed work Celtic mass for the Sea; Rosalee Peppard will be singing some traditional songs; Vince Morash and James Crouse will perform some original sea songs; and the five-member group "From The Heart" will perform some songs inspired by the Sambro Lighthouse as well as some other sea songs. There will also be a special performance by Jay Perry of the “Shannon and Chesapeake” which was one of the songs collected by Dr. Creighton from Catherine Gallagher in the early 1940s. This performance will be held in the Navy gallery where displayed are actual artifacts from the famous naval engagement of the War of 1812. Events are scheduled between 6 p.m and midnight. A detailed schedule will be posted at the museum and on the museum's website.

The Storytellers Circle of Halifax Will Be There!

THE BLUENOSE GHOSTS FESTIVAL Today at Alderney Landing the Bluenose Ghost Festival was launched. “Fear the Darkness, Haunted House” is open from 6:30pm to 9:30pm October 11th to October 13th and October 17th to October 31st. Admission is $10.00. Bea MacGregor, Executive Director Alderney Landing said, “All bets are off, we have delivered the Best Haunted House in the Province.” There are a few key ingredients involved in making an amazing scary haunted house: Creators, Mike McGillivray and Randy Mathews, live and breathe the Haunted House 365 days of the year. Alderney Landing staff supporting and participating in the development and promotion. Funding support from Canadian Heritage. Special effects from Tour Tech East, Easyhome, Canadian Maritime Engineering, First Fence, and Boultier’s Costume Rentals. Rain or shine we have people covered, compliments of Commercial Tent. Dressing and prop rooms are provided by Kent Mobile Shelters. The Chronicle Herald and 101.3 The Bounce promoting the venue. A hundred and fifty volunteers dedicated to giving an exceptional show each and every night. Outstanding year round volunteers, such as; Zelda Brannen, Kye Glenham, Sharon Karas, and Dylan Phillips, Bea MacGregor said, “We do have a couple of G Rated special matinee performances on Friday, October 26th and Saturday, October 27th.” This is also the perfect time to visit the Alderney Landing Farmer’s Market, featuring the Pumpkin Food and Folklore Festival. Cindy Campbell, Vice Chair and storytelling liaison with the Helen Creighton Folklore Society, said “I am excited to be a part of the Festival, what would be a better way to educate people about Dr. Helen Creighton, then to tell stories. Leola Leblanc, creator of the Geary Street online Media Tour “Departures”, gave a visual tour that people can visit online either at www.bluenoseghostsfestival.com or www.alderneylanding.com. Leola said, “I now have a deep spiritual connection with the cemetery and enjoyed working with the youth and members of the community to create this Google maps educational piece.” Both can be found in the Shops at Ghoulville outside the Haunted House. Kim Farmer, Fine Arts Programmer at Alderney Landing said, “Don’t miss the Nocturne Art at Night -Collaborate Alderney, October 13th. Alderney Landing is transformed into a vigorous mix of artists, performers, human touch, balloons, and heavy machinery. She said, “The 101.3 Bounce Media Wall features the Alderney Landing Youth Horror Movie Trailer Screening.” Tessa Mendel, Co-Artistic Director, Halifax Theatre for Young People announced their production “The Monster Under the Bed.” Tessa said, ”it is a funny, profound story that includes fantastical flying sequences and monster chases, and is an exploration of the monsters that live inside all of us, and a celebration of imagination and its ability to help us face our fears.” Suitable for ages 5 and up. All performances take place in the Alderney Landing Theatre, Oct 19th to 26th, child/youth $10, adult $15, family of 4 $40. Bea MacGregor said “we are also pleased to have the following two theatre productions”; Houdini: The Man, The Mason and The Master Magician, (October 29th, 30th, 31st). Maritime Marionettes “Rumplestiltskin” Oct 29, 30th, 31st. For more information visit www.alderneylanding.com

Hot! Past summer tales, adventures, happenings.

Hot!Summer tales, adventures, happenings. Join the Storytellers Circle of Halifax on Thursday, September 13, 7 pm Just Us Cafe,Spring Garden Road,Halifax We'll be upstairs sharing stories for anyone who wants to listen or tell. Come find out what it's like to tell stories, not read them!

Portraits on Portland Street (and storytelling too)

Portraits on Portland will be showing at the Craig Gallery, Alderney Landing in Dartmouth from September 6 - 23, 2012. The exhibition documents a neighbourhood in transition, celebrating the people and places along a 5-block strip of the Old Dartmouth section of Portland Street, Nova Scotia's first incorporated town. By profiling the lives, personalities, and compassion of the inhabitants of the street I hope that Portraits on Portland will reanimate old Dartmouth, in particular Portland Street, and will encourage open conversation around identity, environment, community and history. I believe this living testament will cast Portland Street in a meaningful way to residents and visitors alike. Events in September Wed 12: Opening Reception & Artist Talk 7 - 9pm Sat 15: Evolving Downtown Dartmouth 2:30 - 3:30pm Jen Powley (Ecology Action Centre), Joanne Macrae (The Hub) and Tim Rissesco (Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission) will discuss urban futures and Downtown Dartmouth. Sat 22: Storytelling Circle 2:30 - 3:30pm Share your histories of Downtown Dartmouth. Led by Cindy Campbell (Storytellers of Canada). Daily: Vision Wall Stop in and express your vision of Downtown Dartmouth on the gallery wall. Craig Gallery hours: Sunday 11am - 4pm; Monday CLOSED; Tuesday to Friday 12noon - 5:30pm; Saturday 9am - 5pm Please visit hannahminzloff.ca to see more of my work. Check out my feature page on the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission website.

It's September and that can only mean one thing...

... the students have moved back into Mr. Roger's neighbourhood and Mr. Rogers must now move his garden gnomes inside. I have spent the summer moving from Halifax to Dartmouth where garden gnomes don't live in fear of Frosh week and are free to forage all Fall. Good thing too as there's no room for them to move inside yet :-) Maybe YOU'VE been moving or possibly staying put but moving stuff around. Maybe like the Jeffersons you've been moving on up. Maybe you've gotten a bigger bed and your cat can now move over. Maybe your cat doesn't like the new bed and has moved on down the line where everybody moves like Jagger. Meoooowwww! No matter... Whatever state your move is in... bring whatever moves you to WTF! Friday, September 14th. We will be so moved to see you all again and hope that you haven't moved away. Just in case you've missed the obvious... the theme for this week is MOVES. Xo Margo WTF! is a musical outreach program of the Helen Creighton Folklore Society. We meet every second and fourth Friday of the month at CHEBUCTO COFFEE, 6430 Chebucto Road, corner of Chebucto & Kline in Halifax. As always... admission is by free-will donation towards the Society's work.

Lazy Hazy Crazy Songs and Stories of Summer

Well gang... I have some good news and I have some not so good news depending on your level of need for a regular infusion of bi-monthly Friday nite folk music. Firstly... the good news... next Friday, June 22nd... WTF! will be welcoming summer in fine style. We will be rolling out the red carpet and rolling in the aisles with as many lazy, hazy, crazy songs of summer (and stories) as we can cram into one evening. Can't promise any Rolling Stones but there's a good chance that we'll be Rollin' in the Deep end and you can expect some serious eye rolling :-) Now for the not so good news... next Friday, June 22nd... will be the last WTF! nite until we resume again on September 14th. Awwwwwwwww! But don't despair... think of it as a time to add new songs or stories to your repertoire. A perfect opportunity to impress us all come September. You'll be the one completely devoid of a suntan... rockin' A Whiter Shade of Pale... but wow!... all those self imposed days and nights cloistered in the basement perfecting your chops will be worth it. We will be absolutely gobsmacked :-) So please... come out next Friday as WTF! welcomes summer and then goes off to enjoy it until September. Bring something LAZY (or someONE). Bring something HAZY ( or someONE). Bring something CRAZY (or someONE). Bring all three or mix and match. You can even come to just look and listen but remember... what happens in Chebucto Coffee STAYS in Chebucto Coffee :-) Xo Margo WTF! is a musical outreach program of the Helen Creighton Folklore Society. We meet every second and fourth Friday of the month at CHEBUCTO COFFEE, 6430 Chebucto Road, corner of Chebucto & Kline in Halifax. As always... admission is by free-will donation towards the Society's work.

Stone Soup: stories and songs to nourish the mind and body

Storytellers Circle of Halifax presents Stone Soup: Stories and Storysongs to nourish the mind and body Can you make soup from a stone? Yes, come find out how. Can you nourish the body and the mind with storytelling and song? Sure you can. Stories, songs and food have been consumed ever since squealing pigs ran around with forks in their arses (‘pon my soul, no word of a lie). So come all ye and have a super (souper?) time! This is your last storytelling and storysong event of the season as we pause to enjoy the summer and collect new stories and learn new songs for next season starting the third Friday in September 2012. 6:00pm grabba soup n’ cuppa (Mike is selling a 'special' soup) 7:00pm stories start 6430 Chebucto Road, Halifax, NS Hosts: Jon Stone and Cindy Campbell aka StoneSoup ;-) FMI: 466-0157 or email storysong@ns.sympatico.ca

'Put a bug in your ear' storytelling

The Storytellers Circle of Halifax presents at JUST US! CAFE, on Thursday, 7:00-8:30. upstairs room Our theme is BUGS, all kinds of creeepy crawly things we have met and experienced in our own lives or in folktale or literature. All welcome to join in and share, although our "listening only" participants are a great gift to the evening. Public welcome, bring friends or guests. 2nd Thursdays continue throughout the summer. Liz Newkirk is in charge, contact her for further information lnewkirk@ns.sympatico.ca

Asian Storyteller: Bernice Hune in Halifax

Halifax - Asian Heritage Month Celebration - Bernice Hune The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is hosting acclaimed Canadian storyteller Bernice Gei-ying Hune Friday, May 25 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. This event is free. It is presented in English, in partnership with The Chinese Society of Nova Scotia and the Halifax Public Libraries and Pier 21. Venez célébrer le Mois du patrimoine asiatique au Musée et assistez à un spectacle de Contes sino-canadiens avec Bernice Gei-ying Hune le vendredi 25 mai de 19 h à 20 h 30. Présenté en anglais. Halifax - The Magic Paintbrush & Other Folktales Storytelling with Bernice Hune Keshen Goodman Public Library 330 Lacewood Drive DescriptionThe Magic Paintbrush & Other Folktales All Ages Enjoy traditional stories for the young and young at heart with acclaimed storyteller Bernice Gei-Ying Hune. Saturday, May 26/2:30p.m. Born in Toronto, Bernice heard songs and stories in Cantonese that created a magical world of rich traditions – elders sharing ancient folk tales as well as personal stories about the railway, the head tax, and the struggle for the rights of full citizenship.Bernice shares this legacy of stories in performance. Fresh from university, she performed as an actor, and then co-hosted a CBC radio program. Her work in education as a visual artist and an arts educator is widely recognized, and it informs her storytelling. Her performances have highlighted many multicultural events at various conferences, cultural centers, festivals and museums, including the Singapore International Storytelling Festival. Bernice has made over 900 visits to schools and libraries and is the recipient of national and regional storytelling awards. For more information: Keshen Goodman Public Library 490-5738

Chebucto Stories!

SPECIAL NIGHT AT CHEBUCTO COFFEE THIS FRIDAY MAY 18, 7 pm!! The Storytellers Circle of Halifax brings stories of all sorts, and has invited some of the Helen Creighton Foklore Folk to add their "songs that tell stories" to the evening. Should be a great and eclectic mix, starting at 7:00 and ending when we finish! Chebucto Coffee is on 6430 Chebucto Road, corner of Kline, near North and Oxford. Come early for great food before the show!

Old and New at WTF!

Hi gang, We're nearing the end of April and that can mean only one thing... there's another scintillating WTF! evening ahead. Make sure you leave Friday, April 27th free for joining in the fun. Bring something OLD or something NEW because that's the theme this time. Perhaps you have an old favourite; maybe a favourite that's really old like a Child Ballad; or maybe you've written a great new song and want to share it with our legendary appreciative listening audience. Either way... we're here for you. Truth be told... we wouldn't be here without you :-) The music starts around 6:30pm and goes until a wee bit past 9:00pm. Mike suggests that if you are planning to partake of his culinary delights, you should consider coming early before the tables disappear to make room for us all. Then again... there's something charming about a room full of formerly sedate adults giggling hysterically while trying to delicately eat from bowls and plates precariously balanced on their laps. Do I hear "food fight" next :-) Xo Margo WTF! is a musical outreach program of the Helen Creighton Folklore Society. We meet every second and fourth Friday of the month at CHEBUCTO COFFEE, 6430 Chebucto Road, corner of Chebucto & Kline in Halifax. As always... admission is by free-will donations towards the Society's work.

Storytellers Circle of Halifax

Two great chances to gather for stories this month!

Thursday, April 12, the Storytellers Circle meets at Just Us! Cafe on Spring Garden, 7:00-8:30 pm. We're moving back upstairs to a smaller, quieter room, where all feel free to participate. We're thinking on the idea of "Did It! Stories of Success". Do come back if you haven't been able to make it for a while, to tell or to listen.

Friday, April 20 - Performance night at Chebucto Coffee, 6430 Chebucto Rd. (at Kline, and North). Come to hear our featured tellers, with some open mike time after break. 7:00-9:00; good food too!
Wère excited about this new friendly venue, and hope to continue this event monthly on the 3rd Friday, so come and help us get started!

Stories Galore!

STORIES GALORE! a new initiative of the Storytellers Circle of Halifax at Chebucto Coffee on the third Friday of every month, starting on April 20, 2012. This will be a performance night, with local or visiting tellers, starting at 7:00 pm until 9:00. Come early, there's limited space and good food, in a quiet, friendly atmosphere.


Chebucto Coffee at 6430 Chebucto Rd., corner of Kline, at the junction with North Street. Easy parking on side streets.

Tea and Tales.

The Storytellers Circle of Halifax presents
A Celebration for World Storytelling Day:

Tea and Tales

Let your imagination take flight as you listen to stories from here, there and everywhere told in the oral tradition and rooted in the world of Trees, this year's international theme.

Saturday, March 31st
2-4pm
Scott Manor House
15 Fort Sackville Drive
Bedford, NS
Admission: $5.00

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

World Storytelling Day continues!

Roots and Branches, our special-event, spring equinox storytelling, featuring the International theme of TREES, will take place from 7:00-8:30 pm this Tuesday, March 20, at Just Us! Coffee on Spring Garden Road. Open to the public, we love listeners! Featured tellers are Elinor Benjamin, Cindy Campbell, Nancy Muzzatti, Liz Newkirk, and Linda Winham. Possible open mike if time allows.

Members of the Storytellers Circle of Halifax will offer one more Tales and Tea event at Scott Manor House in Bedford, a lovely historic site, on Saturday March 31, from 2:00-4:00 pm. More details to follow soon.

Please join folks all over the world, telling and hearing stories of trees this week!

Tales and Tea, at Evergreen House in Dartmouth, this past Sunday, was sold out!

Roots and Branches: Stories of Trees

Celebrate World Storytelling Day!
Roots and Branches: Stories of Trees
Presented by the Storytellers Circle of Halifax
Just Us! Café, 5896 Spring Garden Road
Tuesday March 20, 7:00 - 8:30 pm.

Join members of the Storytellers Circle of Halifax
for a relaxing evening of storytelling. Let your imagination
take flight as you listen to tales from here, there,
and everywhere, told in the oral tradition and
rooted in the world of TREES, the 2012 theme for
World Storytelling Day, celebrated world-wide at the Spring Equinox.

Featured tellers are Elinor Benjamin, Cindy Campbell, Nancy Muzzatti,
Liz Newkirk, and Linda Winham. Followed by open mike if time allows.

Good-will donation will go to the StorySave program of
Storytellers of Canada/Conteurs du Canada.

Contact: Linda Winham lwinham88@hotmail.com

South Shore Storytellers Celebrate World Storytelling Day

Celebrating 2012 World Storytelling Days
with
The South shore Tellers

March 17th at 2pm
Aspotagan heritage Centre - free admission
(with light snack & refreshments)

March 18th at 2pm
South Shore Waldorf School in Blockhouse
Benefit concert - $15 each or &25 for two
( Stories followed by tea with scones & cream)

March 20th at 7pm
Chester Playhouse - free admission
( with cash bar & light snack)

For further information call 902-640-2113 or 902-527-2241

WTF! Has a New Home Starting February 10th!

Well...

Just when you thought there would be no music this week...
SURPRISE!!!! Not only will there be music... you will also be able to
hear it. WTF! has a new home!

Our new home is Chebucto Coffee, 6430 Chebucto Road [corner of
Chebucto and Kline].
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chebucto-Coffee/154237034609082

They are ecstatic to have us and gracious in their willingness to help
iron out any kinks that may arise. Truly... they have gone out of
their way to extend the most welcome of welcome mats.

And did I mention food? Real aromatic food? Tasty food like chili,
soups, biscuits, panini, baked goods, etc....AND a delicious selection
of coffee and teas!.

This Friday, February 10th we will embrace 2012 in this comfortable
new space and hope see both old and new friends. The MUSIC WILL START
AT 6:30 and run until nearly 9:00. Come early and have supper why
don't you?

Due to the late notice, it will be a potpourri evening. Bring anything
you may have prepared for the postponed theme nights or something
completely different. Maybe you just want to watch. Whatever the
case... please bring yourselves... we have greatly missed you.

The Anniversary Party is still a go. Details TBD.

Margo and Cindy

WTF! on January 26 - CANCELLED!

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.

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!!!

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!

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!

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