Wednesday, November 21, 2012

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.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

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.