Storytelling: Working with Leo Feinstein

Let The Fur Fly! with Clara Dugas

WTF gets Superstitious!

WTF: What The Folk
Open Mic (unplugged)
Friday, November 13, 2015
Spencer House Community Centre
5596 Morris Street, Halifax, NS
7-9pm
Cost: Free Will Donation

Hello gang,

Once, often twice and occasionally three times a year, the calendar presents WTF! with a fabulous opportunity to get freaky. In 2015... there were three such dates; however, we have chosen the one in November to get our freak on. Our next WTF! falls on that darling of superstitious dates... Friday the13th.

*Superstitions and Their Origins or Superstitions in General

What is a superstition in general? The widely accepted definition of superstition is that it is irrational belief and interpretation about the events from the future based on certain conclusions and acts. It is not built on logical causes and relations between actions and events.

Every nation has some sort of superstition in its tradition; some of them are so strong that they even acquire main characteristics of modern pop culture.

Will you be superstitious or not? It depends solely on you, yourself, your belief, level of education and the environment you are living in. Statistics say that only 30% of people are not superstitious - researchers warn that this number does not include those who do not want to admit it.

*Amended from Superstitions of - 2015

Superstition is something that we encounter every day. Helen Creighton says in BLUENOSE MAGIC that "People enjoy having what they call their pet superstitions, odd beliefs which for some unexplainable reason seem to act in their behalf. Indeed, they give a rather pleasurable zest to life. Other people, however, distress themselves by constantly looking for signs and omens and will go to great lengths to forestall any ill-fortune they think may be approaching them. It is a true saying that superstition follows whom superstitions follow."

Many of our Maritime superstitions have been passed down from generation to generation and are part of family inheritance. The largest body of superstitions found in BLUENOSE MAGIC  involves "ships and the sea". Not surprising really since the Maritimes are almost completely surrounded by water. Other superstitions touch on "the seasons, holidays, the human body, human behaviour and the behaviour of animals, insects and birds for example." Fascinating stuff!

Perhaps you have a family superstition to share? Maybe you know a song or story with a superstitious element? Or perhaps you're one of those who scoff at the notion of superstitions? Regardless of where you stand on the subject... WTF! invites you to bring something relevant to this theme... like good luck or bad luck or elements involving superstitions pertaining to..." ships and the sea; the seasons, holidays, the human body, human behaviour and the behaviour of animals, insects and birds".

On Friday the 13th... get out of bed on the right leg but do not cut your nails. Head on over to WTF!... making sure to kill the first three snakes you see but do not kill a spider. Should you walk under a ladder, keep your fingers crossed until you see a dog. And remember a barking dog never bites. And neither will we if you choose to bring a song or story on another topic :)

Xo Margo

And for those of you who fear things that might go "bump" in the night (you know who you are)...

Be assured...

horseshoes have been hung over the entrance to Spencer House with the heel part down

just in case.

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WTF! is an artistic outreach program of the Helen Creighton Folklore Society. Now in its 6th year, WTF! is primarily an acoustic unplugged open-mike session for performers of all ages in the traditional & folk music vein... singers, instrumentalists and storytellers in particular. (House guitar available for playing)

Co-hosted by the ever-jovial Cindy Campbell-Stone & Margo Carruthers with occasional guest hosts, WTF! meets every second and fourth Friday of the month at SPENCER HOUSE, 5596 Morris Street in Halifax where sing-a-longs are known to spontaneously erupt and laughter is always a given.

Come anytime after 6:30pm. Entertainment starts around 7:00 and goes until 9:00ish. As always... admission is by free-will donation towards the Society's work. All proceeds from the sale of baked goods and beverages from the Spencer House kitchen will go to help support the operation of Spencer House.

Parking is available on site behind the building after 6:00pm, and on all the neighbouring streets.

Jack Tales: October 8th

Storytellers Circle of Halifax Presents: The further adventures of the Famous Folk Hero “Jack” Stories about "Jack" abound from Appalachia to Russia Thursday, Oct 8, 2015 7:00 – 9:00 pm Spencer House 5596 Morris St Host Elinor Benjamin has one or two Jack Tales from Newfoundland followed by open mic - Stories about Tom, Dick and Harry are OK too !!! (10 minute -max- stories - told, not read) Come early! Home-made treats for Sale Free-will donations welcome for the Storytellers Circle

Blind McNair: a story of old Nova Scotia

We're Baaaack! for another great year at WTF: What The Folk!

WTF: What the Folk! Open Mic

September 25, 2015/ 7-9pm

Spencer House Community Centre

5596 Morris Street, Halifax, NS

Well gang...

How was your summer?

Did you manage to accomplish all those unfinished projects you had been putting off this winter or did you just laze it up at the cottage?

Perhaps you learned to body surf or wind surf at the beach? Maybe you hunted for fossils at Joggins? Better that than being one :)

Perhaps you travelled to new and exotic places. Maybe you hung out in bars or let so much hang out that you spent your summer behind bars :)

I am sure that wherever you went and whatever you did, you met with an ADVENTURE or two and so... that's the theme for next Friday, September 25th when WTF: What The Folk! returns to beautiful Spencer House from summer hiatus.

Bring songs or stories of ADVENTURE!

 If you are reluctant to share true tales due to privacy concerns and/or legal muzzling... you can always make them up :)

Co-hosted by the ever-jovial Cindy Campbell-Stone & Margo Carruthers with occasional guest hosts.

WTF! is an artistic outreach program of the Helen Creighton Folklore Society.

Like us on HCFS Facebook or check out the HCFS website .

Now in its 6th year, WTF! is primarily an acoustic unplugged open-mike session for performers of all ages in the traditional & folk vein... singers, instrumentalists and storytellers in particular.

WTF! meets every second and fourth Friday of the month at SPENCER HOUSE, 5596 Morris Street in Halifax where sing-a-longs are known to spontaneously erupt and laughter is always a given.

Come anytime after 6:30pm. Entertainment starts around 7:00 and goes until 9:00ish. As always... admission is by free-will donation towards the Society's work. All proceeds from the sale of baked goods and beverages from the Spencer House kitchen will go to help support the operation of Spencer House.

Parking is available on site behind the building after 6:00pm, and on all the neighbouring streets.

A new year and new adventures at WTF: What the Folk!

Come and see what the excitement is about.

Au cfonfluent de nos langues, congrès 2015v

Au cfonfluent de nos langues, congrès 2015

2015-07-02

Lors de ce congrès, se déroulera des classes de maîtres, des ateliers, des conférences et des spectacles de contes dans les 2 langues.

Des sorties touristiques dans le milieu permettront aux visiteurs de connaitre notre coin de pays.

Des activités ouvertes telles que l’accès à divers ateliers et spectacles, la présence de conteurs dans des restaurants ou lieux publics permettront à la population de profiter de cette apport culturel dans leur milieu.

La période d'inscription pour le congrès se termine à minuit le 20 juin 2015. Si vous avez ratez l'inscription en ligne, il toujours possible de vous inscrire en personne  lors de votre arrivée au Congrès de Lévis.  Le coût de l'inscription Dernière minute sera de 200$.  Ceux qui veulent s'inscrire uniquement aux ateliers individuels pourront aussi le faire à la porte au coût de 25$ par atelier. 

Pour rechercher des transports commun à la conférence, visitez la page Facebook de la

Storytellers of Canada-Conteurs du Canada

Where Languages Meet - storytellers conference

Storytellers of Canada - Conteur du Canada Conference

Where Languages Meet, Conference 2015

2015-07-02

This year’s conference brings us to Lévis, Quebec where a rich storytelling tradition awaits. Minutes across the St. Lawrence from Quebec City, Lévis is home to La Maison Natale Louis Fréchette, the birthplace of Louis Frechette one of Quebec’s most celebrated poets.  Maison Fréchette is hosting the SC-CC conference this year, and together we’re proud to bring storytellers and listeners a range of vibrant programming in both official languages. 

Online registration for the conference closes at midnight on June 20th. Latecomers who have missed the deadline for online registration can register  in person at the conference in Lévis. The cost for registering at the door is $200. Those who are interested in individual workshops can also register at the door for $25 per workshop.

To look for ride shares or exchange information about the conference visit our conference Facebook page.

Clary Croft at WTF:What the Folk!

Clary Croft is guest hosting at WTF:What the Folk! On Friday June 12 / 7pm. The theme is Joni Mitchell or songs and stories inspired by her. It's the second last WTF before the summer break so come all ye to Spencer House Community Centre, 5596 Morris Street, Halifax. Cost: free will donation. What the Folk is an outreach program of the Helen Creighton Folklore Society.

This week! The Fateful Step with Liz Newkirk

The Fateful Step:

Tales of crossing life's borders and boundaries

Some people live within them, others leap over them.

Storyteller, Liz Newkirk

Friday, May 29, 2015
7 pm
Spencer House Community Centre
5596 Morris Street, Halifax, NS

Cost: free will donation
There will be an Unplugged Open Mic in the second half.

Refreshments available for purchase

All Welcome!

This is an outreach event of the Storytellers Circle of Halifax
The Circle has storytellers with a wide range of experience and offer workshops for those looking to learn the art of oral storytelling.
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For more info contact Liz at 902-477-1477

Appalacian Night! with Jim Smith

WTF! invites you to bring songs and stories that reflect aspects of the Appalachian culture. Maybe an old ballad - the original storysong - or a fiddle tune or two. You can even conjure up a story or tell a tall tale. Or just come to listen and enjoy. All welcome!

Friday May 22, 2015
7pm
Spencer House Community Center
5596 Morris Street, Halifax, NS

This unplugged Open Mic is an outreach program of the Helen Creighton Folklore Society.
Cost: Free will donation towards the Society's work.

Refreshments available - proceeds towards Spencer House.

So get yourself off the couch, away from the telly, take a break from gardening....and enjoy a wonderful evening of laughter, music and stories.

WTF! What the Folk hosted by Dan McKinnon

* "Unite and unite, and let us all unite for summer is a-comin today.

And whither we are going we all will unite, in the merry morning of May."

 Happy May Day! Welcome to May! The month guaranteed to put a bounce in your step and a smile on your face. Have a listen to Steeleye Span singing *Padstow. You will be bouncing 'round the Maypole grinning ear to ear in no time at all.

This intro will make perfect sense when you know two things.

                                                                                                                         

ONE... on Friday, May 8th... WTF! will be guest hosed by Dan McKinnon, singer, songwriter, guitarist, historian and musical storyteller extraordinaire freshly back home from his annual UK tour. For this occasion, Dan has chosen the theme...SONGS THAT INSPIRED YOU.

Two...I have long been inspired by Steeleye Span with their heartstoppingly daring arrangements of traditional songs combined with Maddie Pryor's mesmerizing voice.

But what about you?

Perhaps you have a favourite group or singer whose music has touched you or inspired you to add one of their songs to your repertoire. Maybe you were inspired to learn to play a musical instrument or learn another language because of the beauty of a piece of music. Or... perhaps the mere sound of the caliope inspired you to run away and join the circus.

Whatever your inspiration... there's a song to be sung and a tale to be told about how it came to be yours. Sharing while riding a unicycle or walking on stilts is optional :)

 Xo Margo

Follow us on Facebook

WTF! is an artistic outreach program of the Helen Creighton Folklore Society.

Now in its 6th year, WTF!

WTF is primarily an acoustic unplugged open-mike session for performers of all ages in the traditional & folk music vein... singers, instrumentalists and storytellers in particular.

Co-hosted by the ever-jovial Cindy Campbell-Stone & Margo Carruthers with occasional guest hosts.

 WTF meets every second and fourth Friday of the month at SPENCER HOUSE, 5596 Morris Street in Halifax where sing-a-longs are known to spontaneously erupt and laughter is always a given.

Come anytime after 6:30pm. Entertainment starts around 7:00 and goes until 9:00ish. As always... admission is by free-will donation towards the Society's work. All proceeds from the sale of baked goods and beverages from the Spencer House kitchen will go to help support the operation of Spencer House.

Parking is available onsite at the back of the Centre after 6pm, and on all the neighbouring streets.

WTF! What the Folk! Guest Hosts: Vince and Pixie!

WTF! What the folk.

Open mic.

Folksongs, folk tales, folk music.

Featuring guest hosts: Vince Morash and Pixie Currie.

The nights theme is the human condition....whatever that means.

Bring friends, family, neighbours and yourself!

Friday, April 24 / 7pm

Spencer House Community Centre,

5596 Morris St, Halifax.

Cost: free will donation.

An outreach program of the Helen Creighton Folklore Society.

Tales Light The Darkside for April - special guest, Nancy Muzzatti

Wishful Thinking at WTF! What the Folk.

WTF!What the Folk

Open Mic

April 10th/7pm

Spencer House Community Centre

Morris Street, Halifax, NS

Cost: Free Will Donation

Our second WTF! evening takes place this Friday, April 10th at our fabulous new venue... Spencer House. We regret having to cancel March 27th due to weather threats that really didn't materialize; however, that just gave you two extra weeks to perfect your songs & stories of WISHFUL THINKING for this week :)

For those of you who haven't yet checked out the new space, Cindy took numerous candid shots of our first Spencer House evening and posted them to the Helen Creighton Folklore Society's Facebook page.

As you can see, the turnout was really great with lots of old and new musical friends but the star of the show was really Spencer House. It's roomy, comfy and oh so convivial! But don't just take my word for it...  you really should come out and see for yourself. Parking is available for free on site in the back, and on any neighbouring streets. No excuse :)

WTF! is an artistic outreach program of the Helen Creighton Folklore Society. Now in its 6th year, WTF! is primarily an acoustic unplugged open-mike session for performers of all ages in the traditional & folk music vein... singers, instrumentalists and storytellers in particular.

Co-hosted by the ever-jovial Cindy Campbell-Stone and Margo Carruthers with occasional guest hosts, WTF! meets every second and fourth Friday of the month at SPENCER HOUSE, 5596 Morris Street in Halifax where sing-a-longs are known to spontaneously erupt and laughter is always a given.

Come anytime after 6:30pm. Entertainment starts around 7:00 and goes until 9:00ish. As always... admission is by free-will donation towards the Society's work. All proceeds from the sale of baked goods and beverages from the Spencer House kitchen will go to help support the operation of Spencer House.

CANCELLED! WTF: What the Folk! For Friday, March 27th.

CANCELLED! WTF: What the Folk! For Friday, March 27th.

Sorry folks, but the weather looks nasty for tomorrow night whether we get rain or snow. Even if it's just rain, the potential flooding could make for treacherous parking, walking and driving. But don't despair, we will gather again in two weeks time on April 10 with the theme, Wishful Thinking (oh, the irony!).

Cindy and Margo

Happy Spring! or Wishful Thinking? at WTF: What the Folk!

Happy Spring!

If you find yourself in a state of disbelief or discouragement; feeling disengaged and disgusted... dissing anyone or anything responsible for what has been cascading down upon us seemingly endlessly for weeks and threatening to keep us buried for months... take a moment please to reflect upon the plight of the poor bewildered spring bulbs... crocus, snowdrops, daffodils... those hapless harbingers of Spring whose optimistic shoots are even now struggling to reach the sun, compelled to soldier on in the face of great adversity.

There's a valuable lesson to be learned here. If, like those bulbs, you find yourself stuck in sh*t not of your choosing; buried over your head in sh*t not of your making... grounded due to circumstances beyond your control... use your head to push that sh*t aside and let your inner beauty rise above it.

The theme for March 27th is WISHFUL THINKING!

If you could escape the cruel clutches of winter...

Xo Margo

WTF! is an artistic outreach program of the Helen Creighton Folklore Society. Now in its 6th year, WTF! is primarily an acoustic unplugged open-mike session for performers of all ages in the traditional & folk music vein... singers, instrumentalists and storytellers in particular.

Co-hosted by the ever-jovial Cindy Campbell-Stone & Margo Carruthers with occasional guest hosts, WTF! meets every second and fourth Friday of the month at SPENCER HOUSE, 5596 Morris Street in Halifax where sing-a-longs are known to spontaneously erupt and laughter is always a given.

Come anytime after 6:30pm. Entertainment starts around 7:00 and goes until 9:00ish. As always... admission is by free-will donation towards the Society's work. All proceeds from the sale of baked goods and beverages from the Spencer House kitchen will go to help support the operation of Spencer House.

Come All Ye!

Check us out on the WTF! blog or like us on the Helen Creighton Folklore Society Facebook .

Cheers!

Cindy

Tales Light Up The Darkside - March 23

World Storytelling Day: a fundraiser in support of African Grandmothers

Icy Winter Tales with Leo and Nancy

WTF! What the Folk has a new home!

It is a common superstition that Friday the 13th is an unlucky day. Bullslippers!!!! As luck would have it...

The Helen Creighton Folklore Society has the great good fortune to announce that on Friday, March 13th, Spencer House, 5596 Morris Street in Halifax, will officially become the new venue for WTF: What the Folk!

 You are invited to join us and reconnect with all your WTF! musical and storytelling friends in an evening brimming with our usual madcap antics. The theme will be LUCK. Bring your songs & tales of good luck, bad luck, lack of luck, even pot luck but please... don't be down on your luck. Leave your black cats, ladders, and any breakable reflective glass at home. Although we are fully cognizant that... superstitions are nothing more than irrational beliefs usually founded on ignorance or fear and characterized by obsessive reverence for omens, charms, etc... we do not want to tempt Fate. After all... we must strive to be on our best behaviour for this, our inaugural night with the folks at Spencer House. There will be plenty of time to push our luck once we've lulled them into a false sense of security :)

WTF! is an artistic outreach program of the Helen Creighton Folklore Society. Now in its 6th year, WTF! is primarily an acoustic unplugged open-mic session for performers of all ages in the traditional & folk music vein... singers, instrumentalists and storytellers in particular.

Co-hosted by the ever-jovial Cindy Campbell-Stone & Margo Carruthers with occasional guest hosts, WTF! meets every second and fourth Friday of the month at SPENCER HOUSE, 5596 Morris Street in Halifax where sing-a-longs are known to spontaneously erupt and laughter is always a given.

Come anytime after 6:30pm. Entertainment starts around 7:00 and goes until 9:00ish. As always... admission is by free-will donation towards the Society's work. All proceeds from the sale of baked goods and beverages from the Spencer House kitchen will go to help support the operation of Spencer House.

Parking will be available on site in the rear of the building after 6:00pm and also on the neighbouring streets.

Come all ye!

Tales Light The Darkside