Pippin - Fall/Winter 2008-2009 Pippin1

Vol.14, No.2 The Newsletter of the Storytellers School of Toronto Seeger Sings Again (in Canada) By Lorne Brown They were the most eagerly sought after of tickets. No advance public- ity, no media release, no advertise- ments. Good old-fashioned word of mouth (or maybe word of e-mail) and magically the news spread. “’s singing in To- ronto! Pass it on!” “He’s singing in Hugh’s Room with his grandson! Pass it on!” Now how on earth could this happen? Mr. Seeger is 89 years old and vowed some years ago that his touring days were over. “I’m so busy at home with chores, answering mail, that I never think of leaving the (Hudson) valley,” he said, “My ’s hanging on the wall and if anyone vis- its I can take it down and play it.” As usual, Pete is being too modest. Peo- ple dropping in include the Boss him- self, Bruce Springsteen, who made a recording with Pete. And banjo vir- tuoso Tony Trischka, who did like- wise, thanks to the mini-digital re- corder. But the question remains: how could this happen? Well, it seems that Pete’s grand- son Tao Rodriguez-Seeger, with his Pete Seeger at age 88 photographed on 6-16-07 at the 2007 by Anthony Pepitone group the Mammals on ma- ternity leave, recently performed a concert with his grandfather and Guy Davis at the A Note From the Editor Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Li- brary and Museum in Hyde Park, New York. A new name, a new home, new a new one. That’s evolution for you. "We had a really good time," said Rodri- times. Sometimes it is born out of necessity and guez-Seeger. "We got home and Grandpa Yes, the times they are a- other times it is born out of wisdom and was bouncing off the wall with excitement. changin’. We are witnessing a demand for a greater vision. 'Let's do that again,' he said." the end of one chapter in the “Storytelling Toronto” is our official (Continued on page 3) life of our organization and the beginning new name which is a little easier to get your tongue around than the old moniker.

Seeger Sings Again ...... 1 A Feast of Festivals ...... 10 It also suggests a greater scope of en- Book Nook ...... 6 Some Thoughts on Appleseed .....12 compassing more than our work in the INSIDE Peace Theatre Camp 2008...... 7 Stories Going ‘Round ...... 13 schools – a name that originally did very Harmony Project ...... 8 Centre for Digital Storytelling ....13 well to describe our original vision. But National Aboriginal Day ...... 8 Travel, Folklore & Family...... 14 we have grown. A Storytelling Journey ...... 9 Listings ...... 15 Fall Gathering and AGM ...... 9 (Continued on page 2) 2 Pippin - Fall/Winter 2008-2009

(Continued from page 1) The last edition of Pippin got lost in PIPPIN is the newsletter of The Just looking at this edition of Pippin we the midst of summer frolic and I am as Storytellers School of Toronto. can see that we have expanded beyond the guilty as anyone else for not making it hap- borders of the greater megalopolis. We pen. What can I say, there’s something The Storytellers School of are working as peace activists, as healers, about those lazy, hazy days of August that Toronto is a registered, non- as folklorists as musicians and more. We puts my mind on vacation. I’d much rather profit organization that are taking our stories to festivals, gather- be metaphorically fishing rather than provides a creative home for ings, fairs, events, parks and of course, to strapped to my computer. We’ll want to a community of storytellers, the schools. look at this seasonal distraction for the listeners, and story-explorers. Our mission We bid a bittersweet fairwell (at least future. is to inspire, encourage and support for the time being) to Appleseed Quar- Thanks to all of our contributors storytelling for listeners, tellers and those terly. Pippin continues to be our brag rag this time ‘round. Without you there would who have not yet heard. Since 1979 we have and makes no pretense about being the be only blank pages. Let’s keep the pages been providing courses and workshops; holding gatherings, festivals and events to intellectual read that AQ provided for so dancing with your news. celebrate and present the art of many years. storytelling; supporting the creative work of storytellers; and producing publications about storytelling and storytellers.

**NOTA BENE** Pippin Editor AWARDS PUT ON HOLD Deborah Dunleavy The Alice Kane and the Anne Smythe CITY DEDICATES [email protected] Awards will not be presented this year. NEW PARK IN With the economic downturn our invest- Design/Layout HONOUR OF chris cavanagh ment with the Arts Endowment Fund has been affected. In the past interest on DR. RITA COX Book Reviewer this investment was used for the awards. Rheba Estante Councillor Gord Perks (Ward 14 Park- Unfortunately the fund has actually lost dale-High Park), representatives of the Listings value recently making it necessary to City of Toronto, prominent Torontonians Marylyn Peringer postpone the awards. and community members joined Canadian Program Leaders icon Dr. Rita Cox to dedicate a new park Festival Artistic Director: Brian Hetherington BARNS UPDATE: in her honour on Wednesday, October 22 Course Coordinators: Marylyn Peringer, Lynda Howes at 14 Machells Ave. Directory Committee: Bruce Carmody (Chair), Exciting news! Although plans are Laurie Malabar, Heather Whaley still in the works for our actual move, we Dr. Cox joined the Toronto Public Appleseed Quartlerly: Brian Hetherington (Editor-in-Chief) are picking up the keys to our new home Library in 1960 as a children’s librarian Website: Bruce Carmody on Nov. 1st. The official opening cere- conducting storytelling sessions at the [email protected] mony for Artscape Wychwood Barns will local branch in Parkdale. As chief librar- be on Thursday, November 20. After ian, a role she took on in 1974, Dr. Cox Board of Directors 2006-2007 instituted literacy programs, promoted that the Barns will be open to the public. Karen Blair (Treasurer) At the time of Pippin going to the print- multiculturalism throughout Toronto, and David Gladstone pioneered the library’s Black Heritage Brian Hetherington (Past-President) ers, a special event was slated for No- Michael Lobraico (President) th vember 15 . and West Indian Resource Collection. In Katherine Ramkhelawan Storytelling Toronto is planning to 1998, the collection was renamed the Hildy Stollery Paul Robert (Secretary) hold an event to celebrate the move and Black and Caribbean Heritage Collection. Molly Sutkaitis raise some money to help offset moving It has become one of the most compre- expenses. You are all invited! More in- hensive collections of its kind in Canada. Managing Director formation will be available soon. Jody James

© The Storytellers School of Toronto

720 Bathurst St., Suite 500A Toronto, ON M5S 2R4 Phone: 416 656-2445 Fax: 416 656-8510 Email: [email protected] Website: www.storytellingtoronto.org

Pippin - Fall/Winter 2008-2009 3 Seeger Sings Again (in Canada) cont’d

(Continued from page 1) “First Night Out”. There was the Seeger Hampson and her daughter were there, A Canadian tour was quickly arranged – van parked outside Hugh’s Room. The mar- along with other friends and relatives. Montreal (River’s Edge Community Church), quee billed tonight as the “Seeger Family Larry, a table mate, said that Pete Seeger Toronto (two nights in Hugh’s Room), King- Concert” That would be Pete, grandson Tao was just ahead of him when he came in. ston (the Grand Theatre) and Ottawa Rodriguez-Seeger, and “honorary cousin” “There was Pete Seeger with his banjo!” he (Library and Archives Canada). No airplane Guy Davis, son of actor/activists Ossie and kept repeating, like some teenage girl talk- travel; they would drive in a van. No large Ruby Davis. ing about the latest heartthrob band hero. venues, only small intimate ones. The tour Already Hugh’s Room was filling up with In fact, the whole room seemed to be filled would be a benefit for the Unitarian Ser- diners. People waited in line, some carrying with old friends and relatives. It was “Old vice Committee of Canada, which assists , which I thought strange. Turns out Home Week”, with Toronto’s folk commu- farmers in developing countries. ($35 000 they were hoping Pete would sign them af- nity out in full force, all feeling, truth to was raised!) The tour sold out immediately. ter the show. He didn’t; he went up one tell, somewhat teenage-ish. So I find myself arriving with my wife flight of stairs to the Green Room and There was banjo wiz Arnie Naiman and on the evening of July 7, 2008 at Hugh’s down another and out the door to his van. his singing wife Kathy Reid Naiman. They Room. The problems I had with a kidney Eventually we got seated at Bram Morri- were sitting so close to the stage I sug- stone - which caused me to cancel all sorts son’s table, a table for nine directly in gested Arnie could re-tune the 5-string of gigs, including one in Saskatoon – had front of the stage. Unfortunately, Bram banjo lying on a chair on stage. Tao’s banjo, finally passed, so to speak, and this was my and Ruth were unable to attend, but Sharon (Continued on page 4)

Washington, D.C. Pete Seeger, noted folk singer entertaining at the opening of the Washington labor canteen, sponsored by the United Federal Labor Canteen, sponsored by the Federal Workers of American, Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO).” Photograph by Joseph A. Horne, February 1944 4 Pippin - Fall/Winter 2008-2009

(Continued from page 3) Pete’s 12-string . They mounted the doubt there’s a performer in the world who since Pete never appears anywhere without stage to a prolonged standing ovation. Pete can have such an instantaneous effect on his banjo. Ken Whitely was there with his Seeger was here and all was well with the an audience. wife Ellen. Guitar virtuoso Paul Mills walked world. And so the unbelievable evening un- by. The “Backseat Balladeers” were there, Pete stood, looking a bit bewildered. Of folded. Guy Davis sang and told sto- four storytellers with a love for the tradi- course he has always been bewildered by ries, using his mouth harp to great advan- tional ballad. Jerry Gray of the Travellers applause meant for him that he feels tage. Grandson Tao played his 12-string as was greeting old friends. Alumni of the leg- should rightly go to others. But tonight he to the manor born, and frailed a new tune endary Camp Naivalt, some in Camp Naivalt looked like an 89-year old man, not quite on his banjo he called “Hugh’s Tune”. He t-shirts, were everywhere. Gordon sure what to do next. Then he stepped to told a story of how, after living in Nicara- Lightfoot sat in relative gua for nine years he obscurity. Seeger fans are came home to Beacon, passionate; Bob Biderman New York, fluently bi- of the Common Thread lingual, and told his Choir was there, having also grandpa that he should- attended the previous n’t sing Spanish songs night’s concert, where See- since his Spanish was so ger invited Sylvia Tyson to bad. “I was sixteen help sing “If I Had a Ham- years old and thor- mer”. Pete’s step-brother oughly objectionable,” Rufus Dickinson, who lives he said. “Grandpa said, in Toronto, attended both ‘Well, if I sing Spanish performances. In fact, Pete so badly, why don’t you had lunch (an egg salad join me on stage and sandwich) at Rufus’s home help me do it better?’ I today and discussed politics did, and we’ve been and family. Lilian Wauthier singing together now of the Acoustic Harvest for nineteen years.” folk club sat near me. The Great applause, during place was alive with excite- which we calculated ment. Wordsmith Holmes that Tao must be 35 Hooke, who books acts for years old now. “Too Hugh’s Room and MCs shows bad,” said Tao, “That we there, was talking to vari- couldn’t deal with ous people. “I’m glad to see George Bush like that – you here!” he said to me, “I tell him he’s doing a bad was hoping you’d make it.” job and have him ask The wait staff was a you to join with him to perfect example of grace make it better.” He under pressure, and by 8:30 then sang a Cuban cow- pm everyone had been fed boy song with a Spanish and watered. People were refrain we all joined in still coming in and excite- on, albeit no doubt in ment was mounting, if that bad Spanish. were possible. (The show Despite how well Guy was billed to start at 8:30.) and Tao performed – At 8:50, Hooke mounted the stage and the mic and started to sing, “One day, one and they were excellent; in fact Guy invited started speaking into the microphone. Alas, day, sir, I was walkin’ along, and I heard “the unofficial mayor of Toronto”, Ken what he said will never be known, for at that Special singing a lonesome song …” Whitely, on stage to help out that exact moment applause started at the We all quickly and silently sat down, (superlatively) with his mandolin – we were back of the room as people started to like obedient pupils when the headmaster all waiting for Pete’s turn. Forget any stand and clap. The trio of performers had appears. Meanwhile, on stage, 5-string thought that an 89-year old would only lead appeared in the back of the room. Everyone banjo, 6-string and 12-string all us in some romp of old nostalgia; Pete kept else now stood and applauded, and Tao, started to play, and the three singers sang, singing one new song after another. “Take Pete and Guy made their way to the stage, “Oh let the Midnight Special shine her light It from Dr King”, which he wrote after walking directly past me. Pete, toting his on me …” By the repeat of this line, the 9/11, has a tricky refrain to sing which banjo, looked frail; his grandson carried whole room was singing and clapping along. I (Continued on page 5) Pippin - Fall/Winter 2008-2009 5

(Continued from page 4) One earth so green and round, who could the world. The world hasn’t always wanted Pete taught to us so simply and naturally ask for more? to see it; bushels come in all shapes and that in less time than it takes me to write, And because I love you, I’ll give it one more sizes. he had us all singing it as if we’d known it try, But Pete Seeger never hid his light un- all our lives. He is a great teacher. To show my it’s too soon to der a bushel. 2008 is the year Jim Brown’s documen- die. tary “Pete Seeger: the Power of Song” was released. It played nationally on PBS and I’ve long believed these next are the Aftermath: closed Toronto’s Jewish Film Festival. The wisest words I know, the words of a name- The immediate aftermath was a room phrase “power of song” was used to show less preacher a long time ago: full of transformed people, hugging each how songs can change the world. Pete is a other, laughing, weeping. Old Ecclesiastes great believer in that sentiment. But as I A time to be born, a time to die, had it right. We were reluctant to go out watched this concert, I had a new appre- A time to plant, a time to reap, into the night. ciation for the phrase “power of song”. A time to dance, a time to mourn, The Seeger Family Concert was back on Song transforms Pete. (Historical note: A time of love, a time of hate, the road in their van, travelling to Kingston back in the 1970s, Pete decided to quit A time of war, a time of peace. and then to Ottawa – five concerts on five singing. He actually became physically ill A time you may embrace, a time to re- consecutive nights for an 89-year old! because he wasn’t singing. He decided to frain from embracing, Pete Seeger so enjoyed this mini-tour resume singing, and his illness was cured.) that on August 5, he and Tao and Guy are Song transforms Pete; let me explain: Grandson Tao says that “Turn! Turn! giving a concert in Sellersville, PA. On Sep- Watching Seeger on stage tonight was Turn!” is a metaphor for Pete’s career: tember 13 the three give a benefit concert most interesting. When not leading the early on he was declared “Un-American” in Brattleboro, Vermont in aid of “The singing he sat quietly at the back, picking and sentenced to jail (1955). While the jail Strolling of the Heifers” to help New Eng- his banjo in a sparse style. Single notes time was only a few hours, for 17 years land farmers. played on a single string. For the most part Seeger was blacklisted and couldn’t appear And then what? Every week Seeger he seemed almost uncertain of what was on American television. But now he has re- drives to the Staples parking lot in Wap- happening. His eyes were the watery eyes ceived his nation’s highest artistic honour, pingers Falls, Dutchess County, New York, of an old man. His hearing has deterio- the Presidential Medal of the Arts (1996) slings his banjo on his shoulder, and goes to rated. “What key are we in?” he asked Guy. and is one of the most revered of artists. the intersection of Rte 9 and 9D, the Hud- “G,” replied Guy. “B?” asked Pete. “G,” said I was pleased when Pete sang a verse son Valley POW-MIA Memorial Highway, Guy. especially for me and my kidney stone about an hour north of New York City and At one point, when Pete was introduc- problem: not far from the Seeger home in Fishkill. ing a song, Tao spoke in his ear, “Grandpa, He picks up some litter – “That’s my relig- don’t you play the guitar for this song?” A time to cast away stones, a time ion now,” he says – and holds up a PEACE “Oh, yes,” replied Pete, and exchanged to gather stones together. sign. The weekly peace vigil against the war banjo for guitar. starts again, with a few determined pro- But when he starts to sing he is trans- And I nearly forgot this important line: testers. Pete’s been at it for four years. formed. His eyes are pure fire, shooting Drivers speed by, most of them unaware of sparks. His whole boy radiates energy, the When will they ever learn? who is holding up the PEACE sign. A small energy of his convictions. His voice grows group in favour of the war gathers on the stronger as the evening progresses. He The evening was over. To delirious ap- other side of the highway. throws his head back and cuts loose, a fa- plause, the four singers (Ken Whitely had And the future? Will this world ever mous Seeger gesture. The audience sings joined them) left the stage and made their learn? Can we right our environmental and its heart out and Seeger is ageless. For a way through the standing audience. A stage social ills? Pete, himself, is optimistic. brief shining moment we all believe we can crew member shone a flashlight ahead of “Children give you hope for the world,” he make the world a better place. Pete so he could see his way through the says when asked if he’s optimistic about It is almost certain that Seeger will darkness. They climbed the stairs but the the survival of humankind. “If there’s a not sing in Toronto again. As the evening applause wouldn’t cease, so back they came. world here, it will be because of people draws to its conclusion, I start concentrat- Pete looked transported. He went directly learning how to work with children.” ing on the words Seeger is singing, realizing to the mic and started in: that he is giving us a profound lesson on This little light of mine, I’m gonna’ let it Life. This little light of mine, I’m gonna shine. let it shine … With the poor people of this earth I want to share my fate. Three hundred people joined in before Lorne Brown is a Toronto storyteller and One blue sky above us, one ocean lapping all he finished the line. For over seven dec- ballad singer and a former editor of The our shores, ades, Seeger has let his light shine all over Canadian Bulletin. 6 Pippin - Fall/Winter 2008-2009

Book nook CITY OF WORDS by Alberto Manguel Review by Deborah Dunleavy and sometimes distorting it. As far back as The discourse of how religion, race, and While driving into the endlessness of a the telling of the great flood in the book of ethnicity are perceived through storytel- late November night I turned on the car Genesis and as far forward as the artificial ling and story writing is at the heart of radio and randomly selected the company intelligence of the computer Hal in Clarke book. Manguel was born in Buenos Aires, of CBC. I heard a man’s voice. He was and Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, the became a Canadian citizen and now resides speaking English with a Spanish lilt. He was stories suggest that “our better, happier in France. He has a global citizen’s perspec- talking about storytellers in society. This world lies always just beyond our reach, in tive. He understands religious and political eloquent man was Alberto Man- strife and appreciates the frailty guel delivering his work, City of of society. Words, for the CBC Massey “The story that grants a soci- Lecture Series. ety and each of its individuals an It was a Wednesday evening identity must, in order to serve its and I was catching the middle purpose of bringing a certain con- of the third presentation of sciousness to our existence, not five. I knew that my busy only shape itself throughout time schedule would not allow for what society legislates and consid- more cozying up to the radio on ers proper, but also upon that future nights of the week so I which it considers alien and ex- ordered the book and waited cludes.” anxiously for it to arrive by At times the book is a dense post. read making it an effort to stay The wait was well worth it as with Manguel as his philosophy this would prove to be an exhila- unfolds. He espouses that it is the rating read. Manguel is an an- carrier of the stories that we thropologist, translator, essay- need to acknowledge in order to ist, novelist and editor. He is understand our role and place in passionate about language, its society. Poets, visionaries, novel- place in reflecting society, and ists and even filmmakers reveal in shaping the future of that the secrets to our way of life. very society out of which it is Indeed his own poetic command of born. words and his complex sentence In the introduction Manguel structure takes the reader on an asks some thought provoking intriguing journey. questions. “Language lends voice to the “Why do we seek definitions storytellers who try to tell us who of identity in words, and what we are; language builds out of is, in such a quest, the story- words our reality and those who teller’s role? How does language inhabit it, within and without the itself determine, limit and walls; language offers stories that enlarge our imagination of the lie and stories that tell the truth.” world? How do the stories we tell help us perceive ourselves The City of Words by Alberto and others? Can such stories lend a whole another time or place, in a long lost past, in Manguel is one of the CBC Massey Lec- society an identity, whether true or false? the fabulous Golden Age longed for by Don tures. It is published by House of Anansi And to conclude, is it possible for stories Quixote, or in the future on a distant Press Inc. and distributed by Harper to change us and the world we live in?” planet.” Collins Canada Ltd. 1-800-387-0117 By examining literary works in their Manguel offers the reader a glimpse of ISBN 978-0-88784-763-9 historical contexts Manguel offers the the Inuit film The Fast Runner where the reader insight to his arguments. As in story is both “allusive and non-linear”. The Deborah Dunleavy is a storyteller and au- Plato’ writings and those of the Epic of author goes on to explain that “the telling thor constantly seeking philosophical sup- Gilgamesh fictional cities become mirrors of a legend is always a voice from the past port for her storytelling propensities. for society, sometimes reflecting the truth and contemporary of the teller.” Pippin - Fall/Winter 2008-2009 7 Peace Theatre Camp 2008 By Molly Sutkaitis theatre games and exercises which allowed when he came to realize that the war in the creativity to surface. The campers Iraq was unethical he walked away. The seasons repeat themselves rou- started to leap over fear. Life at CPT is Along with another Raging Granny I did tinely. Stone Soup is one of the routine positive, it responds to fellowship rooted in a workshop on the art of storytelling. The rituals that takes place at 305 Dawes Road love. The uniqueness of each individual most talked about Global Perspective took on the last Friday of the month except for opens up as ideas, agreeable and disagree- place the first Friday of camp. We elec- Solstice days when the solstice is cele- able emerge. tronically hooked up with a group from In- brated. Canada Day this year brought ex- This was my sixth year to participate at dia. Our children spoke live and on camera citement to enhance the rhythm of my life. CPT. The mission is to change the culture with children who had made a film dealing Canada Day signals for me that the time of war to a culture of peace through thea- with corporal punishment at an evening has come to prepare for Children's Peace tre games and exercises. CPT was insti- tutorial school. Excited cries of "We spoke Theatre Camp. This year Guide Training gated by the United Nations when the with India today" was shared with parents took place on two days the week before the Peace University was brought to Toronto. at pick-up time. opening of CPT Camp. There was a need for a feeder system that THE SECOND WEEK Have you ever felt so completely The second week was set aside for at home in your body that you experi- shaping the scenes in groups and con- enced the oneness of inner peace? centrating on the opening and closing Have you ever felt so completely at scenes which involved the entire com- home that you didn't feel even the pany. Here we were led by a musical slightest urge to fix anything or plan genius, Mathew Adam Smith. Matt not anything? Have you ever felt that all only had the children singing in a your senses grabbed you and made rhythmic pattern, he saw to it that you think that this moment in time enjoyment was built in to his lessons. was meant to be? That you were at While Matt was doing music Karen one with the world? Emmerson the Camp Director was That is exactly how I felt on with the other half of the company Thursday July 3rd when the Guides who were designing shoes for our assembled for training for CPT Camp hero. These shoes were later dis- 2008. We had a title for the play played in the Great Hall on a set of "Hero under Construction". Some marbled steps fashioned from card- Guides had experienced the beauties board. We were aiming for perfec- of the environment before. There tion; each person was prepared to were those who had previously been camp- would provide future peace leaders. Friend- give of their best. ers and were looking forward to taking on ship at camp was a recurring theme this Mother Nature kept us on tender hooks the responsibilities that becoming a guide year. regarding the weather. Come 1p.m. Thurs- entails. Then there were the Artist Guides July 7th saw the first circle take place day our audience arrived, the sun came out who had heard of the wonderful transfor- at the Gathering Place, a flat area in front and dried up all the rows of seats. We were mations that had taken place in the lives of of the Great Hall. The first week we tried ready; the first performance went off well. campers in previous years. There were the out ideas. There was a collection of news- Artist Guides who had already tasted the paper and magazine from which Artistic PEACE PARADE AND GALA results of hard work and team co- Guide Leaders selected pictures and arti- On Friday the Peace Is Possible (PIP) operation. cles to share with their groups. Adam Parade took place. Day Cares from the sur- Paolozza the Artistic Director, brought in rounding neighborhood paraded their chil- THE FIRST WEEK posters from his visit to China. These were dren from the Danforth to the park oppo- The first week was spent in encouraging the springboard from which the play "Hero site 305 Dawes Rd. Banners and visuals the children to explore their own stories. Under Construction" would be created. which would later decorate the Gathering The campers came from different cultures Another feature of CPT is Global Per- place had been fashioned by a group of high yet they spoke a universal language, in dif- spective. This involved bringing in outside school and college students. ferent guises of the oral traditions of many speakers who talked about specific topics. Saturday July 26 was the Gala, a fund- nations. The rhythm of the flow of creative One Global Perspective dealt with volun- raiser for CPT. It provided a glorious end juices started once circles were formed. teering in Kenya, another afternoon an to three weeks of hard work, much learn- At these times the participants worked on American war resister told us about how ing, and much fun and laughter. 8 Pippin - Fall/Winter 2008-2009 Harmony Project By Molly Sutkaitis in contact. The last Friday of each month when this committee went to the Ontario As storytelling is one part of the oral we meet for Stone Soup, we tell stories, Municipal Board, they won. The Children's culture, I thought I would share with you a and entertain each other after a pot luck Peace Theatre became the first tenants. project that has been ongoing since Janu- supper. The meeting place of the Children's At the end of each session of the Har- ary 2007. It is called the Harmony Project. Peace Theatre is 305 Dawes Road, at the mony Project, I tell a story and we encour- The aim is to get young people inter- old Massey Golding Estate. age the children to tell their stories. The ested in storytelling through theatre This estate was a wedding gift to the Harmony Project has been held in librar- games and exercises. This project is in- youngest of the Massey girls, Anne ies, schools and a community centre. The spired by the Children's Peace Theatre Massey, somewhere around the start of participants are between the ages of eight whose mission is to change the culture of the twentieth century. When the family and thirteen. I plan on expanding the Har- war to a culture of peace. The participants was finished with it the mansion became a mony Project to the downtown area in the make up their own play with the guidance boy's school. When the boy's school was fall. My hope is that because the children and direction of artist guides. finished with it the vandals moved in. are participating in an exciting project they I have been, storyteller in residence, It was then that a neighbour formed a will not be come involved in gangs. Maybe there for the last five summer Peace committee to save the mansion from the some will even become storytellers. Mira- Camps. During the rest of the year we keep hands of the developers. Against all odds cles do happen. National Aboriginal Day – June 21st, 2008

By Pat Bisset The acts demon- Lorne Brown, but he had to cancel due to Several years ago, af- strated a variety of ways health problems. We all wished him a quick ter doing volunteer craft to tell a story. My circle recovery. Lorne had been contracted as a making for the Buffalo began with the Metis singer as I had filled my storyteller quota Jump Artist' Collective, I Quartet, four Delbare- rather quickly. Bob Snider was in Toronto, criticized the choice of Sawchuk siblings, descen- and he was gracious in joining us on short entertainment. “You or- dents of Louis Riel, rang- notice. As we crowded under tents in the ganize it” was the re- ing in age from ten to dripping rain, Bob scrapped his planned sponse. early twenties. They are programme to honour requests for audience I'm still organizing it. fine musicians. Tunes favourites such as “What an Idiot” and changed from a lively Red “Bob's Protest Song”. 2008 was the 10th an- River jig to a heart- Yusuke Tanaka of the Katari Tellers nual event. It started with rending song about missing told next. In respect of Aboriginal Day he a parade from City Hall to Mama at boarding school. told an amusing story of “The Last Ainu Trinity Bellwoods Park led There was a short play Bear” and sang an Ainu lullaby. Norm Perrin by women hand drummers and folks carry- about White Buffalo Calf Woman and some told “Tall Tales of the Ottawa Valley” in ing our Sacred Hoop. misguided young people. Part way through Ron's circle. Truth is relative, and Norm The parade was smaller than the last the play the rain came – first sprinkles, likes to tell tales of his Uncle Norm. few years. Ominous clouds threatened. We then heavy. The play was halted and while Metis singer Paul Chaput ended my cir- arrived at the park to the heartbeat sound we waited folks crowded under two small cle for the day. The night before, he had of a giant drum. We were smudged as we tents to hear Donna Dudinsky perform for performed a musical theatre piece about walked through the Sacred Hoop, then her first time in French. She sang a beauti- Champlain to a packed audience in Montreal. formed a giant circle to be addressed by ful 17th Century ballad about a 15 year old Now he brought the same intensity to our the Elders, and were welcomed by huge wild Quebecois girl forced to marry a sea cap- much smaller audience, singing then trans- animal puppets played by Shadowland Thea- tain, followed by a story about Ti-Jean, lating a poignant song about Native and tre. who wins the day with his naivety. The play French first contact. People went off to the various circles. I resumed after Donna and the showers The day rounded off with a closing cir- hosted the White Circle, Loonhawk (Ron ended. cle, with Ojibway songs sung by the Wolf Cook) led at the Black Circle Crafts. The Norma Araiza and her partner danced a Woman Singers. Joe Paquette led a round administration formed the Yellow Circle, beautiful solemn Yaqui dance. It concluded dance. After helping with the packing up, I while Native Elders and Teachers were at with an attempt to light a candle, but as sat and waited for the tent truck. I was the Red Circle. Two of our guests in the the rain began once again to stream they struck by how there was no place else on Red Circle were lively storytellers, Joe and the audience broke down laughing. Earth I would rather have been that day Paquette and Scott Debasige. The next performer would have been than exactly where I was. Pippin - Fall/Winter 2008-2009 9 A STORYTELLING JOURNEY Report on the National Storytelling Network Conference, August 6 to 9, 2008

Celia Lottridge need each other. Tennessee storyteller I know saying that Jennifer Cayley and I were able to at- This conference featured a lot of sto- Doc had had a stroke after the concert. tend this conference in Gatlinburg, Tennes- rytelling, including eight daytime concerts He died a few days later. Jennifer and I see representing SC-CC as part of an ex- given by south-eastern state organizations. felt very fortunate that we had spoken change between SC-CC and the US National We were fortunate to attend the South with him in that deserted corridor. He was Storytelling Network. The exchange only Carolina and Georgia concerts. The telling a storyteller to the end. covers conference registration but SC-CC was really good and gave us a flavour of While this conference did not focus on made a contribution to our travel and it these regions that we would never get in the physical surroundings of the Smoky happens that my mother and sister live not Canada. Mountains we could hardly ignore Gatlin- far from Gatlinburg. Some things are Our most moving encounter with story- burg, “Gateway to the Smokies” and con- meant to happen. telling came on the Saturday evening. We summate tourist town. Just outside the Jo Radner, the president of NSN, wel- were going home before the concert and door of the conference center we had a comed us and we had the chance to talk the corridors of the convention center choice of visiting Ripley’s Believe it or Not with many people who were interested in were nearly empty but we met up with a or witnessing the Struggle Between Good hearing about SC-CC and Canadian storytel- man in a wheel chair who was clearly looking and Evil at the Miracle Theater. We ate ling and storytellers. Although the NSN is for something. When we asked if we could dinner while looking straight into the gaping a much larger organization than SC-CC, help he said, “I’m supposed to be here for a mouth of King Kong (fortunately in the next having over 2000 members, we share many sound check but I don’t know which room building). And, as we walked along the concerns such as how to be more effective the concert is in.” We then realized that crowded street we overheard one man say in getting audiences and how to find venues he was wearing a storytellers badge and he to another, “Do you think I can find a mer- beyond festivals and concert series. The was Doc McConnell, a man who has been a maid here?” “Yeah,” said the other, internet, both as a promotion tool and as a mainstay of the Jonesborough Festival for “there’s bound to be a mermaid.” venue for storytelling, came up many times. decades and is a famous teller of tall tales Later I did take Jennifer beyond Gat- There was much less focus on the NSN and humorous stories of all kinds. In the linburg and into the beautiful Smoky Moun- organization itself and on national projects very few minutes we talked with him he tains. We saw no mermaid but we almost than we experienced at our SC-CC confer- told us two good stories. Then his wife met a bear. But that’s another story. ences. This may be a function of our small came and took him off to the sound check. population and our large space. We really The next morning I got an email from a FALL GATHERING and AGM October 25th was a glorious autumn One of items is of particular importance day and like leaves being blown down the to us all. The new name for The Storytell- street, people made their way to the cozy ers School of Toronto is “Storytelling To- comfort of the Morningside-High Park ronto”. It will take awhile for all of us to Presbyterian Church to take part in the get used to it, but everyone at the meeting Fall Gathering and AGM. agreed it was a change for the better. - A That morning an enthusiastic handful special thank you to Paul Robert, chairper- of tellers participated in Storywalkers – son, for his leadership in this matter. Stepping into the Emotion, led by Deborah A report was received from each of the Dunleavy. A recipient of the Anne Smythe following committees: Appleseed Quar- Award, Deborah had recently returned terly, Pippin, Awards, Memberships, from Scotland, bringing with her a re- Courses, Festival, Storyfire and Legless newed inspiration which she freely shared Stocking. with her fellow tellers. The “Appleseed Quarterly” has been Deborah Dunleavy performs Beaver Hats & Bagpipes. That evening a generous audience discontinued so the last issue of the gathered to hear Deborah performed BEA- Directors. “Quarterly” will be the fall “08 edition. VER HATS & BAGPIPES: Amazing and At the Annual General Meeting, that The membership report indicated that Sometimes True Stories of New Scotland. was held on October 25, 2008 there was our membership was slightly down. If you Annual General Meeting 2008: the usual pleasant ambiance and the meet- have any ideas on how we might increase David Gladstone, on behalf of the Board of ing covered a variety of topics. (Continued on page 14) 10 Pippin - Fall/Winter 2008-2009 A FEAST OF FESTIVALS FOS – FESTIVAL OF STORYTELLING second year, Latitudes joined the K-W Mul- Brockville, September 2008 FOS 2009 takes place in historic downtown ticultural Festival and Anishnabeg Out- Brockville on September 25 & 26. Come to reach Centre in the park to celebrate our FOS was held at the Brockville Museum the magical land of the 1000 Islands and community, its stories, its traditions, and on September 26 and 27 with four events enjoy a weekend of storytelling charm and its food. designed to attract a varied demographic. adventure. Contact Deborah Dunleavy at This year, Latitudes’ global coffee- This included youth, families, teachers, 613-342-3463 or [email protected]. house, serving organic coffee and tea, was storytellers, a popular des- history buffs, tination. the multicul- (Apparently tural commu- coffee is in nity and more. short supply On the Fri- at the other day night the festivals!) program Our adult “Monsters, stage was the Beasts and bandstand on Dragon Tales” the island, an was hosted by idyllic setting Deborah for an imagi- Dunleavy with native and guest tellers, creative fes- Ruth Stewart- tival of sto- Verger and ries. Donna Stewart The Lati- from Ottawa, tude line up Bob Barton included Juno from Toronto, Award winner and Elinor Ben- David jamin from Francey, who Newfoundland. appeared with The event at- Craig Werth tracted a on both days nearly full of the festi- house with a Bob Barton at FOS - Festival of Storytelling in Brockville. Elenor Benjamn and guest sitting inthe background. Bob Barton at FOS - val. At the number of Festival of Storytelling in Brockville. Elenor Benjamn and guest sitting in the background. Old Chestnuts young people Folk Club; between the ages of ten and fourteen. LATITUDES STORYTELLING FESTIVAL stories by rych mills, local historian, by On Saturday morning FOS presented Downpours Didn’t Dampen Spirits spoken word artist Kevin Sutton (aka Un- “Stepping Into The Story”, a workshop led By Lori-Ann Livingston, Chair of the Lati- struck), by Mandippal Jandu, and many oth- by master teller Bob Barton. It attracted a tudes Storytelling Festival Board ers. small but keen group with participants from It rained. It poured. It hailed. It thun- It was David and Craig who closed out Toronto, Kingston, Napanee and Brockville. dered. And while the two other festivals in the festival on Sunday night to a full house, A large and enthusiastic audience of victoria Park in Kitchener packed up and in the spirit of community, goodwill and children and their parents came out on went home during the thunderstorm on good umbrellas, even though bands of thun- Saturday afternoon to hear John Bohusz, June 22, Latitudes Storytelling Festival derstorms continued to move through. Dee Tingley, Bill Lalonde and Deborah carried on. Dan Yashinsky also pulled in a crowd. Dunleavy tell tales from Japan and to see Held on Roos Island, Victoria Park, in The curious came, they heard, and they story mime Noriko Yamamoto beautifully Kitchener, on June 21-22, Latitudes Story- stayed. Also on the adult stage the New perform “The Funny Little Woman”. That telling Festival celebrates stories from Quarterly, a Waterloo-based literary evening Bob Barton performed “Saved By around the world, for children and adults magazine, hosted a panel of writers regal- The Sinking” to an intimate group of twenty alike. ing the audience with their stories of and everyone was greatly impressed with Latitudes is a festival of spoken word, “heart scrunchies.” That’s the feeling you the telling. music, image, theatre and poetry. For the get when you catch the eye of your loved Pippin - Fall/Winter 2008-2009 11

nerships and solidi- Lost Stories". Announced as a storytelling fying ones that we concert, it had more the feeling of an in- made for this year’s tense talk, sometimes even a talk without event. We will have a words - I can't express my feelings more booth on Literacy adequately. I was rather nervous before, Lane during Kitch- coming to a place that had been founded by ener’s Word on the survivors of the Shoah, coming as a German Street on Sept. 28, Non-Jew who has untold stories in his own and we are also spon- family as to all that. I was glad I wasn't soring a storyteller alone, that Regina and Dan and Eli and Gi- on one of their don were with me, each of us with their stages. very own stance and perspective. And, as Gidon expressed it afterwards, I, too, had FESTIVAL IM- the feeling that bridges had been built, and PRESSIONS I hoped that others would feel the same By Martin Ellrodt way. I'd like to thank Dan Yashinsky for This was my first organizing this, and for throwing us into journey to Canada, that cold water. one across a crowded room, or arrive in a my first time in Toronto, and I came - to- "Thank you!" to Brian and the whole city you haven’t been to in a long time, or gether with two fellow storytellers from Board of Directors for inviting us, thanks get a letter from someone you haven’t Germany, Regina Sommer and Gidon to all the festival volunteers who made us heard from in years. Horowitz - by invitiation of the festival. I feel at home in this new world, thanks to all We were joined by Pauline Grondin, was literally stunned by the hospitality, the the Toronto storytelling community for Brad Woods, Rukhsana Khan, Sarah Gran- warm welcome, the curiosity and the receiving us with open arms and hearts and skou, and Midhele Braniff. The list of stel- friendliness that embosomed me. Nine days showing such a spirit of sharing and togeth- lar professional storytellers was a big rea- of festival, nine days of beautiful stories, erness. I will never forget those beautiful son to come to the festival. wonderful tellers, good talk (and good days. Latitudes prides itself on drawing sto- food!) showed me the ries and storytellers from the community, real broad range of too, and so this year the children’s tent what storytelling can featured stories told in Farsi by Mehran mean. Rad and translated into English by his I enjoyed both daughter. Mehran is a teacher at the local listening to and being Persian school, and his stories were accom- given the space and panied by music played on traditional Ira- honor to tell stories. nian instruments. As a listener, the Rose Ong’ech from Kenya, and local au- evenings at the thor and poet, Erin Noteboom, were among Church had an atmos- the amateur storytellers appearing in the phere I have never children’s tent. We also have ongoing sup- witnessed before in port from the Guelph Guild of Storytellers, any other storytelling and both Maryann Bailey and Brian Holstein place. Harbourfront joined us for the third year in a row. Center was, in a way, Two artists, Sheila Diemert and Alex quite the opposite: Van Gaalen, joined Latitudes this year for small, intimate the first time. Their work, in part, deals spaces, between them with multicultural themes, telling its own the light from the stories with vibrant colours. lake. And Lula Lounge Francey, who won his third Juno for with its very special roots-traditional music for his latest al- air of weirdness and bum, Right of Passage, in April, also ap- gaiety - well, I could peared in concert at Trinity United Church, indulge in memories 74 Frederick St., Kitchener on June 21, for quite a long time. sponsored by Latitudes. As a teller, a very Two months after the festival ended, special evening for me we haven’t stopped. We are planning bigger was at Habonim con- and better things for next year, new part- gregation, telling "The 12 Pippin - Fall/Winter 2008-2009 Some Thoughts on Appleseed Quarterly

By Lorne Brown Well, the years went by. Joan Bodger out was Meryl Arbing, our original Design It was a pleasant summer day in the dropped out as co-editor almost immedi- Editor. AQ was, officially, the Canadian summer of 1990. Joan Bodger and I were ately. Various Cock Robin editors came and Journal of Storytelling, and was part of the sitting on a bench in my backyard, talking went – Carol Howe, Jackie Howard, Jean membership of, not only The Storytellers of this and talking of that. Suddenly, Joan Bubba, Glenna Janzen, and Denise Mark- School of Toronto, but also Storytellers of said, “Why don’t we start a storytelling hame. “Pippins” eventually became a special Canada/Conteurs du Canada. Our last issue journal? A real, literary journal, not a insert under the editorship of Paul Conway, was 56 pages! newsletter?” and eventually evolved into a separate pub- After 45 issues, Meryl and I decided to And thus was Appleseed Quarterly lication altogether, the Pippin we now know retire as Editors. Brian Hetherington took born. over, and AQ be- Our first issue came an 11 x 8 ½ came out in February inch publication. of 1991. It was a slim Articles in French issue, 24 pages plus made their wel- the cover. The 8 ½ by come appearance. 5 ½ inch quarterly had Photographs in a light grey colour black and white cover with an old wood- were included, cut selected by Design thanks to Design Editor Meryl Arbing. Editor Bruce Car- The feature article mody. was “Great Pan is Twenty issues Dead” by Joan Bodger, later, Vol 17 No 2, a scholarly epistle: ‘If 24 pp, AQ ceased the initiates all die out, to publish. The the power passes, but costs were becom- the structures remain ing too great, SC- …’ ‘…Keep your eye on CC’s publication Le that axle (Kronos’ Raconteur and our Chariot). When it is own Pippin were broken, Time is dis- very successful in placed. The succession their own way, and is open.’ and love. “30” was written for real for Appleseed The feature interview was with Toronto The articles changed from being mostly Quarterly. teller and teacher Aubrey Davis and his written by me to being written by tellers Kronos’ Chariot is broken. Time is dis- position as a storyteller within the board from across Canada. Regional editors be- placed. The succession is open. of education. came an important part of the AQ family; It is a spectacular fall day as I write The late (and still lamented) Carol Howe by my last issue (Spring 2002, Vol 12 No 1) these words. The leaves are falling, and was a contributing editor; “Pippins” was the they were Dunc Shields (Pacific Coast), soon the trees will be bare. As Robert ‘newsletter’ component of AQ. The listings Holly Nelson (Prairies), Carol Leigh Frost says, "Nothing gold can stay." included such names as Sandy Byer, Camilla Wehking (Central Canada), and Linda Win- I am going out … Gryski, Alec Gelcer, Sally Jaeger, Helen ham (Atlantic Canada). Lynda Howes was Be good and play together, Porter, Alice Kane, Rita Cox, and a special the Copy Editor, and Mary-Eileen McClear My cricket children. evening of Arabian Nights stories with Dan was the Review Editor. Constant through- Issa Yashinsky and George Sawa. Aubrey Davis, PASSAGES Marylyn Peringer, and yours truly were advertised as the Intensive Summer In Memory of Jay Armin th Course instructors. The 13 annual Toronto Toronto storytellers with long memories to see the two of them. So it is with re- Festival of Storytelling was advertised. will remember Jay Armin, a 1001 Friday gret that I say that Jay passed away in The book review “A Storyteller’s Shelf” Nights stalwart in the old days. He hasn't July 2008. I couldn't make the Remem- was of Dan Yashinsky’s Tales for an Un- been around for quite a while, but when brance Service, but Dan Yashinsky did and known City. “Cock Robin’s Almanac” made Lynda Howes organized a 25th Anniver- told me there was lots of mention of sto- its first appearance, a folk calendar col- sary of 1001 Nights, Jay and his wife rytelling. Marta is in a wheel chair but still umn. The story to tell was King o’ the Cats. Marta showed up. Many of us were so glad as sharp as a tack. Lorne Brown Pippin - Fall/Winter 2008-2009 13 STORIES GOING ‘ROUND On September Hildy led Street fair. It was a beautiful day and 21 Heather participants packed with people. Just over 500 bro- Whaley pre- in shaping chures were passed out and many personal sented Summer and sharing connections were made. The board would Seas and Memo- told or writ- like to thank the volunteers who gave of ries with Kim ten, brief their time to help us out: Mariella Bertelli, Michele at personal Pat Bisset, June Brown, Bernice Hune, the Words anecdotes Anna Kerz, Marylyn Peringer, Paul Robert, Alive Literary with each Goldie Spencer and Harriet Xanthakos. Festival in other. This Sharon, Ontario. was followed On September with an eve- 27 Heather and ning concert, Kim presented Love Voices in the Wind at Treasured Voices with a Twist of Fun' the Stellar Literary Festival in Oshawa. Hildy Stollery, Heather Whaley, Enid De- Hildy Stollery, retired University Profes- Coe, Doris Cherkas and Dianne Chandler. sor and folklorist, led a workshop for the Dianne Chandler, Doris Cherkas, Enid Durham Folklore Society on September 20. DeCoe and Heather Whaley joined guest Entitled Personal Stories and Folktales, musicians Rob and Tory Bedard for an eve- ning of story- telling and music on Oc- tober 25 at the Arts Re- source Centre in Oshawa. Noriko Yamamoto toured the Near North District School Board under the Storytel- On Septem- ling In Rural Schools Program. ber 28th, On November 10 Laurel Dee Gugler gave a 2008 TSST reading of her new book A Piece of Forever was at the (James Lorimer & Co. Ltd.) at Friends annual Word House. Donations and proceeds form book on the sales went to War Child Canada.

Centre for Digital Storytelling The Centre for Digital Storytelling (CDS) is a nonprofit organizations, and local communities non-profit organization rooted in the art of Story Circle Evenings to shed light on a host of critical social and personal storytelling. CDS supports an inter- In each story circle, a small group will political issues that affect us all. Sharing national storytelling movement; the head of- come together to celebrate the stories of digital stories at workshops, trainings, events, fice is in California, and has grown across the their lives. There are different themes to conferences, or film festivals can create dia- , in Europe, and now, in Can- guide the storytelling, and to help participants logue, educate viewers and move them to re- ada. They are working in partnership with engage with each other. At the end of each flect on their own behaviors. Digital stories the Centre for Community Learning & Devel- session, there is a sharing of a few digital can be used to as a tool for education and opment (CCLD) and they are located at 269 stories on the theme of the night. awareness, movement building, policy and ad- Gerrard Street East, Toronto. Story Circle Evenings take place on vocacy, research and evaluation, and can mobi- What is Digital Storytelling? Wednesdays from 6-8pm at the Centre for lize local communities to take action. A digital story is a two to five minute Community Learning& Development (CCLD), video created by people of all ages - they 269 Gerrard St. East, Toronto, on the 2nd Centre for Digital Storytelling share their own life story through voice, im- Floor of Parliament Library. Phone: (416) 968-6989 ages, music and other found objects in their Fax: (416) 968-0597 lives. Workshops blend creative writing, oral Community Workshops: Contact: Jennifer LaFontaine history, and grassroots video production to Digital storytelling is a creative and ef- Email: [email protected] support personal and community transforma- fective tool that is being used by grassroots www.storycentre.org tion. organizers, health and social service agencies 14 Pippin - Fall/Winter 2008-2009 Travel, Folklore and Family An evening of Storytelling with Deborah Dunleavy

By Karen Waterman bling listeners to better un- What do I love about going out to hear an derstand evening of storytelling? I love to relax and themselves feel like a little child again. I love to have and to respond my imagination rekindled and to think about to life with times long ago, forests, villages, strange creativity and characters and to listen with appreciation insight.” Deb- to songs and stories about real life hard- orah told ships and triumphs. An evening listening to these kinds of Deborah’s new show BEAVER HATS & BAG- stories and PIPES: Amazing and Sometimes True Sto- made us want ries and Songs from New Scotland, satis- to learn more fies the appetite for a good yarn. about our Deborah was a recipient of the Anne heritage. Smythe Award and traveled to Scotland Good story- last June to study with storyteller and tellers make bard, David Campbell. For 23 days Deborah us listen and was immersed in listening to stories, bal- respond with lads, discovering books in old archives, vis- our emotions. iting old churches and small towns. Before Great story- going over to Scotland she devised a won- tellers open derful program to share with audiences our hearts and there and she brought even more stories minds and and songs back home. Tales of emigration, leave us want- lumber jacks, murder, theft, family rela- ing to explore tions and my favourite, a fairy tale called telling our own “The King and the Foal” all come to life in a stories. They very colourful way. make it look Deborah has a way of instantly building easy and fun. rapport with her audience. In “Privilege of Deborah, be- the Limits” Deborah embraces the charac- ing a great ter of Mrs. McTavish and we, the listeners, storyteller are swept away to the settler days of long concluded the ago. She also is an amazing singer and her concert with songs “The Scarborough Settler’s Lament” one wish, “Go Noriko Yamamoto and Deborah Dunleavy at FOS - Festival of Storytelling, and the Lumberjack song, “Two Sisters” out and tell Brockville had us spellbound. your stories, In her storytelling workshops held or even tell some of mine, just tell your only had one wish at the end of the evening, earlier on October 25, Deborah explored audience that you learned them from me!” I and that was to hear more! several approaches to unlocking the emo- tional side of storytelling which she demon- strated beautifully in her own storytelling FALL GATHERING and AGM cont’d that evening. Storyteller Aubrey Davis (Continued from page 9) Two Board members retired: Michael said, “Humans are storytelling creatures. Lobraico and Andrew Eliott. We communicate our experience through our membership please forward your ideas The slate of board members voted in for stories. We are predisposed to tell them to a Board member or to our Office Man- the 2008-2009 fiscal year are Karen Blair, and listen to them; and to learn from them. ager, Jody James. June Brown, David Gladstone, Paul Robert, Every nation has its oral tales. They are Cathy Melville gave a very detailed and Hildy Stollery, Molly Sutkaitis and Tasleem used to entertain, inform or impart morals excellent financial report. As usual, we Thawar and social values… the best of them develop need to watch next year’s expenses to be We hope that you will plan to join us at thinking skills and enrich perspectives ena- sure to be stay within the budget. next year’s AGM. Pippin - Fall/Winter 2008-2009 15 Listings — Winter 2009

GATHERINGS ville. All tellers and listeners welcome. Info: Wehking. At The Butler's Pantry, 591 Deborah Dunleavy, (613) 342-3463, Markham Street, Toronto. Come early for a [email protected] good seat and enjoy a meal. Admission $20, $15 in advance (before Nov. 27) Info and The Durham Folklore Society meets every tickets: (416) 656-2445, 3rd Thursday, 7:30-9:30pm at the Oak [email protected] Room, Northview Community Centre, 150 Beatrice St. E., Oshawa. Info: Dianne Chan- St.Marys Storytelling performance series dler, (905) 985-3424. starts on Sunday, January 11, 2pm, at the *NEW* The Peterborough Storytellers Anglican Church, 65 Church St. S., St. Cercle de conteurs de l’Est de l’Ontario meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month, Marys. Featured is Jennifer White, who (CCEO) se réunit le 4ème mardi du mois au 7-9pm (except for the December meeting sings, plays Celtic harp, and tells magical MIFO, 6600 rue Carrière, Orléans, à juin. on the 16th) in the auditorium of the Peter- Celtic stories. Info: Nancy Vermond, (519) Venez tout simplement entendre et savourer; borough Public Library. Info: Diana, (705) 284-2697, [email protected] osez conter, si vous désirez. Info: luci- 755-0201. [email protected] The Legless Stocking presents The Art of 1,001 Friday Nights of Storytelling con- the Ballad: Stories Sung and Told on Friday, The Hamilton Storytelling Circle meets tinues every Friday evening at 8pm at the February 27, 7pm at The Artscape monthly, at varied times and locations. Info: Innis College Café, Sussex Ave. and Wychwood Barns, 76 Wychwood Avenue, Barry Rosen, [email protected] or St.George St., Toronto. Suggested donation Toronto. Clary Croft from Halifax and [email protected] $5. Open to all who wish to listen or tell. Teresa Doyle from Prince Edward Island will be among the performers. The presenta- (416) 656-2445, www.1001fridays.org The Guelph Guild of Storytellers meets the tion will be repeated the following evening, lst Wednesday of each month, 7:30pm at the Baden Second Story Workshop, aka The Saturday, February 28, at 7:30pm at The Cooperators Building, MacDonnel St., and the Story Barn, meets the lst Friday of the Butler's Pantry, 591 Markham Street. $20, 2nd Wednesday at 8pm for Stories at the month at 8:00pm, 89 Snyders Rd.W. Info: $15 in advance. Info and tickets: (416) 656- Boathouse, a tea room on the river, Gordon Mary-Eileen McClear, maryei- 2445, [email protected] St. Info: Ann, (519) 763-4598. [email protected] The Montreal Storytellers Guild meets the STORYTELLERS SCHOOL Storytelling Guild meets in Baden once a 4th Tues. of the month at the Westmount month on the third Friday, 7:30-10pm. 89 EVENTS Library. Info: Christine Mayr, christine- Snyders Rd W. Info: Mary-Eileen McClear, [email protected] [email protected]

The Dufferin Circle of Storytellers meets the 1st Thursday of the month, 7:30pm. PERFORMANCES Info: (416) 656-2445 Info: Nancy Woods, (519)925-0966. www.storytellingtoronto.org, [email protected] The Brant Taletellers Guild, open to all storytellers and listeners, meets the first Storytelling I - First Steps into the Art of Wednesday of the month, September to Storytelling, led by Ruth Danziger. A week- June, 7pm, at the main branch of the Brant- end designed for newcomers to the art, fo- ford Public Library. Info: Heather Whaley and harpist Kim Michele cusing on traditional stories such as folktale, www.comdir.bfree.on.ca , email taletell- tell "The Nutcracker" on Sunday, November myth and legend. Friday, November 21, 7- [email protected] or phone Barbara Sisson, 23, 2pm at Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas Street 10pm; Saturday and Sunday, November 22-23, (519) 756-0727 West, Toronto. Admission $10. Brunch (not 10am-4:30pm. At Lillian H. Smith Public Li- included in admission) available at noon; for brary, 239 College St., Toronto. Fee: $232. St. Mary’s Storytelling Guild meets the brunch reservations call (416) 588-0307 or Storytelling III - Master Class, led by Celia 4th Thursday of the month at the public visit www.lula.ca. To reserve concert tickets Lottridge. Experienced storytellers will work library, 7-8:30pm. The Storytelling Circle call Heather, (905) 668-2174, email on a story and receive useful feedback on for children 10 and older meets on the 2nd [email protected] both the story and the telling. The course Friday at St. Mary’ United Church, 85 will focus on the art of critiquing and the skill Church St., 7-9pm. $2. Info: Nancy Ver- The Legless Stocking series of concerts of managing the transition between the writ- mond, (519) 284-2698, [email protected] begins Saturday, December 6, 7:30pm, with ten word and the told story. Participants are The Season of the Year, Songs and Tales for asked to come with a story they wish to work The 1000 Islands Yarnspinners meet at the Solstice, featuring Meryl Arbing, jazz on. Wednesdays, January 7 to February 18, 7pm on the third Monday of the month at singer Innifa, Karen Kaplan, Joanne Crab- 2009, 7 - 9:30pm, at Celia's house. Fee: the Brockville Museum, 5 Henry St., Brock- tree, Glenna Janzen and Carol Leigh $350. 16 Pippin - Fall/Winter 2008-2009

Every Friday night since 1978 storytellers and listeners have been gathering in downtown Toronto. Each evening is hosted by an accomplished storyteller. Anyone is welcome to tell a story.

Every Friday night is unique.

Suggested donation: $5.00 Time: 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Innis College Café 2 Sussex Street, Toronto. (corner St. George, one block south of Bloor St. W. St. George Subway - St. George St. exit)

www.1001fridays.org

YOU ARE THE NEWS. The Storytellers School of Toronto gratefully acknowledges the support of the following government agencies:

CELEBRATE YOUR STORYTELLING ADVENTURES. NEXT DEADLINE FOR PIPPIN SUBMISSIONS IS FEBRUARY 01 2009 Send them to the Editor at [email protected]