Saturday, January 17, 2009

STORY CAFÉ - LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!



It has been a while since I posted to my blog. The fall and early winter months brought along some new opportunities that kept me busy, and the holidays came and went in a swirl of activity. I hope you rang in the New Year surrounded by loved ones. May the coming months be filled with bliss and blessings for all.

One of the things that has been on my "wish list" for sometime has finally come to fruition! I have been blessed to partner with a terrific organization in New Bedford, MA, Artworks! Director Irene Buck shared my vision of offering a new, monthly venue for Storytelling and Spoken Word artists. The venue is located in beautiful, historic, downtown New Bedford at an art gallery nestled in an intimate setting, perfect for storytelling, music, conversation and connecting with others.

We kicked off our opening night with Storyteller and First Amendment Lawyer Michael Anderson in December. Michael's offbeat, personal stories were the perfect complement to the artistic, eclectic, and intimate setting.

This month, Bob Reiser will share his new story, Red Diaper Baby Blues! The title alone makes me smile! I know we are in for an amazing evening of laughter, song and story. Here is some background on Bob, his upcoming show and the venue location.

What was it like to grow up on the Left side of Coney Island Avenue where Red was a Banner, not a color? And strike! was a battle cry, not an umpire's call! Listen to Bob’s new tale of love, passion and politics back in the day.

DATE: Saturday, January 31, 2009
TIME: 7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
LOCATION: Artworks!, 384 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA
ADMISSION: Free

McFarland Press listed him among the "120 best contemporary English-speaking Storytellers."Called “a force of nature,” by Brother Blue, Bob was recently featured at Vancouver’s World Story Day, Albany’s Riverway Festival, and the National Storytelling Conference Fringe Festival in Pittsburgh, Bob’s tales range from folk tales to his own brand of fables to personal stories of his beloved Brooklyn. His Books include Carry it On and Everybody says Freedom, written with Pete Seeger and David Gets His Drum, with jazz drummer Panama Francis.

You can also sign up for your ten minute turn at the mic! Share your own story, music, song, essay or poem or be a “featured listener.” Admission is free but there will be a “pass the hat” for the featured performer during the evening. Coffee, tea and refreshments will be available.

UPCOMING SHOWS: SAVE THE DATES!

February 28, 2009 New Hampshire Storyteller Meg Gilman offers love stories to complement Valentine's Day with Second Chances, Wishes Gone Awry, & a Little Love, Too.

March 14, 2009 Storyteller Norah Dooley and harpist Susan Miron celebrate all things Irish with Irish Tales and music.

April 4, 2009 Tony Toledo celebrates April Fool's Day with Our Dog Knows Sign Language and Other April Fool's Phone Calls.

May Date TBD Storyteller Andrea Lovett

More fabulous times are in the works for May and beyond so be sure to check my blog or the Artworks! website for more details on the above performers and upcoming shows.

Why not come to New Bedford early and explore historic downtown or enjoy dinner before the show? For information on historic New Bedford go to: http://www.downtownnb.org/

For directions: http://www.artworksforyou.org/hours.html

For parking: http://tinyurl.com/5qdafo

Please come and join us. We would love to hear what you have to say and share. In these unsettling times, we need the arts, and each other, more than ever!