CD Release Party

In April I received my first CD, fresh from the printers: Second-hand Tales. I was thrilled. On June 10th I held a CD release party at the Howe Library, Hanover, NH. It was an amazing success. To be honest, I hoped for rain as I knew after all the wet weather we have had here, there was no way people would come to an indoor event if the sun was shining! Selfish I know!

Sometimes people are unsure of what to call what I do – is it a performance, is it a show? It’s storytelling! I sit, stand, walk about, act out the tales I tell, getting into a mental space, becoming part of the story. I describe what I see in my mind, which changes from performance to performance. I tell the audience what I see in my mind, hope that they too see it, and most importantly of all I have a great time. And that was how it was at the CD release party. However, to describe the event as a ‘CD release party’ would be to almost belittle what it became for me. As I said in a “thank you” email to one of the folks who came to the party, it was a humbling event. It showed me how many people in this wonderful community look to one another and supports one another in large ways, in small ways and all ways in between. The young ones (and grown-ups!) make it SO worthwhile. Their faces and laughter makes this the great profession it is.

The children’s librarian, Denise Reitsma, and her staff at the Howe Library did a wonderful job. The cake was incredible! They had Belise Draper: BeliseDraper@aol.com make a cake for 50 people and on its top was, in icing, the CD cover. Such a fantastic job! Everyone who was part of the party, who came to the party made it a great event. My thanks go to all those who came. Don’t miss the next one!

Eighty-five people came to the Howe on Saturday and listened to my stories! It was truly wonderful to see so many folks that I did not know, in amongst those I did. It was humbling.

Thanks.

Remember to visit my website: www.DiamondScree.com for more details, more news, listings of gigs/shows etc.

Peace,

Simon Brooks, storyteller

World of Stories

Welcome to a world of stories. This blog has been created so I can post my thoughts, when I have them or the time to post the few I have about what I am doing and the odd story, too.

I am British and have been living in the States with my wife Sarah, for over 11 years. I began storytelling when working for the Youth Hostel Association (England and Wales) back in 1991, but turned professional in 2003. Since then I have told tales at schools, libraries, a couple of festivals and at private parties.

Combining my passion for children’s literature and folklore, I have created a fun program for all ages. My repertoire comes mainly from European folk and faery tales, but I also includes stories from South America, Africa, China and Japan amongst other countries. All these stories are given life and animation by unique voices, as I act them out in front of a captivated audience! Honest! Just visit my website and look at my testimonials! www.diamondscree.com

Well, I must be off to do some work - learn and practise more stories!

Peace,
Simon