Monday, February 25, 2008

Storytelling Families


I was doing a family storytelling “performance” at the Mount Washington Hotel and Resort in Bretton Woods, NH last week. The storytelling began at 8.30pm and was to go until 9.30pm. I was wondering what kind of audience I would be getting at that time – a bunch of older cynical kids eager to get away from younger siblings or their parents putting the wee ones to bed; adults with nothing better to do; younger kids tired and crabby from skiing all day and wired on hot chocolate before going to bed? It was all of these! But the group was a great group for all that. Some stayed for one story then left, some stayed for a few tales before leaving, but most stuck out the whole set.

I had set up early and sat tuning the bodhran when people began to arrive early and waited expectantly for me to start – a good 15 minutes early. So, yes, I began - with a full moon tale, which is short, whilst we waited for the rest to gather and join us. At the end of the tale I lead everyone outside onto the balcony and looked up at the almost full moon to show that “hare was still up there on the moon, wondering how to get back home.” A buzz ran through the audience which I got a kick out of, I have to say! Then the ‘real’ storytelling began. I ran up to and a little over my 9.30pm finishing time and parents carried out their sleepy children, older kids gave me thumbs up and nods as they coolly left, and the adults who were there with nothing better to do left with smiles on their faces. A great feeling, all round I think.

A few folks came over to say a few words after I had finished, and I was thrilled myself when one couple came over with their six year old, still taking photos of me and my backdrop, to say they had had a great time. Why was I thrilled about this one family? We talked for a while about stories and how their child loved them. I commented that he had been so engaged that they must tell him a few tales themselves. It turned out that Grandma told the tales, and they were Indian tales. The family’s roots were in India and Grandma knew all the traditional tales and told them to her grandson. It seemed that dad (son-in-law) was a huge fan of these storytelling sessions with Grandma too! I suggested that they record these stories, not just for themselves, but also for future or other grandchildren who might not be so fortunate to have Grandma so near by. They seemed to be keen on the idea. It was great to hear that all the way from India the child was getting a good dose of traditional storytelling from a close family member – something, I fear, is rare today, even when Grandma is just around the corner.

Peace,

Simon

Friday, February 15, 2008

New CD - "More Second-hand Tales" and catch up!

Okay, so it has been a long, long while since I last blogged. Time seems to fly by so quickly, and what with gigging, being the stay-at-home dad, and children's librarian, I seem to have too little time to blog. But I will endeavour to be a little more diligent.

In December 2007 I began working with Steve Blanchard of the Conniption Fits. He is recording my new CD, 'More Second-hand Tales'. We are still in production. We have the stories recorded and the other night we recorded the music. I am so lucky that I have great musician friends who wanted to contribute to this second cd. Rick Barrows and Steve Glazer return and we have a new member of the Houghton Hill Billies - Greg Gundlach playing second guitar. Unfortunately Maureen could not make it so we are sadly missing the fiddle. In its place we have banjo (Rick) and a second guitar. It sounded good when we recorded it, but I am really looking forward to hearing it 'fresh' in a couple of days. That will be when I know if we have what I want! It is just a little nerve-racking.

Rob Brookes is once again doing the artwork for the new cd, which I am thrilled about. This time we have dragons. If you have not seen Rob’s work, please visit my website http://www.DiamondScree.com and click on CD. Follow the links to Rob’s work. Or you could go to www.cdbaby.com/cd/simonbrooks and buy ‘Second-hand Tales’ and see it close up in your hands!

Last year was a great year for me. I performed at over 90 different venues! I have worked mainly at libraries and schools, but was also fortunate enough to perform at the Three Apples Storytelling Festival, m.c.ed at Sharing The Fire (the storytelling conference for the League of New England Storytelling), and I performed at a couple of farmer's markets, and at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. A great year! I hope to have an equally fun year in 2008. I have a couple of gigs booked for CT, which will be the first time I have performed there. I am looking forward to that. I will also be at STF again this spring, but this time I will not m.c.ing, but will be performing at the Friday Night Opener. I am very excited about that.

My next gig is at the Mount Washington Hotel and Resort, Bretton Woods, NH. I will be there on Tuesday 19th February, performing at 8.30pm. It is a family show, and my own family will be there, as we are staying the night. We are all looking forward to that. A wonderful opportunity. I also have a regular performance at Zack's Place in Woodstock VT. My next visit there is on the 29th February, at 4.15pm. Other gigs that I have are not open to the public, as there are at schools, but new dates for my 'public performances' will be posted on my website.

Anyway, I have to go and do some work! Visit my website for more details (www.diamondscree.com), or return to this blog!

Peace,
Simon