Light and laughter: Solstice Storytelling and Songfest Celebration marks 40th year

Christy Grecsek shares a poem alongside Tim Van Egmond on hammer dulcimer at the 38th annual Solstice Storytelling and Songfest Celebration held at the First Congregational Church of Ashfield in 2022. Both Grecsek and Van Egmond will participate in the 40th annual event on Saturday.

Christy Grecsek shares a poem alongside Tim Van Egmond on hammer dulcimer at the 38th annual Solstice Storytelling and Songfest Celebration held at the First Congregational Church of Ashfield in 2022. Both Grecsek and Van Egmond will participate in the 40th annual event on Saturday. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/TRISH PARKER

By ADA DENENFELD KELLY

For the Recorder

Published: 12-20-2024 1:02 PM

ASHFIELD — A collective of local storytellers will present an evening of storytelling and music this winter solstice to encourage warmth and community during the longest night of the year.

“I think to most of us it means simply, at the darkest time of the year, there’s still great light,” storyteller and musician John Porcino said. “It’s about bringing that light forward with laughter, and a little connection and a little richness.”

This year marks the 40th annual Solstice Storytelling and Songfest Celebration, and some of the featured performers have been involved since the event’s inception. The show will be held Saturday, Dec. 21, at the First Congregational Church at 429 Main St. in Ashfield beginning at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30.

There is a suggested donation of $12 to $20 for adults and $5 to $10 for children. Storyteller Rebecca Tippens said all the money raised will be divided among three organizations: the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Partners in Health and the Center for Biological Diversity. Florence Savings Bank and Greenfield Savings Bank assist with covering production costs.

Tippens added that attendees can bring non-perishable food that will be donated to the Franklin Area Survival Center as well as food to share with one another during intermission. Pine Hill Orchards in Colrain is donating cider for attendees to enjoy, and tea will be available as well.

Porcino said he believes there is a lot of variety in what is encompassed under the term “storytelling,” and thus a wide range of stories that will be told at the event.

“The definition of storytelling is broad,” he said, adding that he thinks it boils down to “using words in some way to spin a tale that brings a little something good to the planet.”

Giving a sneak peek of his own performance for the 40th annual celebration, Porcino said he plans to tell “a series of tall-tale whoppers about wintertime” in a Yankee accent. Tippens will be telling an adapted version of the children’s story “Elsie Piddock Skips in Her Sleep,” while storyteller and musician Tim Van Egmond will sing the Kate Rusby song “As the Lights Go Out” and lead audience members through a process of “gathering the light of the unconquered sun and rekindling it in people’s hearts” in preparation for the long night.

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Other performers include Sonny Crawford, Christy Grecsek, Yosl Kurland, Peggy Davis, Aaron Bouse, Sarah Pirtle and Rochelle Wildfong.

The anniversary event will also feature guest performer Joyce “White Deer” Vincent, who worked at the University of Massachusetts Amherst before retiring in 2019. One of her roles there was working with Indigenous students through the Josephine White Eagle Cultural Center.

Van Egmond said he likes the annual event because of the sense of community.

“There’s a lot of meaning in creating connection with others through sharing stories and songs,” Van Egmond said.

Porcino echoed this sentiment.

“Laughter is light in the darkness,” Porcino said. “For many people, this has been a hard year. And we’re looking at what feels like a difficult time ahead. And I think when we laugh, it’s almost a form of resistance. It’s a form of saying, ‘I’m not gonna stop living.’ Keep making this one wild and precious life, as Mary Oliver says, a good life.”

There will be Zoom access available for those who are unable to join in person. Those who are interested in receiving a Zoom link can email solstice@ganeydn.com or visit the event’s Facebook page at facebook.com/events/549933464322122. Additionally, a recording will be available on YouTube after editing is complete.

In the event of inclement weather on Saturday night, the Solstice Storytelling and Songfest Celebration will be postponed until Sunday, Dec. 22, at 3 p.m. To inquire about whether the event is postponed, call 413-768-1976 in the late morning on Saturday.