GREENFIELD — For nearly four decades, the annual Solstice Storytelling and Songfest Celebration has accomplished two primary goals: raising money for local and international causes, and raising spirits during the darkest time of the year.
That tradition continues Saturday, when the 37th annual event will raise money for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and to support two families of Afghan refugees living in Turners Falls. While invited friends and family members can attend the performance at Temple Israel, others can watch via Zoom from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The recordings will also be shared on YouTube and Facebook for later viewing.
Colrain resident Rebecca Tippens, one of the event’s organizers and storytellers, said the Solstice Storytelling and Songfest Celebration raised $2,700 in 2020, its largest amount to date, due to it being held over Zoom as a health safety precaution amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Although there isn’t an admission fee, donations are emphasized. Donations always support the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts along with, typically, an internationally based organization.
“We hope that people find a link and donate because that’s our intention — to spread a little goodness and light during the dark times of the year,” Tippens explained. Donations can be made at templeisraelgreenfield.org/payments.
She said the storytellers decided to support Afghan refugees because it is a cause Temple Israel is involved in, and they wanted to express gratitude for use of the venue. In the past, the event has been held at The Roundhouse in Colrain, Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center in Greenfield and the Shelburne Falls Senior Center.
“It’s a timely and concerning issue,” Tippens said of supporting Afghan refugees. “We have a lot to be ashamed of in terms of our military policy in Afghanistan. Whatever we can do as a community to be able to address some of those unfortunate actions there, let’s go for it.”
Most of the 11 storytellers, Tippens said, herself included, have been performing at the Solstice Storytelling and Songfest Celebration for its entire 37-year history. All are local to the Pioneer Valley. They are: Jay Goldspinner, David Arfa, Christy Grecsek, Yosl Kurland, Rona Leventhal, Rob Peck, John Porcino, Sarah Pirtle, Tim Van Egmond and Rochelle Wildfong.
While all the stories are family-oriented and focused on the solstice or holidays, Tippens said stories geared toward children are told earlier in the evening. Some performers play music simultaneously, while some performances involve more movement than others.
Although Tippens said she misses welcoming a fully in-person audience, sharing the Solstice Storytelling and Songfest Celebration online broadens the event’s reach.
“There’s a bit of a sadness because we love the fact that when we were together as a community, we were building community,” she said. “Building that community also brought the feeling of holding onto light. We also had a number of things where we could interact with the audience, like a candle lighting … for our opening ritual.”
Laughs often became contagious, and intermission provided an opportunity for guests to mingle. However, people from across the country are able to view the event — and donate — thanks to it being streamed on Zoom, YouTube and Facebook.
“This is a lovely call, having it on Zoom, to be able to ring the bell, ‘We’re all still here guys! We’re holding onto the light!’” Tippens said. Even once the event is fully back in-person, she suspects it will be recorded “just to make those long-distance connections.”
Saturday’s event can be accessed via Zoom at bit.ly/3EZ6BmP. It will also be shared on YouTube at bit.ly/3EYJusd and on Temple Israel’s Facebook page at facebook.com/TempleIsraelGreenfield.
Donations can be made at templeisraelgreenfield.org/payments. At least $10 is suggested. Checks made out to “Solstice Celebration” can also be sent to Rebecca Tippens, 68 Van Nuys Road, Colrain, MA 01340. Tippens asks that those mailing donations let her know first by emailing storydancing@gmail.com.
Reach Shelby Ashline at 413-772-0261, ext. 270 or sashline@recorder.com.