ASHFIELD — The annual Solstice Storytelling and Songfest Celebration returns on Saturday, Dec. 17, for an evening of sharing music and memories.
Now in its 38th year, the event will take place at 7 p.m. at the Ashfield Congregational Church at 429 Main St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. A remote option will also be available via Zoom and Facebook (through the church’s Facebook page), according to organizers. A Zoom link can be requested by calling 413-624-5140.
The nearly 40-year-old tradition began when a group of local storytellers gathered in someone’s living room to share stories, according to organizer and Colrain resident Rebecca Tippens. The group eventually organized monthly events focused on topics that were seasonally relevant.
“Every year at solstice we would tell stories in tandem with each other and bring in folk artists,” Tippens said.
Tippens said there are often a number of themes that emerge from the stories people choose to tell, but the aim for all is to send people home “with a brightness in your eye at the darkest time of year.”
The core band of storytellers includes Jay Goldspinner, Christy Grecsek, Yosl Kurland, Rona Leventhal, Rob Peck, Sarah Pirtle, John Porcino, Rebecca Tippens, Tim Van Egmond and Rochelle Wildfong. Guest performers include Anthony Melting Tallow, The Brian Bender & Robby Roiter Jazz Duo, and Norma Jean Haynes.
Although there isn’t an admission fee, organizers are suggesting a $12 to $20 donation for adults and $5 to $10 donation for children. Proceeds will be split between the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and the Ohketeau Cultural Center in Ashfield.
“Storytelling causes us to reflect,” Tippens said. “You listen to the words and you go deep into your own mind and memory. They are all manor of stories that tickle us in different ways.”
Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne. Bella Levavi contributed reporting.