Local talent provided a bright spot during a dark season over the weekend, as creatives gathered to celebrate the upcoming winter solstice.
Places of worship in both Ashfield and Greenfield were filled with light in anticipation of Wednesday, at which point the darkest day of the year will occur as Earth achieves its maximum tilt away from the sun. On Saturday evening, storytellers of various mediums convened at the Ashfield Congregational Church for the 38th annual Solstice Storytelling and Songfest Celebration. Then, Eveline MacDougall, founder and director of the Fiery Hope chorus, led residents in song during her annual Songs for the Solstice event at Temple Israel in Greenfield on Sunday.
Organized by Colrain resident Rebecca Tippens, the Solstice Storytelling and Songfest Celebration was held from 7 p.m. until around 11 p.m. on Saturday.
“I thought it was fantastic,” Tippens said. “We’ve been doing this for 38 years, and frankly, I think this was one of the best shows ever.”
The nearly 40-year-old tradition began when a group of local storytellers gathered in someone’s living room to share stories, according to Tippens. The group eventually organized monthly events focused on topics that were seasonally relevant. This year’s solstice celebration, although lighter-attended than previous years, shone bright due to the variety of mediums presented. Showcased Saturday were forms ranging from singing and dancing to fine art, banjo playing and even juggling.
“I think that adds wonder and mystery, which is one of the emotions we’re trying to tap,” Tippens said of the evening’s spontaneity. “At this time of year, when you find that place of wonder and mystery, it brings the light in the darkest time of year.”
In particular, Tippens was encouraged that there was “somewhat of a focus on Native American perspectives and stories.” This included what Tippens deemed “the best land acknowledgment (attendees have) ever heard” courtesy of Sarah Pirtle; a presentation by Ohketeau Cultural Center Co-Director Rhonda Anderson; and an exhibit of paintings by Blackfoot artist Anthony Melting Tallow.
“His message was that it’s wonderful to make community and how grand he felt, and that storytelling is a medium to inspire, connect … and go forth together to make positive change,” Tippens summarized.
Heading into the winter solstice, Tippens hopes those who attended Saturday’s celebration relished the opportunity to be together.
“Look at what we have,” she said. “It’s a lovely spirit and let’s not forget that as we move on.”
More than 30 people huddled up outside Temple Israel on Sunday at 3 p.m. to sing seasonal songs of joy. The crowd included a mix of neighbors and a handful of chorus members, as well as representation from various religions and cultures. Joining together in song, MacDougall said, “is just like community action” as different perspectives mingle.
“You don’t really see the progress being made, but then ‘bing,’ there it is,” she said.
MacDougall, who has been singing with Fiery Hope for 35 years, said these events “bring music in an accessible way to people to build community.”
“As of Wednesday, the days will start to get longer again,” she said. “It’s been a rough few years … so just to gather people and celebrate that things are brightening, it’s metaphorical as well.”
Starting with a song about “greeting the light,” MacDougall guided singers step-by-step through how to perform as a unit. She encouraged high voices to sing an octave higher than lower voices for starters, warming the crowd up with simple parallel harmonies before transitioning to harmonies and variation. She then split the crowd into alto, soprano and tenor sections as she introduced harmony.
“If this sounds difficult, it needn’t be. This is about testing out your voice and figuring out what works for your voice,” she encouraged the group. “There are a zillion ways to learn music and don’t ever let anyone tell you there’s only one way.”
The singers, who each arrived with varying levels of expertise, all caught on quickly.
“We are greeting the light,” the chorus harmonized. “Greeting the, greeting the light.”
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-930-4231 or jmendoza@recorder.com.