COLRAIN — Alex O’Brien Feldman, better known as “Alex the Jester” has performed in Russia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Belgium and Japan, to name just some of the places he’s been. And on Saturday he’ll be performing as a special guest at the 31st annual winter solstice Storytelling and Songfest Celebration at The Roundhouse in Colrain.
The medieval-style jester/comedian became interested in “connecting beyond words” as an 11-year-old boy who collected National Geographic magazines. He worked in Alaskan canneries to pay for professional training at the Dell Arte School of Mime and Comedy. While performing at the “Just for Laughs” international comedy festival in Montreal, Feldman began speaking a medieval gibberish language he calls “Grammelot,” which cuts through language barriers. In 2009, the U.S. State Department recognized the cultural significance of his work and sent him, as a cultural ambassador, on tour in Russia, Singapore, Belgium, Australia, Belgium, Japan and many other places. He has also appeared on “America’s Got Talent.”
The solstice celebration at Rebecca Tippen’s Roundhouse starts at about 6:30 p.m., and the Roundhouse is located at 68 Van Nuys Road. This is a unique setting for revelry, eating, storytelling, music, juggling and other performance art to “ring in” the return of longer daylight.
Also performing that night is jazz guitarist Joe Belmont.
This year’s folksingers and storytellers include: Tim Van Egmond, Sonny Crawford, Michael Evans, David Arfa, Jay Goldspinner, Rebecca Tippens, Bob Reiser, John Porcino, Rob Peck, Rona Leventhal and Yosl “Joe” Kurland.
Reservations are required, with suggested donations of $12 to $20 for adults and $5 to $10 for children. All donations, collected at the door, will go to Partners in Health, Doctors Without Borders, and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Everyone is asked to bring a canned item for donation to local food banks. Also, people are asked to bring a treat to be shared at intermission.
Guests are asked to leave their outdoor shoes in the vestibule. The number to call for reservations is 413-624-5140. Or send email to: rebecca_tippens@yahoo.com. Indicate how many people are coming with you and leave contact info, in case the even is canceled due to a blizzard or severely bad weather.
For directions and more info go online to: www.roundhouseculture.com