AVAILABLE YEAR ROUND
Storytelling Performances with Celtic harp and Song
Fantastical Folktales of Flowers
The dramatic myths that surround favorite garden flowers come alive in this delightful weave of story, music and song. The centerpiece of the performance is the Persian legend of The Nightingale and Rose. Diane’s original adaptation follows this exotic flower through the ages weaving together myths from many cultures that speak of the rose and its origins. Entertainment also includes the tale of the lamentable Narcissus, a Native American story about the Dandelion and lore of the mysterious “Language of Flowers,” celebrated in Victorian times. A master storyteller, Diane entertains and enchants transforming into the characters in her tales bringing each story to vibrant life. The performance is accompanied by Celtic harp and song with Diane joined by long time collaborator harper/singer Margot Chamberlain. Celebrate flowers and the stories that have been told about them through the ages with this enchanting performance. (Also available as a fully licensed video)
“You brought my garden alive to me in the most unusual and delightful way. I will never see a rose in the same way again!” Audience member- Pomperaug Woods, 2015
“I want to thank you for bringing your performance to our Wellfleet Gardeners meeting. Your music and storytelling were beautifully done and everyone enjoyed your presentation.”
Sacred Groves: Folktales and Songs of the Deep Spirit of Trees
Diane and Margot near the Birch Grove Photo by Pamela Ruby Russell
“Sacred Groves” is a mesmerizing weave of storytelling, music and song that reawakens us to the wonder and beauty of trees. Folktales from the rich traditions of Japan, Australia, Russia, Britain and Native America celebrate cherry, evergreen and ash groves with the performance culminating in the haunting Czech legend “The Dancing Spirit of the Birch” in which a young girl leaves her cares behind and at last discovers the joys of dance. Diane’s humorous and heartfelt adaptations of traditional tales and Margot’s evocative harp accompaniment tune us to the inner life of the forest as imagined by cultures around the world.
Winner of a Storytelling World award and a Parent’s Choice Silver this performance is appropriate for adults and a family audience ages 8 and above.
(in addition to the live performance, “Sacred Groves” is also available as a hybrid event of storytelling video via Zoom and an online storytelling workshop)
“It was one of the most moving storytelling nights I’ve experienced. It reawakened in me, and perhaps all of us there, a sense of the spirit in things.” Jay O’Callahan, NEA award winner, Lifetime Achievement award National Storytelling Network
“I’ve heard this performance twice and can’t recommend it highly enough. It is magical, it is musical, it is beautiful, it is soulful, it is perfection.” Bambi Good, Brookline, MA
AVAILABLE DECEMBER
The Winter Solstice in Story and Song
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with haunting legends of light, evergreen traditions, and entertaining tales surrounded by traditional and original music and song. Master storyteller Diane Edgecomb brings to life ancient tales of the longest nights: the beautiful Legend of the Mistletoe from Scandinavia, humorous English Wassail traditions, and the poignant Greek legend The Halcyon Days of Peace. Accompanied by Celtic harper Margot Chamberlain and multi-instrumentalist Tom Megan this performance offers a fascinating look at the humorous and moving stories that accompany winter holiday traditions. Songs evocative of the season and lovely instrumental melodies round out the event.
“No one worked more magic than you, Diane. You were one shining light! From the time you stepped onto the Gathering stage, you held the audience spellbound.” Peg O’ Sullivan, Festival Director, Connecticut Storytelling Center
AVAILABLE OCTOBER
Tales of the Supernatural
Just in time for Halloween, Diane opens up the doors to the supernatural with a riveting performance of true tales & folkloric stories including “Twilight of the Stones” a true ghost story about the eerie force that emanates from the standing stones of Avebury, England and “Feline Terror” in which every Halloween superstition comes home to roost. Black cats abound in this cautionary tale for pet-lovers as Diane battles the neighborhood Tom-cat bully amidst the local trick or treat parade. Fun, frightening and a wee bit historical “Tales of the Supernatural” has a decidedly Celtic slant, delving into the Gaelic folktales behind our Halloween customs including the devilish encounter that created the first Jack O’Lantern.
“Your Halloween tale is truly a work of art. I love to watch you go from that sweet, sweet old lady to that cigar-chompin’ dockworker who talks out of the side of his face. You do it in the twinkling of an eye, and during that twinkling, you play the harp!” Carolyn Martino, Events producer
Download a PDF with descriptions of all Diane’s storytelling concerts for adults!
