JOIN US TO CELEBRATE THIS YEAR’S WORLD STORYTELLING DAY

MYTHS, LEGENDS, AND EPICS!

WITH HOST DAVE PADDON

FEATURING:
GAURAV MADAN
FERGUS O’BYRNE
ROBIN MCGRATH

Wednesday, March 20th
8 – 10 pm
Gower Street United Church Lecture Hall (wheelchair accessible)
$15 cash at the door

World Storytelling Day (WSD) is a project to promote oral storytelling by inspiring people all over the world to organize events each year the week after March Equinox. The goal is to have as many people tell and listen to stories at as many places and in as many languages as possible. It is also an opportunity to build friendships and understanding across national, linguistic and cultural boundarries. You could imagine it as a gathering around a global campfire, with tellers and listeners coming and going while the sun travels around the earth seven times.

This year the theme is Myths, Legends, and Epics! What a spectacular night it will be! Enjoy tales from India, Ireland, Newfoundland and Labrador. Hear a unique re-invention of a classic Cindrella story, and revel in tales of some of the legendary women of Labrador. This promises to be a unique and riveting evening of story – not to be missed! Read more about our tellers below:

ABOUT OUR TELLERS

DAVE PADDON

Dave Paddon is a retired airline pilot originally from Northwest River, Labrador. He grew up listening to the songs and stories of the trappers and attending many a late night “session” around many a kitchen table. In 1986 he married a Gander girl and subsequently became immersed in Island culture. As a result he accumulated a store of material which suddenly bubbled to the surface when he and Kim returned to Newfoundland and Labrador in 2005 after 20 years upalong. He wrote his first recitation in 2007 and has now written 25. Five of these have been published in handmade chapbooks and his work is available on a CD or through electronic download. His recitation “Ralph:Flying Hound” was recently released as an illustrated children’s book.

Dave lives in St.John’s and is a regular at festivals and fundraisers throughout the province.

FERGUS O’BYRNE

Fergus O’Byrne, from Dublin, Ireland is widely acclaimed for his musical legacy, as a member of the renowned folk band Ryan’s Fancy, Tickle Harbour, his long-time partnership as a duo with Jim Payne, his appearances with his son Fergus Brown-O’Byrne and as a solo artist. He proudly celebrates the songs and stories of his adopted province, Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as Ireland, England, Scotland and the Maritimes in his performances. He has received many awards acknowledging his contribution to folk music including an ECMA Lifetime Achievement Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Folk Arts Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, and an NLAC Arts in Education award. Besides touring nationally and internationally, he works extensively mentoring young folk music enthusiasts and students throughout the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

GAURAV MADAN

Gaurav was born and raised in New Delhi, India, where he spent early 25 years of his life before leaving in search of himself. He is a storyteller, writer, Global Peace Ambassador and loves to run ultramarathons. Gaurav recently arrived in Newfoundland for his Graduate Research in Ocean Sciences and Climate Change at Memorial University, he has performed in Delhi, Montreal, Toronto and Kingston, that includes Montreal Intercultural Storytelling Festival. He started his storytelling journey while running across the Indian subcontinent in pursuit of wisdom and sharing compassion. He shares all true stories from his life as a spiritual adventurer, researcher, and a kid who has refused to grow up.

ROBIN MCGRATH

Robin McGrath is the author or editor of 25 books, including the award-winning novels Donovan’s Station and The Winterhouse.  Her most recent book is Life on the Mista Shipu: Dispatches from Labrador.  She lives in Harbour Main with her husband and a flock of wild ducks.