The Concord Free Public Library is excited to host a Halloween storytelling program with Parents’ Choice Award winning performer Davis Bates on Tuesday, October 26 at 4 pm. The program is recommended for ages 5 years and older, as well as adults. In case of inclement weather, the program will take place at Hunt Recreation Center, 90 Stow St, Concord, MA. No registration is required for this program.
This is the perfect way to celebrate the fall season, with traditional and true life ghost stories, supernatural tales, and songs about the harvest and turning of the earth. The program will include amusing folktales about spirits and shapeshifters, and a couple of not-too-scary true-life ghost stories that Davis has collected over the years, including one from his own family. It also includes trick or treat and harvest sing alongs with very sing-able choruses that will be taught to the audience. Some of the songs will be accompanied by rhythms played on spoons from a kitchen drawer and percussion instruments from around the world. There will be an appearance by a dancing wooden dog named “Bingo.”
Pete Seeger calls Davis “thoughtful, creative, human, and a fantastic storyteller.” Davis’ traditional and participatory style of telling is a refreshing change from videos and passive televised entertainment, empowering and encouraging audiences of all ages to join in the fun, and to take the stories home with them to share with others. He also encourages listeners to remember and tell stories from their own family and cultural tradition.
Davis Bates has been telling stories for over forty years, in schools, libraries, colleges, and community settings around New England and across the country. His recording of Family Stories won a Parent’s Choice Gold Award, was named one of that year’s best Audio Recordings by Booklist Magazine and is available as a free download on his website, www.davisbates.com. Davis has also served as director and consultant for several local and regional oral history and folk arts projects. Davis lives in the village of Shelburne Falls, MA, and when he isn’t collecting or learning stories he spends his time working with the Hampshire College Alumni Advisory Group and gardening on the Hampshire campus and at home.
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