So it's official: TaelStrum (my storytelling band) will be in the Montreal Fringe Festival this year. Here are the dates:
June 8th, 8pm and 10pm
June 9th, 8pm and 10pm
June 12th, 8pm and 10pm
June 18th, 8pm
June 20th, 8pm and 10pm
June 21st, 8pm and 10pm
June 23rd, 8pm
Ame-Art: collectif des Artistes de la galerie Mile-End
5345, avenue du Parc
Montreal, QC H2V 4H9
Purchase tickets online
BTW, did you know that TaelStrum was named one of the Best Spoken Word Acts in the Best of Montreal 2012 survey?
Showing posts with label taelstrum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label taelstrum. Show all posts
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Lex & the Devil: a Rockstar Moment
Last weekend, I was hosting a fundraiser where we had magicians, musicians, dancers, singers, and storytellers. Happily, my friend Scarlet recorded TaelStrum's telling of Lex & the Devil.
My favorite moment occurs at 4:50 when I get my Rock Star experience where I realize the crowd is telling the story with me, so I go quiet and let them say it as a group. It was golden.
My favorite moment occurs at 4:50 when I get my Rock Star experience where I realize the crowd is telling the story with me, so I go quiet and let them say it as a group. It was golden.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
TaelStrum in NDG in August
Join TaelStrum for tales and music as we take part in NDG Arts Week! We will be performing at the Centre Communautaire NDG on August 21st and August 27th at 11am. It's family show, so feel free to bring your kids!
There's lots of artistic stuff going on in NDG! For more information on the NDG Arts Week, please visit http://www.cooplamaisonverte.com/artsndg/.
TaelStrum at NDG Arts Week
August 21st and August 27th
11:00am - 11:30am
Centre Communautaire NDG
3757 Prudhomme
Montreal, Quebec
Facebook Event page
There's lots of artistic stuff going on in NDG! For more information on the NDG Arts Week, please visit http://www.cooplamaisonverte.com/artsndg/.
TaelStrum at NDG Arts Week
August 21st and August 27th
11:00am - 11:30am
Centre Communautaire NDG
3757 Prudhomme
Montreal, Quebec
Facebook Event page
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Montreal Fringe Festival: After the Storm
I'll be taking part in a collective piece during the Montreal Fringe Festival put together by Headless Goat Productions. I won't be in every show (due largely to scheduling conflicts), but I am committing to the following dates:
After the Storm: St-Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival
DATES: June 2, 4, 5, 9, 16, 17
LOCATION: MAI 3680 Jeanne-Mance #460 (OFF-D)
TICKETS: $10 to $12 available through the Fringe Box Office
(listed as After The Storm) 514-849-FEST
After the Storm: St-Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival
DATES: June 2, 4, 5, 9, 16, 17
LOCATION: MAI 3680 Jeanne-Mance #460 (OFF-D)
TICKETS: $10 to $12 available through the Fringe Box Office
(listed as After The Storm) 514-849-FEST
Monday, May 30, 2011
TaelStrum: After the Storm
http://montrealfringe.ca/en/spectacles/after-the-storm
http://headlessgoat.com/
DATE: Friday June 3rd at 18h00
LOCATION: MAI 3680 Jeanne-Mance #460 (OFF-D)
TICKETS: $10 to $12 available through the Fringe Box Office
(listed as After The Storm) 514-849-FEST
TaelStrum is the duo of storyteller John David Hickey (aka "Hobbes") and musician/singer Shayne Gryn. The pair have been performing together for several years bringing a unique mix of storytelling and music to various cafes, pubs, and stages in and around Montreal.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Easter Story: The Giant's Garden
Happy Easter to all of you! I hope you were able to spend your Easter weekend with family, friends, and assorted loved ones. Please accept my apologies for the lateness of this post, but we were entertaining friends from Toronto and San Francisco, so the weekend was simply packed.
I'm sure you've noticed I've been posting less lately. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to record as many shows as I would have liked over the past year, so I'm starting to run out of recordings to post! This recording was made on April 17th at Hurley's Irish Pub (with special guest Marie Bilodeau of Ottawa). This was the first session of our cross-Canada two-city tour, which means the final leg of our tour will be taking place on May 14th in Ottawa (Facebook event, Blog post). If you're going to be in Ottawa that weekend, I hope you'll join us!
Also, faithful readers/listeners may notice that I posted another recording of this same story in April 2010. I don't usually repost stories, but I really like this version of the story (especially since it made a fella in the audience cry). The Giant's Garden is based on Oscar Wilde's classic literary tale The Selfish Giant.
As usual, the chocolate bunny on strings is Shayne Gryn.
The Giant's Garden -- Told by JD Hickey (7:03 minutes)
I'm sure you've noticed I've been posting less lately. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to record as many shows as I would have liked over the past year, so I'm starting to run out of recordings to post! This recording was made on April 17th at Hurley's Irish Pub (with special guest Marie Bilodeau of Ottawa). This was the first session of our cross-Canada two-city tour, which means the final leg of our tour will be taking place on May 14th in Ottawa (Facebook event, Blog post). If you're going to be in Ottawa that weekend, I hope you'll join us!
Also, faithful readers/listeners may notice that I posted another recording of this same story in April 2010. I don't usually repost stories, but I really like this version of the story (especially since it made a fella in the audience cry). The Giant's Garden is based on Oscar Wilde's classic literary tale The Selfish Giant.
As usual, the chocolate bunny on strings is Shayne Gryn.
The Giant's Garden -- Told by JD Hickey (7:03 minutes)
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Storytelling in April/May 2011
Join storytellers JD “Hobbes” Hickey and Marie Bilodeau, with Shayne Gryn on strings, for an evening full of wonder, drama, laughter, music, and downright silliness.
This is Hobbes and Marie’s whirlwind, cross-country, two-city tour. They kick-off this storytelling tour-de-force in Montreal (April 17th) and end it in Ottawa (May 14th)! Crazy schedule! Even though they’ll surely be hoarse by the time they reach Ottawa in May, you can be sure that all they’ll want to do is tell more tales.
Featuring:
Marie Bilodeau, author of the “Heirs of a Broken Land” trilogy and “Destiny’s Blood” — http://mariebilodeau.blogspot.com/
TaelStrum (Hobbes & Shayne) — http://www.documentia.ca/taelstrum/
Montreal show:
April 17th, 7pm to 9pm
Hurley’s Irish pub
1225 Crescent St, Montreal
Google Map
Facebook Event
Ottawa show
May 14th,
Maxwell’s Bistro & Club
340 Elgin, Ottawa, ON
Google map
Facebook Event
This is Hobbes and Marie’s whirlwind, cross-country, two-city tour. They kick-off this storytelling tour-de-force in Montreal (April 17th) and end it in Ottawa (May 14th)! Crazy schedule! Even though they’ll surely be hoarse by the time they reach Ottawa in May, you can be sure that all they’ll want to do is tell more tales.
Featuring:
Marie Bilodeau, author of the “Heirs of a Broken Land” trilogy and “Destiny’s Blood” — http://mariebilodeau.blogspot.com/
TaelStrum (Hobbes & Shayne) — http://www.documentia.ca/taelstrum/
Montreal show:
April 17th, 7pm to 9pm
Hurley’s Irish pub
1225 Crescent St, Montreal
Google Map
Facebook Event
Ottawa show
May 14th,
Maxwell’s Bistro & Club
340 Elgin, Ottawa, ON
Google map
Facebook Event
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
August Story: The Maiden and the Mirror
I'm starting to run out of recordings to post! That's the summer for you: storytelling tends to be an activity for the Autumn/Winter months when people are happy to be indoors, snuggled up next to a fire. Unfortunately, due to a bunch of mishaps, I wasn't able to record my final show at Hurleys, which is a damn shame 'cause it was awesome. I hope you were able to make it.
The Bard's New Hat CD is selling bit by bit and I'm getting great feedback on it. I'm more than half-way to my goal of 180 CDs sold, so that's encouraging. I'm trying to schedule some shows in Ottawa and Quebec city in the coming months, so stay tuned to this website and we might be able to bring our stories to a cafe/pub near you!
Today's story was taken from a collection of bedtime stories called 365 Bedtime Stories by Christine Allison. It was recorded in Montreal in February 2010 at Cafe 92 Degrees with the mystical Shayne Gryn on guitar. It's one of those poignant stories that moves me, but it's not a traditional plot-driven tale. It reminds me of a painting that is so moving, you can't stop finding new aspects to it.
I'd also like to dedicate this story to Isaac Bonewits who is resting quietly in his home and waiting for his time to come. Isaac is a favorite author of mine and I had the pleasure to meet him in late 2009 in Ottawa at a speaking engagement. In late 2009, he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. He went through several treatments over the following months, and although the treatments were going well, things have taken a turn for the worse.
The latest note from his partner Phaedra Bonewits (taken from Facebook):
Just wanted to address the rumors that Isaac is back in the hospital. He is at home as he had wished, but he is nearing the end. His brothers and sisters are on their way to say goodbye. Please keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.
You can read more about this on his blog and Facebook fan page:
Blog: http://neopagan.net/blog/?tag=cancer
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/isaac.phaedra.bonewits
Unlike Lilly Chen, I don't pretend to think that Isaac was goodness itself. But I know that he's been a positive influence on many, many people through his books and just by being who he is. I wish him a smooth and painless passage to the Summerlands and offer my sympathies to his wife Phaedra and I hope she leans on her family and friends during this difficult time.
Update from Phaedra Bonewits (http://www.facebook.com/#!/isaac.phaedra.bonewits):
This morning, August 12, 2010 at approximately 8 AM ET, Isaac Bonewits passed away peacefully in his sleep. All his brothers and sisters arrived at his side last night. His family and friends surround him
The Maiden & the Mirror -- Told by JD Hickey (4:55 minutes)
The Bard's New Hat CD is selling bit by bit and I'm getting great feedback on it. I'm more than half-way to my goal of 180 CDs sold, so that's encouraging. I'm trying to schedule some shows in Ottawa and Quebec city in the coming months, so stay tuned to this website and we might be able to bring our stories to a cafe/pub near you!
Today's story was taken from a collection of bedtime stories called 365 Bedtime Stories by Christine Allison. It was recorded in Montreal in February 2010 at Cafe 92 Degrees with the mystical Shayne Gryn on guitar. It's one of those poignant stories that moves me, but it's not a traditional plot-driven tale. It reminds me of a painting that is so moving, you can't stop finding new aspects to it.
I'd also like to dedicate this story to Isaac Bonewits who is resting quietly in his home and waiting for his time to come. Isaac is a favorite author of mine and I had the pleasure to meet him in late 2009 in Ottawa at a speaking engagement. In late 2009, he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. He went through several treatments over the following months, and although the treatments were going well, things have taken a turn for the worse.
The latest note from his partner Phaedra Bonewits (taken from Facebook):
Just wanted to address the rumors that Isaac is back in the hospital. He is at home as he had wished, but he is nearing the end. His brothers and sisters are on their way to say goodbye. Please keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.
You can read more about this on his blog and Facebook fan page:
Blog: http://neopagan.net/blog/?tag=cancer
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/isaac.phaedra.bonewits
Unlike Lilly Chen, I don't pretend to think that Isaac was goodness itself. But I know that he's been a positive influence on many, many people through his books and just by being who he is. I wish him a smooth and painless passage to the Summerlands and offer my sympathies to his wife Phaedra and I hope she leans on her family and friends during this difficult time.
Update from Phaedra Bonewits (http://www.facebook.com/#!/isaac.phaedra.bonewits):
This morning, August 12, 2010 at approximately 8 AM ET, Isaac Bonewits passed away peacefully in his sleep. All his brothers and sisters arrived at his side last night. His family and friends surround him
The Maiden & the Mirror -- Told by JD Hickey (4:55 minutes)
Sunday, July 11, 2010
July Story: The Samurai and the Teamaster
This is a story I heard many years ago by a few tellers, each with their own version, each with their own ending. However, I wasn't satisfied with any of their endings, so I came up with my own. I hope you enjoy it.
This story was recorded in April 2010 at Cafe 92 Degrees, featuring Shayne Gryn on guitar.
I would also like to dedicate this story to Rick, who says this is his favorite story from me, and to Brendan R., who says I tell this story too often. What can I say? Some stories haunt me.
The Samurai and the Teamaster -- Told by JD Hickey (5:12 minutes)
This story was recorded in April 2010 at Cafe 92 Degrees, featuring Shayne Gryn on guitar.
I would also like to dedicate this story to Rick, who says this is his favorite story from me, and to Brendan R., who says I tell this story too often. What can I say? Some stories haunt me.
The Samurai and the Teamaster -- Told by JD Hickey (5:12 minutes)
Thursday, June 10, 2010
June Story: Koji and the Headmaster
This is the very first story I ever told. I read it in a collection of tales by Dan Yashinsky called Next Teller. Dan has a series of story collections that I highly recommend, including Ghostwise and Suddenly They Heard Footsteps.
What I love about this story is that it took me several years to figure out why I loved this story. It has an odd ending that moved me, but I couldn't explain what it meant. Listeners had all sorts of interpretations of what the story really meant, while others were frustrated with the ending, saying it was inappropriate. Any story that generates that much discussion is a good tale in my book.
The musical component of this story is provided by Shayne Gryn. It's sometimes difficult to focus on the story because his music is so beautiful.
If you are moved to do so, I would be interested in hearing your reaction to this story, so please leave a comment.
Koji and the Headmaster -- Told by JD Hickey (10:24 minutes)
What I love about this story is that it took me several years to figure out why I loved this story. It has an odd ending that moved me, but I couldn't explain what it meant. Listeners had all sorts of interpretations of what the story really meant, while others were frustrated with the ending, saying it was inappropriate. Any story that generates that much discussion is a good tale in my book.
The musical component of this story is provided by Shayne Gryn. It's sometimes difficult to focus on the story because his music is so beautiful.
If you are moved to do so, I would be interested in hearing your reaction to this story, so please leave a comment.
Koji and the Headmaster -- Told by JD Hickey (10:24 minutes)
Monday, May 17, 2010
May Story: A Wise Little Girl
So here's another wisdom story for you for Spring from Russian folklore. This story was recorded at the 92 Degrees of Fools show back in April 2010 and features the incredibly gothic Shayne Gryn on guitar.
Don't forget the show at the end of May at Hurley's Irish Pub (May 30th, 7pm) where Shayne and I will be telling tales and drinking pints. We hope to see you there!
A Wise Little Girl (7:03 minutes)
There is a longer version of this story where the King marries the wise girl at the end, but fearing that she be too wise, he cautions her never to contract him on his judgments. Of course she does, and on the second time, with a heavy heart, he tells her to leave his kingdom, taking only what she can carry. She agrees to this, but asks for one last meal and night with her husband before she leaves. He agrees, but during the evening, she drugs his food so that he falls into a deep sleep. He wakes up to find himself in the back of a cart with his wife at the reigns saying that she agreed to leave taking her most precious thing, her husband.
I really like that ending, but I have never told it for some reason. I think I need to work that ending into it.
Don't forget the show at the end of May at Hurley's Irish Pub (May 30th, 7pm) where Shayne and I will be telling tales and drinking pints. We hope to see you there!
A Wise Little Girl (7:03 minutes)
There is a longer version of this story where the King marries the wise girl at the end, but fearing that she be too wise, he cautions her never to contract him on his judgments. Of course she does, and on the second time, with a heavy heart, he tells her to leave his kingdom, taking only what she can carry. She agrees to this, but asks for one last meal and night with her husband before she leaves. He agrees, but during the evening, she drugs his food so that he falls into a deep sleep. He wakes up to find himself in the back of a cart with his wife at the reigns saying that she agreed to leave taking her most precious thing, her husband.
I really like that ending, but I have never told it for some reason. I think I need to work that ending into it.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
May Story: Brahma and the Brahman
It's my birthday! I'm 41 years young today, so to celebrate that, I'm posting a new story that I told at the 92 Degrees of Fools show back in April. This is a relatively new story for me, having learnt it in the past year, but it is quickly becoming one of my favorites.
In a related note, I'm very excited to announce that I will be the new storyteller at Hurley's Irish Pub for the next three months. Mike Burns, the Irish storyteller, has been telling tales at Hurley's on the last Sunday of each month for over 14 years! But Mike has decided to visit Ireland for three months and asked me to take his place while he is gone.
I am tremendously honored to be the Hurley's storytelling for May, June, and July. Mike was the first storyteller I ever heard and was my inspiration to become a storyteller myself.
Shayne Gryn will be joining me at Hurleys with his various guitars and musical contributions. So our first show will be May 30th, 7pm. We hope to see you there!
Visit the Facebook Event page for the Hurleys Show
News: This story was published on my new CD "The Bard's New Hat". Read more about it on my website.
Brahma and the Brahman (9:33 minutes)
In a related note, I'm very excited to announce that I will be the new storyteller at Hurley's Irish Pub for the next three months. Mike Burns, the Irish storyteller, has been telling tales at Hurley's on the last Sunday of each month for over 14 years! But Mike has decided to visit Ireland for three months and asked me to take his place while he is gone.
I am tremendously honored to be the Hurley's storytelling for May, June, and July. Mike was the first storyteller I ever heard and was my inspiration to become a storyteller myself.
Shayne Gryn will be joining me at Hurleys with his various guitars and musical contributions. So our first show will be May 30th, 7pm. We hope to see you there!
Visit the Facebook Event page for the Hurleys Show
News: This story was published on my new CD "The Bard's New Hat". Read more about it on my website.
Brahma and the Brahman (9:33 minutes)
Sunday, April 4, 2010
April Story: The Giant's Garden
Seeing as it is Easter Sunday for many people, I've decided to post my version of Oscar Wilde's classic tale The Selfish Giant. As I recall, I would often watch the animated version of this story around Easter, so I always associate it with Spring. You can read more about the animated film on Wikipedia or watch it on YouTube.
The same production house (Potterton Productions) also produced The Littlest Mermaid and The Happy Prince. I really need to learn the Happy Prince someday.
I told this story to a small audience at Cafe 92 Degrees in Montreal during a show called 92 Degrees of Foolishness. It was a great night of tales and music and I thank everyone who was able to share that evening with us. The magical, mystical Shayne Gryn can be heard providing the music ambiance.
Happy Easter Sunday everyone and welcome to Spring.
The same production house (Potterton Productions) also produced The Littlest Mermaid and The Happy Prince. I really need to learn the Happy Prince someday.
I told this story to a small audience at Cafe 92 Degrees in Montreal during a show called 92 Degrees of Foolishness. It was a great night of tales and music and I thank everyone who was able to share that evening with us. The magical, mystical Shayne Gryn can be heard providing the music ambiance.
Happy Easter Sunday everyone and welcome to Spring.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
March story: Indra and the Blind Shaman
I've been a bit at a loss to know what to post for March, which is why this posting is so late. The recordings I have don't really suit this time of year and I've already posted the others. Of course, I have those two shows in April (April 2nd and April 3rd), so I should get more recordings for the months to come, but in the meantime...
I first heard this story from my friend Dylan, who tells it masterfully. I always liked this story, especially Indra's reaction to getting shot down. This story also allowed me to win third place in the KG Bardic in 2009, so I've grown quite fond of it.
This was recorded during the 92 Degrees of Love show in February 2010 at Cafe 92 Degrees, featuring Shayne Gryn on guitar. We had about 30 people in the audience.
News: This story was published on my new CD "The Bard's New Hat". Read more about it on my website.
Indra and the Blind Shaman (7:33 minutes)
I first heard this story from my friend Dylan, who tells it masterfully. I always liked this story, especially Indra's reaction to getting shot down. This story also allowed me to win third place in the KG Bardic in 2009, so I've grown quite fond of it.
This was recorded during the 92 Degrees of Love show in February 2010 at Cafe 92 Degrees, featuring Shayne Gryn on guitar. We had about 30 people in the audience.
News: This story was published on my new CD "The Bard's New Hat". Read more about it on my website.
Indra and the Blind Shaman (7:33 minutes)
Monday, December 7, 2009
December Story: La Befana
I just finished a gig at a Yule Fair last weekend where Shayne and I performed the Winter Tales show. Unfortunately, I couldn't get the laptop to work properly, so it couldn't be recorded. On December 12th at 6pm (Cafe 92 degrees in NDG), we'll be doing a full version of that show including a couple of invited tellers, so I will definitely record that show one way or the other.But about this story posting, La Befana. I picked this story up from a collection by Carolyn McVickar Edwards called The Return of the Light. The word "Befana" means Epiphany: that moment when seemingly disconnected ideas come together. Not only is it a beautiful story for the season, but it reminds us how the promise of beauty can inspire us to spread beauty to others.
Happy Yule, Happy Winter Solstice, Merry Christmas.
La Befana (6:10 minutes)
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Rehearsals and Recordings
Okay, okay... I'm already going to bend the rules of this blog.
Last night, I met with Shayne and we worked on a few stories together. Shayne is playing his guitar while I tell to add an extra dimension to the performance. Ultimately, I'm hoping that Shayne and I will be able to work out a whole show (1.5 hours or so) of stories and music that we can bring to a theatre near you!
Also, I got to try out my new condenser microphone to record the rehearsal. It recorded everything very well, but I need to adjust the recording volume a bit better next time. There's a fair bit of distortion in some parts that I'll need to dial it back a bit to get a better recording.
So here's my first story post to this blog as told by Hobbes and with music provided by Shayne. My thanks go to Dylan from whom I first heard this story.
Lex and the Devil (9 minutes)
Please leave me any feedback you wish! I hope you enjoy this story!
Last night, I met with Shayne and we worked on a few stories together. Shayne is playing his guitar while I tell to add an extra dimension to the performance. Ultimately, I'm hoping that Shayne and I will be able to work out a whole show (1.5 hours or so) of stories and music that we can bring to a theatre near you!
Also, I got to try out my new condenser microphone to record the rehearsal. It recorded everything very well, but I need to adjust the recording volume a bit better next time. There's a fair bit of distortion in some parts that I'll need to dial it back a bit to get a better recording.
So here's my first story post to this blog as told by Hobbes and with music provided by Shayne. My thanks go to Dylan from whom I first heard this story.
Lex and the Devil (9 minutes)
Please leave me any feedback you wish! I hope you enjoy this story!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
