Southeastern Region: New York State Performers, Programmers & Related Resources for Public Libraries & Groups


Performer Information
Performer name:	Diane Edgecomb
Phone:	617-522-4335
Mailing address:	PO Box 300016 Boston, MA 02130
E-mail address:	dedge@livingmyth.com
Website:	http://www.livingmyth.com
Previous appearances at:	William Cottle School, Eastchester, NY (JoEllen Doyle contact person), Lafayette Intermediate School, Waterloo, NY, Marlboro Free Library, Marlboro, NY, Utica Public Library, Utica, NY, Jervis Library, Rome, NY Contact information for New York State Public Libraries
Information last updated:	09/24/2012

Records 1-10 of 11 Next >

Program
Category
Description
Fee

Forbidden Stories: Journey Among the Kurds of Turkey Literature- Poetry,
Multicultural- Other,
Performing Arts- Storytelling

Forbidden Stories: Journey Among the Kurds of Turkey The dramatic tale of Edgecomb's story collecting journey in remote mountain villages among a people whose very language was forbidden is punctuated by colorful slides, music and folktales collected from the last living Kurdish tellers. This entertaining and insightful performance with award-winning storyteller Diane Edgecomb charts her years collecting the vanishing folkloric tales of the Kurdish people. This seven-year quest brought Diane to remote mountain villages in Turkey places usually forbidden to outsiders. A master teller, Edgecomb will share legends from her new book, A Fire In My Heart: Kurdish Tales, never before published stories that reveal the folkloric riches of this ancient Middle Eastern culture along with anecdotes of her travels up sheer mountain roads to record the last Kurdish storytellers. The performance resonates with the humor and pathos of Kurdish village life and the colorful people that shared their lives with her.
$501- $1000

Night Lights Multicultural- Other,
Nature- Other,
Performing Arts- Storytelling

In Night Lights, unusual star myths take us on a multi-cultural voyage across the heavens. The collection Diane has gathered teach about easily observed celestial phenomena like the origin of prominent constellations, and significant 'night lights' like Morning Star and North Star. Complemented by a humorous legend of the origin of fireflies, this program is well-rounded entertainment. Enjoy it in any indoors venue or bring it to an outdoor or nighttime setting as a special treat. Listen in wonder as tales from Greece, Estonia, Native America, Kurdistan and Korea celebrate the magic of the night sky. 'Thank you for a wonderful program last Saturday. It couldn't have been better. You really know how to act out great stories and myths. We all enjoyed your program immensely.' Sandy Pierson, Myles Standish State Forest, Carver, MA
$351- $500

One World, Many Stories: Around the World Folktales History,
Multicultural- Other,
Performing Arts- Storytelling

This performance complements the 2011 reading theme of 'One World, Many Stories.' Join in and travel around the world with these captivating multi-cultural legends. Each tale offers a participatory look at our comon love of story. Celebrate engaging narratives, animal characters, songs in different languages and home-spun wisdom as one of New England's favorite storytellers takes us from the heart of the Amazon rainforest to the forests of the Czech Republic to the villages of Africa. Celebrate the diversity of people all over the world using the common elements of story, rhythm and song.
$351- $500

The Winter Solstice in Legend and Song Literature- Poetry,
Literature- Other,
Multicultural- Other

Master Storyteller Diane Edgecomb accompanied by Celtic Harpist Margot Chamberlain and multi-instrumentalist Tom Megan offers a fascinating look at the legends behind our holiday traditions. Celebrate the Winter Solstice with classic evergreen lore, haunting legends of light and entertaining tales surrounded by traditional and original music and song. Featured stories include the beautiful 'Legend of the Mistletoe' from Scandinavia, humorous English Wassail traditions, and the poignant Greek legend 'The Halcyon Days of Peace.' Master storyteller Diane Edgecomb accompanied by Celtic harper Margot Chamberlain and multi-instrumentalist Tom Megan offers a fascinating look at the stories behind our holiday traditions. Songs evocative of the season and lovely instrumental melodies round out the event. 'Edgecomb is a virtuoso of the spoken word.' Publisher’s Weekly
$501- $1000

Midsummer's Magic Multicultural- Other,
Nature- Other,
Performing Arts- Storytelling

Experience the beauty of the Summer Solstice in Legends and Songs from Many Lands. Drawn from cultures all over the world, Midsummer’s Magic is a story and music celebration of nature at the time of the Summer Solstice. This delightful and entertaining performance brings alive Celtic, Czech, English, Japanese and Australian legends of tree-spirits, fireflies and magical transformations. Midsummer’s Eve is traditionally a time of magic when the luminous world of fairies can join with our own. In this unforgettable story and music event master storyteller Diane Edgecomb and Celtic Harper Margot Chamberlain take us to the heart of the season on the wings of story and song.
$501- $1000

Tales of the Supernatural Literature- Other,
Multicultural- Other,
Performing Arts- Storytelling

Tales of the Supernatural For adults, not appropriate for ages 11 and under. Just in time for Halloween, Diane presents an unusual collection of eerie tales and songs. Definitely not for kids, this evening event features a true ghost story Edgecomb collected about the misshapen standing stones of Avebury, England and the eerie force that emanates from them. The performance has a decidedly Celtic slant exploring the Gaelic traditions that influence Halloween including the humorous encounter with the devil that brought about the first Jack O’Lantern
$501- $1000

A Celtic Evening Literature- Other,
Multicultural- Other,
Performing Arts- Storytelling

Irish Culture comes to life with Storytelling, Song and the strains of the Celtic harp. In A Celtic Evening, Diane brings to life Ireland’s storytelling treasures from the humorous Legend of Knockgrafton to the hauntingly beautiful Deirdre of the Sorrows. The most famous of all Irish romances, Deirdre weaves together Druidic prophecies with a forbidden passion so profound it dares to defy the fates. The performance is set against a lush background of harp music: original and traditional melodies played by the versatile Margot Chamberlain on a variety of Celtic folk harps. Enjoy an evening of humor, passion and music with these two inspiring performers. A Celtic Evening is also available as a full musical event with the addition of Michael Punzak on story and fiddle and Tom Megan on accordion, keyboard and pennywhistle. Thoughtfully composed and beautifully presented, A Celtic Evening was a joy for us all. The combination of both your talents made for an inspirational evening that moved the audience to laughter and to tears, and left us with a feeling that magic was in the air. Director of programming, Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge MA
$501- $1000

Native American Nature Tales Multicultural- Native American,
Nature- Other,
Performing Arts- Storytelling

Native American Nature Tales explores tribal myths and legends of the animals and birds of North America. Ranging from the humorous to the heart-felt, these stories celebrate native culture and its strong links to the natural world. We learn an Abenaki canoeing song, explore over seven different animals in the Northwest legend of Loon's Song and discover why America is called Turtle Island. For older audiences the performance features beautiful legends of the spirit like Jumping Mouse. Join one of New England's favorite tellers as these rich stories create a colorful weave of the landscape. Through these how and why legends, students begin to understand how Native American culture clothed their world in story and how this enlivened both imagination and world. "Your stories were wonderful. The teachers and the students agreed that your presentation is one of the best we've ever had. Thank you so much for bringing to life our study of myths and legends." Missy Thomson, teacher and school librarian, Woodville School, Wakefield, MA
$351- $500

A Fire In My Heart: Kurdish Folktales Literature- Other,
Multicultural- Other,
Performing Arts- Storytelling

A Fire in My Heart: Kurdish Folktales: Based around Diane's new book of Kurdish folktales, this program introduces students and families to this pivotal Middle Eastern culture. Diane will present Kurdish stories she collected firsthand including The Lie a humorous story about a tall tale contest between an Uncle and his nephew, Fatima, the Kurdish Cinderella story and tales of how the moon and the Milky Way came to be. A map, anecdotes of her collecting experience and traditional dress and dance round out our exploration of this little known culture. Notice in the Salem News-2007 'How fun and exciting to have you visit Pine Point School! And, I have to tell you that I have heard such wonderful comments since the assembly. You inspired questions and comments all over campus and you were a hit with both students and faculty alike. Diane, I am in awe of your courage, and can't thank you enough for sharing your stories with us. With fond regard, Sandy Pereira, Cultural Enrichment, Pine Point School, CT'
$351- $500

Irish Shenanigans Multicultural- Other,
Performing Arts- Magic,
Performing Arts- Storytelling

Shenanigans: There is plenty of laughter and delight in this animated retelling of Ireland's best-loved gems. The storytelling includes Irish favorites like Gilly Blackfoot where a young lad's aversion to washing his feet causes him to fall in with a fairy band. Cloaks of Invisibility and magic spells abound as hapless Gilly sets out to help free the Princess of France. Known for her vivid comedic style, Diane Edgecomb brings delight to her interpretations of these classic Irish favorites. This performance is also available with Diane's longtime collaborator Margot Chamberlain accompanying the program on Celtic harp. Storyteller Wows Millicent Crowd: "Unfolded with zest and humor, the story captivated the audience which scarcely moved in the course of its telling. Proof, if any such were needed, that storytelling is as vital as ever, and is in good company in the presence of Diane Edgecomb and Margot Chamberlain." ~ The Advocate, Fairhaven, MA
$351- $500

Page: 1 2 Next >

Records 1-10 of 11

* Inclusion in this database does not indicate endorsement of any performer or program by the NYS Education Department, the Office of Cultural Education, the NYS Library or the participating library systems, nor does it eliminate the need for reference checks and appropriate standard screening procedures.

Program	Category	Description	Fee
Forbidden Stories: Journey Among the Kurds of Turkey	Literature- Poetry, Multicultural- Other, Performing Arts- Storytelling	Forbidden Stories: Journey Among the Kurds of Turkey The dramatic tale of Edgecomb's story collecting journey in remote mountain villages among a people whose very language was forbidden is punctuated by colorful slides, music and folktales collected from the last living Kurdish tellers. This entertaining and insightful performance with award-winning storyteller Diane Edgecomb charts her years collecting the vanishing folkloric tales of the Kurdish people. This seven-year quest brought Diane to remote mountain villages in Turkey places usually forbidden to outsiders. A master teller, Edgecomb will share legends from her new book, A Fire In My Heart: Kurdish Tales, never before published stories that reveal the folkloric riches of this ancient Middle Eastern culture along with anecdotes of her travels up sheer mountain roads to record the last Kurdish storytellers. The performance resonates with the humor and pathos of Kurdish village life and the colorful people that shared their lives with her.	$501- $1000
Night Lights	Multicultural- Other, Nature- Other, Performing Arts- Storytelling	In Night Lights, unusual star myths take us on a multi-cultural voyage across the heavens. The collection Diane has gathered teach about easily observed celestial phenomena like the origin of prominent constellations, and significant 'night lights' like Morning Star and North Star. Complemented by a humorous legend of the origin of fireflies, this program is well-rounded entertainment. Enjoy it in any indoors venue or bring it to an outdoor or nighttime setting as a special treat. Listen in wonder as tales from Greece, Estonia, Native America, Kurdistan and Korea celebrate the magic of the night sky. 'Thank you for a wonderful program last Saturday. It couldn't have been better. You really know how to act out great stories and myths. We all enjoyed your program immensely.' Sandy Pierson, Myles Standish State Forest, Carver, MA	$351- $500
One World, Many Stories: Around the World Folktales	History, Multicultural- Other, Performing Arts- Storytelling	This performance complements the 2011 reading theme of 'One World, Many Stories.' Join in and travel around the world with these captivating multi-cultural legends. Each tale offers a participatory look at our comon love of story. Celebrate engaging narratives, animal characters, songs in different languages and home-spun wisdom as one of New England's favorite storytellers takes us from the heart of the Amazon rainforest to the forests of the Czech Republic to the villages of Africa. Celebrate the diversity of people all over the world using the common elements of story, rhythm and song.	$351- $500
The Winter Solstice in Legend and Song	Literature- Poetry, Literature- Other, Multicultural- Other	Master Storyteller Diane Edgecomb accompanied by Celtic Harpist Margot Chamberlain and multi-instrumentalist Tom Megan offers a fascinating look at the legends behind our holiday traditions. Celebrate the Winter Solstice with classic evergreen lore, haunting legends of light and entertaining tales surrounded by traditional and original music and song. Featured stories include the beautiful 'Legend of the Mistletoe' from Scandinavia, humorous English Wassail traditions, and the poignant Greek legend 'The Halcyon Days of Peace.' Master storyteller Diane Edgecomb accompanied by Celtic harper Margot Chamberlain and multi-instrumentalist Tom Megan offers a fascinating look at the stories behind our holiday traditions. Songs evocative of the season and lovely instrumental melodies round out the event. 'Edgecomb is a virtuoso of the spoken word.' Publisher’s Weekly	$501- $1000
Midsummer's Magic	Multicultural- Other, Nature- Other, Performing Arts- Storytelling	Experience the beauty of the Summer Solstice in Legends and Songs from Many Lands. Drawn from cultures all over the world, Midsummer’s Magic is a story and music celebration of nature at the time of the Summer Solstice. This delightful and entertaining performance brings alive Celtic, Czech, English, Japanese and Australian legends of tree-spirits, fireflies and magical transformations. Midsummer’s Eve is traditionally a time of magic when the luminous world of fairies can join with our own. In this unforgettable story and music event master storyteller Diane Edgecomb and Celtic Harper Margot Chamberlain take us to the heart of the season on the wings of story and song.	$501- $1000
Tales of the Supernatural	Literature- Other, Multicultural- Other, Performing Arts- Storytelling	Tales of the Supernatural For adults, not appropriate for ages 11 and under. Just in time for Halloween, Diane presents an unusual collection of eerie tales and songs. Definitely not for kids, this evening event features a true ghost story Edgecomb collected about the misshapen standing stones of Avebury, England and the eerie force that emanates from them. The performance has a decidedly Celtic slant exploring the Gaelic traditions that influence Halloween including the humorous encounter with the devil that brought about the first Jack O’Lantern	$501- $1000
A Celtic Evening	Literature- Other, Multicultural- Other, Performing Arts- Storytelling	Irish Culture comes to life with Storytelling, Song and the strains of the Celtic harp. In A Celtic Evening, Diane brings to life Ireland’s storytelling treasures from the humorous Legend of Knockgrafton to the hauntingly beautiful Deirdre of the Sorrows. The most famous of all Irish romances, Deirdre weaves together Druidic prophecies with a forbidden passion so profound it dares to defy the fates. The performance is set against a lush background of harp music: original and traditional melodies played by the versatile Margot Chamberlain on a variety of Celtic folk harps. Enjoy an evening of humor, passion and music with these two inspiring performers. A Celtic Evening is also available as a full musical event with the addition of Michael Punzak on story and fiddle and Tom Megan on accordion, keyboard and pennywhistle. Thoughtfully composed and beautifully presented, A Celtic Evening was a joy for us all. The combination of both your talents made for an inspirational evening that moved the audience to laughter and to tears, and left us with a feeling that magic was in the air. Director of programming, Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge MA	$501- $1000
Native American Nature Tales	Multicultural- Native American, Nature- Other, Performing Arts- Storytelling	Native American Nature Tales explores tribal myths and legends of the animals and birds of North America. Ranging from the humorous to the heart-felt, these stories celebrate native culture and its strong links to the natural world. We learn an Abenaki canoeing song, explore over seven different animals in the Northwest legend of Loon's Song and discover why America is called Turtle Island. For older audiences the performance features beautiful legends of the spirit like Jumping Mouse. Join one of New England's favorite tellers as these rich stories create a colorful weave of the landscape. Through these how and why legends, students begin to understand how Native American culture clothed their world in story and how this enlivened both imagination and world. "Your stories were wonderful. The teachers and the students agreed that your presentation is one of the best we've ever had. Thank you so much for bringing to life our study of myths and legends." Missy Thomson, teacher and school librarian, Woodville School, Wakefield, MA	$351- $500
A Fire In My Heart: Kurdish Folktales	Literature- Other, Multicultural- Other, Performing Arts- Storytelling	A Fire in My Heart: Kurdish Folktales: Based around Diane's new book of Kurdish folktales, this program introduces students and families to this pivotal Middle Eastern culture. Diane will present Kurdish stories she collected firsthand including The Lie a humorous story about a tall tale contest between an Uncle and his nephew, Fatima, the Kurdish Cinderella story and tales of how the moon and the Milky Way came to be. A map, anecdotes of her collecting experience and traditional dress and dance round out our exploration of this little known culture. Notice in the Salem News-2007 'How fun and exciting to have you visit Pine Point School! And, I have to tell you that I have heard such wonderful comments since the assembly. You inspired questions and comments all over campus and you were a hit with both students and faculty alike. Diane, I am in awe of your courage, and can't thank you enough for sharing your stories with us. With fond regard, Sandy Pereira, Cultural Enrichment, Pine Point School, CT'	$351- $500
Irish Shenanigans	Multicultural- Other, Performing Arts- Magic, Performing Arts- Storytelling	Shenanigans: There is plenty of laughter and delight in this animated retelling of Ireland's best-loved gems. The storytelling includes Irish favorites like Gilly Blackfoot where a young lad's aversion to washing his feet causes him to fall in with a fairy band. Cloaks of Invisibility and magic spells abound as hapless Gilly sets out to help free the Princess of France. Known for her vivid comedic style, Diane Edgecomb brings delight to her interpretations of these classic Irish favorites. This performance is also available with Diane's longtime collaborator Margot Chamberlain accompanying the program on Celtic harp. Storyteller Wows Millicent Crowd: "Unfolded with zest and humor, the story captivated the audience which scarcely moved in the course of its telling. Proof, if any such were needed, that storytelling is as vital as ever, and is in good company in the presence of Diane Edgecomb and Margot Chamberlain." ~ The Advocate, Fairhaven, MA	$351- $500