Patchwork Storytelling Guild
Free at Last: Stories of Revolution, Evolution, and Convolution
Join Patchwork for an unforgettable evening of storytelling as we present Free at Last: Stories of Revolution, Evolution, and Convolution, at the Ice House, 56 River Street, Bethlehem, PA, on Thursday, July 10, from 7 PM to 9 PM. This live performance event explores the many faces of freedom—liberation, transformation, and the moments in between.
From personal milestones to mythic journeys, humorous mishaps to poignant revelations, this showcase celebrates the pivotal points in life where something changes—and nothing is ever quite the same again.
These are the stories we can’t forget—the ones that mark us, move us, and shape us—and, sometimes, the stories we finally get to laugh about from an older and wiser perch.
Whether it's breaking free from an old habit, embracing a new identity, surviving a setback, or triumphing over a fear, these stories illuminate what it means to evolve, to let go, and to find freedom in expected—and wholly unexpected—ways.
As Patchwork president and host Denise McCormack says,
“These stories remind us that freedom isn’t always a finish line—it’s often a flicker, a feeling, a fierce moment of clarity. Each tale is a spark, and together, they light the way.”
The program features a mix of traditional folk and literary tales and deeply personal narratives told by a diverse and dynamic lineup of storytellers:
Denise McCormack (Host & Emcee), Jim Cyr, Andy Pollack, Avern Williams, Catherine Moore, Kristin Pedemonti, Carin Bonifacino, and Mike Agranoff.
Note: Recommended for adult audiences. Some stories unfold in layers and may include mature subject matter.
Key Details
Free and Pay-What-You-Can. Donations accepted.
Suggested $15/pp
Questions? info@patchworkstorytelling.org
About the tellers
Denise McCormack, MC
Denise McCormack is a dynamic storyteller and creative professional whose talents transcend mediums, crafting meaningful narratives that truly connect with audiences.
Her extensive involvement in cultural, educational, and artistic initiatives reflects her dedication to nurturing the art form and building storytelling communities. As president of Patchwork, she coordinates a variety of storytelling events each year, providing opportunities for others to share their stories and storytelling strategies—both as tellers and listeners.
In essence, Denise is fueled by her passion for the transformative power of stories. She believes that there is a story for every time and purpose under heaven, each carrying the potential to inspire, educate, and unite.
Step into Denise’s world of storytelling, where powerful stories, meaningful messages, and vibrant communities come together to spark imagination and stir the soul. www.DeniseMcCormack.live
Jim Cyr
Jim Cyr is a retired minister who is a spiritual companion and storyteller. Jim has told stories at community organizations, jails, libraries, first night festivals, and churches. His repertoire of stories includes folk tales, fairy tales, sacred and biblical stories. Jim specializes in stories of healing, wisdom, and faith. www.jimcyr.com is Jim’s website.
Andy Pollack
Andy Pollack has been making people laugh in the Lehigh Valley since 2010 by performing improv, sketch, and now, (to complete the set!), stand-up.
In addition to performing in the 2025 Good Karma Comedy Festival, he has also produced Cold Fusion Comedy, a semi-regular live comedy/variety show at the Ice House in Bethlehem, PA since 2021.
You are welcome to tell him a funny story, but please believe that he won’t “use it for one of his little skits.”
Avern Williams
A proud native of New Jersey (recently returned!), Avern Williams is an IT Business Analyst by day and an all-purpose enthusiast by night: curious about everything, committed to nothing for too long, and finally taking the plunge into storytelling. Though new to the stage, she brings an ebullient spirit and a deep belief in the power of truth, timing, and transformation.
Catherine Moore
Dr. Catherine Moore is entering her 31st year in language and theatre arts education, teaching at Moravian Academy since 2006. With her Power of Story course, Dr. Moore transforms traditional narrative study to an experiential ‘story laboratory’, filled with blended learning, collaborative activities, and story fieldwork in our community.
Kristin Pedemonti
Recipient of the National Storytelling Network International StoryBridge Award, Kristin Pedemonti has performed across the US and in 20 countries on 5 continents. She serves as Narrative Therapy Practitioner for survivors of abuse, addictions and trauma. Kristin completed a decade as Storytelling Consultant at the World Bank. She is the Founder and Facilitator of Steer Your Story. Author of 3 books, including A Bridge of Story chronicles her 7 year literacy project.
Carin Bonifacino
Carin spent the first half of her life working with plants in various aspects of horticulture. After the deaths of two significant people in her life, she switched careers in her 40's to work in the field of death and dying. She regularly tells the stories of people’s lives as a funeral celebrant. She is a mom of two, the wife of a wonderful man, and a nature lover through and through.
Mike Agranoff
Mike Agranoff is a musical raconteur. His signature pieces are his riveting original recitations after the fashion of Robert Service. But his toolbox also includes conventional first-person stories, both serious and hilarious, poems, and, of course, numerous ballads (in the original sense of the word: songs that tell stories.)
Show Your Support
Donations are appreciated. Become a member today.
About Patchwork: A Storytelling Guild
Patchwork Storytelling Guild is a member-supported 501c3 non-profit organization serving the needs of the Philadelphia Metro area, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, the Delaware Valley, and beyond.
Its mission is to provide a forum for storytellers and to promote the art of storytelling through community outreach related to the practice, performance, and value of storytelling. Patchwork offers: monthly story swaps, coaching sessions, performance opportunities... and more.
About THE ICEHOUSE
The IceHouse Performing Arts Collaborative (IPAC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. IPAC believes in the power of the arts to serve community needs, grow our resident artist community, and establish an accessible stage for our richly diverse population. | In the coming year, over 800 local artists - poets. songwriters, musicians, comedians, magicians, actors, dancers, and storytellers from over 40 arts organizations - will take the IceHouse stage.
IceHouse artists directly impact the cultural and economic life of our community in many ways.
ACCESSIBILITY
- Storytelling events will take place in the upstairs stage area. The IceHouse is equipped with an elevator for easier access. For other information regarding accessibility, please contact the IceHouse.
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