FIRE & FROST
Join Patchwork for Tales of Fire & Frost.
On Thursday, January 30, the Ice House in Bethlehem will come alive with the warmth of storytelling during Tales of Fire and Frost—Stories from the Winter Hearth. This inaugural event invites the community to gather for an evening of captivating tales, from timeless myths and folklore to personal narratives that resonate with pluck and passion.
“We are so excited to welcome in, and to be welcomed by, this wonderful community of Bethlehem and the surrounding area at the Ice House—to share their time and talents with us and each other,” says Denise McCormack, storyteller and president of Patchwork: A Storytelling Guild. “Whether it’s a tale of enflamed hearts and lost loves or chilling ghosts and stoic simpletons, stories from the hearth have always brought people together to reflect, dream, and immerse themselves in the challenges and triumphs of the adventurer's derring-do!”
Featured in this amazing lineup are Denise McCormack, MC, Jim Cyr, Judy England-McCarthy, Robin Gow, Charles Kiernan, Catherine Moore, Alexandra Vandak, and Ms. Latrice Young.
Doug Roysdon, Director of the Ice House, adds, “We’re thrilled to kick off the storytelling series with an event that really means to be of, for, and by the community. Our mission is to bring people together, fostering connection and creativity through the arts, and stories have the power to do that.”
The event celebrates the art of the oral tradition, showcasing a variety of storytelling styles and performers. From the epic origins of mythic creation to heartfelt personal journeys, this evening promises to spark the imagination and warm the spirit on a cold winter’s night.
“Tales of Fire and Frost—Stories from the Winter Hearth” welcomes audiences to an enchanting evening wrapped in story.
Admission is Free and Pay-What-You-Can because we want you there.
WHEN: January 30, 2025, at 7:00 PM
WHERE: The Ice House, 56 River Street, Bethlehem, PA
ADMISSION: Free and Pay-What-You-Can
Recommended for adult and general audiences.
For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Patchwork Storytelling Guild at info@patchworkstorytelling.org .
Spread the word and join us as we embark on this collective journey into the unknown. After all, stories are meant to be shared, and at Patchwork, sharing is our passion.
DETAILS
Free. Donations accepted.
Suggested $15/pp
Show begins at 7 PM EST.
Questions? info@patchworkstorytelling.org
About the tellers
Denise McCormack, MC
Denise McCormack is a dynamic storyteller and creative professional whose talents transcend various mediums, including independent research, performance art, web/graphic design, and video production. With a steadfast commitment to crafting meaningful and engaging narratives, Denise expertly tailors tales to resonate with the people around her.
Her extensive involvement in cultural, educational, and artistic initiatives reflects her dedication to nurturing storytelling communities. Denise serves as the president of Patchwork: A Storytelling Guild and coordinates family storytelling events, such as The Family Storytelling Series, for the Lehigh Valley Storytelling Guild and its offspring, the Folk Arts Consortium. She has also served as a recent state liaison for the National Storytelling Network, co-chaired the NJ Storytelling Festival, and edited "Story Art," a publication by the National Storytellers League.
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.
Explore Denise's world of storytelling, where great people, great messages, and great stories converge to ignite imagination and evoke emotion. 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.
Judy England McCarthy
Judy can be found performing, giving author talks and workshops at various venues throughout the tri-state area. As a professional storyteller, author, workshop facilitator, and director Judy’s creative intention is to make connections with people through words. She adapts, creates, and shares these stories though poetry, living characters, her books, videos & most of all through storytelling. www.beginwithastory.com
Robin Gow
Robin Gow (it/fae/he & él y elle) is an award-winning poet and community educator. It grew up in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, and lives with his partner Rain and their menagerie of animals on unceded Lenape land also called Allentown Pennsylvania. Fae is the author of poetry collections and young-adult and middle-grade novels including Dear Mothman and A Million Quiet Revolutions, earning starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus, School Library Journal, and more. www. robingow.com
Charles Kiernan
Charles takes great pleasure in telling traditional fairy tales to audiences of all ages. He focuses on the German, English, and Irish stories collected during the nineteenth century, such as The White Snake, Laidly Worm of Spindleston Heugh, and The Horned Women.
In addition, Charles is a fantasy writer, author of A Vacant Throne, and Sword of Trueterra. He is also known for his blog “Fairy Tale of the Month.” www. chaztales.net
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.
Alexandra Vandak
Psychotherapist and coach for over 20 years.
Ms. Latrice Young
Ms. Latrice P. Young/Distinctly Unique is an award-winning choreopoet and artrepreneur (Dunique LLC, est. 2019; NAATC–Director of Community Engagement Strategy, est. 2022) from East Chicago and Gary, Indiana, currently residing in Allentown, Pennsylvania. One of her primary artistic goals focuses on the creation, education, and performance of choreopoems and interdisciplinary community play, D. Unique way; with an emphasis on Blackness, ritual and healing, to help connect the world and celebrate our differences. www.mslatricepyoungdu.com
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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