The Mattapoisett Free Public Library will celebrate St Patrick’s Day, Celtic culture and the arrival of spring by presenting a performance by Parents’ Choice Award winning performer Davis Bates. Entitled “A Celtic Celebration”, the program will involve the audience in a variety of cultural traditions. It will include traditional songs and tales from Ireland, Scotland & Wales, sea songs and chanteys, ghost stories and family tales. There will also be plenty of singalongs, a short lesson in how to play music with spoons from a kitchen drawer and an appearance by an Irish dancing wooden dog named Bingo.
Pete and Toshi Seeger called Davis “thoughtful, creative, human and a fantastic storyteller.” Davis’ traditional and participatory performance style empowers and encourages audiences of all ages to join in the fun and to take the songs and stories home with them to share with others. He also encourages listeners to remember and share stories and songs from their own family and cultural traditions.
Davis Bates has been telling stories for over 44 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 and was named one of the year’s best Audio Recordings by Booklist Magazine. 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 and working on pollinator plantings on the Hampshire campus and at home.
The performance, recommended for older children, teens and adults, will take place at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library on Saturday, March 18, beginning at 2:00 pm. No registration is required. For more information, please call 508-758-4171.