Mid-Island Storytellers (MIST) will kick off their season on Oct. 25 with "Scary Tales of Mystery & Imagination" just in time for Halloween.
"Remember the magic created by listening to a well-told story?" said a news release by MIST. "Well you don’t have to go far to experience that again. Because MIST will present a stellar lineup of Friday night storytelling performances guaranteed to bring a little magic into your world."
The highlight of the 2024-25 MIST season is the nationally recognized storyteller from Ottawa, Kathie Kompass, who will share stories from her recently released CD, Fables, Fancies, and Facts on Feb. 28.
The album is mix of Kompass’s original stories with tales from around the world.
“I enjoy folktales for their universality, their truth, wisdom and sly humour. And for the way they have endured, by reshaping themselves as they’re passed along, down through the ages,” said Kompass.
On Jan. 24, prepare to be regaled with stories about "Women Who Braved The World". Be sure to mark the calendar for a collection of ever-popular "Tales from Newfoundland and The Maritimes" on April 25.
And the last show of the season, on May 23, is a delightful evening full of "Tales From the Arabian Nights".
MIST will also present their Slice of Life – Dare to Share concerts – featuring "real stories by real people", on Nov. 22 and March 25. Often unbelievable but always true.
"It’s an art to tell stories from our lives and keep your audience interested and engaged," the release said. "But an art you can learn. Interested in pursuing this? Then, MIST can help."
Slice of Life – Dare to Share stories are told by individuals who’ve learned this art form. And the MIST professional storytelling artist, Susan Warner, will work with you if you’d like to tell, but need a little help gaining the comfort and confidence to do so.
For information, contact Warner at rootswings@shaw.ca.
MIST's concerts are held at the McMillan Arts Centre — doors open at 6:30 p.m. and shows start at 7 p.m. It’s an opportunity to listen, learn and immerse oneself in storytelling for adults by professional and local storytellers.
Tickets can be purchased online at macmillanartscentre.com under their Artist Talks at the MAC webpage or in person at the McMillan Arts Centre Box Office at 133 McMillan Street in Parksville.
Tickets cost $20 for the Tales for Telling series ($18 for MIST members) – with a special season ticket price of $75 for all five shows. Tickets for the Slice of Life series cost $12 ($10 for MIST members).
To become a MIST member, it costs $10 for the year. Join by visiting the MIST website at midislandstorytellers.com.
