Ancient legends of trees with music and songs from cultures around the world accompany a twilight stroll through the beautiful groves of the Arnold Arboretum on Friday and Saturday, June 19 and 20, from 6:30 – 8:30. This performance event, specifically designed for this tree sanctuary by award-winning storyteller Diane Edgecomb and Celtic harper Margot Chamberlain takes us to some of its loveliest spots. Stories and music are drawn from the rich cultural traditions of Japan, Wales, England, Australia, Russia and Native America. The evening culminates with the haunting Czech legend “The Wild Woman of the Birch Grove” told among the birches of Bussey Hill at sunset.
This duo has been featured on NPR and at storytelling festivals, coffeehouses, theaters, and garden clubs. Diane is known for her unique style of storytelling, where she embodies the various characters and scenes in a tale, bringing each moment alive. For this she has won the first national Oracle Award for Storytelling Excellence in the Northeast. Margot Chamberlain’s versatile approach to harp and song brings an underlying poetic weave to support each tale. Expect to laugh, be moved, and leave your cares behind. $20 through June 10 and $25 thereafter. Telephone 617-524-1718, or visit https://my.arboretum.harvard.edu/Info.aspx?DayPlanner=1024&DayPlannerDate=6/20/2014 to register. Photo by Pamela Ruby Russell.