WINTER
January Artichoke Benefit Show
7:30pm Saturday, January 25th
tickets at www.portlandstorytellers.org
Gather around to warm yourself at a special benefit concert of songs and stories in celebration of The Artichoke.
Listen, as five experienced tellers from the Portland Storytellers’ Guild members Gretchen Peterson, Frans van der Horst, Steven Henegar, Maura Doherty, Juliana Person, and Anne Penfound weave their stories together with music by singer/songwriter, Katy Ohsiek*. They bring songs and stories of harsh winters, thawed hearts, and darkness brightened, along with the gratitude for community in a special benefit for our favorite place to listen.
All proceeds benefit Artichoke Music.
Live-stream can be watched by going to Artichoke’s YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@ArtichokeMusic) and clicking on the “Live” link at the time of the performance.
Please help keep the Artichoke financially healthy. Donations can be made at any time: https://www.artichokemusic.org/donate.html. Let’s make this a benefit to remember!
*Katy & the Null Sets is the long-time "solo project" of Katy Ohsiek, vocalist of Portland disco group Foamboy. The project has taken many forms since its inception in 2015. KNTNS has been a solo singer-songwriter act, elaborate synth pop albums, a ukulele-drummer 2 piece, and a new-wave-inspired rock band. The unifying element over the years has been Katy's melodies, lyricism, and unique song forms, which borrow from bossa nova, soul, mid-2000's indie, and modern americana.
About the tellers:
Gretchen Peterson
Gretchen Peterson found her storytelling niche by writing and performing stories about women who love women. Her crisp, commanding performances of personal stories, original folktales, fairy tales and myths are a delight for audiences.
Frans van der Horst
Frans van der Horst grew up in Holland after World War II. Then he traveled around – Switzerland, Germany, Africa and the US., including studying at McCormick Theological Seminary. After retiring in 2007 he was drawn to storytelling. He and his wife, a singer, produced annual December shows for their local church for 15 years, and he performed with the Portland Storyteller’s Guild. Frans speaks from the heart with sincerity, compassion and humor.
Steven Henegar
Midwestern storyteller, Steven Henegar, celebrates the wonderful variety of stories that we use to share our lives. Wry conversation wraps around a lively mix of real life and original fiction. He calls up the everyday and the fantastic to discover feelings and experiences that connect us all: Truth & Lies mined from a long life looking around. www.stevenhenegar.com
Maura Doherty
Maura Doherty‘s life began with her Catholic grammar school’s motto, Veritas. Truth became her touchstone during nine years as a religious Sister and, later, an activist. Along the way she fought the lies spread by industrial polluters. Truth won out. Her stories celebrate the heroes and everyday people who have helped her along the way. Maura’s memoir, She Blooms: Finding Home After the Convent, is available through White River Press at www.Bookshop.org and other bookstores.
Juliana Person
Juliana Person was selected from the audience to tell a 5-minute story during the intermission of a Portland Storytellers Guild show back in 2017. She was astonished to discover that she enjoyed it almost as much as her outdoor adventures and has been eagerly seeking out storytelling opportunities ever since.
Anne Penfound
believes stories weave magic and bring joy to life. Twenty years ago she began a journey, exploring and telling stories, first with folktales, and later with personal narrative. Anne’s ability to exaggerate, surprise her audience and laugh at herself opens up new story adventures for herself and her audiences. Memories continue to bubble to the surface: imperfect snippets, waiting to be crafted and told. www.annepenfound.com