Storyteller Granny Sue: Stories from the Mountains and Beyond: Here We Come A-Caroling!

Here We Come A-Caroling!

My mind has been filled with carols these past few weeks as I practice and research for the upcoming Here We Come A-Caroling! program. I present this show with my friend, folk musician Jeff Seager, and each year we add new stories and songs to our performance. This year's new songs include:

Nova! Nova!, a medieval carol with an interesting construction
Beautiful Star of Bethlehem, a carol written in an Appalachian cow barn
Welcome Yule!, a hearty welcome to the coming of Solstice

There will be stories that tell the history and lore behind each of these carols as well as all of the other carols included in our program. Some favorites, such as The Huron Carol and Don in Yon Forest are also on the agenda. Recently I learned of a family connection to the Christmas Truce of 1914, and that story will be included in our rendition of Silent Night.

From last year's fun: attendees playing parts with masks for an old
Appalachian song.

There is so much more--there is such a wealth of carols! And there is fascinating lore too--the traditions, superstititions, prohibitions, etc. connected with our celebrations of the holidays. Holly, ivy, the bringing in of greenery, the food customs, ways to assure good luck and fortune, finding a mate, the Yule log...it's not what to include, it's how much we can manage in the time we will have.

Here is the schedule of our performances so far. Call or email me for more information. I hope to see you at one of these events!

NOVEMBER 28: HERE WE COME A-CAROLING, CEDAR LAKES, RIPLEY, WV 7:00PM, ROAD SCHOLARS PROGRAM.

DECEMBER 10: HERE WE COME A-CAROLING! HOUSE CONCERT, FREDERICK, MD. 7:00PM. CONTACT ME FOR DETAILS.

DECEMBER 11: OLDE TYME CHRISTMAS, HARPER'S FERRY, WV, ST. PETER'S CHURCH, 1:00PM, FREE PUBLIC PROGRAM.

DECEMBER 17: HERE WE COME A-CAROLING! PHILIPPI PUBLIC LIBRARY, PHILIPPI, WV 2:00PM, FREE PUBLIC PROGRAM.

DECEMBER 18: HERE WE COME A-CAROLING! BLACKWATER FALLS STATE PARK, DAVIS, WV 10:00AM, FOR BREAKFAST WITH SANTA PROGRAM.

What Others Say About Granny Sue

“Granny Sue’s programs were geared to their level so well that the children are still talking about the stories and telling them to friends and family.” Julie, librarian

“Your performance received high praise from the audience and other tellers alike.

"Granny Sue Holstein is fast becoming a favorite with Pittsburgh audiences.” Mary, festival organizer

“The interaction with the children made this program special.” Pamela, Children’s Librarian

“Granny Sue has been described as one of the few tellers that is equally effective with any age audience and her variety of material helps her present the right story for the right audience.” Bob, Storytelling Festival Director

“I never saw children sit so still and captured by stories.” Karen, library director

“The program was right on target. The presenter demonstrated how stories could be presented to encourage student involvement and present difficult themes in an accessible way. The program was just what we hoped for: relevant, informative, and entertaining.” Bill, conference director

“We liked the fact that you started to interact with the children before the program started which seems to set the mood and tone for the entire program.” Mary, librarian

“Granny Sue was wonderful! I laughed until I had tears in my eyes.” Amy, teacher

“My students sat spellbound listening to Granny Sue. She really connected to them. They did not want her to leave.” Cheryl, teacher

“The hit of the day was Susanna Holstein’s “Storytelling Without Stage Fright. One attendee made the comment that she enjoyed the program because she could participate instead of sitting and listening.” Library Association newsletter

“The way you connected with a group of teens with very different backgrounds and frame of reference was excellent.” Mark, Sales Director.

“Mrs. Holstein, thank you for telling ghost stories. I liked that better than anything!” Jamie, student

“You put into action a wonderful, quality program for our haunted house. Presentation was excellent!” Veronica, Bed and Breakfast operator

“Your commitment to fascinate and entertain our visitors with the tales and truths of Appalachia is unprecedented.” WVU Mountaineer Week

“Your wonderful storytelling and sparkling personality went a long way in making our celebration a success.” Nancy, festival organizer

“Spooky stories around the campfire really captured the audience’s attention.” Lynn, recreation director

“We were really excited to have an opportunity to expand the educational activities and it was with your help that it turned out so well.” Rosalie, festival director

“Granny Sue has the most hauntingly beautiful voice that went just right with her powerful story… She had the crowd in the palm of her hand. Just beautiful!” Karen, storyteller

"Granny Sue starts her tale by belting out the strains of a love song like a young Loretta Lynn… you must get her to tell you the tale of Rain and Snow, it's potent with emotion. Mel, storyteller

Storyteller Granny Sue: Stories from the Mountains and Beyond

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Here We Come A-Caroling!

Here We Come A-Caroling!

Stories and Folktales

Workshops

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