We had a our biggest night yet for The Hearth. Approximately 207 people (according to one numbers oriented audience member) crammed into First Congregational church to hear true tales of Winter. The stories were heartfelt and soulful. Julie Akins began the night with a story of losing a daughter but gaining a granddaughter, Lincoln Zeve shared a collage of images from his early years in the Northeast, Sean Gallagher received the Hearth’s first standing ovation after sharing a gut-wrenching tale of childhood discrimination and coming to terms with his ethnic identity. After an intermission of mulled wine and winter ale (all of which was consumed within a matter of minutes), Joy Hosey told a funny and poignant story of “Learning to Love Christmas as a New Age Grinch.” Char Nuessle shared a humble, beautiful tale of spiritual seeking after losing her mother at age thirteen. Our final teller of the night was bluesman Phoenix Sigalove who told a tale of saving a puppy named “Blues” who years later returned the favor.
Trent Yaconelli, our musician for the night, got caught in a snow storm in Mt. Shasta, so Wendi Stanek and Duane Whitcomb opened the show with a song entitled “Icicles.” Meanwhile, Trent braved the storm, chained his car and drove over the Siskiyous arriving at the event at intermission to a round of applause. Trent then shared three songs from his new album, “Birdwings.” To hear what he played go here.
The event raised nearly $900 for Dunn House, a shelter and care center for women and children suffering from domestic violence.
Our next event will be held on April 12th. The theme is “Hearthy Appetites: Adventures in Food,” and will be held at a larger location (so stay tuned for the new venue address), with local food and wine, and proceeds given to Rogue Valley Farm to School. See you then.
