PORT TOWNSEND — In the dark of a new moon, with a nip in the air, visitors are invited to come in from the cold for an evening of British storytelling at 7 tonight at First Friday StoryNight.
Featured teller Chis Gilbert will take attendees back to his formative years as a child in war-torn London, and his youth in a small English seaside town, at Port Townsend Friends Meetinghouse, 1841 Sheridan St.
Gilbert’s tale begins with a bar of coal-tar soap and finishes when he leaves high school in a state of turmoil, organizers said.
Gilbert will color his stories, as usual, with a few folk songs.
Following Gilbert’s presentation will be up to six short stories by attendees; sign-up on a first-come basis.
Master of ceremonies Perry Spring will conclude the evening with a story in keeping with the even- ing’s theme.
Chris Gilbert is a popular local storyteller-musician, and this marks his fourth appearance as featured storyteller for First Friday StoryNight. Born in London, Gilbert lived in the U.K. until he emigrated to the U.S. in 1992.
He has had two very successful careers, first as a teacher, and then as an technology leader in the health care industry. His passions include the exploration of folk music and storytelling, especially as it relates to his native country.
Gilbert’s local band, Happenstance, sings folk songs from the British isles and produced its debut CD, “Lark In The Morning” in February 2018 (www.happenstance music.net).
Refreshments and a Quimper Story Guild planning meeting will follow the swap.
For more information, go to www.facebook.com/ QuimperStoryGuild, email QuimperStoryGuild@gmail.com, or call 360-316-9600.