Stories Under a Night Sky--Do You Believe in Destiny?

Above: Pop-Up in the Park, a recent Storytellers event in Valley Court Park

On February 23, 2017, from 6:30 to 8:30, come to Abrams Planetarium to share your story or listen to someone tell theirs. Storytelling is a tradition among all cultures. Before the printing press and social media, people who could bring news and entertainment for others were highly valued in society. To promote storytelling, WKAR, in collaboration with MSU Residential College in Arts and Humanities, established Pop-Up Stories--Lansing.

This mobile platform gives people a chance to express themselves to an audience, guided by a theme for each evening. Since MSU-based WKAR is Lansing's public radio station, Producer Katie Cook believes "it is crucial to serve the community and provide a platform for people to share their stories." According to Cook, the importance of Pop-Up Stories-- Lansing is that "...anyone can tell a story. Everyone's story is valuable, and the diverse group of people coming together is strengthening our community."

The venue for this session is Abrams Planetarium, 755 Science Rd., MSU Campus, which will give participants a chance to have storytelling "under the stars,” recreating the experience of generations gathering together for entertainment. The theme for this event is "It's in the stars.” Cook, encourages people to "...recount your story about fate, fortune, and what is meant to be." To enrich your experience, Abrams Planetarium will provide a free 30-minute recorded presentation and star show by Native American Master Storytellers titled "Sky Tellers: North Star and Meteors.”

To reserve your five minute presentation time as a storyteller, contact Cook at kcook@wkar.org or call 517-884-4786, and she can provide more details and information for those needing accommodations. Plan your story and bring your audience with you. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Check https://www.facebook.com/PopUpStoriesLansing/ for more details and a listing of future storytelling dates and venues.