A Brother Blue Christmas
Throughout his 40-year career, Brother Blue shared stories, poetry, and songs with countless audiences in hospitals, libraries, seminars, prisons, nurseries, Sunday school classes, and often in the streets and subways.
To honor the recent passing of this beloved storyteller, the storytelling community is encouraged to give back this holiday season by sharing the gift of story with those in need.
The disadvantaged and those who serve them are disheartened more than ever during the holidays. This holiday season storytellers around the world will present stories to people who need cheer including staff, volunteers, patients, inmates, and others who are missing family, friends, and the deep feeling of connection.
As a living tribute to Brother Blue, storytellers are invited to take to the streets, just as he did to uplift those who feel lonely and hopeless at this time of year. From Chanukah through Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and beyond, until the last day of Kwanza or Los Tres Reyes storytellers will tell stories where people need them the most.
Here’s how you can remember and honor Brother Blue by giving the gift of story to people who need it most, when they need it most.
At the locations served, storytellers should:
- Present their performance as part of "A Brother Blue Christmas" and share some information about Brother Blue—who he was and why his life and work are being honored.
- Arrange and complete performances in their communities— alone or in groups, with musicians and other performers.
- Perform free of charge.
The final piece of the project will be publicizing the venues after completion to help Brother Blue’s example live on.
An online blog is being created to list places people visit and any stories performers wish to contribute about their experiences. Performance listings and stories can be sent to love2tell2@aol.com.