Ties to the Isles: Folklife and Storytelling at the 2008 Natchitoches–NSU Festival

It’s a mighty big rock you’ve been hiding under if you managed to miss the news that the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival is this weekend. Sure, the food and music and dancing are fun. But for those who want to experience the hard-core “folk” element of the festival, you have to check out the narrative sessions that will be held this Saturday behind the main stage at Prather Coliseum. Here’s my picks for the top five narrative sessions to help you discover your “ties to the isles,” or just broaden your horizons during the 2008 folk fest.

Five Traditions at the Festival

1. Scottish Genealogy. Anyone who’s done research on the Scots in the area can tell you it’s hard to come by. Jim Walters and Dr. Shane Rasmussen kick off the Saturday narrative sessions with this enlightening discussion of Scottish heritage beginning at 9 a.m.

2. Irish Storytelling. The title says it all. How many cultures could you name in front of the word “storytelling” and know you’re going to have a good time, probably hearing about something tragic? Dr. Hiram “Pete” Gregory, a storytelling legend in his own right, will be discussing Irish storytelling with L. Jane McDaniel beginning at noon.

3. English Tea. I visited London this past spring and was fascinated by all the little tea shops. As someone whose experience with tea is limited to the little bags and a microwave, all the gear and rituals involved with this tradition were a real eye-opener. At 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dr. Dayna Lee will explore the intracicies involved in having a spot of tea with Linda Kieffer and Lydia Ann Lyons.

4. Blacksmithing. The trade that gave rise to durable tools and weapons also gave rise to a lot of interesting folklore. Blacksmithing is a part of the mythology of the Greeks and the Romans, but the British Isles contributes a fair share as well. The Irish myths of the Tuatha Dé Danann cycle, and the story of Gofannon in Welsh mythology are just a couple of examples. But even if you’ve only ready Leon Uris’ novel Trinity, you can see the influence of the “smithy” in these cultures. Moderator Samantha Sullivan will be talking with Gregg Stephens on blacksmithing beginning at 4 p.m.

5. English gardening. If you like working with your hands but blacksmithing isn’t your thing, try this session at 6 p.m. Moderator Samantha Sullivan with take a look at what goes into creating those natural, colorful gardens with Jeff Ware and Marilyn Wellan.

Preserving the Festival Record

And here’s a bonus: The Cammie Henry Research Center will be featuring an exhibit on the migration of folk from the British Isles. Some very interesting people landed here way back when. Learn the story of the prominent Egans from Killarny, a family that settled in Bienville Parish in the 1800s. You will also have an opportunity to learn how to donate your family records to the Cammie Henry archives at Watson Library so that others can explore their ties to the isles down the road.

I’ll be working the narrative sessions on Saturday, recording them for Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, which sponsors the sessions. Drop by, say hello, and find out where you fit into this vital piece of Natchitoches history. I’ll have a full report and some podcasts from the festival on the Natchitoches Preservation Network website at www.natchitochespreservation.ning.com