A wildly unique, all-ages, participatory storytelling musical experience is coming to Nanaimo, presented by Heartwood Trio, visiting from the northeastern US!

“The Well Tree” is a three-person musical, accompanied by a ‘crankie’ – an illuminated, papercut, hand-cranked scroll. It is an original ‘singing story’ about wild journeying and remembering kinship — the tale of a young woman moving beyond the fog of isolation to meet songbirds, snails and ancient trees as she travels through these unraveling times, finding her way home. The three members of Heartwood – Heidi Wilson, Willy Clemetson, and Sarina Partridge – are the actors, musicians and the crew that runs the crankie (created by papercut artist Jennifer Jones) – and the audience will be invited in to help sing pieces of the story.

Those who love to sing can also attend an immersive and joyful community singing workshop in the afternoon with Heartwood Trio (see event page for more details). All voices are welcome – no experience necessary.

Heartwood is a trio of singers and instrumentalists (Sarina Partridge from Minnesota, Heidi Wilson from Vermont, and Willy Klemetson from Maine) creating new music born from time in wild places. With rich vocal harmonies and inviting lyrics, they create music in collaboration with the natural world and weave songs that invite people to join in the singing.

The evening musical will take place in the church sanctuary, the prize venue of Nanaimo’s singing culture, with its marvellous acoustics. Doors open at 6 pm. Tickets are also available at the door.

*No-one is turned away for lack of funds. If cost is a barrier, please email sylvia@sylviahumble.ca

Presented by Sylvia Humble, inclusive song leader and founder of “Humble Harmony” community song circle in Nanaimo, a proud member of the Ubuntu Choirs Network, which believes that singing is a universal human birthright.