Daily Buzz | Don’t Miss This Storytelling Show This Weekend
Voices takes South Asian immigrant stories beyond stereotypes
We regret to share the news that long-time Burlington educator and Navy SEAL veteran, Donald Tocci, passed away last week. His wake will be tomorrow (Tuesday, February 27) at the Barile Family Funeral Home in Stoneham from 3 pm to 8 pm. Our condolences go out to Don’s friends, family, and anyone whose life he touched.
Good morning, Neighbor,
Does your middle school student need help with homework or with general academic support? Burlington High School Homework Helpers are here to help. High school students earn community service hours to help your child—for free! Check out the website and see which high schoolers are available right now to help ensure your student finishes the 2023-24 school year with success. Questions? Email Homework Helpers coordinator, Marcia Murphy.
Don’t Miss This Storytelling Show This Weekend
Sometimes on a Saturday, I’ll get into the car, turn the radio on, and be thrust into the middle of someone else’s story. I didn’t know when I started driving that I absolutely needed to know how someone I’ve never met overcame their horrifying first year of teaching, or how the new mom whose name I don’t know coped with her child’s complex medical diagnosis, but by the time I get to where I’m going, I’m so engrossed I can’t turn it off without hearing the end of the story.
“Be in in a minute,” I’ll text my family, who is staring at me out the front window wondering why I’m sitting in my car and weeping instead of bringing in their lunch. Well, I’ll tell you why. It’s because I’ve been listening to The Moth.
If you’ve never heard of The Moth, it’s a radio show where people tell a story from their life, from the stage and in front of a live audience. The show and podcast have been a staple at Buzz HQ since long before there was a Buzz. I’ve always wanted to go to a performance, and even to tell my own story, but the local shows are all in Boston and far later than I have any business being out.
But this weekend, my neighbors—this weekend, we’re all in luck. Because we’ve got a Moth-inspired storytelling show happening right here in Burlington. Twice.
Voices, produced by the Off Kendrik theatre group, will be bringing seven storytellers to the Academy of Creative Arts here in Burlington for an afternoon of South Asian stories whose central theme is the immigrant experience.
Voices is a biannual storytelling show aimed at developing empathy and understanding through sharing lived experiences. According to Chandreyee Lahiri, who curated the stories and helped coach the performers, the stories hope to “move the needle past stereotypes and help build a sense of community through entertainment and shared empathy.”
Stories this weekend will cover everything from culture wars to racism to human trafficking to coming out in a conservative society. Expect to laugh, cry, and leave with some new ideas to chew on. All are welcome, but due to some sensitive content the show isn’t recommended for young or immature audiences.
The Buzz has worked for two years to help connect our community through shared goals, desires, and experiences, and this show promises to offer yet another way for us to connect and understand one another. Get your tickets now. More details below.
Community Information
Voices Develops Empathy and Connection Through Storytelling
Nicci Kadilak • Feb 26, 2024
You can’t hate someone whose story you know. —Margaret J. Wheatley What happens when seven people join together to tell stories from the stage about their lives? At a Voices storytelling show, what happens is connection, fello…
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Today in Burlington
Municipal Meetings and Community Events
- 8:30 AM-4:30 PM - Early Voting for the Presidential Primary at Town Hall
- 6:00 PM - Fox Hill Building Committee - Design & permitting updates and a project funding timeline will be on the agenda. (BHS School Committee Room and Virtual)
- 6:00 PM - Select Board will discuss water & sewer rates, National Grid work on Middlesex Turnpike, and several department budgets. They’ll also return to the discussion about Mount Hope and whether the town plans to renew their lease when it comes up in 7 years or reclaim the former Meadowbrook School for town use. (Town Hall Main Hearing Room and Virtual)
- 6:45 PM - Burlington Scholarship Fund will vote to finalize the application and rubric, review the deadlines and plan for publicizing & receiving applications. (Grand View Farm)
- 7:00-8:00 PM - Teen Event: Candy Land Escape Room - This make-up event from December is sure to be lots of fun. Solve the clues and win candy. There is nothing better! For kids in grades 6-12. (Library; Register)
- 7:00-8:15 PM - Virtual Trivia Night - Test all of that useless knowledge and challenge your friends and neighbors. The questions do gear towards adults, but all ages are welcome. (Virtual; link will be provided upon registration)
Sports and Activities
I managed to mess up the schedule for every single sports game yesterday because I’m apparently not able to read a calendar on the weekend. Here is the corrected schedule; sorry for any confusion and thanks to reader Cathy for always keeping me honest:
- Lady Devils hockey (#3) will take on #30 Medway here at the Ice Palace on Wednesday at 6:10 in the Round of 32.
- Boys’ hockey (#25) will travel to Canton to play #8 Hingham on Thursday at 6:00.
- The #12 seed boys’ basketball team will host Whitman-Hansen on Friday at 6:30.
Good luck to all our student athletes!
That’s all for today, Burlington. Have a great one, and I’ll see you tomorrow!
Nicci
Share this Buzz with someone who knows the power of sharing stories.