Program

Covid-19  Program Description

Since covid-19 I have done a little live online performing and I have been surprised at how well it worked. One 1st grade student listening, took a story I told and made it into a delightful picture book!  I am looking forward to finding opportunities to explore this new (for me) territory. 

As well, a 66 minute "live recorded family performance" from last summer is available free (with a request for donations) on my website. http://www.johnporcino.com/performance-video.html    This video is currently being edited down to a tighter 40 minute and should be available by mid-June.

General Description of My Work

37 wonderful full time years, of weaving programs of story and song that celebrate the library, reading a good book, tickle life's funny bone, a touch the heart and give a little boost to our hero's journey. Spun into my performances are many fascinating musical instruments from around the world, pockets full of joy bringing skills and tricks (most learned from library books) and a playful touch of audience participation.

These programs joyfully pay tribute to the little heroic moments of life. Some of the characters you might meet along the way include a boy who's got peanut butter stuck to the roof of his mouth, a extraordinarily shy little mouse, a child who dreams of being "the best baseball player ever", a dad who gets stuck to the wall while trying to hang wallpaper, a new step mom who desperately wants her step sons to love her, a boy who's terrified of the nightmare hiding in his closet, an 18month old baby trying to make sense of what happened to Humpty Dumpty....

Currently a resident of Amherst Massachusetts, John has developed his art through years as a teacher, naturalist, camp director & counselor, traveler, community organizer and some 3,000 performances and workshops as a professional storyteller/musician since 1983. He is an auditioned artist on the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Creative Teaching Partners, Massachusetts Touring and New England Foundation rosters. His publications include the book Spinning Tales: Weaving Hope, the recording A Heck of a Way to Stay Warm, and several feature articles for Family Fun Magazine. As well, John is director of Farm and Wilderness "Family Camp," a founding member of Pioneer Valley Cohousing.