Aimee Ringle, a musician, teacher and storyteller based in Port Townsend, will be the featured storyteller during the Quimper Storytelling Guild’s Fire from Darkness program. Part of the ongoing First Friday StoryNight series, the program will be an exploration of the art and ritual of the oral tradition and include old myths, folktales, fairy tales, ballads, and family, personal and modern stories. The series was established in 2009 by Brian Rohr. Fire from Darkness will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 4 at the Friends Meetinghouse, 1841 Sheridan St. in Port Townsend. During her performance, Ringle will share several stories of warmth and light. “There are parts of our lives and our community that need gentle time, cheery fires, good music and stories to thaw us back into life,” Ringle said. Following Ringle’s rendition, there will be as many as six short stories by attendees who sign up on a first-come basis. Emcee Perry Spring will conclude the celebration with a story that matches the evening’s theme. “When Aimee weaves a story through wordcraft, melody and percussion, I find I’ve been taken on a timeless journey that brings me closer to understanding my own unfolding,” Spring said.  

Music, poetry
When Ringle arrived in Port Townsend in 2009, she was already a master song leader and musician known for her caramel voice and intricate guitar work. Shortly thereafter, Ringle teamed with mythsinger Daniel Deardoff for “Living Myth, Living World.” “It is surprising to the point of awe when we find the music, poetic and mythic braided together,” Deardoff said. “Aimee is one such artist. Don’t miss a chance to experience the magic that flows through her.”   Ringle previously has told stories for First Friday StoryNight.   “The opportunity to host and tell stories honed my craft and greatly augmented my repertoire,” she said. “It is a joy to return as this month’s featured teller.” Ringle has contributed to Singing Alive gatherings for seven years and co-leads workshops with Laurence Cole in many venues, including the last three years at the Oregon Country Fair. Ringle and her partner, Aimee Kelley, known collectively as the Aimees, released their album, “Golden Thread,” in 2016.