Just in time for Spring Equinox, join into an evening of stories of transformation. Three master story spinners share their real-life tales of composting and cultivating. What happens inside a compost pile? What if life becomes a compost pile? What can be grown or cultivated out of that glorious rot? The newest edition of Gathering Ground's popular story nights features the world-class singer/songwriter Carrie Newcomer along with Queer fantasy author Elijah Merrill and creativity catalyst Shirin Subhani. Newcomer’s evocative songs, performed live for you, will hold the evening together. 

This ONLINE event will take place over ZOOM, with a link sent as you RSVP. It is offered on a contribute-as-you-can basis, with options to share $0 - $40 as you RSVP. We all pitch in to keep this shared space open. This story night launches Gathering Ground’s 2023 theme of Compost and Cultivate, selected from listening to the community during this time of coming apart and growing anew. 

 Here are the evening's story spinners:

Carrie Newcomer (she/her) is a Quaker activist and cultural worker whose songs fuel movements as well as meditations. Rolling Stone says: "Newcomer's material asks all the right questions and refuses to settle for easy answers." Newcomer also hosts a podcast with the master educator & author Parker Palmer on powerful responses to our fractured time.

Elijah Merrill (he/him) is a Seattle author who is fascinated by folklore from around the world, the history of United States immigrants and migrants, firsthand accounts of resistance to tyranny, and art that centers marginalized voices. His plays have been workshopped by Parley Productions, and produced by Somniterum Productions and the Bush School. Elijah has offered writing workshops on many topics through Gathering Ground, and queer folks frequently star in his fantasy novels.

Shirin Subhani (she/her): Connect-Create-Celebrate has been the thread running through Shirin's work-life experiences. Shirin co-founded the publishing group Flying Chickadee, where she edited an online zine, Courageous Creativity, along with books. For the past five years, Shirin has served as Program Manager for University Heights Community Center, where she builds collective synergy and community among people of diverse identities. Finally, she is the creative force behind Shirin’s Kitchen, cooking classes in homestyle Indian food!

Newcomer will also offer an online workshop as part of this Equinox weekend retreat on Sunday, March 26 from 2pm-4pm Pacific Time. Registration will open on Saturday, February 25 and is expected to sell out quickly. As part of our commitment to supporting Queer creatives, 5 workshop enrollments are reserved for folks with that identity.

We thank the Adult Education Endowment of University Congregational United Church of Christ, making it possible for all who wish to attend, by offering a sliding scale.

Shirin Subhani, Carrie Newcomer, & Elijah Merrill