MATTAPOISETT — The Mattapoisett Free Public Library will celebrate St Patrick’s Day, Celtic culture and the arrival of spring by presenting a performance by Parents’ Choice Award winning performer Davis Bates.  

Entitled “A Celtic Celebration”, the program will involve the audience in a variety of cultural traditions.  It will include traditional songs and tales from Ireland, Scotland and Wales, sea songs and chanteys, ghost stories and family tales.  There will also be plenty of sing-alongs, a short lesson in how to play music with spoons from a kitchen drawer, and an appearance by an Irish dancing wooden dog named Bingo.

Pete and Toshi Seeger have called Davis "thoughtful, creative, human, and a fantastic storyteller." Davis' traditional and participatory performance style empowers and encourages audiences of all ages to join in the fun, and to take the songs and stories home with them to share with others.  He also encourages listeners to remember and share stories and songs from their own family and cultural traditions.

Davis Bates has been telling stories for over 44 years, in schools, libraries, colleges and community settings around New England and across the country. 

The performance, recommended for older children, teens, and adults, will take place at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library on Saturday, March 18, beginning at 2 p.m.  No registration is required. For more information, call 508-758-4171.  This performance is funded in part by a grant from the Mattapoisett Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.