Now booking talks for the 2022 season!
In-person or virtual, your choice!
Three Presentations Available!
Manoomin: The Story of Wild Rice in Michigan (MSU Press) - this book talk covers the history of wild rice in Michigan; its once great abundance, cultural significance to the Anishinaabek, reasons for its decline, how it is harvested, current restoration efforts, and of course recipes! In-person presentations include the opportunity for participants to hold the tools of rice harvesting and see the grains in various states of processing.
The Amazing Adventures of a Midwestern Girl (Self published book) -
From early days in Indiana at her beloved grandparents' house to the caves of Pennsylvania, the great northern reaches of Michigan, glacial bays in Alaska we backpack, kayak, canoe with her as she studies harbor seals, rare endangered butterflies, and befriends Snake, Spider and wild foods. We cope alongside her as she finds a dead body in a swamp, joins a Ranger search for a missing solo backpacker in the wild of Alaska. At home we join her in birdsong, an amazingly old sourdough named Herman. We get a glimpse of the world of severe depression and heartbreaking loss. Barton's storytelling style is superb - picture sitting on a porch in a rocking chair listening for a story to begin. "So, now let me tell you about Tommy..." She brings us home with her, shares a still warm piece of pie as we settle in to hear another tale. Pull on your waders and your black fly headgear, folks. Delightful.
Teachings from Grandmother - Wild foods - Barb is a lifelong wild foods gatherer and this presentation focuses on the tradition gathering and processing the gifts of the forest. What are these traditions and where did they come from? Why don't people gather wild foods as much anymore? Learn about the how these foods connect us to our cultural and familial roots and why it is important to continue them for future generations. Participants will learn about the beauty and benefit of wild foods and how to gather them with respect. Michigan's wild foods will be presented through a year of gathering and how you can easily incorporate this long-held tradition into your life. In-person presentations include examples of different wild foods and food processing tools.
Booking Information:
Contact Barb
barb@barbbarton.com
734-576-8427
Musical Performance
Listening Rooms
Unitarian Universalist Services House Concerts Coffeehouses Festivals Benefits |
Public Speaking
Radio and TV Interviews
Book Readings Book Signings Presentations on: Wild Food Traditions Wild Rice Endangered Species Mental Health and the Spirit Growing up Lesbian Conquering Substance Abuse |
Music/Storytelling/Film
Blending music with storytelling. Suggested topics include the environment, endangered species, building bridges across cultures, mental health, traditional living skills, substance abuse
A special presentation on the Flint Water Crisis includes Barb's award-winning documentary short "Water" and slide show discussion |