Presenting the Rhythm of Life Through Story and Song
Heather Whaley is best known as a musical storyteller, a spoken word artist, and a singer-songwriter for all ages, including pre-school, youth and adults.
Heather is a significant voice in the oral tradition of the performing arts community. She has been a consummate performer for over 30 years. Her specialty is with children, intergenerational concerts, and on-stage performances where she marries selected songs with narrative storytelling.
Through laughter, tears, sighs, and sometimes a “pin drop” atmosphere, Heather enjoys sharing relatable, traditional, and personal stories and songs, touching on social issues, humanity, and insights into life’s struggles, or those that are just plain fun and full of cadence and rhythm.
“For our summer program, we had two workshops (three hours each) with Heather for the children aged from 1.5 to 12 years old. The children were fascinated with the variety of musical instruments. Heather’s presentation was excellent and well planned. Everything from music to storytelling was interactive, age-appropriate, and fun. I was very impressed with Heather’s sensitive and caring ways when dealing with children in different age groups. Great storytelling & song singing!”
Rowena, Tamarack Day Care Centre
She strives to connect with the hearts and souls of listeners from all walks of life.
Musical Storytelling: Heather weaves music into her narratives, using her voice, guitar, and other homemade instruments to bring stories to life.
Versatile Performer: Her performances reach audiences in varied venues, from daycares, schools and libraries to family programs, festivals, pubs, house concerts, theatre, and art venues.
Story behind the songs: A significant part of her adult-focused performances involves exploring the stories behind traditional ballads, folk, blues, jazz tunes, and her original songs.
Animator and educator: Heather is an animator with young children, and educator who has developed lively performance sets for community family events, the classroom, and stage. Her workshops for students and teachers are based on the importance of storytelling and exploring authentic voice.
Personal storytelling: Heather includes personal, family, and memoir pieces for adults, teens, and older audiences. Some humorous, others more sensitive.
“I believe Story and Song together are healing and motivating and profoundly impact our emotional well-being.” – Heather
“Heather was a delight to have at the library over March Break. We had approximately 120 people in attendance. The stories and songs she shared with the children were both engaging and fun, and it was a pleasure to watch the children being drawn into new lands and characters. We would certainly have Heather back to the library again.”
Laura Murray, Children’s Services Librarian Peterborough Public Library
“Heather’s storytelling abilities bring positive entertainment to children while instilling important values. Heather willingly catered her stories to accommodate our group’s religious needs and her sing-a-long songs, instruments and props were greatly enjoyed by our campers.”
Natalie, Quest Day Camp
Heather is a strong community builder.
Society thrives on entertainment, connection, and inclusiveness. Heather’s performances transcend all ages and cultures and preserve the dignity of the heritage they embody.
Her programs, workshops, presentations, and performances have evolved to accept, embrace, and adapt to societal change, understanding that change is a natural and constant part of life.
Her on and off-stage work has been described as a delightful folk style, artistic, highly educational, interesting, refreshing, charming, and ‘bluesy-cool!’
Heather thrives on reeling her audiences in to sing, participate, and simply “be with” her in the storytelling moment.
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