Before the printed word, there was storytelling.

Whether told around fires or passed down from parent to child, telling stories was a way to entertain, share values, and bring communities closer together.

The Islands’ Sounder and Random Howse have collaborated – with the help of Susan Osborn and Cali Bagby – to present a series of free monthly storytelling events.

Entitled “Random Tales,” these gatherings are a chance for islanders to share a 10-minute narrative on the stage at Random Howse.

“I love biographies, true stories, learning through other people’s experiences,” said Random Howse  owner April Duke. “‘This American Life,’ ‘The Moth,’ ‘Snap Judgment’ and other programs are among my favorites.  I prefer listening to a great story, or even just a good one that’s well told over most everything on television.”

The first session on April 23 was centered around the topic “Dinner with…” Presenters April Duke, Susan Osborn, Cali Bagby, Bill Gincig, Abby Reub and Mark Padbury shared stories that ranged from eating dinner with the Gorbachevs to feeding live mice to birds of prey.

The next topic is “Fur, feathers and scales” and is on Wednesday, May 28 at Random Howse. Speakers include Craig Canine, Greg Books and Matthew Laslo. June’s theme is “How I came to live on Orcas Island,” and July’s is “I was just trying to help.” To sign up as a presenter, call 376-1111.

There is time at the end of each event for audience members to share their own five-minute stories. Random Howse has a full bar and a gourmet grilled cheese menu to enjoy during the storytelling.

“With all the ways that we become divided these stories bring us back to our common humanity,” Duke said. “No matter our political affiliation, wealth, religious background, or other differences, we can all relate to an important meal whose memory we value, a special pet or animal experience, or the reason we live on this little spot of earth versus any other.”