You draw the title. I take the leap. Heads & Tales

That's the spirit behind Heads & Tales.

It works well in intimate community spaces, libraries, galleries, studios...

You can access my Booking Information HERE

There’s something electric about stories shared live in a room full of attentive listeners.

A hat full of titles.. A room full of words.

Each performance is different depending on what titles are drawn from the hat.

Saturday May 16, Guelph Spoken Word - 32 Essex Street Guelph 7pm

Thursday July 2 Guelph Public Library West End Branch, 21 Imperial Rd S. 6pm 

Thursday August 6 Guelph Public Library West End Branch 21 Imperial Rd S 6pm

Friday August 28 Tea & Tales, Guelph Enabling Garden - Exhibition Park 10:30am

Thursday Nov 12 Elora Public Library, Time TBA

Stay up to date with walking tours, storytelling performances and show offerings

Would you like to stay in touch?

From time to time, I send a brief email about upcoming walking tours, storytelling performances, and new projects. If you'd like to receive occasional updates, simply send me a note at JayWalkingGuelph@gmail.com and I'll add you to Friends of JayWalking.

I write only when there is something genuinely worth sharing.

Guelph Arts Council's Historic Walking Tours

In addition to JAYWalking Guelph, I volunteer to lead some of the Guelph Arts Council's Historic Walks.

 Up next for me is Altar & Hearth - Exhibition Park Sunday May 31 at 10:00am.

Order on-line OR $10 cash. Just show up. I will meet you at the Guelph Public Library - Main Branch on Norfolk Street. Free parking. We depart promptly at 10am. Approximately 90 minutes.

There is some very cool stuff on this tour: fascinating information about the history of Exhibition Park, the first airplane to fly over Guelph, great neighbourhood stories, Jean Little's house...

Uncertain about the weather? Call me that morning to confirm if the tour is a 'go' 519 820-3269

100% of proceeds go toward the Guelph Arts Council - one of Ontario's oldest and finest arts councils.

Be proud Guelph. Hurray!

Guelph Spoken Word Saturday May 16

 

Saturday May 16 at 7pm

The Round Table - 32 Essex St, Guelph

$15 PWYC

Stories from Heads and Tales

Live stories. Real surprises. Zero safety net.

I’m excited to join the incredible community at Guelph Spoken Word as this month’s featured performer.

With Heads & Tales, the audience pulls titles from a hat and I bring them to life on the spot.

Every draw changes the night.

Audience endorsements and reflections on Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears, a storytelling performance blending humour, history, and emotion.

What people are saying.

“What I saw was so touching, funny, and honest.” — Alec Harmer, Manager, River Run Centre

“Jay’s shifts between characters feel completely natural—like a room full of people."
— Audience member

“Jay’s changes in persona are impressively natural. His command of the stories has the feel of the best kind of Irish pub—full of characters, each clearly and distinctly present. Most enjoyable and entertaining.” -- Audience Member

“I so loved spending time with Jay. There’s a deep humour in these stories—even in the most tragic moments—that feels oddly comforting right now.”
— Audience member

Guelph Walking Tour 2026

The 2026 season is off to a roaring start.

Reserve your spot by contacting me directly. 

Groups of 4 or more. Any day, Any time. No service charges, no pesky fees. 

Call for collaborator

Call for Musician – Story & Music Collaboration (Guelph)

Guelph-based storyteller seeking an accomplished acoustic musician (fiddle, guitar, and/or tin whistle) to explore a collaborative performance blending live storytelling and music.

This is not a traditional “accompaniment” role. The music would work in and around the stories—supporting mood, transitions, and character—within an intimate, theatre-style setting.

The work draws on Irish and narrative traditions, with an emphasis on sensitivity, restraint, and responsiveness rather than showmanship.

Initial goal is to develop a short set for occasional paid performances, with potential to grow from there.

Looking for someone who:

    • is a strong, confident player 

    • listens well and plays with subtlety 

    • is interested in collaborative, text-driven work 

    • is based in or near Guelph 

Practical details:

    • flexible availability (some evenings/weekends) 

    • occasional day trips; no overnights 

    • light rehearsal process to explore and shape the work 

    • performances are paid (modest scale) 

To learn more about the storytelling work:

https://www.jaywalkingguelph.ca/ Look at Heads & Tales, and Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears

If this resonates, please get in touch with a brief note about yourself and your musical background.

— Jay Wilson wilsonjay7@gmail.com