News items posted to this page are usually edited versions of Member Mailings.
GIVEAWAY V
We had an absolute blast putting up Giveaway V, Jesters, Fools and Coyote on April 13. Due to a minor screw up in the bookings, MTW put us in a much nicer space, the Linhart Theatre, and we took full advantage. We actually relaxed and just kicked the hell out of some rather goofy material. And wonder of wonders, we actually got this one in on time, with time left over for an encore. In previous events, we've CUT material to finished in the allotted time. Hellloooooo coyote.
Kurt's two sons Alexander and Nicholas performed The Homework Song and How To Annoy Your Parents as The Baby Bards. Elsbeth was both silly and Scary as Lady Lucretia performing selections from Monster Goose. Richard and Jezibel both added wonderful solo segments, and Shel Silverstien, who knew? Kurt, Richard and Joe Z turned up in outrageous yellow tropical shirts as the Banana Boys, with Joe's signature version of the Banana Boat Song (apologies, Mr. Belafonte) and the truly absurd Harry Chapin classic 30,000 Pounds of Bananas...
The Chorus, fielding the 6 current active Members, did two sets of material both strange and wonderful. However, noting the theme and purpose, there was ceremony. To the background of the Sioux Honor Song, the audience was invited to offer prayers and libations to the victims of 9/11. Surprisingly powerful and moving. I must in particular single out newest Members, Erica and Sue, for their invaluable help in helping us clean up some arrangements. We also premiered the boisterous Drunken Pagan. Yes, it's exactly what you think it would be... Joe also dressed up in a fabulous Pan outfit to lend .. um... veracity... to Amazing Pan.
The only downside is that MYW had decided, beginning May 1st. to discontinue weekend evenings in the facility. So this may have been our last show in the space.
Still, if you missed this one, you missed a GOODIE! Your loss, we had fun!
INANNA PROJECT IN FINAL PHASE
Click for Larger version
CD cover in progress, Isirus, Elsbeth, Jezibell and Althalia
Portray the Sumerian Goddesses Namu, Ereshkigal, Inanna and NinshuburWe are in the final stages of attempting to produce an original cast recording of Inanna:Journey of Darkness & Light, so far titled, rather straightforwardly, Original Cast Recording. After reviewing the results of the Demo Version, we went back into apartments and living rooms with out mikes and computers and redid over half the vocal tracks, determined to get a product people were willing to pay something for, As mentioned last time around, MUCH more time consuming than we thought and a learning experience through the whole thing.
But we have the music done maybe a few last tweaks to do. Even as I write this, still hammering at production tasks and all of it coming slowly together. Above is a preview version of the CD cover, still in progress. Hopefully, we are going to try to have product in hand for the Grove Bardic on June 8. Jez chose to go back to Oasis CD Duplication, who treated us so well with We Each Send A Voice.
When we have the thing in hand you can bet it will be available here...We may also very well have an opportunity to perform Inanna at the New York Fringe Festival in the fall. Stay tuned. See the news page for February 9th to read about the show.
UPCOMINGHere's what's on our horizon. Details will come when we get then and posted to the Schedule Page. And keep checking back with us, things always come up.
Four Winds Cafe Concert
Folk & Filk Mondays at Cafe SantiagoMonday, May 13, 2002, 7:30pm
589 Fort Washington Avenue @ 187th Street , NYC
Cafe Santiago: 212 543-9888 - Galana Music: 718 404-3900 x 2888Taking our show on the road for a set of our classic, seasonal and fun material in an intimate fun setting. Hope you can be there!! Hopefully every forth Monday. Folk and Filk Night at Cafe Santiago - Monday May 13
We skipped a cycle of the Cafe Santiago gigs for Giveaway V, but we will drag a few folks back for a short set on May 13. We'll be lead off this time, so come a little earlier and stay for the whole show.
Annual AIDS Interfaith Memorial Service
Saturday, June 1, 2002, 7:30pm
Site Change! St. Mark's Episcopal Church,
34th Avenue between 81st and 82nd Streets, Jackson Heights, NYWe have been invited by the organizers of this event, to provide drumming and musical representation of Earth Religion. Sponsored by the Names Project and Q*GLU, Queens Gays & Lesbians United, Inc. More details will be forthcoming as they develop. Information: John Azzali
AIDS Interfaith Memorial Service - Saturday June 1, 2002
We have been invited by the organizers of this event, to provide drumming and musical representation of Earth Religion. Sponsored by the Names Project and Q*GLU, Queens Gays & Lesbians United, Inc.
Grove Bardic Ritual - Saturday, June 8, 2002
Enchantment's Grove, NYCWe will be returning to Enchantment's Grove to support their annual Bardic Ritual, This event introduces the ritual use of the Bardic Arts in a working ritual. Free and open to the public. We have been here many years and always a good time and spiritually uplifting. Details to come.
Grove Bardic Ritual - Saturday, June 8, 2002
Enchantment's Grove, NYC
We will be returning to Enchantment's Grove to support their annual Bardic Ritual, This event introduces the ritual use of the Bardic Arts in a working ritual. Free and open to the public. We have been here many years and always a good time and spiritually uplifting. Details to come.Pagan Band Night, Summer 2002
We don't have much about this yet, but we hope to join a bunch of pagan fork for a band night. Could be a blast. Stay tuned.Pagan Pride Day, Saturday, September 28, 2002
Kurt's situation with getting relocated and schedule conflicts prevented us from participating last year. But we were invited again and are inclined to accept. So make your prayers for good weather.Kurt Griffith/Talking Stone
Choral Director
Mitaquye Oyasin * Blessed Be * Ashe * Shalom * A Salaam * Amen * Om
