Alternate Routes | Pure Michigan

I think I'm a sucker for state tourism ads. First Montana, now Michigan. But how can I help myself when in between phone calls and emails I am suddenly arrested by the lulling voice of Tim Allen (yes, Tim Allen from Home Improvement) crooning about water and sunrises? And have I mentioned that every ad is set to the music of the Cider House Rules soundtrack? GLORIOUS! I'm sold every time. We have taken several trips to Michigan since the launch of the Pure Michigan ad campaign and you can bet that I pop in the Cider House CD every time we cross the border. There's just something about that ad, that music, that makes me believe Michigan is truly pure. This past weekend, we spent two purely enjoyable days with friends lapping up all the purity Michigan has to offer.

Water

"...Amazing grace, oh how sweet the sound
There was glory in the air, there was dinner on the ground
And my sins which were many, were washed away and gone
Along with a buffalo nickel I forgot to leave at home
But that seemed like such a small, small price to pay
For the blessed peace of mind that came to me that day
And it was down with the old man, up with the new
Raised to walk in the way of light and truth
I didn't see no angels, just a few saints on the shore
But I felt like a newborn baby, cradled up in the arms of the Lord
This road is long and dusty, sometimes the soul it must be cleansed
And I long to feel that water, rushing over me again."

-from "Baptism" by Kenny Chesney

Congratulations, Ian. We love you. (And you too, Alexander and Charlotte!)

Mandolin 1 Rep

Well, I'm back at it. After a brief holiday/winter hiatus, I have resumed my mandolin lessons and have started the next class, Mandolin 1 Rep, at the Old Town School of Folk Music. At the end of 8 weeks, I hope to have expanded my repertoire, improved my picking skills and beefed up my calluses. And if all that fails, at least it will be spring.

The dynamics of this class are quite different: there are 12 students on the roster as opposed to a mere 3, and we meet for an additional 20 minutes (believe me, my fingers can feel the difference). I'm pretty sure that Mandolin 1 Rep is going to be the make-it-or-break-it factor in my mandolin career. There are definitely more experienced people in my class this time, and while it's good to have those to push you along, it's hard not to think of them as pushing you around. Every once in awhile, my competitive spirit kicks in and I think, I'm gonna do this thing, gosh darn it, no matter how much I have to practice. And then, in the next breath... argh, who am I kidding? I'm sure this battle is not unique to those learning something new. Sure, there are naturals, but most people are like me, right? This is the question I struggle with: do I have that special "something" beyond dedication, determination and practice (assuming I have those, of course), that will truly make me a decent musician? Is there a "something" at all? And if so, is it necessary for any functional musician, or is that "something" merely what separates the great musicians from the good ones? I guess when it comes down to it, I just want to know if it's possible for me. If I knew that, I would avoid the risk of wasting time and money. So, I guess I'm looking for a safe way to be a rock star without taking the risk of wasting anything. Boohoo.

This post sounds like the revealing ramblings of someone in therapy. That wasn't my intent, and despite what it may sound like, these thoughts aren't keeping me up at night. However, this does teach me some things about myself and our society, namely, I (we) expect FAST results and I (we) don't want to sacrifice a lot to get them. Of course, I need only look at the great artists of this age and those of ages past to realize how those expectations can only set me up for failure. So, I will play on.

The Artists Among Us

I have a few friends that are blazing some trails and leaving their mark. So I thought I'd share. Indeed, it is amazing what each of us brings to the table--our gifts, talents, skills, perspectives. I am becoming increasingly aware and appreciative of the fact that it takes all of us--a body comprised of many members--to change and celebrate the world. So, without further ado...

I know Brant Menswar from my home church in New Hampshire. He has been working for the past several (and perhaps more) years to follow his call to music. His band is called Fort Pastor and they have just released a new CD called "Beautiful Imperfection". Check out their website to read the band's bio and to read up on their own non-profit organization, The Social Justice Army.

Secondly, a friend of ours is a painter and here is her online gallery: Paintings by Jessica Shurr.

(If anyone is looking for some free advertising, let me know!)

Lord of the Dance

We checked out Celtic Fest in Grant Park this weekend to get in touch with our roots (and as you will see below, maybe a little too in touch). Saw some absolutely incredible fiddlers, Irish Step dancers, Highland dancers, and one of our very own. Not bad, eh?

(Make sure your sound is on. For some reason, the rotated version of this video no longer works, so if you haven't seen it yet, you'll have to crane your neck to get the full effect. Darn technology!)

For all who may be concerned, Andrew is known to "overexert" himself on such occasions, and after about half an hour, he finally recovered from his lightheadedness.

Mandolin I | Class 1

This week I started taking mandolin lessons at the Old Town School of Folk Music. I can't say exactly what inspired me to take on such a challenge other than I think the Old Town School is cool and I thought the mandolin might be cool. (And I want to be a rock star.) The Old Town School is a reputable, well known music establishment in the city. They offer a wide variety of classes (from instruments to voice to dance) and concerts, and they house the Different Strummer music store. And since it is within walking distance of my apartment, I thought I'd be remiss to not take advantage of this great resource in some capacity.

My class meets once a week for 8 weeks and there are only 2 other students besides me. So, for the price of a group lesson, I'm almost getting private training (let this not be a factor in any expectation you may have of my performance). Class 1 found us fumbling through some basic chords, followed by a timid execution of "Norwegian Wood" by the Beatles. Hey, at least we weren't attempting some folkish rendition of a nursery rhyme. Needless to say, I have plenty to work on for next Wednesday.

What are my goals, you ask? Aspirations? Well, in addition to launching a career as a traveling minstrel, I will faithfully attempt to debunk the stereotype that to be a mandolin player, you must look like this:


Hopefully, I have this one under my belt.

Patty

Yesterday as I was listening to the radio at work, I happened to hear that Patty Griffin was playing last night at the Vic. In a fury of excitement, I looked online, made a few phone calls, and within an hour, had 2 tickets in the second row. Since I’m not normally an avid concert attendee (this week excluded), I don’t usually keep up with who is coming to town. But I love Patty Griffin and have always wanted to see her in concert. And believe me, I was not disappointed. It was worth every penny and I would have paid three times as much. We were so close, I could see her wrinkles (yes, she has wrinkles). Her raw voice and honest, powerful lyrics left me wishing the show would never end.

Here's a sampling...

Here are the lyrics to "Forgiveness", which she played last night:

We are swimming with the snakes at the bottom of the well
So silent and peaceful in the darkness where we fell
But we are not snakes and what's more we never will be
And if we stay swimming here forever we will never be free

I heard 'em ringing the bells in heaven and hell
They got a secret they're getting ready to tell
It's falling from the skies
It's calling from the graves
Open your eyes, boy, I think we are saved
Open your eyes, boy, I think we are saved

Let's take a walk on the bridge right over this mess
Don't need to tell me a thing, baby
We've already confessed
And I raise my voice to the air and we were blessed
It's hard to give
It's hard to get
But everybody needs a little forgiveness

We are calling for help tonight on a thin phone line
As usual we're having ourselves one hell of a time
And the planes keep flying right over our heads
No matter how loud we shout "Hey, hey, hey!"
And we keep waving and waving our arms in the air but we're all tired out

I heard somebody say today's the day
A big old hurricane she's blowing our way
Knocking down all the buildings
Killing all the lights
Open your eyes, boy, we made it through the night
Open your eyes, boy, we made it through the night


Let's take a walk on the bridge right over this mess
Don't need to tell me a thing, baby, we already confessed
And I raise my voice to the air and we were blessed
It's hard to give
It's hard to get
It's hard to live still I think it's the best bet
It's hard to give and I'm never gonna forget
But everybody needs a little forgiveness
Everybody needs a little forgiveness

Vusi Mahlasela

Last night we went to the Chicago Cultural Center for an incredible concert by South African vocalist Vusi Mahlasela. According to the synopsis on the Chicago Cultural Center website, "In his home country of South Africa, Vusi Mahlasela is fondly known as "The Voice." Apart from his remarkable songwriting talent, Mahlasela is blessed with one of the most remarkable voices in contemporary popular music. His debut album, When You Come Back, a tribute to the political exiles of South Africa, catapulted him to instant fame and is considered a South African classic. [...] As an accomplished guitarist, percussionist, composer, arranger, bandleader and performer, Mahlasela is now enjoying an ever-growing popularity from his recent appearances as part of the Acoustic Africa tour and album on Putumayo. He has performed at the celebrated Bonnoroo music festival with much acclaim and has toured the US with the Derek Trucks Band. Mahlasela appeared in the award winning South African anti-apartheid struggle documentary, Amandla!, the celebrated film about the importance of music and song during the struggle. One of his most ardent supporters is Dave Matthews, who is a native of South Africa and has long aimed to make Mahlasela’s music known in the U.S. When Matthews founded ATO Records, one of his first goals was to sign Mahlasela to the label. Together, they released the compilation album The Voice. Matthews also invited Mahlasela to contribute vocals on the title track of the Matthews' multi-platinum album Everyday. Mahlasela’s highly anticipated new album Guiding Star features guest performances from Dave Matthews, Jem, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Derek Trucks and many more.”

Now for my own words, if I can find some. While many people close to me have been to South Africa, I felt privileged to have a little piece of South Africa come to me last night. The concert presented a deafening message in the most quiet and graceful of ways. It was powerful, yet humble. In a mere hour and 20 minutes, Vusi evoked within me many of those things we associate with the South African experience: strength, struggle, forgiveness, injustice, humanity, reconciliation, a lust for unity... the list goes on. And I keep reminding myself that it is my privilege as a white person and as an American to be able to attend events such as these and ponder at my leisure abstract concepts which have been nothing but concrete realities for so many. I'm not saying it's bad or that I should feel guilty, only that I must be conscious of the perspective from which I view the world. I am grateful for events such as these.

For more information on Vusi, check out the Vusi Mahlasela website. And get to the Chicago Cultural Center once in a while. They have great events and all for free.

I'm not dreaming...

I'm gonna find me a man
Love him so well love him so strong love him so slow
We're gonna go way beyond the walls of this fortress
And we won't be afraid
We won't be afraid
And though the darkness may come our way
We won't be afraid to be alive anymore
And we'll grow kindness in our hearts for all the strangers among us
Till there are no strangers anymore
Don't bring me bad news
No bad news
I don't need none of your bad news today
You can't have my fear
I got nothing to lose
You can't have my fear
I'm not getting out of here alive anyway
And I don't need none of these things
I don't need none of these things I've been handed
And the bird of peace is flying over
She's flying over and coming in for landing

"No Bad News" by Patty Griffin