"A community is the mental and spiritual condition of knowing that the place is shared, and that the people who share the place define and limit the possibilities of each other's lives. It is the knowledge that people have of each other, their concern for each other, their trust in each other, the freedom with which they come and go among themselves." —Wendell Berry
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Saturday May 28th
Highlights:
Gathering at the Gap Music and History Festival
We had a beautiful day for a music festival. Sunny and 85. The 'Gathering at the Gap' was full of wonderful music. There were three separate tents with different music events during the first part of the day, along with a few free workshops. We tried out the traditional flat-foot dancing. Besides the great music it was refreshing to feel the sense of family and community at this event. The value that family has here is tangible and very welcoming. There was even a chance for me to pluck on the banjo for awhile. Thank you Deborah!
Music is a powerful tool for many reasons. Music can uplift and move a population to reflect, motivate, or endure harsh realities. This music...was soulful and told an amazing story of family commitment and faith. The best aspect of this day,for me, was hearing a young girl belt out a ballad from a familiar song. The hair raised on my arms just listening to her beautiful voice. Speaking with the family and conveying my appreciation of such talent was recieved in a warm a gracious fashion. Never a formal music or vocal lesson, this is a family tradition passed down from one generation to the next. It was beautiful and inspiring.
We have spent a few days with a cultural guide named Deborah. She has shared with us the old time blue grass music of the region, so many songs I have never heard. Her voice reached out and encouraged many to sing along, I was more inclined to close my eyes and imagine the scenes and lifestyles she was describing. She showed us how to dance, dance wooden dolls and explained structural tequniques of her instruments. While I refused to play the Dulcimer?, that was more personal. I came to the region as a guest...a mere spectator. I wanted to see and appreciate things as they are, some things are so perfect they should not be touched. That is how I felt about Ms Deb, she was warm, friendly and extremely gracious and her music style something I want to remember.
We had a beautiful day for a music festival. Sunny and 85. The 'Gathering at the Gap' was full of wonderful music. There were three separate tents with different music events during the first part of the day, along with a few free workshops. We tried out the traditional flat-foot dancing. Besides the great music it was refreshing to feel the sense of family and community at this event. The value that family has here is tangible and very welcoming. There was even a chance for me to pluck on the banjo for awhile. Thank you Deborah!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alyssa! Beautiful day! Beautiful place! Beautiful arts and crafts! Beautiful mountains! Beautiful music! And beautiful people! :)
ReplyDeleteMusic is a powerful tool for many reasons. Music can uplift and move a population to reflect, motivate, or endure harsh realities. This music...was soulful and told an amazing story of family commitment and faith. The best aspect of this day,for me, was hearing a young girl belt out a ballad from a familiar song. The hair raised on my arms just listening to her beautiful voice. Speaking with the family and conveying my appreciation of such talent was recieved in a warm a gracious fashion. Never a formal music or vocal lesson, this is a family tradition passed down from one generation to the next. It was beautiful and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteWe have spent a few days with a cultural guide named Deborah. She has shared with us the old time blue grass music of the region, so many songs I have never heard. Her voice reached out and encouraged many to sing along, I was more inclined to close my eyes and imagine the scenes and lifestyles she was describing. She showed us how to dance, dance wooden dolls and explained structural tequniques of her instruments. While I refused to play the Dulcimer?, that was more personal. I came to the region as a guest...a mere spectator. I wanted to see and appreciate things as they are, some things are so perfect they should not be touched. That is how I felt about Ms Deb, she was warm, friendly and extremely gracious and her music style something I want to remember.