Tag Archives: Music

Young Artist’s Club: JB and Kel Brown

Young Artists and Writers Club, , , ,

At this Young Artist’s Club we explored the work of some local artists: twin brothers JB and Kel Brown.  JB is a hip-hop artist; Kel is a painter.  But they work together, music influencing painting and vice versa.  Not only did our members get to learn about these awesome local artists, but we also explored the collaborative power of music and art.

(If you’re interested in more info on the Brown brothers, you can check out this great interview, or this really neat video.)

To start the day, we decorated maracas, and made rainsticks:

Then, in the spirit of the Brown brothers, we collaborated on some guitar designs:

We took a quick snack break (keeping with our musical theme):

Then each member got to design their own album cover while listening to the music of their choice.  They had to choose what music to listen to during their creative process, whether they’d do a realistic or abstract piece for their album cover, and then what medium to use.

Our club members loved the connection they got from learning about artists in their own city.  It was a very empowering Saturday!

Want to join us?  There’s more info on our Young Artist’s Club on our website.

Hopefully you’ll come create with us soon!

December 2010 Soul and Solace

Creativity/Spirituality, , ,

Tuning In

As I slid into a fast-food restaurant booth to do my daily writing, the intro to “I Love You Just the Way You Are” sifted down to me from the overhead speakers. I paused, drank in the melody, the lyrics, the way Billy Joel’s voice crooned “don’t go changing” and then intensified to sing of “unspoken passion.” The music first claimed me, then began to work transformative magic in my dry and weary soul. It opened me to a reality within my daily reality: to a world deep and true and hopeful.

This month we can gift ourselves simply by tuning in and attending to the magical alchemy of music: to guitar riffs and violin solos, to heavy backbeats and to airy melodies, to major chords and to minor. We can treat ourselves as we ride or drive, as we vacuum or launder, even as we (shudder) shop.

What’s your experience of music? What kinds of music do you enjoy? Why?

“Ahh, Bach!” — Creative Guitar Playing

Creativity/Spirituality, ,

“Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.” (William Congreve)

I mentioned in a previous blog Hawkeye’s comment that when you said “Bach” that you’ve said everything (“I think once you’ve said that, you’ve said it all.”). For me there are “Ah, Bach!” moments that occur when musicians challenge my mind and soul. The literary references in Led Zeppelin, along with the music, soar above so many songs that I hear today; The Beatles wove stories through their music; U2 speaks for social justice.  Classical music is not the only genre that inspires and moves.

So, the other day I discovered—well, actually, I was sent this link (http://www.mikerayburn.com/flv/comicallyderailed.html) to—Mike Rayburn, who bills himself as The World’s Funniest Guitar Virtuoso. His artistic presentation, Comically Derailed, showcases creativity and performance that provided me with a lift to my soul and spirit. The range of music is amazing. Check him out. “Ahh, music!!! I’m charmed.”

January 2009 Soul and Solace

Creativity/Spirituality, , ,

Okay, I admit it—I LOVE Christmas music. I’ve been known to play it in the middle of July, just because I required a fix. And I’ve been grieving because, several years ago, the bell tower on César Cheváz played holiday songs that I reveled in as I walked, but, after that year, I never heard them again.

This holiday season both my husband and I were searching for “pay the rent” jobs and looking toward a new year filled with large question marks. One day as we walked, the bell tower chimed the hour, and then—delight!—began to chime Christmas music. After that, we timed our walks so we would be near the tower when the music began. The throb of the music pulsed through our walking feet and the bell’s vibrations pulsed in our ears until it seemed our hearts pumped in rhythm to their insistent best. In a season of perplexity, the bells rang out beauty, clarity, and harmony.

What music nourishes you? This month, gift yourself with its listening. Find a time free of distractions, choose a comfortable position (on a squishy couch, a firm mattress, or yoga-style on the grass) and give yourself up to the music. Listen again and again, if you like. The time is well spent.