Preparing for concerts and programs is: months-long blurs of research, rehearsal, collecting images and creating the slideshow, and basically .... pressure, pressure, pressure.
You wake up with the passages you are practicing humming in your head; this goes on all day, as you walk, you sing a snatch of this or that; as you sweep or dust or make coffee, you suddenly stop and do a few vocal exercises (gotta practice that lift); you can't read anything that isn't related to your research with anything approaching concentration.
Then you give the concert or program. Just before you go on stage, you think, "I am so exhausted, why do I do this, can I sing that passage I struggled with correctly, what's the house like...WHY do I do this it's so intense..." Then you go out, and you see your audience, and it all lights up and falls into place and you're not tired and everyone's smiling, and you look happily over at Jim and you open your mouth to speak, to sing, you pick up your guitar....
There's no better life.
And today I'm utterly exhausted, like a balloon that has been let go and soars while the escaping air propels it upward, and then it drifts back to earth.
And there's still no better life. And you want to do it all again.
Which means you are kind of crazy!
Friday, April 21, 2017
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
I am passionate about defending the First Amendment. So I'm going to publish this list each week.
Another source: https://www.congress.gov/
I am posting them without comment to simply make sure folks know what's going on. I emphatically do NOT support some of them. My own personal political views I'm trying to keep out of it, this is FYI only. Perhaps I should specify that. I hope people will read texts and decide for themselves.
First Amendment legislation proposed/pending in Congress as of today:
H.R. 172: To restore the Free Speech and First Amendment rights of churches and exempt organizations by repealing the 1954 Johnson Amendment.
Sponsor: Rep. Walter Jones [R-NC3]
Introduced: Jan 3, 2017
Referred to Committee: Jan 3, 2017
S.J.Res. 20: A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to clarify the authority of Congress and the States to regulate corporations, limited liability companies, and other corporate entities established by the law
Sponsor: Sen. Jon Tester [D-MT]
Introduced: Feb 3, 2017
Referred to Committee: Feb 3, 2017
H.Res. 12: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the enhancement of unity in America.
Sponsor: Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee [D-TX18]
Introduced: Jan 3, 2017
Referred to Committee: Jan 3, 2017
H.J.Res. 61: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States giving Congress power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.
Sponsor: Rep. Steve Womack [R-AR3]
Introduced: Feb 2, 2017
Referred to Committee: Feb 2, 2017
H.J.Res. 48: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing that the rights extended by the Constitution are the rights of *natural persons only.
Sponsor: Rep. Richard Nolan [D-MN8]
Introduced: Jan 30, 2017
Referred to Committee: Jan 30, 2017
*This is what "natural persons" means in this bill:
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/115/hjres48/text
Saturday, January 28, 2017
PLEASE COME AND SHARE THE MUSICAL AND HISTORICAL STORY WITH US~
A SPECIAL NOTE, THE DAY BEFORE:
We have been doing various configurations of this program for 30 years. It's a centerpiece of our work. I've never said this before, please don't take this as "advertising"...but I really feel strongly that if you come to this free program, you may be inspired and encouraged by all the hard-won progress this country has made since the 1760s...and the inspiration to continue. Please come and share this musical and historical story with us.
Please join Jim Dalton and Maggi Smith-Dalton at upcoming FREE music and history programs at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Boston, Mass.
This special version of the Daltons’ longest-running program “American History Thru Music™ — 1760s to 1960s-A Musical Portrait of the USA” —
▪ starts January 29, 2017, with “Causes, Crusades, Campaigns!—Get your energy up!”
▪ followed on February 26, 2017, with “Good Times and Hard Times—We’ve All Been there!”
▪ and wrapping up on April 2, 2017, with “Immigration and Migration—Packing Our Bags, Hittin’ the Road!”
WHEN AND WHERE:
Sessions will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Boston Conservatory’s T-401 classroom (31 Hemenway Street Boston, MA 02115)
Directions to campus: https://bostonconservatory.berklee.edu/directions
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Registration: Contact Rhoda Bernard, rbernard@berklee.edu
SO … WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
▪ Live, historically informed performance of songs & instrumental pieces plus some recorded excerpts where appropriate
▪ Discuss general history (political, social, cultural) & music history for each era … Discover how music both reflected and shaped the course of people’s lives … Opportunities for musical participation provided in each session
▪ Each session will be illustrated, and materials for further exploration will be shared
WHO SHOULD COME? ANYONE! THAT MEANS YOU!
Download a descriptive flyer here: http://singingstring.org/PDF/AHTM%20Special%20Seminars%20version.pdf
And look for us at WorldFest in February and our annual concert “Celebration of American Music 7” in April….more info to come….
_____________________________________
very short blurb:
Join Jim Dalton & Maggi Smith-Dalton
for a 3 session version of the Daltons’ longest-running program “American History Thru Music™ — 1760s to 1960s-A Musical Portrait of the USA” Jan 29, Feb 26, April 2, 2017
2 to 4 p.m. Boston Conservatory’s T-401 classroom (31 Hemenway Street Boston, MA 02115) https://bostonconservatory.berklee.edu/directions
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Registration: Contact Rhoda Bernard, rbernard@berklee.edu
WHO SHOULD COME? YOU!
Descriptive flyer: http://singingstring.org/PDF/AHTM%20Special%20Seminars%20version.pdf
We have been doing various configurations of this program for 30 years. It's a centerpiece of our work. I've never said this before, please don't take this as "advertising"...but I really feel strongly that if you come to this free program, you may be inspired and encouraged by all the hard-won progress this country has made since the 1760s...and the inspiration to continue. Please come and share this musical and historical story with us.
Please join Jim Dalton and Maggi Smith-Dalton at upcoming FREE music and history programs at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Boston, Mass.
This special version of the Daltons’ longest-running program “American History Thru Music™ — 1760s to 1960s-A Musical Portrait of the USA” —
▪ starts January 29, 2017, with “Causes, Crusades, Campaigns!—Get your energy up!”
▪ followed on February 26, 2017, with “Good Times and Hard Times—We’ve All Been there!”
▪ and wrapping up on April 2, 2017, with “Immigration and Migration—Packing Our Bags, Hittin’ the Road!”
WHEN AND WHERE:
Sessions will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Boston Conservatory’s T-401 classroom (31 Hemenway Street Boston, MA 02115)
Directions to campus: https://bostonconservatory.berklee.edu/directions
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Registration: Contact Rhoda Bernard, rbernard@berklee.edu
SO … WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
▪ Live, historically informed performance of songs & instrumental pieces plus some recorded excerpts where appropriate
▪ Discuss general history (political, social, cultural) & music history for each era … Discover how music both reflected and shaped the course of people’s lives … Opportunities for musical participation provided in each session
▪ Each session will be illustrated, and materials for further exploration will be shared
WHO SHOULD COME? ANYONE! THAT MEANS YOU!
Download a descriptive flyer here: http://singingstring.org/PDF/AHTM%20Special%20Seminars%20version.pdf
And look for us at WorldFest in February and our annual concert “Celebration of American Music 7” in April….more info to come….
_____________________________________
very short blurb:
Join Jim Dalton & Maggi Smith-Dalton
for a 3 session version of the Daltons’ longest-running program “American History Thru Music™ — 1760s to 1960s-A Musical Portrait of the USA” Jan 29, Feb 26, April 2, 2017
2 to 4 p.m. Boston Conservatory’s T-401 classroom (31 Hemenway Street Boston, MA 02115) https://bostonconservatory.berklee.edu/directions
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Registration: Contact Rhoda Bernard, rbernard@berklee.edu
WHO SHOULD COME? YOU!
Descriptive flyer: http://singingstring.org/PDF/AHTM%20Special%20Seminars%20version.pdf
Friday, January 27, 2017
Sunday, January 22, 2017
THINK, PLAN, WORK FOR 2018
Jim and I were, of COURSE, at the Boston March yesterday. We didn't have a catchy "women's rights" or anti-Putin'sRumpPuppet slogan...but it's the First Amendment, the most important one of all, that is being attacked right now, and it is that which worries me for the immediate future. Without that, so many other things will be made nearly impossible. THE DARKNESS IS REAL, BUT I WILL NOT CURSE THE DARKNESS, I WILL LIGHT A CANDLE AND THEN A FIRE!
THINK, PLAN, AND WORK AGAINST THE AUTHORITARIAN AND FASCIST PLAYBOOK NOW IN MOTION, AND WORK MOST OF ALL FOR THE FORCES OF LIGHT TO RETURN TO CONGRESS AND THE GOVERNMENT BY 2018.
THINK, PLAN, AND WORK AGAINST THE AUTHORITARIAN AND FASCIST PLAYBOOK NOW IN MOTION, AND WORK MOST OF ALL FOR THE FORCES OF LIGHT TO RETURN TO CONGRESS AND THE GOVERNMENT BY 2018.
Friday, January 20, 2017
The Dream Will Never Die
This will be my only post today.
"'....That which we are, we are--
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
...strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.'
....For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."
Senator Edward M. Kennedy - August 12, 1980
"'....That which we are, we are--
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
...strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.'
....For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."
Senator Edward M. Kennedy - August 12, 1980
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Please join Jim Dalton and Maggi Smith-Dalton at upcoming FREE music and history programs at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Boston, Mass.
This special version of the Daltons' longest-running program “American History Thru Music™ — 1760s to 1960s-A Musical Portrait of the USA” —
▪ starts January 29, 2017, with “Causes, Crusades, Campaigns!—Get your energy up!”
▪ followed on February 26, 2017, with “Good Times and Hard Times—We’ve All Been there!”
▪ and wrapping up on April 2, 2017, with “Immigration and Migration—Packing Our Bags, Hittin’ the Road!”
WHEN AND WHERE:
Sessions will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Boston Conservatory’s T-401 classroom (31 Hemenway Street Boston, MA 02115)
Directions to campus: https://bostonconservatory.berklee.edu/directions
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Registration: Contact Rhoda Bernard, rbernard@berklee.edu
SO … WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
▪ Live, historically informed performance of songs & instrumental pieces plus some recorded excerpts where appropriate
▪ Discuss general history (political, social, cultural) & music history for each era … Discover how music both reflected and shaped the course of people’s lives … Opportunities for musical participation provided in each session
▪ Each session will be illustrated, and materials for further exploration will be shared
WHO SHOULD COME? ANYONE! THAT MEANS YOU!
Download a descriptive flyer here: http://singingstring.org/PDF/AHTM%20Special%20Seminars%20version.pdf
And look for us at WorldFest in February and our annual concert “Celebration of American Music 7” in April….more info to come….
Sunday, January 1, 2017
A MUSICAL YEAR
The first 12 songs that played on the channel I chose randomly on Pandora the morning of January 1st 2017 (+the song for NY day 2018) have duly been noted, supplying a thematic arc, musically, for the New Year. I'll post one each month, in order.
PS: September's is a puzzle....I will be curious to see how that fits in what otherwise is a very interesting lineup.
HERE is this month's song...
Revolution
The Beatles
You say you want a revolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
But when you talk about destruction
Don't you know that you can count me out
Don't you know it's gonna be
All right, all right, all right
You say you got a real solution
Well, you know
We'd all love to see the plan
You ask me for a contribution
Well, you know
We're doing what we can
But if you want money for people with minds that hate
All I can tell is brother you have to wait
Don't you know it's gonna be
All right, all right, all right
You say you'll change the constitution
Well, you know
We all want to change your head
You tell me it's the institution
Well, you know
You better free your mind instead
But if you go carrying pictures of chairman Mao
You ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow
Don't you know it's gonna be
All right, all right, all right
All right, all right, all right
All right, all right, all right
All right, all right
Songwriters: John Lennon / Paul Mccartney
Revolution lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
PS: September's is a puzzle....I will be curious to see how that fits in what otherwise is a very interesting lineup.
HERE is this month's song...
Revolution
The Beatles
You say you want a revolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
But when you talk about destruction
Don't you know that you can count me out
Don't you know it's gonna be
All right, all right, all right
You say you got a real solution
Well, you know
We'd all love to see the plan
You ask me for a contribution
Well, you know
We're doing what we can
But if you want money for people with minds that hate
All I can tell is brother you have to wait
Don't you know it's gonna be
All right, all right, all right
You say you'll change the constitution
Well, you know
We all want to change your head
You tell me it's the institution
Well, you know
You better free your mind instead
But if you go carrying pictures of chairman Mao
You ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow
Don't you know it's gonna be
All right, all right, all right
All right, all right, all right
All right, all right, all right
All right, all right
Songwriters: John Lennon / Paul Mccartney
Revolution lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Farewell
2016, I will salute your leaving us, but it will not be a bright and sunlit farewell. Some flights deserve to leave in darkness and cold. Flap those wings, and just ... fly away.
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
"THERE IS A CRACK IN EVERYTHING...THAT'S HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN"
....Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything (there is a crack in everything)
That's how the light gets in
Ring the bells that still can ring (ring the bells that still can ring)
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything (there is a crack in everything)
That's how the light gets in
That's how the light gets in
That's how the light gets in
Songwriters: Leonard Cohen (21 Sep 1934 – 7 Nov 2016)
Anthem © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wRYjtvIYK0
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything (there is a crack in everything)
That's how the light gets in
Ring the bells that still can ring (ring the bells that still can ring)
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything (there is a crack in everything)
That's how the light gets in
That's how the light gets in
That's how the light gets in
Songwriters: Leonard Cohen (21 Sep 1934 – 7 Nov 2016)
Anthem © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wRYjtvIYK0
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Thoughts for today
I often say I aspire, with each birth anniversary, to retreat backwards
and increase my idealism and caring nature until I reach the wisdom I
had as a child. My birth anniversary this year marks a "milestone"
event (NO I WILL NOT SHARE WHAT THE DATE IS OR HOW MANY YEARS IT MARKS
-- thanks for understanding!).
This year was always going to be a very reflective one, and one in which I plan to revive everything I possibly can about the years in which I was MOST idealistic. Conscious effort! And, as usual....I believe many will think I'm silly, nuts, unrealistic, a "creative dreamer".... etc.
Good.
"There's something happening here
What it is ain't exactly clear
There's a man with a gun over there
Telling me I got to beware
I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down..."
Written by Stephen Stills • performed by Buffalo Springfield - 1967
Copyright © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp5JCrSXkJY
This year was always going to be a very reflective one, and one in which I plan to revive everything I possibly can about the years in which I was MOST idealistic. Conscious effort! And, as usual....I believe many will think I'm silly, nuts, unrealistic, a "creative dreamer".... etc.
Good.
"There's something happening here
What it is ain't exactly clear
There's a man with a gun over there
Telling me I got to beware
I think it's time we stop, children, what's that soundEverybody look what's going down..."
Written by Stephen Stills • performed by Buffalo Springfield - 1967
Copyright © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp5JCrSXkJY
Monday, November 14, 2016
Quote of the Day
"The pounding of the drums, the pride and disgrace
You can bury your dead, but don't leave a trace
Hate your next-door-neighbour, but don't forget to say grace
And you tell me over and over and over and over again my friend
You don't believe we're on the eve of destruction. mmm, no, no
You don't believe we're on the eve of destruction...."
PF Sloan. "Eve of Destruction". 1965
Sunday, November 13, 2016
More thoughts, and plans.
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/election-week-cold-open/3424949#vc148621=1
"I'm not giving up, and neither should you."
Watch, then act!
https://www.facebook.com/events/589686194556600/
"We are so excited about the energy and interest in the Women's March on Washington. We only started working on this yesterday and are overwhelmed with the support and many great questions.
Interest in the Women's March on Washington has grown so quickly. I am leading the MA Contingent (at least for now).
Inclusivity:
This is an INCLUSIVE and PEACEFUL march and EVERYONE who supports women's rights are welcome:
- Women & Girls & Femmes & GNC & GF
- Men & Boys
- Families
- People of Color
- Immigrants
- LGBTQI Community
- Folks with disabilities
- ALL religious communities
- Climate Change Advocates
- Anyone else who wants to peacefully march!
We are looking for organizations with whom to partner/reach out to and we are working on the speaking program. PM if you have ideas, suggestions, or would like to get involved in a deeper way.
Transportation:
We are looking into chartering busses from various regions in the state. It all depends on interest and cost. We will be looking for donations at some point, but we won't be able to make final decisions about travel for another week or so. If you are unable or not interested in taking the bus, then please arrange your own transport. You may be able to find others here who are interested in carpooling.
Lodging:
If you would rather stay overnight and not travel to and back from DC on the same day, then please feel free to make your own hotel arrangements. But, please note that we are also working on a block of rooms. There just aren't guarantees we will be able to get rooms to accommodate all of us.
Communications:
We are working on a website which will be a better way to address questions, ideas, and concerns that you have. Once that is up and running we will let you know here.
A little bit about me:
I am a public health social worker and a lifelong advocate for racial and social justice. I am a single mom, work full time, and am in school. I say all this so that if I dont' get back to you right away, please be patient. I am very committed to this work and this March and will respond as soon as I can!"
"I'm not giving up, and neither should you."
Watch, then act!
https://www.facebook.com/events/589686194556600/
"We are so excited about the energy and interest in the Women's March on Washington. We only started working on this yesterday and are overwhelmed with the support and many great questions.
Interest in the Women's March on Washington has grown so quickly. I am leading the MA Contingent (at least for now).
Inclusivity:
This is an INCLUSIVE and PEACEFUL march and EVERYONE who supports women's rights are welcome:
- Women & Girls & Femmes & GNC & GF
- Men & Boys
- Families
- People of Color
- Immigrants
- LGBTQI Community
- Folks with disabilities
- ALL religious communities
- Climate Change Advocates
- Anyone else who wants to peacefully march!
We are looking for organizations with whom to partner/reach out to and we are working on the speaking program. PM if you have ideas, suggestions, or would like to get involved in a deeper way.
Transportation:
We are looking into chartering busses from various regions in the state. It all depends on interest and cost. We will be looking for donations at some point, but we won't be able to make final decisions about travel for another week or so. If you are unable or not interested in taking the bus, then please arrange your own transport. You may be able to find others here who are interested in carpooling.
Lodging:
If you would rather stay overnight and not travel to and back from DC on the same day, then please feel free to make your own hotel arrangements. But, please note that we are also working on a block of rooms. There just aren't guarantees we will be able to get rooms to accommodate all of us.
Communications:
We are working on a website which will be a better way to address questions, ideas, and concerns that you have. Once that is up and running we will let you know here.
A little bit about me:
I am a public health social worker and a lifelong advocate for racial and social justice. I am a single mom, work full time, and am in school. I say all this so that if I dont' get back to you right away, please be patient. I am very committed to this work and this March and will respond as soon as I can!"
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Thoughts
As a gardener...I cling to the idea...that for new life to begin, dying of the old is a necessary part of the process.
As a musician, I cling to the comfort that sorrow can bring forth some of the strongest songs.
As a writer, I realize that stories can engender strength for the future.
As an historian, I am committed to understanding.
As a woman, I am simply...weeping.
As an American...I am ashamed.
Thursday, July 21, 2016
July 19, 2016
Some flights deserve to leave in darkness and cold, for no amount of light would have reached into the darkness within.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
A cry for kindness in our generally meaner society
I've been really unhappy lately by the generally meaner society we
have been seeing grow over the past couple of years, and now I hear
about homeless people literally being bulldozed out of cities and laws
proposed outlawing helping people in need on the street,etc. It seems
appropriate to tell of a gift I got some years ago.
Some years ago I was in Boston as usual and was eating my lunch at Whole Foods near the Conservatory. I happened to glance up from my book and saw an older woman kind of hovering in the lunch area, and then she sat down at a table but did not seem to have anything to eat. She looked around, quietly, at other tables with folks eating at them a bit though..
After a while, I walked up to her and said I was going to buy a cup of coffee for myself and could I get her anything? She shook her head and I kind of asked her gently if she minded very much if I gave her my dessert (I think it was a cookie or something). She told me she was a diabetic and couldn't eat that, and I said, well come with me and pick out whatever you want.
We went together, she made her own choices, I bought it and thanked her; sat and talked for a minute or so and then left her in peace. I wanted to respect her dignity and not make her feel like a charity case.
Sometimes, when I think I have it hard, I think of that day. Believe me, I got more nourishment that day than my little lady did at Whole Foods.
When I read about laws passed against helping those in need, or folks encouraging cruelty to people down on their luck, I think that we as Americans are truly starving ourselves of the nourishment that matters.
And we will eventually die of that starvation. We are already weak from it.
Some years ago I was in Boston as usual and was eating my lunch at Whole Foods near the Conservatory. I happened to glance up from my book and saw an older woman kind of hovering in the lunch area, and then she sat down at a table but did not seem to have anything to eat. She looked around, quietly, at other tables with folks eating at them a bit though..
After a while, I walked up to her and said I was going to buy a cup of coffee for myself and could I get her anything? She shook her head and I kind of asked her gently if she minded very much if I gave her my dessert (I think it was a cookie or something). She told me she was a diabetic and couldn't eat that, and I said, well come with me and pick out whatever you want.
We went together, she made her own choices, I bought it and thanked her; sat and talked for a minute or so and then left her in peace. I wanted to respect her dignity and not make her feel like a charity case.
Sometimes, when I think I have it hard, I think of that day. Believe me, I got more nourishment that day than my little lady did at Whole Foods.
When I read about laws passed against helping those in need, or folks encouraging cruelty to people down on their luck, I think that we as Americans are truly starving ourselves of the nourishment that matters.
And we will eventually die of that starvation. We are already weak from it.
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Boston archeology
My first time participating in an archeology dig!
Former site of 19th century tenements, in North Boston, courtyard next to Paul Revere house
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)