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….

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

Farewell

My bright butterfly tribute to mark the Turning of the Life Wheel/For all those who we cared about and lost from this Turn---those who brought joy and light to the human race, and to whom I wish light and joy as they embark on the new journey. I guess it was time to bring this little one out as a "group" salute and 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.

GREETINGS OF THE SEASON

"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

Muddy Slope

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