4th of July

It’s upon us!  Indepence Day, the 4th of July!  That grand American celebration commemorating the birth of our nation.  It’s a nation still being born I think.

The Baha’i National Center’s Office of Communications has just posted a 4th of July message on the national public website and they have included the video for “This American Nation”, the rock version of Abdu’l-Baha’s Prayer for America, that was recently produced by our own Brian Taraz.  You can see the article and video at http://www.bahai.us:80/Prayer_for_America_music_video

Now what’s wonderful to me is the fact that Brian’s music now has been used by the National Spiritual Assembly to promote the Faith.  What a blessing.  Friends, I have known Brian a long time and this endorsement means a lot. No one renders writings into Rock n Roll like Brian Taraz.  And frankly, he has endured some ridicule from people who could not seem to feel the spirituality in his music.  But I know his musician friends sure felt it.  Andnow the NSA has chosen his work for publication on their own site.  What this says to all Baha’i Musicians is “keep writing and singing and performing from your own heart” for once you have given that heart over to Baha’u'llah, it will produce music that will touch other hearts as well.   We need music of all genres in order to reach people of all backgrounds.  Congratulations Brian!

In our Nation’s Capitol it was the end of “independence” for Kelly Snook.  She and Caeli Lohr got married on June 20th!  In a performance at Tiny Planet Studio, (and acompanied by our own Devon Gundry), with many friends around them, They SANG their vows.  Katherine Key posted a video on Facebook.  It was the ultimate “duet”.  Congratulations Kelly and Caeli!

Up north in Canada, Jarome Matthew is moving.  I’m not sure where, but he’s been hard at work selling off things, including his house!  Good luck to you Jarome, wherever you land.

Elika Mahony has just recorded a new song called ‘The Rose of Love’ sung in English and Chinese for her upcoming Chinese spiritual album.  Elika, you do quality work!

And another one of our alumni has recently been quoted, or perhaps I should say “published”, in the American Baha’i Online edition.  Following the regional conferences, musician, composer, arranger, and opera singer Neson LeDuc wrote a poem called “We Gather Together Again”.  It draws parrallels between the regional conferences and the confernce of Badasht held 160 years before.  You can see it at http://tab.usbnc.org/contentpage.aspx?id=20892&LangType=1033 – you’ll have to log in with your Baha’i ID and last name.  Nelson’s poem is at the end of the article.  I’ll be dashed, that’s a fine poem!

Folks, I’m really looking forward to this years gathering.  I miss you all and can’t wait for a musical reunion.  Please make your plans to join in the fun this year!  

///Darrell 

 

Darrell Elmer Rodgers

Singer, Songwriter, Performer, Humorist

http://darrellsongs.com

June Update

Hi gang,
 
It’s getting a might warm here in Arizona.  And as if Tucson wasn’t hot enough, Deb and I are moving to Casa Grande which is 60 miles closer to Phoenix and about 5 degrees hotter on average.  But, we helped save an Assembly and ended up with a huge house in the bargain.  I will finally get a studo! I know that the Guardian told Bill Sears “We make no bargains in the Cause of God”, but I swear, Baha’u'llah cut me a pretty good deal. (You can see a picture of the house on my blog at http://darrellsongs.com)
 
On to the news…
 
First, if you have not yet done so, please see Jarome Matthew’s blog at
http://www.jarome.com/blog/2009/06/04/facing-discrimination-because-im-a-bahai/ 
and read how he and Felisha have been refused adoption because of their membership in the Baha’i Faith!  And get those prayers rolling NOW!!
 
===============
 
I recently received a couple messages from Bahiyyih up in Vancouver BC, Canada who wanted us all to know of her new website and upcoming tour.  She writes:
 
 I appreciate the email. I came to the MIW at Bosch in 2004. I have been wanting to come back ever since!
I’d love it if you posted my new website up next time you update the MIW site. It’s:
http://www.bahiyyih.com
Thank you so much and please keep the updates coming!
 
 Bahiyyih
 
DER: and she also writes:
 
Dear Friends and Supporters,
 
… I have a number of shows coming up which I hope to see some of you at. Just visit my reverbnation site for all the details.
My new cd “Take Me Home” is completely recorded now. The next phase is editing the tracks and working on the cover. I hope to release it this fall at a cd release concert in Vancouver.
I am planning a tour to the Okanagan with my friend and colleague Beth Southwell (www.myspace.com/bethsouthwell). This is planned for mid-August and details are forthcoming.
 
Have an excellent week and thank you for listening.
 
-Bahiyyih
http://www.reverbnation.com/bahiyyih
 

==========
 
DER: I also received a nice note from Baha’i Musician Chris Miller who lives near Bosch in the San Jose area:

Hey Darrell:
Just thought that I would drop a line.  I have seen your picture at a few sites, Badasht and Bosch.  I live in San Jose not far from Bosch. I  would like to go to the next one there.  Just thought that I would drop you a note inviting you to listen to a few of my tunes.  I also have a myspace page (hopeless self promotion)  myspace.com/mystici9.  Spread the good news and keep the love coming…
 
Allah’u'Abha!
Chris aka mystici9
 
ps I also wrote a few lines about the emerging art form at Badasht website.  Perhaps a workshop could be developed for the next  Bosch session.
 
 DER: Chris’ mention of the Badasht site is a good one.  If you haven’t been there yet, be sure to check it out soon at:
http://www.badasht.net/community/
 

=============
Here’s a note we received from our dear friend Dale Ramsdell:
 
Hello Darrell and Deb,
   You have been on my mind.  Its great that you were on Pilgrimage.  I just received confirmation for July 2010.  I went in July 2001.
   In response to the seven imprisoned in Iran, I recently wrote a song, which I played for three AyamiHa parties and a Ruhi class. 
 
Everyone was saying to record it and some youth came forward, one of whom is a young lady who sang back up choral type vocals, which accented the song very well.  The other young man said he wanted to put it on YouTube, with a slide show background.  He and his father are working on that now, I understand.
Living  for  Baha’u'llah by Dale W. Ramsdell

DER: Well friends, here it is:
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE6iClF7htM
 
===================
 
Looks like Van Gilmer has pulled off another FANTASTIC Choral Music Festival at the House of Worship in Wilmette again this year.  So many friends are still buzzing about the enjoyment of the weekend – as well as the work.  Looks like the prominent message brought home to the participants was “The director is always right”.   The prominent message delivered to the population in the Chigcago area then must be “Baha’u'llah is the new director”  -  Great job Van!  You make us all proud to be Baha’is.
Read about it here (I just received these links via email from the National Center:

Following is a story about the concert with more information and some photos: http://bahai.us/2009_choral_festival.     Be sure to read this glowing review of the concert posted on the “Ageless Northshore” website: http://ageless-northshore.com/bahai-choral-music/.

 We are pleased to announce that even more people will be able to enjoy the music this year, even if they weren’t able to attend the concert. Comcast cable television subscribers in Cook County, Ill will have the opportunity to watch an hour-long broadcast of the choral concert at 7:30 p.m. on four consecutive Mondays: June 8, 15, 22 and 29.  (If you are a Cook County, Ill resident and Comcast subscriber, check Comcast to see which channel – either 19 or 35 – provides local programming in your area.)  For those of you who are not Cook County Comcast subscribers, we’ll let you know when we make it available on Youtube.

I will look for it on YouTube! 

================
 
I got a message from Lloyd “Madman” Madansky:
 
Allah’u'Abha Darrell,
I am interested in attending this as I make musical instruments and have been known to even perform on occation.
You can see some of my creations on:   http://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/LloydMadManMadansky
 
Thanks, Lloyd
 
DER: I’m looking forward to meeting Lloyd!  You certainly seem like my kind of guy!
Lloyd will likely bring along some of his delightful cigar box guitar (CBG) creations for us to see and try!
 

====================
 
I think there is no more prolific promoter of Baha’i musicians on Facebook than Harri Peltola.  Almost daily, Harri shares links to some great performances by Baha’i musicians.  We’ve added a spot on the Music Industry Weekend page for  “Harri’s Picks”  (hope you don’t mind Harri!) so you can see some of the talent that Harri promotes on Facebook.  Our first is Tara Ellis – what a voice! 
 
http://www.emusic.com/artist/Tara-Ellis-MP3-Download/11842371.html?fref=704017
 
But here’s a little extra that Harri shared.  Louie Shelton is “Da Man!”
 
Louie Shelton Interview:

 Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgZv6fSosiA

 Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJZjeOp8h2M
 
=========================
 
REMEMBER:  October 22-25, 2009 Music Industry Weekend at Bosch Baha’i School.  It’s our 7th Annual gathering!!
 
///Darrell 

  

Darrell Elmer Rodgers

Singer, Songwriter, Performer, Humorist

http://darrellsongs.com

News…

Our brother Chris Ruhe just bid farewell to his angelic mother Margaret Ruhe who, at age 92, has ascended to join her husband David in the Abha Kingdom.  Chris said “I’m saddened of course but also at peace knowing it was a timely and peaceful passing.  She was ready to go.”    — Chris, she was a great lady that the whole Baha’i world shall miss.

Katharine Key (aka Kat Kripke, Kat Key, JustKat ) has a new website http://www.justkat.com  —Check it out!

Alan James and I both performed at the 2009 Tucson Folk Festival. I got to provide him a little back-up on his set on Saturday.  I really enjoyed playing slide guitar for his song “Midnight Rambler”.  The event’s headliner, folk singer Eric Anderson, expressed an interest in the song.  Good Luck Alan!  Alan also conducted one of his famous “performance workshops” for the festival and was very well received.  There are a number of rising performers now asking for his help.

Rick Heyman accompanied me on his wonderful upright bass and we had a blast playing at the festival. We also completed a CD together called “Plain & Simple”.  Check out the samples on my website (http://darrellsongs.com )

Guess what Kelly Snook had up her sleve! She is planning a wedding!  Yes, HER OWN!!

///Darrell

 

Darrell Elmer Rodgers

Singer, Songwriter, Performer, Humorist

http://darrellsongs.com

News from You…

Howdy folks! 

    I hope you are well and happy and planning to return to Bosch Baha’i School this fall (22-25 Oct) for the next Music Industry Weekend.

     Here are some news items from our music weekend community:

    I have just completed my Folk-music CD called “Plain & Simple” with bassist extrodinaire Rick Heyman, here in Tucson.  Rick and I just did a warm-up show at our Baha’i Center in preparation for performing on Sunday at the Tucson Folk Festival – an annual event that draws thousands.  We’re stoked.  I put samples on my website http://darrellsongs.com
   
    Laura Harley’s new book and companion CD is on-line! (http://LauraHarley.com)

 

    Elika Mahony has a song in the semi-finals on “Our Stage” (http://www.ourstage.com/) In fact, this morning her song “Earthly Plane” is ranked Number 1 in the New Age/World Category.

 

    Jeff and Maya Bohnhoff have been officially announced as Guests of Honor for FilkOntario 2010! ( Maya says: “We is jazzed!”) In case you didn’t know, “Filk” is the genre name for Science-Fiction/ fantasy-related music. It’s quite a niche market for Jeff and Maya.  Maya also has a Sci-Fi book (Coruscant Nights III: Patterns of Force co-written with Michael Reaves) at #16 on the New York Times Bestseller list!

 

    Ali Youssefi has a new CD just released call “Flight” (as Harri Peltola points out, that’s the third Baha’i Album by that name – but Ali surely has done it justice)  Gustaff Besungu, precussionist, is part of that effort and says he is “Feeling Better, though not at Full power”

 

   Bob Bassett and son Brendon Bassett (now also a “dad”) have released their “Shades of Love” CD.  It’s on CD Baby http://cdbaby.com/cd/rbassett2
   
    Jarome Matthew has taken a number of trips to China where he recorded some interesting traditional instruments and Chinese performers. 

 

    Andy Gramer is kicking butt and taking names (musically of course) all up and down the east coast this week.  His dad Red Grammer is also traveling all over the country.

 

    And Kelly Snook has a surprise up her sleeve.

 

  

 

///Darrell

  

Darrell Elmer Rodgers                                   

Singer, Songwriter, Performer, Humorist

http://darrellsongs.com  

 

 

 

 

 

News from you…

Well, it seems many of our colleagues are getting really busy lately. 

Laura Harley has just published a BOOK and a companion CD no less!  Check out her site at http://lauraharley.com

Jarome Matthew has been in China – a couple times.  Visit http://jarome.com to see some photos of his work recording some musicians there playing traditional instruments.

Russ Salton has released his new CD: SMILE!  I have it.  It’s GOOD. Congrats Russ!  You can start here: http://www.myspace.com/saltonmusicfor some samples.  Russ says: “I’m also putting together my website & updating my Cd Baby account with the new cd (15 songs).”

Neshia Brathwaite Farhangi, has a radio show and writes: This week I did something a little different.  I did an entire show as a Public Service Announcement for the Baha’i’s in Iran.
My Guests are Dr. Nazy Zargarpour (Writing Coach), Gary Bulkin (Emmy-Award Winning Director), and Farhad Sabetan (Spokesperson for the Baha’i’ world community)  And my musical guests are Sandy Simmons (singer), and Jamie Findlay (guitarist).  Please send me your comments on this show.  If you missed the broadcast please log onto to www.MySpace.com/NeshiasRadioShow to listen to see some of the video. And log onto www.YouTube.com/NeshiasRadioShow to watch the complete video.”

Dale Ramsdell is producing “Spiritual Springtime” – a CD of many of his original Baha’i-oriented songs.  I think it’s almost ready for the presses (right Dale?)  Meanwhile, there’s a slide-presentation video for one of Dale’s songs.  Check it out at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE6iClF7htM

Matthew Levine is busy these days.  He writes:  “I recently revamped my website which now contains three pieces, including two prayers I did with my son Andrew, that are not available at the other outlets of my music. Go to: http://matthewlevinemusic.com/

Congratualtions to Michael Eissinger for completing that Master’s Degree.  And congratualtions also for 17 years of marriage! (Happy anniversary)

Darrell Rodgers (that’s ME) has just teamed up with bassist Rick Heyman in Tucson and they have been selected to perform at the upcoming Annual Tucson Folk Festival. Darrell Elmer Rodgers and Rick Heyman will perform at 6PM, Sunday 3 May on the Museum Stage.

Wait! There’s more!  Alan James of Del Dios, CA, has ALSO been selected for the Tucson Folk Festival.  He will also perform on the Museum Stage but on Saturday, 2 may at 5PM.  By the way, Alan is also presenting one of his famous Performance Workshops at the 2-day Festival.

 

Here’s some older news from around our community.  Feel free to send me any news you’d like me to share in my next edition…

===================
FROM:  Brian Carlson -
 
Hello friends,
I am a visual artist and educator living in Wisconsin. I write music for Baha’i Holy Writings and have a few songs up on myspace. I am looking for a producer and for musicians who want to use this music as well. Check it out at  http://myspace.com/briancarlson19 
 
========
FROM: Brian Taraz - 
 
The song is called “American Nation” 3 mins. that will have you up and dancing!  Free download. Free video.
Trust me – give it 30 seconds and if it don’t hook you let me know.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMLJfK24UGI is the link to the video.
 
www.reverbnation.com is an audio site where you can hear the song on your desktop and download it for keeps for free if you love it.  Search “American Nation”
 
Spread the word!
Its time for the love revolution!
 
Love,
Brian
 
==================
FROM: Elika Mahony -
 
Comment: (about Devon Gundry’s “Armed” video)
This is an amazing video, much respect to Devon and Justin for spreading the word this way! I blogged about this song and posted my own version here: http://www.elikamahony.com/2009/01/31/the-power-of-thy-name/

The Power Of Thy Name by Elika Mahony
Strings composed by Jarome Matthew and Farshid Samandari

==============
FROM: Jarome Matthew -
 

Elika just released Birds Of Love, a unique product and her first with the writings as well as non Baha’i lyrics.
http://elikamahony.com/music
and from Elika: “I’m very pleased to announce my brand-new website, http://www.elikamahony.com featuring a section with music and photos for my new CD and book gift set, Birds Of Love!   Birds of Love is a treasury of uplifting words and inspiring songs specially created for weddings, anniversaries and an ideal gift for your loved ones.
 
===========
(I just received this info about the Baha’i Music Project (for sharing and collabortaion) http://www.bahaimusicproject.com/  This could be a great resource for us to exchange files for long-distance collaboration!)
 
FROM: Michael McDermott

Hello Darrell,
 
I am starting to work with a few people to get them set up to record and begin on some song collaberation.
Thank you for your interest, if you have any other questions or have any suggestions about the site please let me know.
 
===========
FROM Darrell -
 
If you have not yet checked out http://badasht.netplease have a look.  JB Eckl and Eric Dozier have colaborated with Dean Kaylan (and likely some other folks I don’t know about) to create a musicians’ and artists, networking site.  It looks really good.  I plan to spend some more time there if I can kick my new Facebook addiction!
 
I was excited to learn that Matthew Levine and Jon Rezin are collaborating on a song (perhaps more).  I’m looking forward to hearing the final mix of “Forgive Me Lord” – watch for it!
 
==============

Another Bosch Session on Music

I received the following invitation today. If you’re serious about getting Music into core activities, this could be just the deal for you!  The description says:  A session of workshops intended to instruct both musicians and music-enthusiasts on how to effectively bring communal singing to clusters.

I believe this is the program started last year by our own Jean Quinn.       Note that kids under 14 get a full scholarship!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You are invited to the 2nd Annual Bringing Music to the Cluster on Friday, January 16, 2009. Please click the link below, view the invitation, and respond by clicking either the Yes or No button at the bottom of the invitation. Your response is greatly appreciated.

http://guest.cvent.com/i.aspx?1Q,P1,F494ADCB-BEF5-4261-8FD1-F5F7E099030A

Sincerely,
Bosch Baha’i School

More Photos Added to Flickr

Thanks to Jarome Matthew for contributing 15 new pictures to our 2008 collection.  They should appear right on the top page when click “More Photos” in the Flickr box on the righthand side of this page.

If you have some good digital pictures of past Music Industry Weekend events you’d like to share, please contact me at darrell@darrellsongs.com

Remember, we’re on the schedule for next year, 22-25 October 2009.  I’m asking for ideas of workshops you’d like to see, or even present!  (I’d like to learn tips for doing better quality you-tube videos) 

Send me an email and let me know what interests you!

///Darrell

 

Darrell Rodgers                                             

Singer, Songwriter, Performer, Humorist

http://darrellsongs.com  

What a Weekend!!!!

The 6th Annual Music Industry Weekend

at Bosch Bahá’í School: 30 October – 2 November 2008

Wet though it was, We had a ball.

My sincere thanks to all who helped make our 6th annual gathering a success.  Thank you Jarome Matthew for sharing your expertise and most of all, your vision of a better music industry.  My thanks to you Jon Rezin for your insights into developing our unique sound.  Thanks again to Jeff Bohnoff for sharing your experience and understanding of digital recording and how to get the job done right.  Thank you Kelly Snook for coming all the way accross the country to show us some new technology and remind us again of just how good a musician you are.  Thank you Vic Salvo for sharing your insights on music composition and for accompanying so many of our performers.  My thanks to Chris Ruhe and Chuck Thrapp, you veteran troubadors, for working to make the weekend special for our new friends who got a chance to sing from their souls in your “safe” song-circle environment.  And thanks again to my brother-in-spirit, Alan James, for helping the new performers find and take command of their stage.

And a HUGE thank you to the Staff at Bosch Baha’i School who did a stellar job of taking good care of us.  Particularly Jamshid Kiani and the whole kitchen staff  who prepared the best food I’ve had in years.  You really “took it up a notch”.

Even three-inches of rainfall in a 2-day period could not dampen the spirits of our participants.  I was so impressed by the high caliber of musicianship and talent exhibited this year by our participants – especially our first-time attendees.  That Friday night open-mic was so good we could have sold tickets!!  And the show on Saturday night, with so many wonderful collaborations, was absolute joy.  And let us not forget the swift attention to the technical details paid by Jordan Rager, the illustrious Program Director of Bosch.  Being a skilled musician and sound-man himself, Jordan’s position as Program Director makes Bosch the perfect venue for our musical gathering.  I will be adding links to more photos soon, so come back again and see them.

I really could not have asked for better.  But I can still ask for MORE!  Let’s do it again next October!  We’ve secured a time-slot starting Thursday, 22 October 2009 and ending Sunday, 25 October 2009. 

Musicians!  Treat yourself to an experience you won’t forget.  Plan now to attend next year. 

///Darrell

-

Darrell Rodgers                                             

Singer, Songwriter, Performer, Humorist

http://darrellsongs.com