Dreamways

"The Return of the Sweet Dreamer.“ These poignant words headline an article about pop singer Annie Lennox (Jon Pareles, The New York Times, 30 Sep 07). The article was prompted by the release of Ms Lennox‘s new album and its promotional concert tour. Appropriately enough, the article touches upon aspects of Dreamfulness.

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Friday evening I had the pleasure of seeing and hearing the self-described "post-folk band from Latvia“, IĻĢI at Denver’s folk music bastion, Swallow Hill folk music center. This Latvia-based group, alive and kicking for 26 years, has been at the forefront of keeping Latvian folk music alive. In contrast to other ensambles that interpret the vast Latvian folk song repertoire in traditional styles, Iļģi have made it their challenge to transform this folk tradition into something living and evolving, rather than a museum piece.

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Last autumn a newspaper article captured my attention: "Radio’s 'Dream Doctor‘ in a Nightmare Illness“ (Eric A. Taub, The New York Times, 02 Oct 06). The waking life story of someone who has worked so intensely with dreams is of great interest to me, a dream tender. I tore it out and forgot about it, only to come upon it recently, half a year later. It seems I’d been avoiding the nightmare that the article contained.

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This was perhaps my sixth viewing of this movie by Sherman Alexie. I've had very strong emotional responses to this film in the past. As the story of a fellow outsidered in all venues of his life, this movie has always felt particularly relevant to my own story. However, last night's viewing felt less evocative than in the past.

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Thoughts and scribblings prior to the event, about the Piano Salon. Spoken by me upon inaugurating the Event.

Musicale: a music program forming the main part of a social occasion. Short for soiree musicale (American, 1840-1850) Soiree: an evening party or social gathering, esp. one held for a particular purpose: a musical soiree (French, 1810-1820) Salon: A drawing room or reception room in a large house; an assembly of guests in such a room; esp.

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In an hour or so, F & I will be hosting the first Piano Salon, a time and space where people with a love for playing the piano may congregate and actually play the instrument in the company of other piano aficionados.  This is not to be a recital, an “official” performance, with the goal of Perfection. (Or, more accurately, with the goal of driving home just how far from Perfection each player is to be found.) Rather, this Salon is about creating a space of Encouragement.  read more »

Phone conversation with Midge. She reported she’s talked with the appropriate administrator at UCCS and, in principle, it has been OK’ed that D & I teach some sort of class at the / through the university. She also talked about it happening that Shelf Life Blues will be pod-cast.  It is surprising for me, the level of Midge’s excitement and enthusiasm regarding the show, regarding D and myself. I surmise several vectors converge for her into this particular point. First off, she clearly loves radio.  read more »

Salt Lake City. Our second road trip in as many months! We picked Bret up at 08:00 and hit the road, Jack. A smooth and easy drive, each of us taking a turn at the wheel. It is downright chilly here in SLC. The snaggle-toothed mountains closest to town have a fresh dusting of snow!

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Sleep Dream.  I’m at Newland Court for a piano lesson. I tell Steve that the lesson will have to be much shorter than usual, due to an appointment I could not schedule at any other time. Steve’s feelings are clearly hurt. He says nothing and goes to the living room and sits. I look at Donald: “Do you suppose he is not even going to give me a lesson?” Donald gives his puppy-dog “I don’t know” look. I go into the living room. Steve is seated on an overstuffed chair, arms crossed on his chest. He is pouting, petulant.  read more »

Sleep Dream.  I’m in Jugendstil Riga. With a handsome fellow in his 40’s, finely featured, slender, with brown hair and a beard. Aspects of cousin Igors, aspects of Rainis. Intelligent eyes. Dressed in a dark suit. We enter the first floor. It is somewhat shabby, as is often the case with Riga apartment buildings. However, this space is not typical of Riga, I now realize. It is light, with white tiles and walls, blue trim. As I write, it seems like it could be a space out of Spain, or NY. The bearded gent lives on a higher floor, but goes to an apartment door on the first floor.  read more »