The care economy is an emerging model for supporting people, things, and processes we’d like to see more of in the world. It is about recognizing the things in our experience that bring us joy, that give us a [wow] or a [yes], and responding to these moments in a supportive way. It’s actually just, well, practicing care, and that’s not new at all. But the language of commerce is transactional, rather than responsive.
Woody Guthrie was a DJ. He used the power of the social media of his time to spread the message of anti-fascism and pro-democracy. Pete Seeger had a television show. He used the power of social media to highlight outspoken advocates for social justice in song. Nina Simone used her platform to expose the abuses … Read more
This is a post that I sent to my ukulele students. Many people consider taking a music class at some point in their lives. Studying an instrument or using your voice in new ways can be a little bit challenging, and I think people think about doing these activities when things are peaceful, and they … Read more
I recently worked up an arrangement of Sunny by Bobby Hebb for my uke students. I always like to do a bit of research about the songs I share with students, being that we are in a time of cultural reflection and shift. Some songs that I am initially enthusiastic about I end up shelving … Read more
The Flute collection contains two songs that help illustrate the fascinating phenomenon of the folk process: The Three Ravens and The Crow Song. Taking a deeper look at the origins of these songs also allows us to make note of some of Ken Guilmartin‘s forebears in collecting and popularizing folk music and creating new compositions … Read more
In my internet travels, I came across some more information about Bessie Jones that’s worth sharing. We’ll be doing Way Down Yonder in the Brickyard again this week. Here is an article about Ms. Jones’ life and work. This paragraph very succinctly sums up the place and value of the type of game we are … Read more
Here is some information about Arirang for your education and enjoyment. Wikipedia page for Arirang And a Korean mom in one of my classes graciously provided links to some of her favorite versions of Arirang. The captions are hers.
This song is brought to us from the Georgia Sea Islands by Bessie Jones, a great singer, teacher and popularizer of African-American culture in the 20th century. Here’s what she had to say about this song: “My grandfather made up this song down in the brickyard out from Williamsburg, Virginia, many years ago in slavery … Read more
This is a seasonal favorite at EBCMP socials and festivals. I haven’t been able to find a version on YouTube that shows the dance with the melody as I taught it in class, so I’ll post links to both the vocal version (the melody I led) and a dance version (with a different melody, but … Read more