| 17 | 18 | 19 | 20Events on June 20, 2013 Harambe! Starts: 10:00 am On Summer Haitus - Diaspora Dance Class Starts: 6:00 pm Description: My name is Mesi Walton and I'm excited to announce that I will be joining the BloomU family of instructors teaching Diaspora Dance every Thursday night from 6:00pm to 7:30pm starting March 7th.
Explore dance and cultural traditions of the African Diaspora including, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Ghana, Senegal and The Gambia.
As an African-American attending public schools in Chicago I was taught about Ancient Greece, the writings of Shakespeare and the U.S. Constitution but the teachings about my history would come from outside of the classroom. My parents recognized the gaps in my education and committed themselves to instilling in my siblings and I a strong identity connected to pride in our culture and history. We were fortunate to have access to so much knowledge at a young age and I have adopted as a personal mission the learning and sharing of African culture with others in order to broaden our scope of the world.
Traveling and learning about music and dance has greatly enlarged my perspective of the dance world to extend beyond the confines of continental Africa, to encompass cultural Africa—i.e. the diasporic regions of the Caribbean and Latin America. Each trip has allowed me to add another piece to the puzzle which is more information I am able to share with the world. I am interested in the story behind dance. I ask the questions, “What is the message is in the dance? Why was it created? What does the group or person want to express?”. Dance is it’s own language, and it can communicate so many things all at once.
Here at BloomBars with dance as my vehicle, I am committed to sharing what I know in order to connect us in positive ways through culture. Each session of classes will be an opportunity to gain mastery of a particular dance within the African Diaspora. Since dance is an interconnected form of expression, we will discuss, explore and learn about the history, spirituality, music, language and reason it is done.
Whether I am learning, teaching or performing Samba, Salsa, or Soca the fun comes from sharing it with you and I invite you to come and enjoy a step of the journey with me!
| 21Events on June 21, 2013 SONGS, STORIES AND PUPPETS (Ages 5 and under) Starts: 10:00 am Description: A variety show for the under 5 crowd, “Songs, Stories & Puppets” is the trifecta that could help form your baby’s first sentence, “Is it Friday?” David Greenfieldboyce is a puppeteer, former teacher, stay-at-home dad who organizes the Mount Pleasant Children's Puppet Hour. Suggested donation: $5. More info: http://www.bloombars.com/youth-programs/songs-stories-and-puppets BloomScreen presents: Broken Hearts & Butterflies - Film + Art Exhibit Starts: 7:00 pm Description: Bloombars - 3222 11th St NW - Washington, DC 20010
Friday, June 21st at 7:00 pm
BloomScreen presents: Broken Hearts & Butterflies
Broken Hearts & Butterflies (2012, 63 min), by Kimberley R. Williams – After 25 years of separation, filmmaker Kimberley Williams reunites with her foster sister Hali as they explore the five years they happily lived together on a farm with Kimberley's family and what happened after everything fell apart.
RSVP at: http://tinyurl.com/broken-hearts-rsvp
BROKEN HEARTS & BUTTERFLIES - Born out of wedlock in the early 1960s to a mother and father who met on a peace march, concert photographer and artist Hali McGrath had to face parental abandonment at the age of 14. After time spent on the commune Tolstoy Farm in rural Washington state, Hali eventually found safe haven with the Williams family. By helping to take care of their three children, Hali experienced unconditional love for the first time from the youngest child, Kimberley Rose. Broken Hearts & Butterflies is a poignant story that documents how decades later Hali, Kimberley, and the other members of the Williams family reunite to revisit their common past and explore the depth of impact each have had on the others' lives.
Our screening will be followed by a Q&A discussion with the filmmaker, Kimberley R. Williams.
This film screening also marks the beginning of an art exhibit at BloomBars featuring the artwork of Ingeborg H. O’Bourne, the filmmaker’s mother. The art exhibition, titled “Only in my Dreams,” will include 13 framed paintings, mainly oils or acrylic on canvas. O’Bourne is a writer, painter and dream analyst, who emigrated from Austria. Her artwork has been described as whimsical and dream-like, and it is based on her interpretations of dreams and her desire to “convey the beauty of life and earth through art.” The exhibit will run from Friday, June 21st, through the first week of July.
*Suggested Donation: $10. Free popcorn and refreshments provided.
BloomScreen Indie Film Night – is a weekly series of independent and foreign films, accompanied by discussions with filmmakers and other experts.
Volunteers wanted! Have a suggestion for a film? Know a local filmmaker who wants to screen their work? Want to lend a hand? Email jonathan@bloombars.com with your ideas.
| 22Events on June 22, 2013 HARAMBE! (6mos to 6-years old) Starts: 9:30 am Description: In Swahili, Harambe means “All pull together.” It is your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community. http://www.bloombars.com/youth-programs/harambe Harambe 2nd Show Starts: 10:30 am
| 23Events on June 23, 2013 African Drumming w/Kristen & Kweku (Drums Available) Starts: 1:00 pm Description: Ever dream of joining the Malcolm X Park Drum Circle?
Now’s your chance to build some confidence — Every Sunday at 1pm, join Drumlady Kristen Arant and Ghanaian drummer/drum-builder Kweku Owusu for West African drumming classes at BloomBars! Learn techniques and rhythms from Ghana and Guinea, West Africa on djembe, kpanlogo and dun-un drums.
For experienced drummers, get some practice with our expert instructors!
Suggested donation: $15
Learn more: http://www.bloombars.com/category/garden-of-the-arts/music/drumming-class Performetry: Old Poems, New Poems, Your Poems Starts: 3:00 pm Description: Performetry: noun \pə(r)-ˈfȯrm-ə-trē\, also \pə(r)-ˈfȯrm-i-trē\ : The act of giving body to sound and presence to poetry through performance.
This monthly performance series at BloomBars traverses generations of verse, focusing on the theatrical presentation of classical, contemporary, and musical forms of poetry. Each event includes the performance of a classic poem, featured works from a contemporary DC-area poet, an open mic, and live musical interludes. Performetry is sponsored by The Performing Knowledge Project with the generous support of BloomBars, and funded in part by the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities, an agency supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
$10 donation
This session will feature:
* a performance of Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" (Pt. 2) by Robert Michael Oliver
* music by Brendan Baker
* poetry by Mary Stone Hanley
MARY STONE HANLEY has been an educator in public and higher education for more than 40 years, teaching a range of students from preschoolers to elders. She taught elementary students for seven years, middle and high school students in various community and arts programs for more than 20 years, and since 1996 graduate pre-service and in-service teachers and PhD students in Antioch University, University of Washington, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and George Mason University. She has a BA in Children’s Theater, a MEd in Educational Communications and Technology, and a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction/Multicultural Education from the University of Washington, Seattle. She is also a poet, playwright, performer, researcher and activist working with educators, artists, and young people in schools and communities.
Her website is http://marystonehanley.com/
About The Performing Knowledge Project
The Sanctuary Theatre’s Performing Knowledge Project nurtures the space where performance and education meet. Founded by DC Writers/Theatre Artists Robert Michael Oliver and Elizabeth Bruce, the project produces a variety of performances and hosts writing, learning, and performance-oriented workshops on different subjects and writing styles. Performing Knowledge’s events seek new possibilities for expression and understanding. From the rhymed brilliance of classic poetry to the sweep of contemporary prose, their performances and workshops are dynamic, multidisciplinary explorations. http://performingknowledge.org/
Private rehearsal Starts: 5:00 pm String Beings - Lessons and String Sessons - All Ages and Experience Levels Starts: 6:30 pm Description: There is in souls a sympathy with sounds: And as the mind is pitch’d the ear is pleased. With melting airs, or martial, brisk or grave; Some chord in unison with what we hear is touch’d within us, and the heart replies.~William Cowper
The more we learn about the science of sound and the affects of music in our lives, the more 18th century poets like Cowper sound prophetic. And the more we listen to our hearts beat, the stronger the urge becomes to pick up an instrument and explore our innate affections for tonal syncopations, tribal rhythms and created or recreated melodies. The calling can come at any stage in life. For my almost-two-year old, it started from the womb and grows with every instrument we place in front of her.
That’s just one of the reasons I’m so excited to bring back our weekly String Beings program starting the first Sunday in September (9/2) at 6:30pm. In this incarnation, String Beings will be an almagamous open classroom/jam session where the line between student and teacher gets lost in the mutual sharing and learning of string instruments. It’s basically our version of string theory, but instead of trying to reconcile quantum mechanics and general relativity, we seek to reconcile the vibration of stringed instruments with the resonance of our very being.
Led by Sitali Syolwe and (Soon to be official Artist in Bloom resident) Ella, we are still seeking folks to help lead violin, bass and cello. There will be a special effort to get young folks and seniors out, but all ages are welcome.
The discovery of song and the creation of musical instruments both owed their origin to a human impulse which lies much deeper than conscious intention: the need for rhythm in life… the need is a deep one, transcending thought, and disregarded at our peril. ~Richard Baker
Amen! And thanks to some generous guitar and bass donations (and a Rhodes, wow!), we’re able to provide our new house instruments for use by all. AND WE’RE STILL TAKING DONATIONS!
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24Events on June 24, 2013 Harambe! (6mos to 6-years old) Starts: 9:30 am Description: In Swahili, Harambe means “All pull together.” At BloomBars, Harambe is the practice of hope, possibility and compassion – basically, all the things that happen when we all come together. Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community.
With more than 10 years of experience in youth development, education and conflict resolution, program instructor Baba Ras D’s “Harambe” is a morning jolt of inspiration for parents, caregivers and children.
Parental consent required. Participation is a $7-10 donation per session or $100 for 12 sessions.
Details: http://www.bloombars.com/youth-programs/harambe Oriental Dance/Belly Dance (bilingue/bilingual) Starts: 6:30 pm Description: Explore the mechanics of dance posture; soft & hard isolations; how movements initiate, flow & culminate; timing & sinking into the movement; listening & improvisation; deep, internal undulations with careful attention to weight shifts; beautiful hands & arms; shimmy drills & combinations.* Oriental & tribal styles, all levels. Bilingual community classes. (1.25 hrs)
Info? Visit http://www.moveyourbelly.com
$10 suggested donation
Learn more: http://www.bloombars.com/garden-of-the-arts/a-dance-class-at-bloombars-is-never-just-a-dance-class
The Garden Open Mic feat. Miller of the Bridge (guest co-host: Joseph LMS Green) Starts: 8:30 pm Description: Join us for DC's only weekly variety open mic (poetry, music, comedy, storytelling, etc-ing) where the show is appropriate for all ages (please and thank you to performers). Each week includes a featured artist and guest co-host, as well as resident co-host Gowri K.
Sign-up list opens at 8:30 pm and the first performer goes on at 9:00 pm!
$7 donation
Featuring: MILLER OF THE BRIDGE
Miller of the Bridge is a collaborative music project that began in 2012 when songwriting duo Nicola Molinaro and Jeffrey Dupont began working together in a basement apartment in Columbia Heights. A collective of sorts has coalesced around the two, whose last names mean “Miller” in Italian and “of the bridge” in French, respectively, and their songs represent the culmination of creative input from their fellow artists and friends. Shortly after forming, Molinaro and Dupont were joined by percussionist Candace Chouinard and began thinking about performing in public.
Vocalist Nicola Molinaro was born in a small town twenty miles from Philadelphia, PA and lived in Washington, DC for seven years prior to relocating to New York City in 2013. She has sung in musical theater and small jazz ensembles prior to working on her own material with Miller of the Bridge where she provides music and lyrics. Guitarist Jeffrey Dupont comes from a suburb of Hartford, CT, and has sung in choir, performed in musical theater in high school, and played guitar, mostly self taught, since 2010. He discovered a love of writing as a teenager and was encouraged to take his work more seriously in college and since moving to Washington DC. Percussionist Candace Chouinard is from a town of 3,000 called Chester, NH and has lived in Washington, DC for two years. She has been playing drums and performing since the age of ten. She has played in orchestras, marching bands, and small groups prior to joining with Molinaro and Dupont.
Guest co-host: JOSEPH LMS GREEN
Joseph LMS Green is a performance poet and educator with more than eight years of professional experience. As a solo artist and member of the Intangible Collective, Joseph has performed at venues and schools throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic United States. For five years, he has coached the Hayfield Secondary School Forensic Speech Team. A four-time qualifier and participant in the National Poetry Slam, he has twice represented the Oneonta Slam team as their Grand Slam Champion, as well as Slam Richmond and DC’s Beltway Poetry Slam Team, which ranked 5th in the nation in 2011. After representing the Beltway Poetry Slam at the 2011 Individual World Poetry Slam, Joseph was the 16th ranked poet in the world. He is also a co-founder of poetryNOW, an afterschool creative writing program in Northern Virginia.
http://www.josephlms.com
| 25Events on June 25, 2013 BloomScreen presents: O Herói (The Hero) Starts: 7:00 pm Description: Bloombars - 3222 11th St NW - Washington, DC 20010
Tuesday, June 25th at 7:00 pm
BloomScreen presents: The Hero (O Herói)
The Hero (O Herói) (2004, 97 min), by Zézé Gamboa – tells the story of Vitório, a 20-year veteran of the Angolan civil war who returns to the capital city of Luanda where he faces the challenges of assimilation and survival.
THE HERO – tells the story of Angola, a nation attempting to reconstruct itself after 40 continuous years of anti-colonial and civil warfare, through the story of a veteran who has lost his leg, a prostitute who has lost a child and an orphaned boy. (Portuguese with English subtitles).
We are working to have the filmmaker join us by Skype, after the film..
Bloombars, in association with the Camões Institute, the Department of Spanish & Portuguese at Georgetown University, the Washington Portuguese Language Meetup Group and the Embassies of Cape Verde, Brazil and Portugal, is proud to present our monthly series which highlights Portuguese language film and Lusophone culture.
RSVP at: http://tinyurl.com/heroi-rsvp
See trailer: http://tinyurl.com/heroi-trailer
*Suggested Donation: $10 to support BloomBars. Free popcorn and refreshments provided.
BloomScreen Indie Film Night – is a weekly series of independent and foreign films, accompanied by discussions with filmmakers and other experts.
Volunteers wanted! Have a suggestion for a film? Know a local filmmaker who wants to screen their work? Want to lend a hand? Email jonathan@bloombars.com with your ideas.
| 26Events on June 26, 2013 Samba Baby Starts: 10:00 am Description: It’s never too early to learn the infectious dance of the world’s 5th largest country. And there’s no better teacher then Zezeh Zax, a dancer, professional performer of Brazilian samba and founder of the ZEZEH BRAZIL Dance Troupe.
The class will get hearts beating and feet moving to rhythms of Brazil. Parental consent required for youth under 18. Participation is a $10 donation per session or $100 for 12 sessions.
Learn more: http://www.bloombars.com/youth-programs/samba-baby Percussion Petting Zoo and Playdate Starts: 6:00 pm Description: Join other kids (ages 5 and under) and caregivers for this weekly BloomU playdate. Musical instruments are provided. Bring your smiles and community spirit! On Hiatus - Under The Baobab Tree (Ages 5 and Under) Starts: 6:00 pm Description: We'll be back when Iya comes back from maternity leave in a few months. Stay tuned!
Jambo BloomBars family! I am Iya and I have been inspiring, educating, and empowering young people for over 15 years. Today, I’m proud to announce that I’ll be joining the BloomU team of instructors with a new weekly program “Under the Baobab Tree.” Starting August 1st (and every Wednesday from 5:30pm to 6:15pm thereafter), we'll take parents, caregivers and children under age five on a musical and educational journey that will cross continents, languages and cultures.
But first let me tell you a little about myself. In addition to being a mother of a 4 and 5-year-old and a Master Teaching Artist, I currently serve as a Master Educator for DC Public Schools (DCPS) where I provide instructional support to teachers. As a seasoned educator, I use the arts to promote critical thinking, character development, cooperative work and creativity. I also use the arts to support core-curriculum subjects such as reading, mathematics, science and history - making learning fun.
I am also the owner of Kuumba Kids™ an innovative developer and provider of educational programs and materials for children, and co-founder of the non-profit “The Baobab Tree Foundation.” Over the years, I have had wonderful opportunities to work professionally as a songwriter, producer and vocalist. My first children’s CD, “Ooh Kuumba!” will be available at BloomBars.
My first experience at BloomBars was filling in for David Greenfieldboyce and his weekly Friday program “Songs, Stories and Puppets.” I was in awe of the beautiful and engaged children and genuine sense of community that’s been created. I felt at home. Now I can’t to meet all of you!
Until soon, keep blooming!
Bashea "Iya" Imana Silent Meditation Wednesdays Starts: 7:00 pm Description: Thirteen years ago, a small group of individuals in California decided to devote a Wednesday evening to the spirit of sharing through meditation and reflection. Over time, the vibrations created during that single evening multiplied and rippled into a weekly gathering as more individuals joined the circle of sharing and created what has become known as “Wednesdays.” Planting seeds of inner transformation, individuals have left their “Wednesday” feeling inspired and renewed.
Now, “Wednesdays” has begun to bloom in the nation’s capitol, in the heart of Columbia Heights at BloomBars.
These gatherings have no teachers, no set agendas or proposed beliefs — simply a space to come together to listen to ourselves and each other.
If you have been interested in meditating but are not sure where to start, peruse these guided meditations from various spiritual teachers.
And the following two blogs are excellent and honest descriptions of the thoughts that go through all of our minds as we try to understand what meditation is all about:
The Whale I Saved, or So I Thought
Grab the Reigns! Training the Mind to Find Happiness
Join us on Wednesday. We will start with an hour of meditation and follow it up with a round-table discussion of “aha” moments from everyday life based on a recent iJourney reading.
There is no required cost to attend (although donations are appreciated!) everything is offered as a humble gift, in the spirit of paying-it-forward. Samba Class Starts: 9:00 pm
| 27Events on June 27, 2013 Harambe! Starts: 10:00 am On Summer Haitus - Diaspora Dance Class Starts: 6:00 pm Description: My name is Mesi Walton and I'm excited to announce that I will be joining the BloomU family of instructors teaching Diaspora Dance every Thursday night from 6:00pm to 7:30pm starting March 7th.
Explore dance and cultural traditions of the African Diaspora including, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Ghana, Senegal and The Gambia.
As an African-American attending public schools in Chicago I was taught about Ancient Greece, the writings of Shakespeare and the U.S. Constitution but the teachings about my history would come from outside of the classroom. My parents recognized the gaps in my education and committed themselves to instilling in my siblings and I a strong identity connected to pride in our culture and history. We were fortunate to have access to so much knowledge at a young age and I have adopted as a personal mission the learning and sharing of African culture with others in order to broaden our scope of the world.
Traveling and learning about music and dance has greatly enlarged my perspective of the dance world to extend beyond the confines of continental Africa, to encompass cultural Africa—i.e. the diasporic regions of the Caribbean and Latin America. Each trip has allowed me to add another piece to the puzzle which is more information I am able to share with the world. I am interested in the story behind dance. I ask the questions, “What is the message is in the dance? Why was it created? What does the group or person want to express?”. Dance is it’s own language, and it can communicate so many things all at once.
Here at BloomBars with dance as my vehicle, I am committed to sharing what I know in order to connect us in positive ways through culture. Each session of classes will be an opportunity to gain mastery of a particular dance within the African Diaspora. Since dance is an interconnected form of expression, we will discuss, explore and learn about the history, spirituality, music, language and reason it is done.
Whether I am learning, teaching or performing Samba, Salsa, or Soca the fun comes from sharing it with you and I invite you to come and enjoy a step of the journey with me!
| 28Events on June 28, 2013 SONGS, STORIES AND PUPPETS (Ages 5 and under) Starts: 10:00 am Description: A variety show for the under 5 crowd, “Songs, Stories & Puppets” is the trifecta that could help form your baby’s first sentence, “Is it Friday?” David Greenfieldboyce is a puppeteer, former teacher, stay-at-home dad who organizes the Mount Pleasant Children's Puppet Hour. Suggested donation: $5. More info: http://www.bloombars.com/youth-programs/songs-stories-and-puppets
| 29Events on June 29, 2013 HARAMBE! (6mos to 6-years old) Starts: 9:30 am Description: In Swahili, Harambe means “All pull together.” It is your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community. http://www.bloombars.com/youth-programs/harambe Harambe 2nd Show Starts: 10:30 am BloomScreen and Village Birth Co-op present: The Face of Birth – film + discussion on birth choice Starts: 12:00 pm Description: Bloombars - 3222 11th St NW - Washington, DC 20010
Saturday, June 29th at 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
BloomScreen and Village Birth Co-op present: The Face of Birth – film + discussion on birth choice
Join BloomBars and the Village Birth Co-op for an important film and discussion on birth choice.
The Face of Birth: Where the Personal Gets Political (2012, 90 min), by Gavin Banks and Kate Gorman – is a documentary about families that choose to give birth at home, and about respecting and protecting a woman's right to choose how, where and with whom she gives birth. (http://tinyurl.com/face-of-birth-trailer)
Through the diverse and moving stories of five women who choose to have homebirths THE FACE OF BIRTH – gives us the big-picture on the importance of how, where and with whom we give birth to our children. Featuring interviews with some of the world's top childbirth experts the film explores the links between choice and safety. It exposes the hidden costs, and broader social consequences of rising rates of intervention. A must-see for all parents, and anyone intending to give birth, this feature-length movie about pregnancy, childbirth and the power of choice will change the way you view childbirth.
Our film will be followed by a discussion with natural childbirth advocates from the DC Metropolitan region, moderated by doula-in-training, Tsedaye Makonnen. They will discuss the importance of encouraging expectant mothers and their partners to choose their own birth experiences.
RSVP at: http://tinyurl.com/face-of-birth-rsvp1
See trailer: http://tinyurl.com/face-of-birth-trailer
*Suggested Donation: $10 – to benefit Mamatoto Village and BloomBars. Your support of the nonprofit, Mamatoto Village, will allow them to start a program this Fall, providing free doula services and support to DC teen moms throughout their pregnancy, birth and postpartum period. For more information, contact Tsedaye Makonnen (tsedaye@gmail.com or villagebirthcoop@gmail.com); or visit: http://www.villagebirthcoop.com. Free popcorn and refreshments provided.
BloomScreen Indie Film Night – is a weekly series of independent and foreign films, accompanied by discussions with filmmakers and other experts.
Volunteers wanted! Have a suggestion for a film? Know a local filmmaker who wants to screen their work? Want to lend a hand? Email jonathan@bloombars.com with your ideas. Petworth Jazz Project Starts: 6:00 pm Description: BloomBars Partners with Petworth Jazz Project to Bring Music to Kids!
As the Petworth Jazz Project is preparing to begin its third successful season, BloomBars is proud to announce that we will be curating performance for kids preceding each concert. The project is a public/private funded event, showcases the best in local jazz talent. All shows take place on the lawn at 8th and Taylor Streets N.W., in Washington D.C. and are free to attend. Performances have featured Kris Funn, Herb Scott, Nate Jolley, Noble Jolley, Veronneau, Donvonte McCoy, Akua Allrich, and the Bohemian Caverns Big Band, among others.
All opening performances approximately 45min, followed by 15 minute break, then into the jazz sets. Schedule as follows:
Saturday, May 25th, 6pm – Baba Ras D
Saturday, June 29th, 6pm – The Singing Lizard
Saturday, July 27th,6pm – Iya & The Kuumba Kids
Saturday, August 31st, 5:30pm – Baba Ras D
Saturday, September 28th, 5 pm – Iya & The Kuumba Kids
| 30Events on June 30, 2013 African Drumming w/Kristen & Kweku (Drums Available) Starts: 1:00 pm Description: Ever dream of joining the Malcolm X Park Drum Circle?
Now’s your chance to build some confidence — Every Sunday at 1pm, join Drumlady Kristen Arant and Ghanaian drummer/drum-builder Kweku Owusu for West African drumming classes at BloomBars! Learn techniques and rhythms from Ghana and Guinea, West Africa on djembe, kpanlogo and dun-un drums.
For experienced drummers, get some practice with our expert instructors!
Suggested donation: $15
Learn more: http://www.bloombars.com/category/garden-of-the-arts/music/drumming-class String Beings - Lessons and String Sessons - All Ages and Experience Levels Starts: 6:30 pm Description: There is in souls a sympathy with sounds: And as the mind is pitch’d the ear is pleased. With melting airs, or martial, brisk or grave; Some chord in unison with what we hear is touch’d within us, and the heart replies.~William Cowper
The more we learn about the science of sound and the affects of music in our lives, the more 18th century poets like Cowper sound prophetic. And the more we listen to our hearts beat, the stronger the urge becomes to pick up an instrument and explore our innate affections for tonal syncopations, tribal rhythms and created or recreated melodies. The calling can come at any stage in life. For my almost-two-year old, it started from the womb and grows with every instrument we place in front of her.
That’s just one of the reasons I’m so excited to bring back our weekly String Beings program starting the first Sunday in September (9/2) at 6:30pm. In this incarnation, String Beings will be an almagamous open classroom/jam session where the line between student and teacher gets lost in the mutual sharing and learning of string instruments. It’s basically our version of string theory, but instead of trying to reconcile quantum mechanics and general relativity, we seek to reconcile the vibration of stringed instruments with the resonance of our very being.
Led by Sitali Syolwe and (Soon to be official Artist in Bloom resident) Ella, we are still seeking folks to help lead violin, bass and cello. There will be a special effort to get young folks and seniors out, but all ages are welcome.
The discovery of song and the creation of musical instruments both owed their origin to a human impulse which lies much deeper than conscious intention: the need for rhythm in life… the need is a deep one, transcending thought, and disregarded at our peril. ~Richard Baker
Amen! And thanks to some generous guitar and bass donations (and a Rhodes, wow!), we’re able to provide our new house instruments for use by all. AND WE’RE STILL TAKING DONATIONS!
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The best part of yesterday’s Wednesday is tied: Was it the stories exchanged and the laughter shared after the reading )? Or was it the newcomer who told me, “You know, I really needed a meditation today but I wasn’t sure where to find a group to meditate with. And then I scrolled the Bloombars website and saw they had a Wednesday meditation group…I thought, man, how perfect!”
Thank you so much for sharing your kind words about Wednesdays meditation! We are glad you enjoyed it and hope to see you again soon!
We have had so many wonderful guest speakers as of late. On Wednesday, May 31, Krishnakumar Bhaskaramenon, from the Gandhi Research Foundation in India joined us. Here is part of his talk: “Tonight I want to talk about relationships….is it possible to be nonviolent in action, words, and thoughts? It’s a tall order. If one were to claim that he has been non violent in action, perhaps I would agree. If one were to claim that he has been non violent in action and words, I would respect him. If one were to say that he has been nonviolent in action, words, and thoughts, I would be suspicious. It’s very hard….there are three cardinal virtues from the Upanishads (also repeated at the end of T.S. Elliot’s The Waste Land )…they are “damyata” (restraint), “datta” (generosity), and “dayadhvam” (compassion)….these three words are like three, ever expanding concentric circles of a ripple…..a ripple created with one central point…what is that center? Relationships….and that is perhaps what we also call love…perhaps.”
Last night’s Wednesday reading couldn’t have been more perfect. I no longer believe in coincidences…every person we come across, every event we experience, everything happens for a reason…at 6:50 pm, Anisha was sitting a few blocks away in her home, reflecting on her stressful life circumstances and something inside told her to run to BloomBars and sit with us:). Our eyes were already closed when she walked in but I was happy to meet this BloomBars volunteer in person when my eyes opened…for weeks, we have been corresponding via email! She shared with us an amazing story of her first encounter with Wednesdays, on a hot and stuffy bus from Laos to Thailand. In walked a girl who announced to everyone that today was Wednesday and around the world everyone would begin to meditate in universal oneness at 7pm. When someone asked her why she was meditating, her only response was (at least this is my interpretation of what I remember!), “for a better world, it’s so important in this time for our collective positive thoughts to bring change through love.” The girl’s energy was so infectious that everyone on that hot and sticky bus, including Anisha, closed their eyes in silent meditation. That evening, Anisha realized that law school (a decision she was deliberating) wasn’t for her because it wouldn’t be coming from her heart….and if it wasn’t coming from her heart, it wasn’t the effortless gift that she was meant to share. Yesterday night, in the midst of confusion and frustration about her life’s direction, she found Wednesdays again, and she felt at peace, knowing that inside of her, there was a gift to offer to the world….as Sateen so beautifully described, all of our individual gifts are like the tributaries that effortlessly flow together, into this beautiful ocean of oneness and abundance, an ocean that we can all dance an play in:) To share this reading in BloomBars, what I believe is a magical space that invites all the diverse tributaries in our world to flow through its doors and offer their gifts with celebration and joy, it couldn’t have been more perfect….if there is such a thing:)