Last Saturday night I was reminded of why I make music. Our group, The Appalachian Trance Project, played a local venue called the Everything Chocolate Café. Can you think of a better place to play than café that serves up both coffee and chocolate? The people who attended were not only supporting local musicians, but also the café – a local small business.
It was such a joy to look out into the audience and see so many familiar faces – the faces of neighbours, people we see at the farmers’ market, people whose gardens we visit. There were the faces of friends from the city, a young singer just starting out, plus some people we met for the first time. During breaks, we did some “cross-pollination”, introducing people in the audience to one another. It was an honour to be able to give, to share, to move people’s hearts – people who were right in front of us in our own community.
We’re an eclectic mix of musicians. Dave Rankine plays mountain dulcimer, cigar box guitar and a tiny instrument he calls a ‘dulcilette’. Tom Warney (my husband) plays banjo and guitar. Fernando Villalobos plays a variety of percussion instruments (that night it was the djembe drum). And I play harmonium, autoharp, tambourine and crystal singing bowl. To this mix we add our voices. The music we make is unique. We play old Appalachian tunes in a new way, and we write and perform original songs. It’s not music you’ll hear on the radio.
Dave Rankine said something to the audience that really struck me. He said “culture is something we create together.” And that’s true. People used to gather at kitchen parties, barn dances and corn shuckings. They would take turns making music, reciting poetry, and telling stories. They were creating their own culture. Unfortunately, popular music has become a mass-produced commodity that is made commercially. With new technology, musicians don’t even have to be in the same room to produce a recording. So called “culture” is created by the industry, and fed to the consumers, with the bottom line being profit.
That night, for our last number we involved the audience in singing a chant to the accompaniment of a crystal singing bowl. The lights were turned down, and the beautiful sound of people’s voices joining together in song filled the air. When they headed out, they took those lovely sounds with them, out into the cool evening air.
I’d like to urge you to support local independent musicians. Check out folk festival listings and local coffeehouse performances. And don’t miss Spiritfest: A Festival for the Creative Soul 2012 to be held on Saturday, June 2, 11 – 5. This is a FREE family-friendly all-day festival of creativity on the grounds of the Sharon Temple National Historic Site and Museum. Enjoy musical performances (our group will be there), an artisan’s market, heritage craft demonstrations, children’s activities, poetry reading and a variety of creative celebrations.
For information updates visit www.davidrankineart.com (scroll down to bottom left hand corner of the website) and Facebook: Spiritfest: A Festival for the Creative Soul.
What a magical evening! We have music nights at home with 3 or 4 guitars and many singers. It is an added thrill for me that my three children now join in and have brought a whole new generation to add to the mix. It is thrilling. (and, as someone who doesn’t drink coffee, this cafe would be my new favourite place! – Mmmm chocolate)
Your musical nights at home sound wonderful. It’s good to hear that music is still happening in people’s homes. I know the tradition is still alive on the East Coast of Canada. And chances are that your children may continue on the tradition in their own homes. Thanks for sharing.
[…] Janis McCallen and Tom Warney have studied and performed authentic Appalachian style folk music in the local area for decades, and bring a warmth and spiritual dimension to the group, along with the very trippy sound of a Shrutibox! Janis also creates intuitive and creative lyrics for the soundscapes of the group. For some of the background of their journey with music, check out https://writinginthestudio.wordpress.com/2012/04/21/creating-culture-through-music/ […]
Hello, my writing friend from BFTH! I have missed seeing your creative endeavours on your blog. I hope you’ll write again soon. In the meantime, sending warm wishes for all that you do! Juli