Daryl Shawn pops into Fireworks in Corvallis

CORVALLIS -- Touring New Yorker Daryl Shawn pops into Fireworks in Corvallis as part of a solo tour taken entirely by train. Expect a set full of intelligent lyrics and a dose of guitar acrobatics.

An alumnus of Berklee College of Music who went on to develop his craft during five years in Oaxaca, Mexico, Daryl Shawn combines his taste for unusual chords with the guitar-thumping techniques of flamenco and rhythms culled from African music to create an eclectic mix fueled by a healthy appetite for rocking out (and sometimes, blissing out). Shawn complements his impressive guitar skills with winsome, colorful rhymes - think a mix of Rodrigo y Gabriela and Paul Simon, with a touch of Jack White. He comes to Corvallis as part of his twelfth solo tour around the States.

"Daryl Shawn never picked up a guitar until he was 16 years old, but appears to have been born to play it." Wildy's World

RiverRocks at Arts Center in Corvallis

CORVALLIS -- RiverRocks will play a concert to raise much-needed funds for The Arts Center, on Sat., April 30th, 7 - 9 pm, at The Arts Center, 700 SW Madison St.

We are excited to play in this beautiful space, and to help raise money for the center of arts in our community.  

Art saves lives; it is the essential link to sanity and to engagement with society for a percentage of people who otherwise would feel estranged.  I know that art is what made me feel like I belonged on Planet Earth.   All proceeds from this event will help a low-income child discover the clarifying power of making art, provide an exhibition space for the community, and fund a physical gathering place for art guilds, among other services.   You can learn more about the Arts Center at:   http://www.theartscenter.net/

We are suggesting $7 to $15 sliding scale donation for attending this concert/party, but you can pay less or more depending on your situation.   Wine and beer will be available (for a donation if you can) as well.   Even in this economic crisis, we have much to celebrate in our community and we have the resources to keep the highlights of it alive and well.

On a variety of instruments, RiverRocks plays multi-genre lyrical originals and covers to make you laugh or cry. Mina Carson and Laurie Childers are both songwriters, who sing and share a passion for songs that give us goosebumps. Mina plays guitar, violin and mandolin; Laurie plays keyboards and guitar, Bill Veley keeps the bottom steady on bass, and Shelley Willis rocks the percussion, plays mandolin and guitar, and fills out the vocal harmonies.

***
River Rocks is also playing at Fireworks Restaurant, on SW 3rd St just south of First Alternative Co-op, on Friday night, May 20th, 8 -10 pm.   Come enjoy the great outdoors with us - well, the lovely mostly-enclosed patio - there are heaters, fine wines, a beautiful cob oven, and delicious food.

We hope to see you at both events!

ALSO!
I'll take this opportunity to invite/remind you that on Sunday, May 1st, the extraordinary Mark Growden is on tour from the Bay Area, with his new album Lose Me in the Sand.  
He will give a SINGING WORKSHOP on Sunday from 1 to 3 pm at Fireworks Restaurant, 1115 SE 3rd St.  
He'll give an unplugged concert at 8 pm that night at Fireworks.  
If that's not enough, he'll be back in town on Friday May 6th and play at Troubadour Music, 521 SW 2nd St, at 8 pm.

Please forward this email to anyone you think would enjoy our music.

Balkan and Georgian Vocal Workshop with AE March 13th

CORVALLIS -- I (Hasina) am happy to announce a singing workshop with vocal duo Æ, on tour from Brooklyn. Æ is Aurelia Lucy Shrenker and Eva Salina Primack, both vibrant young American singers steeped in the musical traditions of Caucasus Georgia, the American Appalachians, and the Balkans, respectively. Each has performed and taught singing in the United States and internationally, drawing rave reviews for their sensitive yet often provocative interpretations, and their attentive, communicative, and inclusive teaching styles.

The Workshop will be held on Saturday, March 13th, from 7-9 pm, at my home in Corvallis, Oregon. Eva and Aurelia will teach a Balkan and a Georgian song, with guidance in vocal production, pronunciation, and musicality. Emphasis will be placed on the enjoyment of the music, both for its aesthetic beauty and as a form of cultural experience and personal expression. A relaxed, respectful, friendly, and encouraging environment will invite joyful participation from all in attendance, whatever their musical experience. Æ welcomes participants of all ages and vocal backgrounds~no prior singing (OR Balkan singing) experience is required.

Details: Balkan and Caucasus Georgian vocal workshop
Date: Saturday, March 13th
Time: 7-9 pm
Location: Corvallis, OR, at my home (3820 SW Country Club Dr)
Cost: $15-20, sliding scale

Advance registration and payment are required. Please contact me at the_chrome_nun@hotmail.com, or 541-760-8135 to register and/or for more information. Included below is a brief bio of Æ, and more can be found by visiting the following websites:

www.myspace.com/aesings
www.aesings.com
www.cdbaby.com/cd/aemusic

I heartily encourage you to consider attending this workshop. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Please forward this message to anyone you think might be interested!

Æ will also perform on Sunday, March 14 at 3 pm, in the warm and welcoming environs of the Yoga Center of Corvallis (111 NW 2nd St). Tickets will be sold in advance for $15 each, with a limited number available at the door. Children are encouraged to attend. To purchase tickets and/or obtain further information, please contact me at the_chrome_nun@hotmail.com, or 541-753-8135.

Thank you,
Hasina

Bio of Æ:

Aurelia Shrenker and Eva Salina Primack have been performing together as Æ ("ash") since 2007. Based in Brooklyn, NY, they perform internationally and have just released their debut CD, the self-titled Æ. Playing to hugely diverse audiences in sold-out shows at venues ranging from Joe's Pub in New York City to Ashkenaz in Berkeley, CA, these two young women bring together their deep understanding of different vocal traditions to create something new and daring with each song. They have chosen the name Æ because it represents something of a dual nature--not singular, not plural, but exactly two. Accordion and Georgian panduri often add a further dimension to the naked and honest beauty of two unaccompanied voices, creating a rich tapestry with varied texture and ambiance in their live performance. Their repertoire includes songs from Appalachian, Balkan, Caucasus Georgian, and Corsican traditions. In addition to their album, Æ is featured in the soundtrack of "The Great Soviet Eclipse", the newest film produced under the auspices of the Museum of Jurassic Technology (www.mjt.org). Æ's work is rooted in folk culture and never falls short of being visceral and provocative--in their music, youthful exuberance and reverence for ancient tradition seamlessly coincide.

A native of Santa Cruz, California, Eva Salina Primack has been studying, performing, and teaching Balkan music since she was a young child. She has traveled and performed internationally, worked with many well-known Balkan and American musicians, including Slavic Soul Party!, Which Way East, Kadife, Veveritse, Seido Salifoski's Romski Boji, Édessa, Tzvetanka Varimezova, Italian Balkan Jazz Project Opa Cupa and KITKA. Eva completed a B.A. in Ethnomusicology at UCLA. In addition to her work as a performer, Eva teaches singing in New York City and internationally at camps, workshops and festivals.

Aurelia Shrenker has been singing music from various world traditions from the time she was thirteen years old. While growing up in the Northeastern United States she traveled extensively, both on her own sojourns and with Vermont-based touring ensemble Northern Harmony. Aurelia has focused on Georgian music over the last decade and visited the country on numerous occasions as a musician, volunteer, and tour-guide. Aurelia received her BA from NYU's Gallatin School with a concentration in Pedagogy, Literacy and Orality. She performs both as a soloist and with Æ.

Æ performs traditional and innovative renditions of folk music from the Balkans, Caucasus Georgia, Corsica, and the American Appalachians. Both Eva and Aurelia have performed to great acclaim across the United States and internationally, and together they are known for expressive performances of a rare and compelling intimacy. In a recent review, NYC online music blog Lucid Culture described the Æ album as "plaintive, austere, otherworldly, and often hauntingly beautiful" (http://lucidculture.wordpress.com/2010/01/20/gorgeous-balkan-and-appalachian-vocal-harmonies-from-%C3%A6/), sentiments I wholeheartedly repeat.

(re-posted from an email received by MM)

BCSA Art and Music 2010 - March 13 6PM at Vue

Benton County Skateboarding Alliance Inc. (BCSA)
to have 3rd Annual Fundraiser:

“BCSA Art and Music 2010”
at Vue (former Strega restaurant) in Corvallis 

Saturday evening, March 13th
6PM to 11PM, at Vue, 517 SW 2nd St.
Corvallis, Oregon.

Art Show and silent auction, raffle, and live music.

This year's music:

• The show opens with acoustic musician Michael Balok.
• Ben Rice Band
• They Won’t Stay Dead
• Neutralboy from Bremerton, WA closes the show. 

All Ages 

Admission $5.00 from the following outlets:

• Peak sports Skate Dept. (207NW 2nd St., Corvallis) 
• Happy Trails Records (100 SW 3rd St., Corvallis) 
• Grass Roots Bookstore (227 SW 2nd St., Corvallis) 
• Uprise (1110 NW Van Buren Ave., Corvallis) 
• Also tickets sold at the door. 

A sample of art in this years show can be seen on the BCSA’s website:

http://bcskateboardingalliance.org/?page_id=163 

For more information about the BCSA please go to their website at http://www.bcskateboardingalliance.org or send us an e-mail at bcskateboardingalliance@gmail.com.

BCSA News:

The BCSA has received its 501(c)(3) tax exempt status so donations are now tax deductable.

The City of Corvallis’ Captial Improvement Program voted in favor of the BCSA project to improve the Eric Scott McKinley Skatepark in Corvallis.

The BCSA is now working on grant proposals.

$70,000 to $90,000 is needed for the first phase, the large pro-sized skate bowl.

Advanced street terrain, Eric Scott McKinley memorial sign, additional spectator seating, picnic tables, and

BBQ pits are proposed for the next phase.

Benton County Skateboarding Alliance, Inc an Oregon non-profit corporation.
912 NW 27th St.
Corvallis, OR 97330 

The BCSA believes that creating world class skateboarding facilities in Benton County will have real benefits for our community and the local economy by bringing skateboarders of all ages and their families into the heart of Benton County. We have formed a partnership with the City of Corvallis, Parks and Recreation Department to facilitate working with the City process and achieve our goals. 


Help improve our community by attending the BCSA Art & Music 2010.

Sprague Jazz Ensemble Concert May 19, 2009 as SHS

The Sprague Jazz Ensemble is hosting a Latin Jazz themed spring concert on Tuesday, May 19th at 7:00 PM. The concert will be held at Sprague High School’s Pantheon Auditorium. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door.

The upcoming concert will feature several local jazz musicians. Bill Hughes, guitar; Marcus Hargbaugh, piano; Craig Snazelle, bass; and Mark Powers, percussion will be joining the ensemble. These four comprise the house band for the Monday night Jazz Jam Session at Roxxy in downtown Salem. Each spring, the Sprague Band program hosts guest artists and is delighted to have the opportunity to perform with great local talent.

The Sprague Jazz ensemble is a jazz big band comprised of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and percussion. The Jazz Ensemble is an auditioned group of Sprague musicians seeking more performance experience, but in a jazz setting. Musical styles range from big band swing to Latin with special attention given to articulation, feel, and technique. Jazz Ensemble members also gain exposure to jazz history and foundational improvisation techniques. The Sprague Jazz Ensemble is directed by Brad Howard.

Benton County Skateboarding Alliance Inc (BCSA) to have 2nd Annual Art and Music Benefit 2009 at Odd Fellows Hall in Corvallis

CORVALLIS -- The BCSA is an Oregon Non-Profit Corporation raising funds to get a large pro-style swimming pool style skate bowl and other improvements through multiple phases to the Eric Scott McKinley Skatepark in Corvallis. We believe that creating world class skateboarding facilities in Benton County will have real benefits for our community and the local economy by bringing skateboarders of all ages and their families into the heart of Benton County. We have formed a partnership with the City of Corvallis, Parks and Recreation Department to facilitate working with City process and achieve our goals. Since the first annual Art and Music Benefit show, we have completed the skate bowl design and are preparing to submit a proposal to the City of Corvallis Capital Improvement Program. We anticipate a cost of $75,000 for the first phase. Help us help our community by attending this year’s BCSA Art and Music Benefit 2009, March 14th at Odd Fellows Hall (223 SW 2nd St.) in Corvallis, Oregon. Proceeds from this event will go toward the new skate bowl

Tickets for this all age’s event can be purchased for $5.00 at Peak Sports Board Shop (129 NW 2nd St., Corvallis), Happy Trails Records (100 SW 3rd St., Corvallis) Grass Roots Bookstore (227 SW 2nd St., Corvallis) and at the door the night of the event. The show starts at 6:00 PM. We will have an art show with a silent art auction, raffle and door prizes. The music lineup includes; Michael Balok, Dusting Herron, The Jesus Candy, Substitute (The Who tribute), Project 431, Hypenosis, Left Ovaries, and Richard Hedders and will transition from acoustic and rock to a punk rock show after 9:30 PM.

Images for most of the art should be available on the BCSA website prior to the show.

For more information about the BCSA please go to our website at http://www.bcskateboardingalliance.org or send us an e-mail at bcskateboardingalliance@gmail.com.

Benton County Skateboarding Alliance, Inc an Oregon non-profit corporation.
Inc. an Oregon Non-Profit Corporation
912 NW 27th St.
Corvallis, OR 97330

Call for Art - BCSA 2nd annual Art & Music Benefit 2009

CORVALLIS -- The Benton County Skateboarding Alliance, Inc (BCSA) is putting on the 2nd annual Art & Music Benefit 2009 in March at the Odd Fellows Hall. The BCSA needs art for the show (sale/silent auction). This event is a fundraiser for the new skate bowl addition to the Eric Scott McKinley skatepark in Corvallis. Artists must donate at least 51% of art sales to the skatepark fund. For further information, email the BCSA at bcskateboardingalliance@gmail.com or call 541-829-9005.

CALL FOR ART. Deadline for art submission is Feb. 14.

Also, check these websites for general information:

BCSA
http://www.bcskateboardingalliance.org

Friends of the BCSA
http://www.myspace.com/bentoncountyskate