A Musician’s Keys
My friend John just sent me this:
A septuagenarian named Frank “Little Sonny” Scott Jr. plays a homemade instrument made out of keys. Pretty cool. I’ve heard of wind chimes made out of old keys (which I’ve been saving some to create), but I’ve never actually heard of anyone making an instrument and earning a reputation for playing keys. Playing in key, maybe. I’d love to hear what this gent sounds like. Good thing he’s only 90 miles away.
La Dolce Vita
Master Accordionist, originally uploaded by romanedirisinghe.
Last night, we got together with a bunch of Nicole’s friends at an Italian restaurant called “Il Dolce Vita,” or the sweet life. Situated in the historically Italian naighborhood of Boston’s North End, the restaurant dishes out an excellent culinary experience coupled with fine wines, live music, and exceptionally generous service, albeit at a lofty price. Glancing at the bill at the end of the night, I was quite thankful there were 10 of us to split it. Had I been dining alone, it would have amounted to a hefty car loan payment! Nevertheless, I enjoyed myself thouroughly. When the old crooning accordion player came to our table during his rounds, I scatted improvised vocal lines with him. He was so into singing that I would occasionally get sprayed with a fine mist of saliva. It was quite a blast. Really, it was. I felt like I was suddenly on the “in.” The food? Well, my scallops were excellent and slightly sweet, but I was disappointed by the shrimp, which were tougher than I expected from an expensive restaurant in a coastal city like Boston. Overall? I had a rippin’ good time, and the food was good. Bring extra money.
Vera Meyer and her Glass Harmonica
Once in Harvard Square, we stumbled upon the most fascinating street musician, Vera Meyer. She played an odd instrument called the Glass Harmonica, and was quite obsessed with Jay Leno and appearing on the Tonight Show. Vera ran through a gamut of songs with an audience member turning the crank on her instrument, and I was mightily impressed by the eerie sound. She informed us the instrument was rumored to make the musician go insane, but that she felt fine. I shrugged to myself as we walked away; sanity is in the eyes of the beholder.
Boston
This photo was taken shortly after we arrived in Boston yesterday morning. It was nice to be back in a city, and slough off the remnants of the Cape Cod Coma. We dropped off our bags at the hotel (check in wasn’t until 3:00 pm!?), and started walking around immediately. We hopped on the “T,” Boston’s subway, and made our way to Harvard Square.
Sri Lanka to host WOMAD World Music Festival
My friend Tim just recently sent me this article, and I totally want to go to this outstanding event. However, my finances will likely not permit it, so I’ll have to encourage my friends and family in Sri Lanka to check it out.
The creation of WOMAD (which stands for World Of Music, Arts, and Dance) was inspired by Peter Gabriel in the early 1980’s, and since its inception has dazzled audiences by bringing together the most awe inspiring performers from around the world.
I’m quite excited that WOMAD will be held in Sri Lanka this year, especially since most people had never heard of the country prior to last December’s tragic tsunami. WOMAD’s presence in Sri Lanka will bring greater awareness of this cultural gem to the rest of the world, and only time will tell what creative bridges will be spanned as a result.
For any of you in the general area (Sri Lanka is quite a short trip from Europe, Asia, Australia, and India), the WOMAD festival will feature such greats as Billy Cobham, the Master Drummers of Burundi, and many more.
via World Music Central