The Whole Music Experience

Pandit Shivnath and Deobrat Mishra The Lincoln Theatre Mount Vernon, Washington May 29, 2008 I do not know why it was not front page news that internationally renowned Sitarists--father and son duo, Pandit Shivath and Deobrat Mishra were making a special appearance in town. Certainly folks here could get an eyeful of positive news, of a music that spreads peace and love instead of fear, but sadly, even with the wonderful efforts of the concert promoters, Elfa Gisla and Diane Light, this concert did not receive the fanfare it so deserved. Imagine playing second fiddle to rising gas prices and other gloom. However, for those who did attend the concert held at the historic Lincoln Theatre in Old Town, Mount Vernon, there was plenty of fanfare in the guise of fiery rhythms, and melodic phrases that brought chills to my spine due to the sheer beauty they possessed. The audience for the most part, appeared educated in regard to classical Indian music, many of them having come of age...

The Wailin' Jennys The Lincoln Theatre Mount Vernon, Washington Friday, April 18, 2008 While tulips bloomed throughout the valley, snow fell from the April sky, and tourists crowded country roads, Winnipeg's The Wailin' Jennys set loose dazzling harmonies. The quartet's debut performance in Skagit Valley drew a capacity (sold-out) enthusiastic audience. The Jennys delivered one immaculate tune after another, with a few hearty side trips tossed in. I doubt anyone left The Jennys' Lincoln Theatre performance disappointed. Members of the Jennys', Ruth Mood (soprano vocals, accordion, banjo, guitar), Heather Masse (alto vocals & standup bass), Nicky Mehta (mezzo-soprano vocals, trap drum, harmonica, guitar) and Jeremy Penner (mandolin and fiddle) performed music--not easily categorized. Perhaps we can invent a new genre called human music. The musicians performed new work and traditional songs, as well as, favorites from their recordings, 40 Days an...

poster from http://www.thionediop.com Spirit of West Africa Seattle Center Seattle, Washington August 18, 2007 I had one of those weeks where everywhere I turned I ran into some kind of roadblock--from my professional life to my personal one. So by the time the weekend rolled around, I was prepared to witness some first-rate West African music. I headed to the Spirit of West Africa event held at Seattle Center. When I first arrived, the Center House seemed sparse of African music aficionadas and a few tourists were milling about. By the time, Guinean griot Prince Diabatè hit the stage and his cora vibrated throughout the cavernous space, onlookers crept up to get a closer look. Eventually members of Seattle's West African community, and African music aficionadas began filling the seats, and they were very much aware of the fact that they were in the midst of an international performer, associated with the Malian legend, Salif Keita, (who produced one of Diabatè's a...