Our economy was built on the genocide of Indigenous people and the violent extraction of labor from enslaved Africans. This cruelty was justified by white people’s created illusion that those we killed, stole from, and enslaved were inferior and that … Continue reading Reckoning with cultural extraction
Today I add my voice to the chorus of people singing the true story of old-time and bluegrass music. It is a marvelously multicultural story, wrought with pain and possibility. We call for the repair of false and incomplete narratives … Continue reading Repairing narratives: old-time and bluegrass music
Just before sunrise, birds begin their “dawn chorus,” singing melodic, jubilant songs in the first light of morning. The music of birdsong welcomes the sun all the way around the globe each day, as it has for over 25 million … Continue reading Pause
It is my belief that the arts are essential for healing and transformation, that it takes creativity and creative expression to bring new paradigms into being. In that spirit, today’s post focuses on local arts-related events and news. So much … Continue reading Engaging Through the Arts
“It was one of the most interesting meetings I’ve seen in a long, long time. And honestly, it did feel like something major had shifted. There were years when no one commented during budget public hearing. I don’t think that … Continue reading A Major Shift
This week I have the good fortune of being at the Virginia Key Grassroots Festival on Virginia Key in Miami, FL. This festival is the sister to the Fingerlakes Grassroots Festival in Trumansburg, NY and the Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival … Continue reading Miami and Asheville
Today’s post is another round up of news and events. Several readers have told me recently that they find these lists that I compile helpful, as they learn about things that might not have known about otherwise. That makes me happy, … Continue reading Another Round Up!
This week’s Mountain Xpress has a piece I wrote about musician Randy Weston. I’ve known Randy for over a decade, and it was a treat to learn more about him. He’s a true local, born and raised in Weaverville in a musical … Continue reading Randy Weston’s Musical Odyssey
Let’s jump into January! There is a lot going on this month… Upcoming Events: Tips for Teens All month, Firestorm Cafe & Books is giving their tips to Word on the Street. I love Firestorm and I love WOTS! Be sure to … Continue reading Jump Into January
As we arrive at the end of 2016, I’m adding my “year in review” to the host of others. Taking time for reflection is valuable, I appreciate the fact that the end of the calendar year is motivating me to think about the projects … Continue reading 2016 in Review
