Category Random Musical Encounters
Macy’s and Muzak
The music that accompanies us as we eat, as we shop, as we get our hair done – most of us probably don’t give a lot of thought to how it comes to be. But some people give it a whole lot of thought. As I was shopping at Macy’s yesterday, I was reminded of […]
All Strings and No Strangers
While in Austin last weekend I was privileged to be hosted by a delightful couple I’ve known for probably two years now. They are magnanimous people who’ve never met a stranger, and I understand they get a good number of visitors; they like it that way. I felt like part of their family – they […]
When in Tejas
As a person who grew up speaking Spanish in a country that borders on Mexico, I’ve always loved Mexican culture – its lack of pretension, the food, the sounds of traditional Mexican music, the art, the tight-knit families, and the progressive sensibilities that govern the stewardship of resources. I was thrilled, then, to learn that […]
The Holy Syllable
I’m in Austin at an Anniversary celebration for a friend’s school, and yesterday I participated in a meditation circle to honor a woman who recently died. Peg dedicated her life to empowering women, and I was honored to participate. I did not know her personally, and the form of meditation was not one that I […]
Playing and the Berimbau
Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art descended from African slaves. Inherent to the art is the use of music and dance; it was practiced and developed in secret, and the presence of music helped it appear to the powers that be that it was part of a harmless ceremony. Music is such a part of […]
Party Quotes
“My book is about two women: musicians.” “Many composers – Mozart, Beethoven – wrote for flute and violin.” “I hear you’re really falling in love with opera.” “They call it ‘playing’ at Capoeira, because of the music, right?” “It seems like when you clap long enough people start clapping in unison.” “Are you going to […]
Jazzing up a Space
“Do you all want any music?” I’m at a prestigious downtown law firm way up high in one of the most stunning spaces in Chicago getting ready for an event. In an hour I’ll give a presentation about my school’s work, as well as travel safety for a crowd of about 60 well-heeled corporate folks. Presently, […]
The Stradivari Society
Chicago fine violin dealer Bein and Fushi is one of the pre-eminent sellers of high-end violins in the world. I have not visited the store, on South Michigan Avenue, but I would like to soon. An outgrowth of the shop is The Stradivari Society. The Society acts as a broker between talented young musicians and […]
Vanessa Mae – Violinist, Olympian
I love a renaissance human. Vanessa Mae, world famous violinist, is also an Olympic athlete. She is the lone qualifier from the country of Thailand, in Alpine Skiing, and for the Olympics she is competing as Vanessa Vanakom, her Thai father’s family name. I have to confess to not knowing Vanessa Mae before seeing her […]
The Lipinski Heist – Solved!
The Lipinski Stradivarius has been recovered. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports two of three people involved in the heist are in custody. The New York Times identifies them as Universal Knowledge Allah and Salah Ibin Jones. Jones is identified as the primary suspect; he was also convicted about 15 years ago for the theft of […]
Ryan Libel 