Eli teaching the words to Healing Song at workshop
Our first stop in Albania was the High School for Music and Art in Elbasan. The students were super enthusiastic and supremely soulful. Here they learned the words to Healing Song: “It’s not just a song for me. Take a breath…and you will see. Why the blues has the power to be. A healing song. A healing song…”
Later, the students sang a couple of Albanian folk songs for us. We were completely moved by the pride and joy expressed in their songs. My heart was smiling shoulder to shoulder as I experienced their singing and playing. I was not just listening. I was completely washed by their song.
That night many students joined us at our concert and sang and danced with us. We also celebrated the induction of a new class of Peace Corps volunteers beginning their 2-year assignments in Albania. Best of luck to all the volunteers and to all you wonderful students. May the music continue to flow freely from your hearts into the world you live in. You make the future of Albania look incredibly bright!
…and RHYTHM.
Here we are at the Cultural Center in Oradea, an 800 seat, former Communist meeting place.
While in Baia Mare, we visited this nearly 300 year old wooden church. We also met folks in their homes living like the olden days. Look at the sparks coming out of their eyes. I loved the natural washing machine. Then, a workshop at the Liceu de Arta School in town and finally a packed show in a downtown club. Everybody was singing and stompin’ the blues! Thanks to all the students who played and sang with us. Keep playing the Blues-y’all. We need it now more than ever. And you know what Willie Dixon said, “The Blues is the roots and everything else is the fruits.”
The Blues Band arrived in Romania on Wednesday. After spending a relaxing evening in Bucharest, we traveled on the Blues Bus to Brasov, an ancient Romanian town in the country. The concert was a hoot-the second set more packed then the first. I guess people went and called/texted their friends.
This beautiful country town was a perfect for stop for the blues. Thank-you to Jeny who organized the concert locally and all the great people of Brasov for giving us such a warm welcome! Photos by Genu Ariseanu. Thanks Genu!
