Mural at Foundation of Thracian Art and Tradition
I was struck by how deep culture and aesthetic beauty runs in this country. The town of Drama has a population of 50,000. We visited a municipal music center where 900 students participate in lessons and ensembles. Here’s a clip from our performance there. Check out the serious audience participation!
Then we went to a school where 200 more music students gathered from towns nearby. Here’s a clip of Kate opening our performance in the school with “Trouble of the World.” What a model for valuing culture-Northern Greece!
Our next concert was in Xanthi at the Foundation for Thracian Art and Tradition. It was a sweet, intimate performance in an old tobacco building-turned arts center. The U.S. Consul General attended the concert for the 2nd night in a row. Our new friend Anotonis Varvatsoulias intoduced us to some Greek traditional music that smacks of the blues. Is it possible, many cultures have their own blues?
…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!
