Blues Band back in the U.S.
We returned to the U.S. on June 2, had a day off, then hopped the train to Washington DC for a concert at the National Geographic Society. The following day we were invited to the U.S. Department of State in Washington to discuss our trip with officials from the Department of Education and Cultural Affairs […]
Blues Band in Tirane, Albania
At this point, we are real close. There’s nothing like making music together on the road and meeting such great people along the way. Here’s the workshop at the High School for Music in Tirane. There’s such curiosity for our music here, and such great talent. The trombone professor thanked us for drawing the power […]
Blues Band in Elbasan, Albania
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. […]
Blues Band in Drama and Xanthi, Greece
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 […]
Blues Band in Anatoli and Ioannina, Greece
We arrived in Ioannina just as the sun was setting over the water. My parents honeymooned in Greece in 1965. My whole life, I’ve heard about the physical beauty of this place and it’s all true-the mountains, the sun, the water and wind. My parents portrait of Greece, however soaring, missed the most beautiful part […]
Blues Band in Niksic, Montenegro
In Niksic we realized that John Henry, the American mythical figure we sing about who goes up against the machine, has a lot in common with the men of Montenegro. Strong! Once we realized this, we sang together in harmony. Thanks to Miro for welcoming us to to the Zahumlje music and folk dance center […]
Blues Band in Podgorica, Montenegro
Our first concert in Montenegro was at the Cultural Information Center and filmed for public television. Thanks to the magnificent Maja Popovic for organizing everything. She brings a wide range of great arts programs to her center and we were honored to be a part of it. Here are some highlights from the broadcast. The […]
Blues Band in Baia Mare, Romania
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 […]
Posted in Blues in the Balkans, Cultural Diplomacy, Eli Yamin Blues Band 3 Comments
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