I was fortunate enough to perform with Danyavaad and the Shimmy Sisters at the Nations of San Diego International Dance Festival at Coronado High School on Coronado Island.
It was so much FUN!!! It is such a joy to play in a theater with beautiful lights and amazing sound. We went in Thursday night to run a full sound check and do a full run through, with the lovely Leilainia dancing. We worked out our staging, and at the same time they asked if we would be willing to jam for 20 minutes before the whole show started, since we were going first in the lineup. Of course we said “yes!!!”
Friday morning we start playing music as the kids are filing in and filling up the auditorium. I can tell that the ages ranged from elementary school to high school, just from their silhouettes. The front rows filled up with kids, all with huge smiles on their faces. While we played, I could see every reaction from absolute stillness as they stared at us, to dancing in their seats, smiling and talking to each other, and some kids were rocking out in their seats and banging their heads. They wanted us to keep it mellow, but Danyavaad likes to ROCK OUT. We were in major keys though, so it was a happy sort of rocking out.
Then it was time to begin the show! The director came onstage to do an introduction, then Leilainia and Adelaide came onstage to introduce the band and talk a bit about Middle Eastern music and dance culture. We let them know it is OK for them to applaud when they see things they like.
Our set begins, and it’s only 2 songs long. We play the fast part of “9 Levels of Bliss.” It’s the first time I’ve played my part along with the rest of the band live. I recorded my track for the cd, but Greg and I worked out the part about 12 seconds before. The violin part is very visible, but it works out perfectly! The Shimmy sisters are ethereal and beautiful, whirling with double veils in all shades of the rainbow.
The song ends, and I start improvising on the violin, changing key to the next song, while Greg re-tunes his sitar. The Shimmy Sisters improvise with me, moving slowly and elegantly with beautiful hand and arm motions, and framing their gorgeous shimmies.
Greg is finished tuning, and we drop right into “Ishtar Rising,” in which Greg’s sitar playing is impeccable. So clear, while the rest of us in the band are supporting him in rhythm and hits on the beat. The Shimmy sisters switch to swords, and do everything from balance them on their heads, toss them into the air and catch them, and floor work.
Too soon it is all over.
A beautiful moment in time….I’m looking forward to more. If we get legions of fans who have to have their parents drive them to our show, I think I can handle that.
Then we went to the dunes on Coronado, to take pictures of all of us with our instruments. I can’t wait to see the shots. It was one game of follow the leader after the other, as we all threw out ideas and different silly plans for poses. We tried to use the wind and ocean as well, since it was such a beautiful day.
Bringing art to people who wouldn’t normally have exposure is so rewarding. If one child goes home and tries to play music, or dance, or is inspired artistically in some other way, all our work and effort is worth it. We will see them in a few years, as the little fishes grow up and follow their own artistic paths. I see their shining lights behind me, as the lights of my teachers show me the path to follow.
Speaking of inspiration, I am taking a trip back to New Orleans, Louisiana in the beginning of March. I was born and raised there, and have not been back since my freshman year of high school. I’m looking forward to wandering the French Quarter, and taking in the music, and, of course, the food. I know I’ll be writing in my journal as I am gifted with my past, my childhood, my inspiration for playing music. Every corner is filled with musicians, every bar and restaurant has a band. I’ll breathe in the music with the air. I’ll bring the music back with me, and play the song in my heart, and share it with all my fellow artists in our various collaborations.
