Kate Power & Steve Einhorn: News
Thursday, February 21st, 2008
A letter from Barcelona, Spain
I am from Barcelona, Spain. I don’t know you, but I want to tell you a story that happened to me yesterday.
I bought a cd of Tracy Grammer “Book of Sparrows”, and when I listened the song of 'Travis John', I felt something special. Mostly by the music, because when I listen a song in English, for the first time I never catch all the meanings...
Then I was looking for your name on internet, and I discovered your website. I printed all the information about the song, and while I was coming back home by train, I started to read it.
The lyrics of the song are very powerful, and also are special to me because it has a relation with the things that I work for. I have been working at the School for a Culture of Peace of Barcelona’s Autonomous University for the last four years where I direct the program of Music, Arts and Peace. (http://escolapau.org/english/programas/musica.htm) I do research on artistic initiatives which use artistic language for peace building initiatives, and your song to me is an example of that. A young soldier killed by a landmine, and a song to keep his memory alive!
As I kept on reading, I was even more surprised when I read that you recorded the song at Big Red Studio. It’s a long story, but I am a friend of Billy Oskay and I’ve been there 4 times in a row during the summers. I’ve been at the same studio that Travis helped to build…
It was a very special moment for me, and I thought that could be nice to share it with you. As you say “We are all connected in the fabric of life”. Best regards, Alba
I bought a cd of Tracy Grammer “Book of Sparrows”, and when I listened the song of 'Travis John', I felt something special. Mostly by the music, because when I listen a song in English, for the first time I never catch all the meanings...
Then I was looking for your name on internet, and I discovered your website. I printed all the information about the song, and while I was coming back home by train, I started to read it.
The lyrics of the song are very powerful, and also are special to me because it has a relation with the things that I work for. I have been working at the School for a Culture of Peace of Barcelona’s Autonomous University for the last four years where I direct the program of Music, Arts and Peace. (http://escolapau.org/english/programas/musica.htm) I do research on artistic initiatives which use artistic language for peace building initiatives, and your song to me is an example of that. A young soldier killed by a landmine, and a song to keep his memory alive!
As I kept on reading, I was even more surprised when I read that you recorded the song at Big Red Studio. It’s a long story, but I am a friend of Billy Oskay and I’ve been there 4 times in a row during the summers. I’ve been at the same studio that Travis helped to build…
It was a very special moment for me, and I thought that could be nice to share it with you. As you say “We are all connected in the fabric of life”. Best regards, Alba
Friday, January 18th, 2008
Bucks County Courier Times
By ED CONDRAN
Tracy Grammer's latest album, “Book of Sparrows,” is on the melancholy side. It's a reflection of the times, according to the singer-songwriter.
“There are a lot of people that are in a blue mood right now,” Grammer said while calling from her Shrewsbury, Mass., home. “So a lot of the tracks are wistful and sad. I made an album that's not so up.”
But the imagery is vivid and full of animals, such as buffalo, bluebirds and crows. The tracks are moving and well-constructed. Her former partner Dave Carter, who passed away in 2002 after suffering a massive heart attack, penned two of the best tunes “Lord of the Buffalo” and “Gypsy Rose.”
It's been difficult for Grammer, who will perform tonight at Puck in Doylestown, on two counts. She had to find another partner. Grammer is working with songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jim Henry. Grammer also fought for the rights to Carter's songs. After years of battling Carter's sister, Grammer has total administrative control of her former collaborator's material.
“It's not easy fighting over intellectual property,” Grammer said. “But it's all resolved now. We share royalties. Dave's sister realized that there was more to be made if I recorded his songs.”
“Travis John” is the most powerful track from “Sparrows,” which is a collection of covers. Portland singer-songwriter Kate Power penned the stirring number, which was inspired by Travis John Bradach-Nall, an American soldier from her neighborhood who was killed in Iraq.
“ "Travis John' is just one of the most touching songs I've heard,” Grammer said. “I was compelled to record it. It's a fascinating story.
“After serving a tour of duty Travis John voluntarily went back to Iraq because his friends were still there. He was one of the first soldiers from Oregon to die. Kate didn't know him, but she knew of him. When she started writing the song, she wrote "Under a Foreign Sky/My Fate Awaits Me.' She thought the song was going to be about immigration. But she had this supernatural connection to this guy. When she went to record the song in this Portland studio, she found out that Travis John helped build the studio.”
Grammer hands out a “Travis John” lyric sheets to fans at every show.
“This is our one-song peace movement,” Grammer said. “I'm going to hand this song out to everyone at my shows until the end of the war. I'll be doing it for quite a while, perhaps for the rest of my career.”
The soft-spoken Grammer hopes the war ends soon and that America becomes a more upbeat country. “That way I can come back with a really positive album next time,” she said.
Tracy Grammer's latest album, “Book of Sparrows,” is on the melancholy side. It's a reflection of the times, according to the singer-songwriter.
“There are a lot of people that are in a blue mood right now,” Grammer said while calling from her Shrewsbury, Mass., home. “So a lot of the tracks are wistful and sad. I made an album that's not so up.”
But the imagery is vivid and full of animals, such as buffalo, bluebirds and crows. The tracks are moving and well-constructed. Her former partner Dave Carter, who passed away in 2002 after suffering a massive heart attack, penned two of the best tunes “Lord of the Buffalo” and “Gypsy Rose.”
It's been difficult for Grammer, who will perform tonight at Puck in Doylestown, on two counts. She had to find another partner. Grammer is working with songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jim Henry. Grammer also fought for the rights to Carter's songs. After years of battling Carter's sister, Grammer has total administrative control of her former collaborator's material.
“It's not easy fighting over intellectual property,” Grammer said. “But it's all resolved now. We share royalties. Dave's sister realized that there was more to be made if I recorded his songs.”
“Travis John” is the most powerful track from “Sparrows,” which is a collection of covers. Portland singer-songwriter Kate Power penned the stirring number, which was inspired by Travis John Bradach-Nall, an American soldier from her neighborhood who was killed in Iraq.
“ "Travis John' is just one of the most touching songs I've heard,” Grammer said. “I was compelled to record it. It's a fascinating story.
“After serving a tour of duty Travis John voluntarily went back to Iraq because his friends were still there. He was one of the first soldiers from Oregon to die. Kate didn't know him, but she knew of him. When she started writing the song, she wrote "Under a Foreign Sky/My Fate Awaits Me.' She thought the song was going to be about immigration. But she had this supernatural connection to this guy. When she went to record the song in this Portland studio, she found out that Travis John helped build the studio.”
Grammer hands out a “Travis John” lyric sheets to fans at every show.
“This is our one-song peace movement,” Grammer said. “I'm going to hand this song out to everyone at my shows until the end of the war. I'll be doing it for quite a while, perhaps for the rest of my career.”
The soft-spoken Grammer hopes the war ends soon and that America becomes a more upbeat country. “That way I can come back with a really positive album next time,” she said.
Sunday, January 13th, 2008
News from Kate & Steve - Winter 2008
Great things goings on around every corner, it's hard to know where to begin...
Mondays in March & April, Steve & Kate will be woodshedding new songs and sweetening old songs for Monday happy hour at the Alberta St. Public House from 6:30-8:30. It's free, smoke-free and people friendly. Come on down and unwind with us.
We started work on the new album with the unflappable & gracious Bob Stark at Kung Fu Bakery. 9 songs down in 2 days and we go back in April to string a few more together. We're singing the songs live together, just the two of us. It's turning into a beautiful project. We look forward to bringing our songs to you soon. Steve's take on "Travis John" is worth waiting for. Release is scheduled for this summer and we'll be sure to let you know when it's getting close! A full slate of new songs, all our own originals are heading your way soon...
White Bird presents choreographer Josie Mosley for 3 nights at Lincoln Hall with her extraordinary performance of Kate's "Travis John" in modern dance. This is a breathtaking piece, recently filmed by OPB crew with K.C. Cowan following the story. January 24, 25 & 26. Get your tickets through Ticketmaster or go to http://www.whitebird.org/Performances/WhiteBirdPSUDanceSeries/JosieMoseleyDance
Speaking of "Travis John", Tracy Grammer's exquisite EP "Book of Sparrows" includes her poignant rendition of the song she has pledged to sing at every performance until the war is over and the troops are home. Between gorgeous takes of songs by Tom Russell, "The Waking Hour" by David Francey, and a knock-out version of Jackson Browne's "In the Shape of a Heart", this EP is a must have in your collection. Go to www.tracygrammer.com or CDbaby.com to get your copy or download on Tracy's myspace at www.myspace.com/tracygrammer
Peeling out art has been Steve's new mantra since letting go of the shop. He will present some of his work this upcoming summer 2008 so stay tuned...drawings, sculptures & photography, performance art (and a few fun surprises).
We continue to work on writing; new songs, music books, stories, essays, memoirs and even a play from the lives of folk deux-o and local pals, Kate & Steve.
Though our Ukulalien & Vox Box classes are on hold at the moment, Wednesdays are still open for private lessons for starters at Artichoke with Kate on banjo, bodhran, voice, songwriting, DADGAD guitar and music coaching. Special winter prices so call or email for lessons anytime.
That's just scratching the surface! We hope 2008 is off to a great start for all of you. It sure was great to see the sun shine through today for the first time in a good stretch. - Hope to see you on the trail... Kate & Steve
Mondays in March & April, Steve & Kate will be woodshedding new songs and sweetening old songs for Monday happy hour at the Alberta St. Public House from 6:30-8:30. It's free, smoke-free and people friendly. Come on down and unwind with us.
We started work on the new album with the unflappable & gracious Bob Stark at Kung Fu Bakery. 9 songs down in 2 days and we go back in April to string a few more together. We're singing the songs live together, just the two of us. It's turning into a beautiful project. We look forward to bringing our songs to you soon. Steve's take on "Travis John" is worth waiting for. Release is scheduled for this summer and we'll be sure to let you know when it's getting close! A full slate of new songs, all our own originals are heading your way soon...
White Bird presents choreographer Josie Mosley for 3 nights at Lincoln Hall with her extraordinary performance of Kate's "Travis John" in modern dance. This is a breathtaking piece, recently filmed by OPB crew with K.C. Cowan following the story. January 24, 25 & 26. Get your tickets through Ticketmaster or go to http://www.whitebird.org/Performances/WhiteBirdPSUDanceSeries/JosieMoseleyDance
Speaking of "Travis John", Tracy Grammer's exquisite EP "Book of Sparrows" includes her poignant rendition of the song she has pledged to sing at every performance until the war is over and the troops are home. Between gorgeous takes of songs by Tom Russell, "The Waking Hour" by David Francey, and a knock-out version of Jackson Browne's "In the Shape of a Heart", this EP is a must have in your collection. Go to www.tracygrammer.com or CDbaby.com to get your copy or download on Tracy's myspace at www.myspace.com/tracygrammer
Peeling out art has been Steve's new mantra since letting go of the shop. He will present some of his work this upcoming summer 2008 so stay tuned...drawings, sculptures & photography, performance art (and a few fun surprises).
We continue to work on writing; new songs, music books, stories, essays, memoirs and even a play from the lives of folk deux-o and local pals, Kate & Steve.
Though our Ukulalien & Vox Box classes are on hold at the moment, Wednesdays are still open for private lessons for starters at Artichoke with Kate on banjo, bodhran, voice, songwriting, DADGAD guitar and music coaching. Special winter prices so call or email for lessons anytime.
That's just scratching the surface! We hope 2008 is off to a great start for all of you. It sure was great to see the sun shine through today for the first time in a good stretch. - Hope to see you on the trail... Kate & Steve
Wednesday, December 5th, 2007
Peace on Earth
The flooding storm has passed. The silhouettes sharpen as the wet air drapes grey sky behind the trees surrounding the red cedar shake shed where Steve works in his studio within eyeshot of my window. He draws there, I write here. For a place with walls, it's good enough. It works for now.
We are grateful. We are hopeful. We are faithful. We are loving. We are singing. We are playing. We are working. We are giving. We are finding. We are grateful.
We are hunkering down to winter here in Portland and make way for Spring and with it our new songs on a new CD, books of music, art that speaks volumes all by itself ready to show by then... it's all in the hopper as we speak.
This is our first holiday as civilians from retail in 25 years. We are soaking it in.
John Prine Night at Biddy McGraw's (12/14) to Tuba Christmas in Pioneer Square (12/15) to A Child's Christmas in Wales (12/9); White Bird series brings "Travis John" to the stage in dance choreographed by the great Josie Moseley at Lincoln Hall, (Jan 24-26) ; and last but not least, the beautiful, just-released 'Book of Sparrows' CD by Tracy Grammer features Tracy's tender rendition of "Travis John" in her one-song-peace-movement with a promise to sing this song at every performance until the war is over.
From a legacy that began over four years ago, the first time the song was sung on the day it was written, that same day Travis John Bradach-Nall was laid in the ground, we began to wage peace with this song. Up the hill from his home here in Portland, Oregon, we know that sometimes the smallest thing turns to great effect, turning a point that suddenly brings the impossible into fruition. "Peace will come" works its beat from the mantra in the drum of our hearts.
"Wage peace."
Who's to say what the next chance for kindness might bring?
"Peace will come."
Peace, music, food, heart, friendship, family. We wish you a compassionate season filled with happy times, little miracles, peace & music...
kate & steve
We are grateful. We are hopeful. We are faithful. We are loving. We are singing. We are playing. We are working. We are giving. We are finding. We are grateful.
We are hunkering down to winter here in Portland and make way for Spring and with it our new songs on a new CD, books of music, art that speaks volumes all by itself ready to show by then... it's all in the hopper as we speak.
This is our first holiday as civilians from retail in 25 years. We are soaking it in.
John Prine Night at Biddy McGraw's (12/14) to Tuba Christmas in Pioneer Square (12/15) to A Child's Christmas in Wales (12/9); White Bird series brings "Travis John" to the stage in dance choreographed by the great Josie Moseley at Lincoln Hall, (Jan 24-26) ; and last but not least, the beautiful, just-released 'Book of Sparrows' CD by Tracy Grammer features Tracy's tender rendition of "Travis John" in her one-song-peace-movement with a promise to sing this song at every performance until the war is over.
From a legacy that began over four years ago, the first time the song was sung on the day it was written, that same day Travis John Bradach-Nall was laid in the ground, we began to wage peace with this song. Up the hill from his home here in Portland, Oregon, we know that sometimes the smallest thing turns to great effect, turning a point that suddenly brings the impossible into fruition. "Peace will come" works its beat from the mantra in the drum of our hearts.
"Wage peace."
Who's to say what the next chance for kindness might bring?
"Peace will come."
Peace, music, food, heart, friendship, family. We wish you a compassionate season filled with happy times, little miracles, peace & music...
kate & steve
Friday, June 22nd, 2007
Quality Folk News
It seems like yesterday that Steve and I were doing inventory on New Year's Eve at Artichoke Music and handing over the keys to life as we knew it. I turn around to the first day of Summer waving at me from outside my window; winter in Wallowa is long past now and I ponder these last six months. We follow the road into new territory and the adage from Eleanor Roosevelt to "do something scary every day" rings its mantra around our ears. So much is happening, spinning our world along and bringing us to new vistas both inside and out. Filling you in is long overdue...
Time took new shape when we walked out from behind that retail counter at Artichoke. We catapulted into a new dimension, lifestyle and way of being. You have been with us all along as we began to track new territory. The greatest pleasure of being "Mom & Pop" in a shop like ours in a town like this lies in the little exchanges we got to have day-by-day in between the coming and goings through the Artichoke door.
Your faces at our gigs now are a shiny homecoming every time we look up and find you there. We miss you in new ways; you probably have no idea even cross our minds but you do. We love running into you when we play, we enjoy finding you in the market aisles and on the boulevard when we're walking to or from our students at the music shop or near our home here in Portland. You are our tribe. We are glad and thankful for each of you in our lives. We thank you for following our adventure with your hearts. We feel your support in a thousand ways. It's lovely to be with you inside the currency of community, music and life.
There is much to tell.
Steve's Blog
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Oh my God, there's a ringing in my pocket!" Wait a minute, there's a phone there. My son Ben is the first caller on my new cell phone. I've barely finished praising myself for setting up my beautiful new HP printer to pull the art coming out of my studio when this dreaded object of digital technology landed in my life. (I'm no Luddite; I just like to take my time.) But there, on the other end of the tin can and string is my wonderful son Ben informing me that he's on his way over to the house. This is great because I've just finished printing photos (on my beautiful new printer) of my father's day outing with Ben and his older brother, Eli. Does life get any better?
Kate and I just taught our last "Ukulaliens" class of the season. Working with total beginners and watching them mature into "real" musicians in just a few weeks is a sound to behold AND they laugh at my jokes. We still have so much to learn and each class brings us farther down that road to musical bliss. Our students loved playing an old African song, "Guabi, Guabi" better than just about anything else we worked on. Who knew? More ethnic ukulele tunes next class. Promise.
Tomorrow, we head to the new "Stub Stewart State Park" in Vernonia for a weekend of festivities kicking off this year's Cycle Oregon. We have been given the honor of managing all stages in every town along this year's route. The headliners will no doubt keep us on the edge of our Schwinn saddles but I must admit I am looking forward to sampling the local community talent during the daytime performances: Fiddlin' Cheerleaders of Breakneck High, The Ladies Auxiliary Bronc Ridin' and Ropin' Roundup, Whistlin' Llama Ranchers of Central Oregon, Oregon Wheat Growers Harmonica and Tambourine Society and Marching Band, just to name a few (possibilities). So if you want a taste of things to come, join us in Vernonia this weekend.
Kudos to Richard, Jim, Danielle, Johnny, Mike and everybody at Artichoke Music! The shop feels alive and wonderful these days. Lots of fresh new instruments line the walls and the sounds coming from the "teaching rooms" are music to my "post-retail" ears. What a treat it is to come back just to visit or teach a class AND not have to worry about how many medium flatpicks to order for the month. Thanks to you all! Be sure to check out the first ever Artichoke Folk Festival coming up at the end of the month.
I'll close now with a "so long and thanks" to our dear friend, Glenn Elfman, who passed on a couple of weeks ago. Glenn and his beautiful wife, Linda have been nurturing one of the VERY BEST acoustic music organizations on the planet, "The Pistol River Concert Association" on the SouthOregonCoast for well over two decades now. Not only have they presented fabulous concerts every month but they've allowed the likes of me to stay in their incredible home on the ocean. We know you're pickin' and grinnin', Glenn. Bon Voyage.
We look forward to singing to and hearing from all of you. Play Music.
Hearts of Space adds "Bridget O'Malley" to Celtic Woman 3
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This summer, Hearts of Space & Valley Entertainment will release the third Celtic Woman album for listeners around the world. "Bridget O'Malley" from Kate & Steve's "Now & Then" release will be featured along with some of the great Irish women voices of our time.
Kate's moving rendition of "Bridget O'Malley" features Kate & Steve on guitars, Kate's lead and harmony vocals and includes beautiful cello accompaniment by Jim Smith and the exquisitely soulful harp of Jewel Shield.
We are delighted to be included in this gorgeous album and look forward to sharing it in such fine company with you.
Quality Folk
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We'll be in close touch with you, old friends & neighbors, sure to let you know where to find us, hear us, play with us. We're heading to New York, New Jersey, Woodstock, Cape Cod and Rhode Island in August. Our gigs are listed on our website and myspace. If you find yourself along the same road, please join us. Life is full and YOU float our boat. We're writing books, making art, making up songs. Each day is fuller than the one before. Drop us a line, sing us a song, catch us up and we'll do the same. Peace.
Time took new shape when we walked out from behind that retail counter at Artichoke. We catapulted into a new dimension, lifestyle and way of being. You have been with us all along as we began to track new territory. The greatest pleasure of being "Mom & Pop" in a shop like ours in a town like this lies in the little exchanges we got to have day-by-day in between the coming and goings through the Artichoke door.
Your faces at our gigs now are a shiny homecoming every time we look up and find you there. We miss you in new ways; you probably have no idea even cross our minds but you do. We love running into you when we play, we enjoy finding you in the market aisles and on the boulevard when we're walking to or from our students at the music shop or near our home here in Portland. You are our tribe. We are glad and thankful for each of you in our lives. We thank you for following our adventure with your hearts. We feel your support in a thousand ways. It's lovely to be with you inside the currency of community, music and life.
There is much to tell.
Steve's Blog
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Oh my God, there's a ringing in my pocket!" Wait a minute, there's a phone there. My son Ben is the first caller on my new cell phone. I've barely finished praising myself for setting up my beautiful new HP printer to pull the art coming out of my studio when this dreaded object of digital technology landed in my life. (I'm no Luddite; I just like to take my time.) But there, on the other end of the tin can and string is my wonderful son Ben informing me that he's on his way over to the house. This is great because I've just finished printing photos (on my beautiful new printer) of my father's day outing with Ben and his older brother, Eli. Does life get any better?
Kate and I just taught our last "Ukulaliens" class of the season. Working with total beginners and watching them mature into "real" musicians in just a few weeks is a sound to behold AND they laugh at my jokes. We still have so much to learn and each class brings us farther down that road to musical bliss. Our students loved playing an old African song, "Guabi, Guabi" better than just about anything else we worked on. Who knew? More ethnic ukulele tunes next class. Promise.
Tomorrow, we head to the new "Stub Stewart State Park" in Vernonia for a weekend of festivities kicking off this year's Cycle Oregon. We have been given the honor of managing all stages in every town along this year's route. The headliners will no doubt keep us on the edge of our Schwinn saddles but I must admit I am looking forward to sampling the local community talent during the daytime performances: Fiddlin' Cheerleaders of Breakneck High, The Ladies Auxiliary Bronc Ridin' and Ropin' Roundup, Whistlin' Llama Ranchers of Central Oregon, Oregon Wheat Growers Harmonica and Tambourine Society and Marching Band, just to name a few (possibilities). So if you want a taste of things to come, join us in Vernonia this weekend.
Kudos to Richard, Jim, Danielle, Johnny, Mike and everybody at Artichoke Music! The shop feels alive and wonderful these days. Lots of fresh new instruments line the walls and the sounds coming from the "teaching rooms" are music to my "post-retail" ears. What a treat it is to come back just to visit or teach a class AND not have to worry about how many medium flatpicks to order for the month. Thanks to you all! Be sure to check out the first ever Artichoke Folk Festival coming up at the end of the month.
I'll close now with a "so long and thanks" to our dear friend, Glenn Elfman, who passed on a couple of weeks ago. Glenn and his beautiful wife, Linda have been nurturing one of the VERY BEST acoustic music organizations on the planet, "The Pistol River Concert Association" on the SouthOregonCoast for well over two decades now. Not only have they presented fabulous concerts every month but they've allowed the likes of me to stay in their incredible home on the ocean. We know you're pickin' and grinnin', Glenn. Bon Voyage.
We look forward to singing to and hearing from all of you. Play Music.
Hearts of Space adds "Bridget O'Malley" to Celtic Woman 3
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This summer, Hearts of Space & Valley Entertainment will release the third Celtic Woman album for listeners around the world. "Bridget O'Malley" from Kate & Steve's "Now & Then" release will be featured along with some of the great Irish women voices of our time.
Kate's moving rendition of "Bridget O'Malley" features Kate & Steve on guitars, Kate's lead and harmony vocals and includes beautiful cello accompaniment by Jim Smith and the exquisitely soulful harp of Jewel Shield.
We are delighted to be included in this gorgeous album and look forward to sharing it in such fine company with you.
Quality Folk
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We'll be in close touch with you, old friends & neighbors, sure to let you know where to find us, hear us, play with us. We're heading to New York, New Jersey, Woodstock, Cape Cod and Rhode Island in August. Our gigs are listed on our website and myspace. If you find yourself along the same road, please join us. Life is full and YOU float our boat. We're writing books, making art, making up songs. Each day is fuller than the one before. Drop us a line, sing us a song, catch us up and we'll do the same. Peace.
Friday, February 23rd, 2007
Wallowa Rambles from Steve
Hard Luck Dinner at the Hurricane Creek Grange... Did you know there are 200 grange halls in the state of Oregon? I feel a "Grange Tour 2008" comin' on... Over 100 locals attended the final "Big Read" event. We Fishtrappers were the designated "Volunteer Poor" so we got to eat beans and buns. The 5 Rockefellers sat at a table by themselves and were served prime rib by a tuxedoed servant. The "middle class" majority feasted on Depression-era style meatloaf and treated us poor folk to a slice of homemade pie. After dinner and testimonials, Kate, Janis Carper (the Wallowa County Pied Piper of Music) and myself gathered onstage - I love those grange stages! - for about an hour of mostly Woody guthrie songs written back between 1929-1939. Yes, we sang all 17 verses of "Tom Joad"! Did you know that Woody wrote that song the night he saw the John Ford film, "Grapes of Wrath"? Equipped with only a typewriter Pete Seeger had borrowed for him and a half-gallon of wine! Give me a half-gallon of wine and a typewriter in the evening and I'd be spending the next day prying the keys from my face....! We printed up a nice little songbook for the event so everyone in the could sing along - what a beautiful sound that was!
Speaking of Steinbeck, I just picked up a copy of "The Log from the Sea of Cortez". Some of you may recall that Steinbeck wrote "Sea of Cortez" with friend and marine biologist, Ed Ricketts. This is a new one for me. I'm learning lots of new words like: ontology, pelagic, and tunicates. And I've only gotten through the introduction! Hey, one page at a time, right!
The sound of Kate's fingers on the keyboard, like the rhythm of drums in the distance, drifts upstairs to where I'm working. She is in very serious work mode, often writing late into the night.... she appreciates the cups of coffee and meals I cook and promises to be there for me when I'm ready to paint my masterpiece!
We just finished up our two weeks of teaching in the Joseph School. We wrote some great songs with our 4th, 5th and 6th graders. They came up with titles like "The Devil in Jamaica", "Grandparents Gone Wild" and "Daydreaming", so you can only imagine what the lyrics were like. When we asked for some words to describe their grandparents they came up with: stinky, creepy, sleepy, boring and lazy!
I will be having a serious talk with my two grandchildren as soon as I return home. Kate and I do love the work we're doing here. Working with these youngsters gives us plenty of hope for the future!
On Sunday afternoon we attended a wonderful piano recital at the Indigo Gallery in Joseph. This was a benefit for Fishtrap sponsored by the Wallowa Valley Music Alliance. Surrounded by art and a full room of people the snow couldn't keep away, the music brought us all into a world of its own, piece by piece. Both pianists, Gail Swart and Peter Donovan, were dynamic players and the performance was beautiful. Schubert, Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Schumann, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, Liszt and Ravel are alive and well in Joseph. Who needs the big city? Both musicians live in the area and are just the tip of the artistic population here. The chocolate and wine served at the event was a nice touch!
Last weekend, Fishtrap dude, Rick Bombaci, held an Old Time dance at the Oddfellows Hall. Some very talented and sweet folks came all the way from La Grande to play tunes. It started with an open jam with the locals, then we got to play with the band, led by awesome fiddler, Carla Arnold and her sidekicks till the end of the night. Great calling for the dances was provided by Rick ("Mossy Old Troll") Bombaci and Laura (the Beautiful!) with a nightcap call by the legendary Larry Smith.
Back in the good old days, Kate and I both played dances in Portland; Kate played the Irish Ceilidhs and Yours Truly for Old Time dances. For the first time in going on 13 years, Kate and I played a dance together. We have never done this together before. What took us so long? What a gas! My fingers are still throbbing .... (in a good way, really!)
Winter Fishtrap begins today. This year's topic: Crossing the Great Divides: Civil Conversation in the West. The presenters include NPR's Howard Berkes; journalist, Bill Bishop and poet-musician, David Romtvedt. We hear that David plays a mighty button accordion and some tunes together might be in order. Cycling-nut, journalist and pal, Jonathan Nicholas will also be attending. Looking forward to hearing his take on The Oregonian's decision to cancel distribution of the paper to this part of the state. I don't recall any talk of Wallow County seceding...
Meanwhile, the lake is still quite frozen and it's snowing pretty hard as I write this. The temperature has risen to 50 degrees during the day but ventures down to the 20's at night. Sunny one day, 4 inches of snow the next. I love it. Okay, I love Winter. Hot sun makes me want to hide under a rock. The view from our window changes from moment to moment. I've been compulsively photographing the mountains to the south so I can revisit the incredible diversity of that view.
Last but not least, I'd like to pay tribute once again to Fishtrap for inviting a guy like me to this remarkable place; to the Bookloft for the printed page and the best danged coffee anywhere on earth, the Art Angle for colored pens and sketchbooks, Ruby Peaks for organic apples and homeopathic flu frightener and, of course, Joseph Hardware for everything else. Wait a minute, did I mention "The Chieftain" newspaper?...for makin' a couple of folksingers look and feel like big rock stars..!
That's it for now. Do the best you can. That's the best you can do.
PEACE,
Steve and the Lovely Kate Power
Speaking of Steinbeck, I just picked up a copy of "The Log from the Sea of Cortez". Some of you may recall that Steinbeck wrote "Sea of Cortez" with friend and marine biologist, Ed Ricketts. This is a new one for me. I'm learning lots of new words like: ontology, pelagic, and tunicates. And I've only gotten through the introduction! Hey, one page at a time, right!
The sound of Kate's fingers on the keyboard, like the rhythm of drums in the distance, drifts upstairs to where I'm working. She is in very serious work mode, often writing late into the night.... she appreciates the cups of coffee and meals I cook and promises to be there for me when I'm ready to paint my masterpiece!
We just finished up our two weeks of teaching in the Joseph School. We wrote some great songs with our 4th, 5th and 6th graders. They came up with titles like "The Devil in Jamaica", "Grandparents Gone Wild" and "Daydreaming", so you can only imagine what the lyrics were like. When we asked for some words to describe their grandparents they came up with: stinky, creepy, sleepy, boring and lazy!
I will be having a serious talk with my two grandchildren as soon as I return home. Kate and I do love the work we're doing here. Working with these youngsters gives us plenty of hope for the future!
On Sunday afternoon we attended a wonderful piano recital at the Indigo Gallery in Joseph. This was a benefit for Fishtrap sponsored by the Wallowa Valley Music Alliance. Surrounded by art and a full room of people the snow couldn't keep away, the music brought us all into a world of its own, piece by piece. Both pianists, Gail Swart and Peter Donovan, were dynamic players and the performance was beautiful. Schubert, Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Schumann, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, Liszt and Ravel are alive and well in Joseph. Who needs the big city? Both musicians live in the area and are just the tip of the artistic population here. The chocolate and wine served at the event was a nice touch!
Last weekend, Fishtrap dude, Rick Bombaci, held an Old Time dance at the Oddfellows Hall. Some very talented and sweet folks came all the way from La Grande to play tunes. It started with an open jam with the locals, then we got to play with the band, led by awesome fiddler, Carla Arnold and her sidekicks till the end of the night. Great calling for the dances was provided by Rick ("Mossy Old Troll") Bombaci and Laura (the Beautiful!) with a nightcap call by the legendary Larry Smith.
Back in the good old days, Kate and I both played dances in Portland; Kate played the Irish Ceilidhs and Yours Truly for Old Time dances. For the first time in going on 13 years, Kate and I played a dance together. We have never done this together before. What took us so long? What a gas! My fingers are still throbbing .... (in a good way, really!)
Winter Fishtrap begins today. This year's topic: Crossing the Great Divides: Civil Conversation in the West. The presenters include NPR's Howard Berkes; journalist, Bill Bishop and poet-musician, David Romtvedt. We hear that David plays a mighty button accordion and some tunes together might be in order. Cycling-nut, journalist and pal, Jonathan Nicholas will also be attending. Looking forward to hearing his take on The Oregonian's decision to cancel distribution of the paper to this part of the state. I don't recall any talk of Wallow County seceding...
Meanwhile, the lake is still quite frozen and it's snowing pretty hard as I write this. The temperature has risen to 50 degrees during the day but ventures down to the 20's at night. Sunny one day, 4 inches of snow the next. I love it. Okay, I love Winter. Hot sun makes me want to hide under a rock. The view from our window changes from moment to moment. I've been compulsively photographing the mountains to the south so I can revisit the incredible diversity of that view.
Last but not least, I'd like to pay tribute once again to Fishtrap for inviting a guy like me to this remarkable place; to the Bookloft for the printed page and the best danged coffee anywhere on earth, the Art Angle for colored pens and sketchbooks, Ruby Peaks for organic apples and homeopathic flu frightener and, of course, Joseph Hardware for everything else. Wait a minute, did I mention "The Chieftain" newspaper?...for makin' a couple of folksingers look and feel like big rock stars..!
That's it for now. Do the best you can. That's the best you can do.
PEACE,
Steve and the Lovely Kate Power
Friday, February 9th, 2007
Wallowa Lake News from Steve
February the 7th 2007… Wallowa lake frozen for over a month now but thawing. At 2:30 PM the temperature is 50 degrees. Last night after returning from a screening of “The Grapes of Wrath” at the OK Theatre in Enterprise, I ventured onto the deck facing the lake and experienced perhaps the most awesome sound I’ve ever heard. The movement of thick ice on the lake created an eerie moaning and groaning sound that reverberated from one end of the lake to the other.
Our house sits on the northwest shore of the lake and the sound seemed to move from south all the way to where we were sitting. Not to mention the ominous cracking sounds coming from all around the lake. There is a rather large diameter hole in the middle of the lake where we’ve observed various waterfowl hanging out and chatting over the last few weeks. For the past two nights there have been great choruses of honking coming from that area. So, the sounds of shifting tectonic ice plates mixed with uproarious goose honking kept Kate and I frozen to our chairs for the better part of 1 ½ hours. (Thank you Uncle Dave for recommending those inflatable Therma-Rest butt warmer cushions. Did I mention that it was way below freezing last night?). I’m hoping for another sound spectacle tonight.
Speaking of temperatures shifting……..Holy Schnikeys! We arrived at our first Wallowa Lake cabin on Friday Jan. 26. Nice older cabin with a fresh stack of firewood waiting for us. Lots of ice and a bit of snow on top (snowfall is way down this winter). We started to unpack our gear so we could settle in for the next 6 weeks. I turned the kitchen faucet on only to discover that there warn’t no agua flowing from that faucet. Checked all the other faucets and toilets and found them to be waterless as well. I thought to myself, must be one of those infamous Fishtrap practical jokes; getting us in shape for the Big Read, Grapes of Wrath and all.
Well, I contacted the property manager who assured me that “Lance the Plumber” would be arriving shortly to thaw those frozen pipes. Well guess what……The main line was frozen and probably wouldn’t be thawed for a couple of months. Cindy the property manager gave us the key code to another cabin down the road, where we could take showers and fill our newly purchased 6 ½ gallon water jug (so’s we could fill the toilet tanks back at the ranch. (And remember, it’s 10 degrees outside in the morning!). I will forever treasure the image of Kate in her pink flannel jammies and borrowed Nanookala down coat (thank you, Carolyn Wieden!) with the wolverine lined hood trompsing down the road with me to do our “running water-related” activities.
The “cabin down the road apiece” scenario was great until the pipes froze there, too. “Lance the Plumber” just laughed at us “writers-in-residence” this time. Cindy the property mgr. gave us the key code to another cabin just a little further down the road where, you guessed it, the frozen pipes laughed at us as we entered the front door.
So let’s see, it’s Wednesday by this time and we’ve played one gig with our friends Janis Carper, Rodd Ambroson and Al Bell at Lear’s Slow-Food Bar & Grill (whose owner always seems to be out coaching a basketball game when it’s time for our dinner)! We taught songwriting to Mr. Morgan’s many wonderful students at the Enterprise school. We got to see several of our high school kids perform at a talent show at the OK Theatre. We also had the pleasure of dining with Steinbeck Scholar, Susan Shillinglaw and then attended her lecture on “Steinbeck’s California and The Grapes of Wrath”.
On Friday, just before we headed to Portland to play the Winterfolk concert at the Aladdin Theatre, our fearless leader, Rich Wandschneider, informed us that Allison, patron saint of hospitality and hot showers and lifelong Fishtrapper had donated the use of her home on the Northwest corner of the lake. She just happens to be in Jakarta working in an orphanage. We pray that she is safe from the flooding there.
We returned from Portland (the concert was wonderful, we turned in a great set, along with our pals. Mark Gaudin won the Greven Guitar in the raffle! By mid afternoon on Sunday we were back on Wallowa Lake and went right to the cabin. We loaded the bus to the gills (do VW buses have gills?) and headed for Allison’s “cabin” on the lake. What a remarkable contrast to the cabin on the south end. Let’s just say we ain’t the Joads………..and the shower is hot!
Monday morning we headed back to Enterprise to continue our classes with Randy Morgan’s kids. We’re talking 3-consecutive-hour-long classes with 7th graders, then high schoolers, then 6th graders. We discovered lots of talent there, and dang, if we didn’t hear some fine songs come from those kids! Next week we start our 2-week stint in Joseph. Just 4th,5th, and 6th graders in our classes there.
On Monday evenings we are also teaching a ukulele class at the “Woodshed” followed by a song circle. Both were well attended. This Saturday we will start our four week, 4 ½ hour Saturday songwriting class. Brownbag lunch recommended.
After the two weeks of teaching in Joseph, we will spend two weeks in Wallowa, a day in the one-room, 4-student school in Troy (with evening concert and potluck) and a day in the Imnaha school (with evening concert and Potluck).
Last night, just before the screening of “ Grapes of Wrath”, we joined Rich and two folks from the Collins Foundation for dinner at Lears. Yes, the owner was coaching a game somewhere but the conversation was juicy and the wine tasty. Mr. Wandschneider had the “Jumbo” popcorn for dinner.
So, here we be in this fine house, facing a frozen groaning and moaning, 300-foot deep lake surrounded by 9000+ foot mountains on sacred Nez Perce land……..February 7, 2007.
Chicken in the oven, dark all of a sudden…
Agog, I’m here…Steve
A Poem by Steve
(Inspired by one of our student’s guitars in class)
Nick’s piece-o-junk Vegas guitar
Two strings missing
The classroom joke
Actually watched Nick smash the guitar with his head
(or vice versa)
Kids watched in disbelief as I replaced the two É strings
Neck warped
Joseph Hardware following morning
After only a few misses the owner showed me a clevis pin
Almost the same shape as a Stevens steel
$2.35 instead of $21.95! Not bad, eh?
Tuned Nick’s piece-o-junk Vegas guitar to open D
Me on guitar and Mr. Morgan on piano
We tore it up for those kids
Our house sits on the northwest shore of the lake and the sound seemed to move from south all the way to where we were sitting. Not to mention the ominous cracking sounds coming from all around the lake. There is a rather large diameter hole in the middle of the lake where we’ve observed various waterfowl hanging out and chatting over the last few weeks. For the past two nights there have been great choruses of honking coming from that area. So, the sounds of shifting tectonic ice plates mixed with uproarious goose honking kept Kate and I frozen to our chairs for the better part of 1 ½ hours. (Thank you Uncle Dave for recommending those inflatable Therma-Rest butt warmer cushions. Did I mention that it was way below freezing last night?). I’m hoping for another sound spectacle tonight.
Speaking of temperatures shifting……..Holy Schnikeys! We arrived at our first Wallowa Lake cabin on Friday Jan. 26. Nice older cabin with a fresh stack of firewood waiting for us. Lots of ice and a bit of snow on top (snowfall is way down this winter). We started to unpack our gear so we could settle in for the next 6 weeks. I turned the kitchen faucet on only to discover that there warn’t no agua flowing from that faucet. Checked all the other faucets and toilets and found them to be waterless as well. I thought to myself, must be one of those infamous Fishtrap practical jokes; getting us in shape for the Big Read, Grapes of Wrath and all.
Well, I contacted the property manager who assured me that “Lance the Plumber” would be arriving shortly to thaw those frozen pipes. Well guess what……The main line was frozen and probably wouldn’t be thawed for a couple of months. Cindy the property manager gave us the key code to another cabin down the road, where we could take showers and fill our newly purchased 6 ½ gallon water jug (so’s we could fill the toilet tanks back at the ranch. (And remember, it’s 10 degrees outside in the morning!). I will forever treasure the image of Kate in her pink flannel jammies and borrowed Nanookala down coat (thank you, Carolyn Wieden!) with the wolverine lined hood trompsing down the road with me to do our “running water-related” activities.
The “cabin down the road apiece” scenario was great until the pipes froze there, too. “Lance the Plumber” just laughed at us “writers-in-residence” this time. Cindy the property mgr. gave us the key code to another cabin just a little further down the road where, you guessed it, the frozen pipes laughed at us as we entered the front door.
So let’s see, it’s Wednesday by this time and we’ve played one gig with our friends Janis Carper, Rodd Ambroson and Al Bell at Lear’s Slow-Food Bar & Grill (whose owner always seems to be out coaching a basketball game when it’s time for our dinner)! We taught songwriting to Mr. Morgan’s many wonderful students at the Enterprise school. We got to see several of our high school kids perform at a talent show at the OK Theatre. We also had the pleasure of dining with Steinbeck Scholar, Susan Shillinglaw and then attended her lecture on “Steinbeck’s California and The Grapes of Wrath”.
On Friday, just before we headed to Portland to play the Winterfolk concert at the Aladdin Theatre, our fearless leader, Rich Wandschneider, informed us that Allison, patron saint of hospitality and hot showers and lifelong Fishtrapper had donated the use of her home on the Northwest corner of the lake. She just happens to be in Jakarta working in an orphanage. We pray that she is safe from the flooding there.
We returned from Portland (the concert was wonderful, we turned in a great set, along with our pals. Mark Gaudin won the Greven Guitar in the raffle! By mid afternoon on Sunday we were back on Wallowa Lake and went right to the cabin. We loaded the bus to the gills (do VW buses have gills?) and headed for Allison’s “cabin” on the lake. What a remarkable contrast to the cabin on the south end. Let’s just say we ain’t the Joads………..and the shower is hot!
Monday morning we headed back to Enterprise to continue our classes with Randy Morgan’s kids. We’re talking 3-consecutive-hour-long classes with 7th graders, then high schoolers, then 6th graders. We discovered lots of talent there, and dang, if we didn’t hear some fine songs come from those kids! Next week we start our 2-week stint in Joseph. Just 4th,5th, and 6th graders in our classes there.
On Monday evenings we are also teaching a ukulele class at the “Woodshed” followed by a song circle. Both were well attended. This Saturday we will start our four week, 4 ½ hour Saturday songwriting class. Brownbag lunch recommended.
After the two weeks of teaching in Joseph, we will spend two weeks in Wallowa, a day in the one-room, 4-student school in Troy (with evening concert and potluck) and a day in the Imnaha school (with evening concert and Potluck).
Last night, just before the screening of “ Grapes of Wrath”, we joined Rich and two folks from the Collins Foundation for dinner at Lears. Yes, the owner was coaching a game somewhere but the conversation was juicy and the wine tasty. Mr. Wandschneider had the “Jumbo” popcorn for dinner.
So, here we be in this fine house, facing a frozen groaning and moaning, 300-foot deep lake surrounded by 9000+ foot mountains on sacred Nez Perce land……..February 7, 2007.
Chicken in the oven, dark all of a sudden…
Agog, I’m here…Steve
A Poem by Steve
(Inspired by one of our student’s guitars in class)
Nick’s piece-o-junk Vegas guitar
Two strings missing
The classroom joke
Actually watched Nick smash the guitar with his head
(or vice versa)
Kids watched in disbelief as I replaced the two É strings
Neck warped
Joseph Hardware following morning
After only a few misses the owner showed me a clevis pin
Almost the same shape as a Stevens steel
$2.35 instead of $21.95! Not bad, eh?
Tuned Nick’s piece-o-junk Vegas guitar to open D
Me on guitar and Mr. Morgan on piano
We tore it up for those kids
Monday, January 15th, 2007
Open Roads & Artichoke Folk
Now that our beloved music shop, Artichoke Music, is in new hands, we are reaching further out to the horizons on the folkscape.
We have barely turned the first page of this new chapter. Artistry long neglected is gathering steam and momentum. Steve is in the studio rediscovering the joys of printmaking, carving, drawing and a little solitude. His guitar is never far from his hands when he needs a musical break (must keep fingers playing!).
Life is full and we are taking time to be in it. Exploring and stretching our wings, we are lifting toward the next branch to perch on. It's tricky being away from what 25 years at Artichoke made so familiar. We look forward to finding our way out from the homestead deeper into the soul of community and bringing back new friends, stories and songs.
We will be in the alpine beauty of the Wallowa Mountains to teach, write and sing around the county until mid-March. How well DOES an '84 VW bus start at 10 below zero? We'll let you know...!
There are a dozen projects in the hopper; art work, books, workshops, songs, tours and even a piece of performance art.
As we get our bearings in these new shoes away from the shop, we hope you'll join our adventure and keep in touch. We will be exploring the community, locally and globally, sharing good medicine with our music, stories, art and harmony.
If you'd like to see us, hear us or hire us, you are very welcome to contact us for information any old time.
We're always happy to hear from you. We'll do our best to let you know when we're coming to your neck of the woods. We look forward to crossing paths. Peace.
We have barely turned the first page of this new chapter. Artistry long neglected is gathering steam and momentum. Steve is in the studio rediscovering the joys of printmaking, carving, drawing and a little solitude. His guitar is never far from his hands when he needs a musical break (must keep fingers playing!).
Life is full and we are taking time to be in it. Exploring and stretching our wings, we are lifting toward the next branch to perch on. It's tricky being away from what 25 years at Artichoke made so familiar. We look forward to finding our way out from the homestead deeper into the soul of community and bringing back new friends, stories and songs.
We will be in the alpine beauty of the Wallowa Mountains to teach, write and sing around the county until mid-March. How well DOES an '84 VW bus start at 10 below zero? We'll let you know...!
There are a dozen projects in the hopper; art work, books, workshops, songs, tours and even a piece of performance art.
As we get our bearings in these new shoes away from the shop, we hope you'll join our adventure and keep in touch. We will be exploring the community, locally and globally, sharing good medicine with our music, stories, art and harmony.
If you'd like to see us, hear us or hire us, you are very welcome to contact us for information any old time.
We're always happy to hear from you. We'll do our best to let you know when we're coming to your neck of the woods. We look forward to crossing paths. Peace.