Friday, August 22, 2008

In Memoriam:Leroi Moore-Weekend Inspiration Blast from the Past-Creativessel Inspirations: A Good Combination


Leroi Moore Performing at New York's Roseland Ballroom
May 9,2005-Photo Source

Creativessel Inspirations: A Good Combination



This week's Weekend Inspiration is in memory of Leroi Moore,saxophonist for the Dave Matthews Band who passed away this past Tuesday afternoon,August 19, due to complications from an ATV accident in late June. He was 46.

I thought I'd lift this blog posting from last year's benefit concert for Virginia Tech featuring Dave Matthews Band,John Mayer,Nas and Phil Vassar as the "Weekend Inspiration".It serves as an example of what happens when musicians get together to play music to "uplift and encourage" a traumatized and grief stricken community.This post and the related blogs below which contain music from the concert or associated videos makes up the playlist.

Enjoy reminiscing.It really was a wonderful show.how do I know?I was there...

Thanks for the music,Leroi. Rest in peace.

Cynthia
The Chaplain of Pop

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

What's Happening in N.O.L.A Now?


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With all the hoopla about Presidential hopeful,Republican candidate John Mccain's recent trip to New Orleans... " McCain has been touring poor neighborhoods where the likelihood of his winning votes is nil. In New Orleans, devastated by Hurricane Katrina, he stood with the new Republican governor, Bobby Jindal, and pledged to the residents of the 9th Ward, "the people of New Orleans, and the people of this country that never again, never again will a disaster of this nature be handled in the terrible and disgraceful way it was handled"(more). Today there have been reports of New Orleans residents being required to pay money back to the government which was received for rebuilding efforts(more..).

In light of all this,and my desire to bring to light the perspectives of eyewitnesses to the "big mess",I am lifting these series of blogs which I wrote as a rescue worker and minister back in 2006 as part of documenting the mission trip of over forty(40) scholars and students from Union Theological seminary and Columbia School of Social Work.

I hope today's story is not true.If any of the resident's have to pay anything back,I trust that equitable measures will be taken so that further insult is not added to injury.The residents of New Orleans have suffered enough. Don't you think?

Katrina has been called the worst disaster in U.S. history.It seems to be turning into the worst human fiasco as well.

By the way, take a look at some of the related blogs with accompanying photos and articles below. I also recommend reading the book "Katrina:Listening With Our Hearts" to which I was a contributor.

Here's an entry from the Heavier Octaves blog dated January 13,2006:












Photo Credits:(1-5) Lower Ninth(9th) Ward-New Orleans,LA.
All pictures taken by Michael Lee, except #5.

As our time in New Orleans progressed we saw and experienced more devastation.
Above are some pictures of what we saw.Members of our team did what we could to help in whatever way was possible. Some team members either talked with residents or helped to strip drywall. This area of the city is uninhabitable. Many of the residents are living in other cities and states along the Gulf Coast. Some have moved as far away as California and North Dakota.
More to come...


___________________
Let's keep the residents of New Orleans lifted in prayer.Also,write stories,call and email your congresspersons and stir up some concern on this matter.I am not Republican nor am I planning to vote that way,but I appreciate the attention Senator McCain is bringing to the matter.

I also want to lift up the musicians who are currently appearing at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival including:

Stevie Wonder
Irma Thomas
Aaron Neville
Carlos Santana

and

John Mayer at the Jazz Festival on May 6,2008 at the fair grounds


Related Katrina Blogs






Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Working Class Hero Bruce Springsteen Endorses Barack Obama


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Today rockstar and working class hero Bruce Springsteen endorsed Senator Barack Obama as his candidate of choice for the Democratic presidential nomination.

In a letter posted on his web site today, the musician known by his fans as "Brrruuuuuucce" endorsed Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) for president, siding with the first-term senator as "head and shoulders above the rest" -- (more...)

In the face of all the frenzy,distortion and media "beat-down"that Senator Obama has been experiencing lately,this undoubtedly was a welcome turn of events in the Obama camp. The pundits and some media experts are downplaying the impact such an endorsement can have. I believe it wise not to underestimate the rock star brand,especially with a musician whose music is ingrained into the fabric of small town America.It will be interesting to see how this develops.

Thumbs Up to Bruce.

Peace,

Cynthia


Related Blogs:

Cynthia D. Wilson Speaks and Writes...: The Times They Are A Changin'-Happy Birthday Dr. King--the Fight Continues On A Higher Level...

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Dr. Martin Luther King Anniversary Recap: Barack Obama Speaks on the 40th Anniversary of the Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


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Part of Barack Obama's Speech:

Today represents a tragic anniversary for our country. Through his faith, courage, and wisdom, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. moved an entire nation. He preached the gospel of brotherhood; of equality and justice. That's the cause for which he lived – and for which he died forty years ago today. And so before we begin, I ask you to join me in a moment of silence in memory of this extraordinary American.

There's been a lot of discussion this week about how Dr. King's life and legacy speak to us today. It's taking place in our schools and churches, on television and around the dinner table. And I suspect that much of what folks are talking about centers on issues of racial justice – on the Montgomery bus boycott and the March on Washington, on the freedom rides and the stand at Selma (More...).

I believe the 40th Anniversary of Dr.Martin Luther King's death was well covered this past weekend.There were a good number of quality television shows about it,including the documentary "King" by Tom Brokaw which broadcasted on the History Channel on Sunday.

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson,author and professor at Georgetown University and Former King aide,friend and confidante Ambassador Andrew Young ,did an excellent job of commemorating King's legacy and dream on MSNBC's Meet the Press with Tim Russert. Check it out if you can,get the television show transcript or read Dyson's and Obama's books below.


Peace,

Cynthia

Reading:

Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama

The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama

April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Death and How It Changed America by Michael Eric
Dyson

Watching:

King documentary by Tom Brokaw

Meet the Press segment on King with Tim Russert

Related blogs:

The Times They Are A Changin'-Happy Birthday Dr. King -the Fight Continues
On a Higher Level...

Happy Birthday Dr. King-Global Day of Action
Against Poverty Revisited

Monday, April 7, 2008

My Prayer for ...

Thought I'd lift up today this audio podcast entitled "Poetic Blessing" for a friend who is always there for others and a blessing to them in so many ways. In case he has forgotten in the face of the challenges and tear downs that seem to have reached epidemic proportion in today's society whether in fever pitched political campaigns or in the barb wired gossip industry, there are some people who do really care. Many don't always express it as consistently and vigorously as they ought. Love and praise can most times,if not ultimately, neutralize or counteract "tear downs",misrepresentations and "snark attacks". Let this poem serve as a gentle reminder that you are the best and that you remain in my prayers.

Entitled "My Prayer for John",it is included in the closing segment of a podcast recorded on February 20,2008 entitled "Poetic Blessing".

Here is the link.

Spread some hope and encouragement today.It couldn't hurt.



Peace,

Cynthia

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

The Art of Asking


Image Source


The Heavier Octaves Profile Song of the week is "Say" . It is a beautiful song.It sounds like a lot of time and effort went into composition and production.The song was especially commissioned for the movie "The Bucket List" starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.There are two music videos of the soundtrack song,one official and the other an alternate version.

Have there been times when you've either been all choked up(some call it full) or otherwise at a loss for words?

Lately,I have found myself more and more at a loss for just the right words. At times, just what symbols of expression to use has been a challenge as well. I have come to discover that this happens usually when I have not exercised my gift of speech or articulation at that crucial moment. Believe it or not even as a minister this happens.I have found myself in such a predicament either when the person I want to say something to is surrounded by people who should not really be privy to the information or when careful wording and diplomacy has to be used. It has also happened when I am afraid of being misunderstood,i.e., when I feel my intentions likely to be misinterpreted by a hostile or biased audience.Sometimes I don't say anything out of fear of being rejected,especially when it is a big dream involved. The stakes are usually pretty high then. And,please don't confuse this kind of trial with a crisis in faith. I wrote a blog a few years back which provides a different spin on the issue, entitled "The Art of Asking".


Getting clogged up, one way to reference it,is what begins to happen when you've let the opportunity to express yourself pass on numerous significant occasions.You simply become rusty and underutilized over time. And,as a consequence, when the opportune moment arrives in which you absolutely need to use your voice ,having been out of practice somehow you lose it. Awkwardly, you finding yourself not really knowing just what to say.


Honestly,there are times that you really need to remain silent. But nine times out of ten,you need to speak up. Don't get frozen in time pondering and weighing the consequences...on temporary inexpressive meltdown. Let it rip. And,like Esther... , who thought "If I perish,I perish...take the risk,be bold and courageous. One thing is for sure, you will have spoken your mind and gotten something out of your heart and into the wider world.The world will likely be a better place as a result. You may save some one, some people or even yourself. And,if nothing else comes of your bold verbal catharsis,you can at least sleep easier at night knowing you've done your part.

Trust and have faith that someone will hear you.It may be the one you've longed to receive the true meaning of words coming from the depths of your soul. "Say what you need to say". No more playing with the "shadows in your head"...

On that note,I think it appropriate to once again lift up a blog I posted on Myspace entitled "The Art of Asking" . Here is the link(coming soon...).

While you go through the blog ask yourself and create a kind of "bucket list." "What do you want to do?" What haven't you done or said to make things right with yourself or another? Remember,you don't have forever.

Enjoy...


Peace,


Cynthia

Watching:

The Bucket List

Listening To:

Say

Reading:

Esther's Story

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