[HANASHIR:3104] Re: Blues?

[DurlKare <DurlKare...>]

Ok, I'll comment on the "blues" of not being there.  For me, the whole 
purpose of Hava Nashira was to learn to become a better songleader (and to 
inspire me in my songwriting as well).  I got a real good boost from 
attending last year (my first year) as well as some GREAT feedback about my 
own songleading.  The pointers I learned have really helped me improve this 
year.  I also got a chance to observe, up close, not at a concert, not by 
listening to a cd, the "masters" of Jewish music, Donny, Debbie, Jeff, Josee, 
Ellen....Sitting right next to Debbie Friedman doing Mi Sheberach, well, you 
just have to be there!

At the same time, curmudgeon or no, I agree with some of Rich's comments as 
well.  I have so much I want to share, as does Rich, and countless others.  
Hava Nashira was the meeting ground, and we DID make time to share our own 
creative efforts and ideas, and no, that was NOT part of the program last 
year.  One of the most wonderful times at Hava Nashira last year was early 
Sunday morning, when we got together to share children's songs.  It was fun 
and energetic and supportive.  This should definitely be on the schedule each 
year (for children's music as well as other types...) and could easily be a 
session option!  The positive thing about this is that people DID take the 
initiative and made it happen!  :)

Meanwhile, although it may sound corny, Adrian and I create our own "Hava 
Nashira" in our living room all throughout the year, with whoever happens to 
be visiting, just gathering around the piano and opening a songbook or 
dancing with my 3-yr-old to a brand new song.  I think that's the ultimate 
purpose, to bring it on home!

-Karen D.

------------------------ hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org -----------------------+
Hosted by Shamash: The Jewish Internet Consortium  http://shamash.org
------------------------ hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org -----------------------=