Posts Tagged: Newberg

I had a conversation with a friend once where we showed our true cards about what music meant to us.  For him, it mattered not if there was an audience as long as he had his instrument and uninterrupted time to create.  For me, the hours spent in preparation would not be worth it if I didn’t see an opportunity to uplift or encourage a listener on the other end.

Why Acoustic Christmas?

Acoustic Christmas is the embodiment of what I strive for—the chance to gather with an ensemble of like minded musicians and use our gifts and time to help people experience joy and community during the busy holiday season.  To be honest, I struggle with Christmas. I love it so much and yet I battle the nostalgia and the sense that the years are passing by much to quickly.  Rather than being some sort of anti-holiday Grinch, each year I run in the opposite direction, hoping that I can just do something good with all the blessings I’ve been given.

And so for the 9^th consecutive season, a wonderful group of musical merry makers will gather together to present a series of concerts in local venues throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.  The concerts are free and meant to be enjoyed by families—come as you are.  Don’t worry if your kids are wiggly.  Mine will probably be dancing in the aisles.  The concerts are free not because they are "cheap" or poorly done, but because in this present age of mass consumerism where everything has a price, we wanted to create a space where you could just be free from that stuff for a while.

What People Are Saying:

"Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the concert that you and your ensemble provided for all of us in the Pearl.  I found your concert to be the perfect Holiday gift…it was absolutely beautiful and what so many need…community."—Sarah

"Your concert was the highlight of our Christmas season."–Deb & Tim

"A soothing antidote to the holiday hubbub."–Nancy

Our Nine-Piece Ensemble:

Wendy Goodwin, Noelle Sisk & Alex Kazmierowicz:  Violin & Fiddle
Owen Hoffman-Smith:  Cello
Nate Macy:  Guitar & Banjo
Aaron Pruitt:  Piano & Vocals
Nolan Staples:  Bass
James “Jimmy” Watson:  Percussion
Bethany Cibolski:  Soprano

Concert Schedule:

(For addresses & map links please click here)

Tuesday, December 18^th 7:00 p.m.  West Hills Friends Church
Wednesday, December 19^th 7:00 p.m. Newberg Friends Church
Thursday, December 20^th 7:00 p.m.  Cherry Grove Friends Church
Friday, December 21^st 7:00 p.m.  St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church
Saturday, December 22^nd 7:00 p.m.  Tigard Grange

What a lovely time I had performing tonight at a benefit for Newberg’s Faith in Action organization! We did a 30 minute set that was a mixture of Celtic, Scottish, Jazz, Classical and original music.  It was exciting to be able to share a brand new song—so new that I don’t have a title.  I recorded the concert on my minidisc player and will hopefully post excerpts later this week.

Lyrics to the new song as follows-

Every day it seems another tragedy
Another war, another casualty.
Another one has fallen to disease
Another case of selfishness and greed.

Too many too much to take in.
Does the right side ever win?
Does it even matter if I try?
These are the questions I hide.

It’s not very easy to know what to do
But I’m gonna spend some time with you.
It’s not very easy to know what to say
But I’m gonna give my love away.

You give much more than you probably should.
And sometimes you feel misunderstood.
You wonder if it matters how hard you try.
Well I’m still standing by your side.

(chorus)

Is it too late to stand my ground?
Is it too late to try?
Is it too late to turn this thing around?

***

Writing this song has helped me remember that each of us has influence in our community to make the world a better place by reaching out to those around us.  Even if it doesn’t feel like much in the face of so many problems in the world…those little things add up.