The Broadway Show I chose to do this morning at the radio station was Showboat. As I was listening to the lyrics I thought it would be an excellent theme song for the Gulf rescue operation. "Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly,
I gotta do my best so they won't die, Can't help trying to save our Gulf. --
Crabs gotta crawl, Dolphins gotta play, They need clean salt water every night and day. Can't help trying to save our Gulf. I'm here to stay, 'til the oil's gone away, ---" well I can't think of any more words but you get the idea.
SHOWBOAT is a wonderful American story. It was adapted from the book by Edna Ferber in 1921 by Oscar Hammerstein II and Jerome Kern. The opening night of the show, the audience was seemingly unresponsive. The applause was scattered, laugh lines barely got a chuckles. At intermission, when the producers, directors, and other interested people usually keep an ear open for comments, the patrons were largely silent as they mingled in the lobby. Quite naturally everyone connected with the show was downhearted. Commonly after shows people go to late dinners, to bars and private parties where they discuss and critique the performance and performers. Amazingly, the papers the following day had rave revues. The audience was so overwhelmed by the social statement, the open dialog, as well as the music, they were fairly speechless until they had time to assimilate it. The plans went into high gear to make movie - a silent movie, of course, which would have the performers live to the voice-over. They spent a whopping $25,000 to put the wheel in motion. Then - "talkies" happened and the plans had to be remade. NOw the cost was going to $125,000 plus percentages for everyone involved. Music was rewritten, songs that didn't seem to work were deleted, new songs were composed to pick up the pace. Backtracking a bit, Ms. Ferber did not think it would work because her book spans 60 years. She felt it could not be far too long, and of course, she was right. So they adapted the story line to compact it. That was all in the 1920's. It was remade in 1951 and starred Katherine Grayson, Howard Keel, Ava Gardner. Marge and Gower Champion were the dance team. I think it is time to remake this colorful story with today's enhanced sound and color capabilities. Who would you cast in the leading roles?
Dennis Awe, or maybe his sister DyAnne, made a medley of SHowboat music. It is fun to play as the mood of the music changes. There are a lot of songs in the movie version that are not in that arrangement, and still it is quite lengthy. I personally do not play those "showcase" pieces because there are a number of people eager to play and I don't want to take up too much time.
O'lyn Callahan also has a showboat medley. Hal Leonard has EZ Play versions of the separate selections. NO matter which might chose to play, you will have fun with them Jerome Kern got the music just right to convey the moods.
Remember the words - "...I can be happy, I can be sad ..." Chose you music to fit your feelings, but keep a song in your heart and keep the music playing.
jem
Friday, June 18, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
A MULLIGAN PLEASE ~
I NEED A DO -OVER, PLEASE
I missed the boat completely this week. Today, the 14th of June, is Flag Day.
In these uncertain times it would be remiss of me to neglect this special day honoring our country's standard.
For more than 200 years the Stars and Stripes with (with a star for every state)
has been our national symbol. In recent years it has been desecrated by those who would scorn it's representation of Purity (white) Blue (vigilance) and Red (valor). It was in 1776 that Betsy Ross reported she had sewed the first American flag.
I believe every school child should salute the flag daily. But then, I still think children should be exposed to a moment of thoughtful devotion every day. I believe the words to the Star Spangled Banner should be regularly sung and other patriotic songs should be a part of the assembly programs and music classes across the country.
What is more inspiring than the aspect of a red,white and blue flag waving "o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave"? or "You're a Grand Old Flag ..you're a high flying flag" ~ "There's a star spangled banner waving somewhere..."
This is my country, land that I love ....
This land is your land, this land is my land ....
If these songs are not taught in school I hope the Boy and Girl Scout leaders are using them around the camp fire. (Do they still do campfires?)
Since my purpose is to encourage music at every opportunity, I might suggest our group - and yours - have a patriotic music event. It would certainly be inspiring.
Please, keep the flag waving, keep a song in your heart and keep the music playing.
thanks for the do-over. jem
I missed the boat completely this week. Today, the 14th of June, is Flag Day.
In these uncertain times it would be remiss of me to neglect this special day honoring our country's standard.
For more than 200 years the Stars and Stripes with (with a star for every state)
has been our national symbol. In recent years it has been desecrated by those who would scorn it's representation of Purity (white) Blue (vigilance) and Red (valor). It was in 1776 that Betsy Ross reported she had sewed the first American flag.
I believe every school child should salute the flag daily. But then, I still think children should be exposed to a moment of thoughtful devotion every day. I believe the words to the Star Spangled Banner should be regularly sung and other patriotic songs should be a part of the assembly programs and music classes across the country.
What is more inspiring than the aspect of a red,white and blue flag waving "o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave"? or "You're a Grand Old Flag ..you're a high flying flag" ~ "There's a star spangled banner waving somewhere..."
This is my country, land that I love ....
This land is your land, this land is my land ....
If these songs are not taught in school I hope the Boy and Girl Scout leaders are using them around the camp fire. (Do they still do campfires?)
Since my purpose is to encourage music at every opportunity, I might suggest our group - and yours - have a patriotic music event. It would certainly be inspiring.
Please, keep the flag waving, keep a song in your heart and keep the music playing.
thanks for the do-over. jem
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Where Is Love?
From the musical "Oliver", the song "Where Is Love?" asks "...does it fall from above ...is it underneath the willow tree....?" Of course, that is a love song, which goes on to ask if there will ever be a love just for him/her. That kind of love is limited between two people.
But WHERE IS LOVE? Surely it doesn't fall from the sky or found beneath a tree, but it is everywhere that music is heard. Whether you play for yourself, for one other person, or for an audience of many you cannot help but feel the love music generates. When someone says "I love that song", - there is love. If an aging man asks for "Daddy's Little Girl" he is experiencing his love for his child over again, and you cannot help, as you play it to sense the feeling. Songs of romance - "My Romance", "I Love How You Love Me", "If I Loved You" are a pleasure to listen to and a joy to play. And then there are "fun" songs of love: "Love Makes the World Go 'Round", "Sparrow In The Tree Top", "I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now?". "Side By Side" are favorites at senior facilities because of their easy-to-sing lyrics. I cannot imagine singing these songs and not feeling a sense of love. I cannot imagine playing them and not experiencing the love they generate.
WHERE IS LOVE? It's wherever music is being played, being listened to , being sung. Music and Love go hand in hand so --
Keep music and love in your heart and keep the music playing.
jem
But WHERE IS LOVE? Surely it doesn't fall from the sky or found beneath a tree, but it is everywhere that music is heard. Whether you play for yourself, for one other person, or for an audience of many you cannot help but feel the love music generates. When someone says "I love that song", - there is love. If an aging man asks for "Daddy's Little Girl" he is experiencing his love for his child over again, and you cannot help, as you play it to sense the feeling. Songs of romance - "My Romance", "I Love How You Love Me", "If I Loved You" are a pleasure to listen to and a joy to play. And then there are "fun" songs of love: "Love Makes the World Go 'Round", "Sparrow In The Tree Top", "I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now?". "Side By Side" are favorites at senior facilities because of their easy-to-sing lyrics. I cannot imagine singing these songs and not feeling a sense of love. I cannot imagine playing them and not experiencing the love they generate.
WHERE IS LOVE? It's wherever music is being played, being listened to , being sung. Music and Love go hand in hand so --
Keep music and love in your heart and keep the music playing.
jem
Thursday, June 3, 2010
My How Times Have Changed -
I was getting ready to "get ready" for my radio program "Let's Visit Broadway" which I will tape tomorrow. Looking over the CD's on hand, I chose "Call Me Madame." There are fourteen songs, written by Irving Berlin. the "book'' was written by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. It was produced on Broadway in 1950 and earned a Tony Award for Best Original Score.*
The story, if you aren't familiar with it, is of a Washington D.C. Hostess and Democratic Party fundraiser, Perle Mesta, who was appointed the Ambassador to Luxembourg in 1949. (The playbill noted with tongue-in-cheek humor "neither the character of Mrs. Sally Adams nor Miss Ethel Merman resemble any person living or dead." The story is a satire on the politics and foreign affairs tht spoofs America's willingness to loan millions (with an M) dollars to needy countries (hence the title of this blog!). America now is borrowing billions (with a B) from other countries.
I find it interesting that so many Broadway musicals are based on the politics of the times, the state of the nation, its growth and its people. Perhaps the talented writers and composers could separate themselves from the day to day trials to see the overall picture more clearly. I think if one had the will to do it, many musicals could be arranged in order of their creation and provide a nice history of the country. Then, of course, there are always those "just for fun" productions like Peter Pan and Lion King which provide wonderful music even if the message is aimed at the juvenile population. And looking at those musicals, I make note - they were movies before they were Broadway productions.
In the book "This Is Your Brain on Music" there are studies cited that indicate music has both short and long term affects on the brain. One of the long term affects is that certain parts of the brain, both left and right sides, enlarge with musical training. I certainly can't verify that from any experience I have had, but I can vouch for the fact that music provides amazing enjoyment, especially when it is enjoyed with friends. If you are blessed to be able to play an instrument, or have a vocal talent, share it with your "friends" at a nursing home, adult residential facility or nursery school. I have never met a kid who didn't love music; and I can honestly say I have only ever met one man who told me he hated all music and wished he could push me and my organ over a cliff. Fortunately he was in a nursing facility and the opportunity to carry out that wish never presented itself. I would hate to see my beautiful organ in a heap of kindling at the foot of a cliff.
*Songs from "Call Me Madame":
Mrs. Sally Adams The Hostess With The Mostest on the Ball
Washing Square Dance Lichtenburg
Can You Use Any Money Today Marrying for Love
The Ocarina It's a Lovely Day Today
The Best Thing For You Something to Dance About
Once Upon A Time Today They Like Ike
You're Just In Love
Keep a song in your heart and keep the music playing.
Janice
The story, if you aren't familiar with it, is of a Washington D.C. Hostess and Democratic Party fundraiser, Perle Mesta, who was appointed the Ambassador to Luxembourg in 1949. (The playbill noted with tongue-in-cheek humor "neither the character of Mrs. Sally Adams nor Miss Ethel Merman resemble any person living or dead." The story is a satire on the politics and foreign affairs tht spoofs America's willingness to loan millions (with an M) dollars to needy countries (hence the title of this blog!). America now is borrowing billions (with a B) from other countries.
I find it interesting that so many Broadway musicals are based on the politics of the times, the state of the nation, its growth and its people. Perhaps the talented writers and composers could separate themselves from the day to day trials to see the overall picture more clearly. I think if one had the will to do it, many musicals could be arranged in order of their creation and provide a nice history of the country. Then, of course, there are always those "just for fun" productions like Peter Pan and Lion King which provide wonderful music even if the message is aimed at the juvenile population. And looking at those musicals, I make note - they were movies before they were Broadway productions.
In the book "This Is Your Brain on Music" there are studies cited that indicate music has both short and long term affects on the brain. One of the long term affects is that certain parts of the brain, both left and right sides, enlarge with musical training. I certainly can't verify that from any experience I have had, but I can vouch for the fact that music provides amazing enjoyment, especially when it is enjoyed with friends. If you are blessed to be able to play an instrument, or have a vocal talent, share it with your "friends" at a nursing home, adult residential facility or nursery school. I have never met a kid who didn't love music; and I can honestly say I have only ever met one man who told me he hated all music and wished he could push me and my organ over a cliff. Fortunately he was in a nursing facility and the opportunity to carry out that wish never presented itself. I would hate to see my beautiful organ in a heap of kindling at the foot of a cliff.
*Songs from "Call Me Madame":
Mrs. Sally Adams The Hostess With The Mostest on the Ball
Washing Square Dance Lichtenburg
Can You Use Any Money Today Marrying for Love
The Ocarina It's a Lovely Day Today
The Best Thing For You Something to Dance About
Once Upon A Time Today They Like Ike
You're Just In Love
Keep a song in your heart and keep the music playing.
Janice
Sunday, May 30, 2010
A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE ~
MEMORIAL DAY - 2010
My very early memories of Memorial Day are of sitting on the curb in front of my Dad's business in Kennebunk waiting for the parade. The parade formed at the far west end of the town, stopped at the Mousam River Bridge to pay tribute to "..those who perished on the sea.." by tossing wreaths into the water. A bugler played taps and the march proceeded eastward through town to WWI Memorial, and then on to the cemetery where military honors were performed. Since I was only four or five my memories may be short a few details. I do remember we all had a flag to wave, and we were always dressed up. White patent leather shoes, ribbons in our hair and summery dresses. There were WWI veterans with their color guards. Henry Parsons, Earl Smith, Freddy Rouleau on his wooden bicycle with one enormous wheel and one tiny one. Someone, maybe George Cousins dressed up in an Uncle Sam suit..... We were well aware of the meaning of the day. There had been wars to establish America, and wars to keep it safe.
Many men had given their lives to those ends, and before we could celebrate their victories, we did honor their sacrifice. Commerce stopped and families held reunions.
Nearly all businesses closed. That was probably around 1935/36.
Since then there have been several wars which American servicemen have been drawn into by our government. I was too young at the beginning of WWII to have a real opinion of the merit of our involvement. My brother and most of his friends were in various services. Word came that a young pilot, only child of a well known family had been shot down; that another one had been taken prisoner in Germany; that a ship had sunk and a sailor was among the crew. The town population was around 3000 so losses were felt by everyone. These were the "kids" who played football, basketball, baseball and competed in track with everyone's kids. Memorial Day from then on took on a whole new meaning for me. There have been several wars and actions in my lifetime. Now Lowe's and Ace Hardware are declaring Memorial Day as a day for "fun and fixing projects" with no reference to the real meaning of the day. It makes me angry and sad. Yes, life goes on, but as it does we should always be mindful of and honor those who have made that possible.
There is a lot of music suitable for Memorial Day. America The Beautiful; God Bless America; God Bless the USA; You're A Grand Old Flag; Stars and Stripes Forever; and of course, the service anthems: American Patrol, Caissons Go Rolling Along, Air Force Song; Anchors Aweigh; Marines' Hymn; Coast Guard Song. Dennis Awe made a medley of the service songs which is very good. Choy Lozada, when he was with Lowrey, put together an organ medley of sounds which are very appropriate. Choy's arrangements are on a floppy disk but can be transferred to a USB stick.
Please enjoy your Memorial Day weekend, but don't forget the reason for it.
Keep a song in your heart and keep the music playing.
jem
My very early memories of Memorial Day are of sitting on the curb in front of my Dad's business in Kennebunk waiting for the parade. The parade formed at the far west end of the town, stopped at the Mousam River Bridge to pay tribute to "..those who perished on the sea.." by tossing wreaths into the water. A bugler played taps and the march proceeded eastward through town to WWI Memorial, and then on to the cemetery where military honors were performed. Since I was only four or five my memories may be short a few details. I do remember we all had a flag to wave, and we were always dressed up. White patent leather shoes, ribbons in our hair and summery dresses. There were WWI veterans with their color guards. Henry Parsons, Earl Smith, Freddy Rouleau on his wooden bicycle with one enormous wheel and one tiny one. Someone, maybe George Cousins dressed up in an Uncle Sam suit..... We were well aware of the meaning of the day. There had been wars to establish America, and wars to keep it safe.
Many men had given their lives to those ends, and before we could celebrate their victories, we did honor their sacrifice. Commerce stopped and families held reunions.
Nearly all businesses closed. That was probably around 1935/36.
Since then there have been several wars which American servicemen have been drawn into by our government. I was too young at the beginning of WWII to have a real opinion of the merit of our involvement. My brother and most of his friends were in various services. Word came that a young pilot, only child of a well known family had been shot down; that another one had been taken prisoner in Germany; that a ship had sunk and a sailor was among the crew. The town population was around 3000 so losses were felt by everyone. These were the "kids" who played football, basketball, baseball and competed in track with everyone's kids. Memorial Day from then on took on a whole new meaning for me. There have been several wars and actions in my lifetime. Now Lowe's and Ace Hardware are declaring Memorial Day as a day for "fun and fixing projects" with no reference to the real meaning of the day. It makes me angry and sad. Yes, life goes on, but as it does we should always be mindful of and honor those who have made that possible.
There is a lot of music suitable for Memorial Day. America The Beautiful; God Bless America; God Bless the USA; You're A Grand Old Flag; Stars and Stripes Forever; and of course, the service anthems: American Patrol, Caissons Go Rolling Along, Air Force Song; Anchors Aweigh; Marines' Hymn; Coast Guard Song. Dennis Awe made a medley of the service songs which is very good. Choy Lozada, when he was with Lowrey, put together an organ medley of sounds which are very appropriate. Choy's arrangements are on a floppy disk but can be transferred to a USB stick.
Please enjoy your Memorial Day weekend, but don't forget the reason for it.
Keep a song in your heart and keep the music playing.
jem
Saturday, May 22, 2010
I HEAR MUSIC
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Yes, "I hear music -mighty fine music" - it sings in my head and lightens my heart.
Today there were eight of my MUSIC FRIENDS here from 10:00 a.m. until nearly 2:00 p.m. Over coffee, fruit and home baked treats there was talk of where the program is headed - and we still don't know. What we do know is that we are strong together when we play for one another. SO today, I heard a lot of beautiful music played on my Prestige. Among eight or nine people who were here today, the organs in their various homes are Prestige, Royale, Premiere, Legacy, Encore, Century, and Jamboree. Everyone who owns an older or smaller organ has to re-adapt their music to my Prestige. It is a good way to "stretch" our skills to play on different instruments.
When we play at Truslow Adult Daycare, we play a Century, and when we play at the Maine Veterans' Home it is on the Premiere. All are Lowrey organs but all quite different.
One way to move from organ to organ is to make sticky notes with the arrangements. They won't permanently mark the page, and they can be changed from organ to organ.
The newest Lowrey organs have USB sticks which will not work for presets in the older organs so "nag-notes" are important in preparing to play for others.
Next week, May 29, we will be participating in a Community Yard Sale in South Portland. Last year we participated for the first time and felt very satisfied to make nearly $200. We have a wider variety of "merchandise" this year and look forward to bringing in a fair amount of dollars. Money from our treasury will go to charitable use to be decided when we know what we have to work with.
The week after next, June 5, we will gather at Joyce's home in Steep Falls.
The more people who come, the more I feel we are staying together and making the limited time at the studio work for us. AS for what is going on at the studio - I really don't know. Everyone seems to have a different idea about what is happening and what will transpire as time goes on. It is midway through a "10-week session" so only time will tell.
MORE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC -
Cameron Carpenter, who has performed at the local Merrill Auditorium on the Kotschmar organ, has a wonderful website. It shows him playing the organ and doing a large part of the piece with only foot pedals. I am sure if you Google Cameron Carpenter you can view and listen to it. He is one of America's current outstanding organists.
"Beautiful" songs -
Beautiful Dreamer
Beautiful Boy
Beautiful Friendship, A
Beautiful In My Eyes
Beautiful Isle of Somewhere
Beautiful Morning ( It's A)
Beautiful Savior
Beautiful Sea
Beauty and the Beast
Keep a beautiful song in your heart and keep the music playing.
Janice
Yes, "I hear music -mighty fine music" - it sings in my head and lightens my heart.
Today there were eight of my MUSIC FRIENDS here from 10:00 a.m. until nearly 2:00 p.m. Over coffee, fruit and home baked treats there was talk of where the program is headed - and we still don't know. What we do know is that we are strong together when we play for one another. SO today, I heard a lot of beautiful music played on my Prestige. Among eight or nine people who were here today, the organs in their various homes are Prestige, Royale, Premiere, Legacy, Encore, Century, and Jamboree. Everyone who owns an older or smaller organ has to re-adapt their music to my Prestige. It is a good way to "stretch" our skills to play on different instruments.
When we play at Truslow Adult Daycare, we play a Century, and when we play at the Maine Veterans' Home it is on the Premiere. All are Lowrey organs but all quite different.
One way to move from organ to organ is to make sticky notes with the arrangements. They won't permanently mark the page, and they can be changed from organ to organ.
The newest Lowrey organs have USB sticks which will not work for presets in the older organs so "nag-notes" are important in preparing to play for others.
Next week, May 29, we will be participating in a Community Yard Sale in South Portland. Last year we participated for the first time and felt very satisfied to make nearly $200. We have a wider variety of "merchandise" this year and look forward to bringing in a fair amount of dollars. Money from our treasury will go to charitable use to be decided when we know what we have to work with.
The week after next, June 5, we will gather at Joyce's home in Steep Falls.
The more people who come, the more I feel we are staying together and making the limited time at the studio work for us. AS for what is going on at the studio - I really don't know. Everyone seems to have a different idea about what is happening and what will transpire as time goes on. It is midway through a "10-week session" so only time will tell.
MORE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC -
Cameron Carpenter, who has performed at the local Merrill Auditorium on the Kotschmar organ, has a wonderful website. It shows him playing the organ and doing a large part of the piece with only foot pedals. I am sure if you Google Cameron Carpenter you can view and listen to it. He is one of America's current outstanding organists.
"Beautiful" songs -
Beautiful Dreamer
Beautiful Boy
Beautiful Friendship, A
Beautiful In My Eyes
Beautiful Isle of Somewhere
Beautiful Morning ( It's A)
Beautiful Savior
Beautiful Sea
Beauty and the Beast
Keep a beautiful song in your heart and keep the music playing.
Janice
Monday, May 17, 2010
OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING ~
~ I'VE GOT A BEAUTIFUL FEELING, EVERYTHING'S GOIN' MY WAY -
The colorful musical "OKLAHOMA!" was Rodgers and Hammerstien's first collaboration. I have said, in past blogs, a lot about the duo, which went on to write a total of nine Broadway musicals. Oklahoma is considered to be the most important in the development of American musical theater. The plot which revolved around who would take a local beauty to a box social - the handsome, respected Curly or the sinister Jud. In Oklahoma they mixed story, song and dance and gave insight into the main characters' hidden fears and desires. The show opened in March of 1943 and ran for 2,212 performances with Joan Roberts as Laurey, Alfred Drake as Curly and Howard DaSilva as Jud. The 1955 film version featured Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones.
MISS OKLAHOMA won the Miss USA Contest yesterday.
This is a beautiful day in Scarborough Maine. The marshes viewed from Route 1 are getting very green; the winter browns and golds have made a mat for the new growth so it is all very colorful. This morning several small long legged birds were wading around in the pools, occasionally dipping their graceful necks to pluck some tasty morsel from the shallow depth. I love those marshes, they are constantly changing and always so colorful. We may not have a "bright golden haze on the meadow" but we do have a our beautiful marshes and sometimes they do indeed, have a haze over them. And sometimes, because they are filled with little twisting creeks, they are almost entirely under water. ++++ I am old enough to remember when those marshes were filled with "teds" as farmers hayed those marshes. A fast growing very tall reed was introduced to the marshes some years back to provide food for the geese, I have been told. Now that reed has taken over a large section, and I saw this year a small harvester was parked there in early spring. Apparently that reed has been "mowed" an there is new bright green low growth in it's place. More color in the beautiful Scarborough Marsh area.
Good or bad, things never stay the same. The music program in Portland is once again undergoing a transition. I am not attending classes for the present but I am in touch with them, and when things are settled and I know where I belong, I will most certainly return. The organ hobby serves those of us who regularly participate in so many ways. Friendship, activity, quiet moments alone; it brings me up when I am down, and relaxes me when I am fretful. No matter when or where I play, I enjoy myself. Yesterday, after a nice lunch with my daughter at the Bull & Claw in Wells, I spent two hours at the Maine Veterans' Home playing a variety of oldies, country, polkas and marches for a very appreciative audience. When I sat down there was one man. In a little while there were several people including a woman who was in the Navy. A resident and his visiting wife came for a while. Some drifted in and left but when I left there were four people still listening. The caring staff was setting tables and making coffee. I asked if the food is good and got a resounding "yes!" from the men waiting at their places to be served. If you have the opportunity to play for a Veterans' Center or Home, please do so. They are a great audience.
"All the sounds of the earth are like music -
Sometimes you have to stop and listen for them, but the sounds of earth are all around us. They are there for your listening pleasure without an iPod or CD player.
Keep a song in your heart and keep the music playing.
jem
The colorful musical "OKLAHOMA!" was Rodgers and Hammerstien's first collaboration. I have said, in past blogs, a lot about the duo, which went on to write a total of nine Broadway musicals. Oklahoma is considered to be the most important in the development of American musical theater. The plot which revolved around who would take a local beauty to a box social - the handsome, respected Curly or the sinister Jud. In Oklahoma they mixed story, song and dance and gave insight into the main characters' hidden fears and desires. The show opened in March of 1943 and ran for 2,212 performances with Joan Roberts as Laurey, Alfred Drake as Curly and Howard DaSilva as Jud. The 1955 film version featured Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones.
MISS OKLAHOMA won the Miss USA Contest yesterday.
This is a beautiful day in Scarborough Maine. The marshes viewed from Route 1 are getting very green; the winter browns and golds have made a mat for the new growth so it is all very colorful. This morning several small long legged birds were wading around in the pools, occasionally dipping their graceful necks to pluck some tasty morsel from the shallow depth. I love those marshes, they are constantly changing and always so colorful. We may not have a "bright golden haze on the meadow" but we do have a our beautiful marshes and sometimes they do indeed, have a haze over them. And sometimes, because they are filled with little twisting creeks, they are almost entirely under water. ++++ I am old enough to remember when those marshes were filled with "teds" as farmers hayed those marshes. A fast growing very tall reed was introduced to the marshes some years back to provide food for the geese, I have been told. Now that reed has taken over a large section, and I saw this year a small harvester was parked there in early spring. Apparently that reed has been "mowed" an there is new bright green low growth in it's place. More color in the beautiful Scarborough Marsh area.
Good or bad, things never stay the same. The music program in Portland is once again undergoing a transition. I am not attending classes for the present but I am in touch with them, and when things are settled and I know where I belong, I will most certainly return. The organ hobby serves those of us who regularly participate in so many ways. Friendship, activity, quiet moments alone; it brings me up when I am down, and relaxes me when I am fretful. No matter when or where I play, I enjoy myself. Yesterday, after a nice lunch with my daughter at the Bull & Claw in Wells, I spent two hours at the Maine Veterans' Home playing a variety of oldies, country, polkas and marches for a very appreciative audience. When I sat down there was one man. In a little while there were several people including a woman who was in the Navy. A resident and his visiting wife came for a while. Some drifted in and left but when I left there were four people still listening. The caring staff was setting tables and making coffee. I asked if the food is good and got a resounding "yes!" from the men waiting at their places to be served. If you have the opportunity to play for a Veterans' Center or Home, please do so. They are a great audience.
"All the sounds of the earth are like music -
Sometimes you have to stop and listen for them, but the sounds of earth are all around us. They are there for your listening pleasure without an iPod or CD player.
Keep a song in your heart and keep the music playing.
jem
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)