My colleague Sarah McDaniel and I were in Ellensburg Saturday for the Sweet Honey in the Rock performance at C.W.U.'s beautiful New Music Building. The five members present treated a very appreciative audience to a rare musical experience. It was, for me, another example of the unique power of live performance. For the past few weeks I've been listening to their "Selections 1976 - 1988" cd. The cd is a great listen but it's not the same as seeing them in person.
Aisha Kahlil, trained in African dance traditions, was mesmerizing as she sang and danced to a haunting song. At times her voice was like a whisper, at other times almost a wail. It was very powerful and when the song was finished and the applause died down I could hear many sniffles in the audience.
Dr. Ysaye Maria Barnwell taught us a really cool, short chant that we sang in a round form. She started by singing it about six or seven times. A number of us started joining in very quickly. At the end of the demonstration Carol Maillard expressed surprise that we were already singing before the official "practice" session had begun. I almost shouted out that it was because C.W.U. has such a stellar music department!
Check out Sweet Honey in the Rock's website for more information on the group.
Thanks to C.W.U., Music Department Chair Dr. Peter Gries and President Jerilyn McIntyre for being such great supporters of the arts and for Marian Lien in doing such a great job of organizing the event. As always, NWPR received a very warm welcome from Ellensburgians! Ellensburg rocks!
