Jim Stahr has a Different Year

I had the great fortune to attend Makipuro Arts Fund's presentation of The Wormwood String Quartet at the Canterbury Finnish Hall today. Words fail to convey my pleasure at hearing chamber music in such a rural area. The acoustics of the room were perfect for these wonderful instruments sans amplification. I perhaps had the wrong lens for the occasion - or perhaps I intended to capture each musician in the own moment. The players: Violin 1: Paul Navratil Violin 2: Mary Snyder Viola: Donald Shankweiler Cello: Thomas Goodkind   Afterward, there was a celebration of the actress Nanni Lassila, for whom the theater is named. A great celebration by people that know culture does not only belong to cities.

A photo log.  I was taken aback by the turnout. It is good that apathy has not crept in.  Signs were creative if at time ridiculous  or theatrical.  But I'm amazed  at how many   and how different  and how relatable this crowd was.  The biggest priority  is not how many show here  or at sister walks  across our nation  but how many  show their support  for these causes  on a single day    these voices wield true power.  Midterm elections 2018. November 6, 2018. Be there!

Particle Accelerator is a music gathering to support suicide prevention and mental health services in northeast Connecticut .  It is in memory of Jack Young Jr. and others on the Wall of Angels. Grace takes great time and care adding the victims to this somber wall each year,  as well as explaining its relevance to those that listen.  But this is a town celebration for all ages,  of those that help,  and those that have sought help. A gathering  to celebrate   the life worth living. And there's music.  From Shane Hall 's hip hop  to the percussive folk rock   of ilyAIMY , and the complex guitar work    of Adam Trudel the music is nonstop. Sadly these were the only three acts I had time to catch. One can see the complete nine hour list of performers  here . Eric finds local talent willing to donat...