Talented artists: musical and visual

[magid]

Last night I heard much a cappella at Ryle's, just down the street from me in Inman Square. I'd never been there before, in all the years I've lived here, since I'm not much for jazz. A cappella is another story, though.

First up were the Wheaton Whims, an all-women group (I went looking for a web site, and in looking around discovered that Wheaton has an "Office of Christian Outreach". Not an institution I'm likely to ever support.). They were really good, excellent voices, balance between soloist and backup, much percussion, and lots of energy. Once or twice I thought the skills of the soloist didn't seem to match what the song needed, but usually in small ways.

Second up was Sound Stage 7, the mixed six-person group Hyounpark sings in. And they were most excellent. Their range was impressive, and they had a lot of fun with the music, which ranged from classic rock, to songs with a Latin beat, a cartoon song, and a filk about buying stuff on eBay. Much silliness, with much musical talent, always a good combination. I bought their CD, Scroobylicious, as a Hanuka present. Plus I got to see Hyounpark's excellent boots.

Third up was an older group, which started in on some carols. I didn't want to hear carols, so I left. It was just the right time, too, since there was a break in the downpour, long enough for me to walk home.

While I'm mentioning talented LJers, I should mention the artists whose work I saw at craft fairs this Sunday. Marfta makes whimsical, brightly-colored hats, plus cloth bags. Chanaleh, in addition to making buttons and earrings (I didn't pay much attention to those, not having the proper holes), has colorful calligraphed pieces, some bilingual, most with Jewish content. Cthulhia makes intensely-decorated pysanky (each egg with its own web page). And Pheromone makes all sorts of stained glass pieces, leaves and other suncatchers.

Comments

[hyounpark.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry that we didn't break out "Baruch Atah Adonai," but not everybody in the group knows that one now.

And I'm glad you enjoyed at least part of the show. (Honestly, as someone who had to stay for the whole thing, you picked a good time to leave.) We were scrambling for groups this time, since a lot of groups were already booked for holiday cheer this week.

Relievedly,
Hyoun

[magid.livejournal.com]

Hey, I was fine with your musical choices (Pikachu! And in those shoes, too! Which were likely not bought on eBay :-). And 67% is a pretty good ratio, especially since I'd planned to leave around then, whatever was going on musically.

It sounded like the last group was going to do a lot of traditional carolish songs, and though they were much better than the average canned music being played, I have a low tolerance level for it.

So is Ryle's going to be all a cappella on Tuesdays? That would be most excellent. (I wonder if the Tufts Beelzebubs would take a gig there.. (They're one of my more favorite local groups.).)

[spwebdesign.livejournal.com]

If you're ever scrambling for groups, check out Back in Five. They have a pretty good sound and good energy. I don't remember what their website is, but if you're interested let me know and I'll hook you up.