Weekly Report from Boulder

Sometimes do you note how a week gets a certain theme or rhythm to it? Last week was one with a rush of interview requests, mostly last minute. At least it was a wide range from the local chamber orchestra to African music, celtic music and guitar makers. The guitar builders were on with me Wednesday afternoon plugging the Colorado Custom Guitar Fest coming up this weekend at Swallow Hill. Colorado is rife with instrument makers so this show will feature not just guitars but mandolins, ukeleles and more.

On top of that I was also rescheduling our Monday live music show as a last minute change. It seemed like a long shot when I called mid-eastern musicians Cameron and Kristina, but they agreed to come in for what was a great live show this evening. They mentioned being on the road about 75% of the time lately so I felt lucky they were able to come through.

On Wednesday I did make it out to hear Ghanaian performers Nii Tetteh Tettey and the Kusun Ensemble. This was one of those sadly under-attended shows as the music and performance were so excellent. The dancers ran through a number of brightly colored outfits, each accompanied by a unique dance approach. Musically it was primarily drums with some flute and guitar. Nii Tetteh was telling about the difficulties for African musicians getting into the US and pulled out two balls known as Aslatua, originally used as snuff bottles, connected by a short string. At the entry point, when asked whether he was really a musician, he pulled these out and showed how something so simple in appearance can become a great percussion instrument. With one in each hand he could do some awesome quick clacking and shaking!

The remarkable thing about this weekend was it was warm and sunny, though windy. Finally, a weekend where I could get out on my bike two days in a row.

Elaine C. Erb. KGNU Music Director. <º))))><
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