Dancing Machine!
This is just too great to pass up posting….On Saturday night I played at the same restaurant I mentioned in my last post, but I had the most amazing support performer for pretty much the entire evening……She dropped in totally unannounced, walked up casually to the stage, and just started bustin’ moves…..See for yourself –
She clearly does her own stunts, and felt I was worthy enough to be her understudy. It was a great honour to learn the way of Chinese Traditional Dance from such a wise individual. I was sweating bullets from the intense focus she demanded of me, and almost crumbled under the pressure. I am not posting the picture where I am crying…
3 year olds…they got it figured out!
“Why Do You Like Music?”
After playing one night in a restaurant called Jipin a few weeks ago, I had a lovely conversation with a young couple I met. Nicole, the woman’s name, asked me the question – “Why do you like Music?”
I thought it very interesting that in my entire life, in particular the last 10 years of performing or doing anything musically for that matter, I have never once been asked that question. It actually caught me off guard for a moment, and many thoughts rushed through my head. There is so much to answer….What should I say? Then I had a realization- My feelings for Music go far beyond that of a mere liking…..As far as I am concerned, Music has, and forever will have my undying love, so much so that when I am asked if I have a girlfriend, I simply smile and reply “I am married to Music.”
Anyways, there are many reasons I love Music, but certain aspects of it really shine strong for me, and I wanted to share that with you in a unique way. I was very fortunate to spend a month with the amazing wildlife artist, Jason Kamin from Calgary, AB during our Nepal trek. Here is one of his works –
You can see more of his amazing works by clicking on this stellar jaguar.
During our trip, Jason would use water colours to do some painting out in the field, and the pictures he created were incredible. So much so that he inspired me to get some of my own to play with while in China, and just simply for the fun of it. That being said, I created a fusion water colour art project/video that answers Nicole’s question – “Why do I like Music?”
Enjoy
Groovy Dancing, Funk Soul and Reggae, June 9th
Just wanted to share this event that some friends of mine are putting on this Saturday in Vancouver. It’s a great blend of hip hop, soul, funk, and reggae, and all should make for a great party. One thing to note is that Tonye Aganaba will not be playing, but David Morin is filling her shoes and will be playing with the Foundation band. Bring your dancin’ shoes!
*Click on the picture to see the details.
Possibility….
“The thing that separates successful people from others is not intelligence, geographical location, age, or lack of opportunity — it’s usually that successful people are doing what others are unwilling to do.” (Unknown Author)
This quote was passed to me today from a dear friend of mine, and it was the final catalyst I needed to write this post. Much has happened in the last week, and all it started with a conversation I had with a young man named Mosso.
I was wandering about the community I am staying in, and stopped on a set of stairs with my guitar to finish up a song I was working on. It wasn’t long before Mosso approached me, saying he saw me from his balcony, and wanted to chat. Over the next 3 hours, we shared a great deal, and learned a lot from each other.
It didn’t take long to understand that Mosso was an extremely motivated guy, had done really interesting charity work, helped a lot of people, but most importantly, believed in this word — “POSSIBILITY.” It is his belief in this word and its daily application that is leading Mosso to fulfilling his dreams of travel and a career in art and graphic design.
I have met many people since being in China, and a common thread I have come to understand is that most people have dreams they are passionate about, however, many believe the possibility of them happening doesn’t exist. In other words, they are forever casting their dreams as dreams.
I had the opportunity to go and spend last Saturday at the Hope School, the arts and education project of Laf Canada (Joy’s business) for low income families, and it was amazing.
The picture where I am playing guitar is english class, and we were making up songs to do with the days themed words…The topic – nature.
The second photo is from math class, in which I gave these kids a problem/brain teaser I was given by my grade 10 math teacher Mrs. Shaw. This filled the whole class time, and the kids loved it, so thanks Mrs. Shaw! I shall give it to all of you as well to see if you can figure it out. A prize goes to those who do:
1
11
21
1211
111221
312211
*________________ What number comes next? Good luck!
This whole environment was bursting with the word “possibility,” whether it was coming from the teachers believing in the students, or the students excitement in having a chance to learn english, dance, art, math, martial arts, etc. All of this project – the teachers, the students, and any future effect that its benefactors see – all of it has come from one person’s belief in possibility – Joy’s. One person’s positive belief and actions in their belief can do a lot of good.
The picture I attached at the beginning of this post is one I took of the outer southern gate to the village of Nar, high in the Himalayas. Looking at this gate with the open sky behind it made me feel I was walking into a world of endless possibilities. With that in mind, I titled the photo “Doorway of Dreams,” and wanted to share it as a visual. You know the saying, “The doorway to opportunity is always there, you just have to walk through it….” It’s true, I have photo documented proof that these doors exist! Scroll up and see for yourself if you’ve forgotten already.
So, start believing in the possibility your dreams will come true, find the door, and walk on through……..
Michael
Worlds Apart…
Yeowzzzaass! Much to report in this edition, so I hope you are ready………..
It is difficult to explain the contrasting environments with regards to where I was in April, to where I am now. Seeing as how I have always enjoyed pictures better anyways, I shall let you view the following.
Regarding landscapes, I went……………………
from this:
Exhibit A
Ancient Himalayan village, 4200m in elevation surrounded by the most outstanding natural landscapes I have ever seen, totally free from electricty, and the only place in my life I experienced pure silence.
to this:
Exhibit B
An extremely young (we share the same birthday), modern, rapidly growing urban Chinese mecca that barely ever stops, with horses jumping out of the buildings…..
In terms of interaction with people, I went………….
from this:
Exhibit A
Having butter tea and momos (a Nepali dumpling)
with sacred valley Yak herding farmers…….
to this:
Exhibit B
Acting as a legitimate foreign VIP/rep for the Global
Village Multicultural Arts Society, signing an
agreement at a festival we helped organize for
Shenzhen Industrial Design Park as a symbol of our
continued cooperation in the future……..
*Now you may ask, “How did you end up in these places…with these people?” Trust me, I shake my head every day when I look at these photos and ask myself the same question, but the answer is always the same, and it lies in the task I laid out to try in my last video “Follow Your Feet” Give it a watch, look for the instructions at the end, and please try. I would love to see the photos you end up with as a result.
On another note, Mike Schauch, President of Climb For Change, and the group leader of the expedition in Nepal, just wrote a great blog about our journey –“Stepping into the Sacred Valley of Phu.” It will give you some more insights into what we saw, who we met, and glimpses into what we learned. Hope you enjoy!
*This summer is shaping up to be electric as far as music and events are concerned, so stay tuned for next week about what is to come, and more news from China Land…….
Michael
Upcoming Awesomeness At St. James Hall!
Just wanted to take the time to let you all know about two exceptionally talented artists, both of which have shows coming up at a killer venue (St. James Hall), and that neither are to be missed.
The First — This Thursday, May 24th, my good friend and accomplished singer/songwriter Colin Bullock from Australia, is having a Single Release Showcase, and you can get tickets and other incentives by clicking on the picture below. Colin just played a spot on CTV television a few days ago:
The Second — The much anticipated Album Release Show of “Little Love Songs,” by the ever enchanting Jodi Doidge, is set for take-off on Saturday June 16th. Give her album a listen by clicking the album cover, and add to your collection. This is a legendary piece of work:
These are two of Vancouver’s best, and their live performances both rate high on the spectacular factor. I wish I was back for both of these shows. Someone take videos for me!!
Until next time…….
“Grab Your Fun And Run Around With It”
Wan Shang Hao! (Chinese for Good Evening…which it is right now for me at the moment…)
After being in Nepal for a month with no communication to the world, it has been great receiving feedback and hearing about what is going on back in Canada. One note I received from my Aunt passed on a message from my Grandma, and I felt it necessary to share it with world…
“Grab your fun, and run around with it.” (Amelia “Millie” Averill)
What wonderful words. My Grandma always has the best ways of calling it like it is. As I look back on where I have been (remote Himalayas) to where I am now (Modern/Urban China), grabbing my fun and running around with it is directly the reason I am in the places I am. Seizing the opportunties that come out of doing what you love to do always leads to great adventures, and to amazing people…But you do have to look for them, and you do need to grab them when they appear.
SO…..Grab your fun and run around with it!
On a different but related note….If you ever see a sign like the one below, grab your fun and run somewhere else….haha.
Wan’an (Chinese for goodnight)
*Fung Kwong Bard
* Fung Kwong is my Chinese appointed name meaning…”Crazy Maker”
A Musical View Of a Lost Valley
Ni Hao!! (Chinese for Hello),
As I gather my grounding in the Shenzhen province of China, I find myself having flashbacks to the wild and sacred areas of Nepal that I adventured to with the team over the month of April. Our primary destination (Phu), a 700-800 year old village close to Tibet, was the cause of a many amazing stories, so many that I believe a book could be written just about our week spent there. For the time being, I will leave you with this photo to share a bit of what we were living in. Until next time….
China Bard
Trek Complete, En Route To China, and New Video
Namaste!
Just wanted to give a quick update and let you all know that the trek was successfully completed, and was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Today is my last day in Nepal, and internet time is short, so this will be brief until I get into China tomorrow. Many exciting stories will be coming down the channel soon!
On another note, the third video puzzle is up and ready to view. The suggested action at the end is a way of life that has been the direct cause of my being in Nepal and going to China/Taiwan, so I highly recommend practicing it to the fullest. Thanks to Thomas Beckman for laying down some sweet strings on this song!
Nepal, China, Taiwan, OH MY!!
I feel like this is the start of a Star Wars movie with the degree of epic statements that this holds. The journey…..is about to begin……
If you’re wondering where I am headed, take a look at the picture above. Myself, and a team of mixed artists, are heading into a mystical region in Nepal called The Lost Valley, and our adventure starts April 1st. We are trekking into very remote areas that weren’t known on the map until 3 years ago, with the purpose of observing sustainable ancient mountain cultures and their value systems as human beings.
We aim to bring back a representation of our journey in the form of a collaborative art project – a mixture of film, music, photo, paint, script, and this will surface in the form of a documentary, and school/university/community outreach programs. Basically, my job is to jam with mountain villagers and to share that encounter! A dream come true!!
After my travels with the team in Nepal, I will be heading to China and Taiwan for 2 months, so I am not sure how much I will be able to update until back in Canada in July. While I am in Nepal, you can actually follow where we are on the map via the Climb For Change website, and meet the team. I am so honored to be apart of this expedition, and am bouncing in my seat in anticipation of April 1st…..
Looking forward to sharing this with you all. Have an amazing 3 months, and keep watch for new puzzle videos on the way. Here is #2, “Alright On The Inside,” performed with superhero Tatiana Speed at the release show.
Muchos Loveos…
Show Reviews and Blogs
Check out these blogs/show reviews from two outstanding women:
Solah Nightstar, from Positively Purposeful
Laura Gold..a.k.a GVixen, The Voice of Vancouver
Latest News: Release Show Recap and Puzzle Video 1 Posted
Greetings Everyone!
I am sending a massive thank you out to all of you that came out to the show to watch, those who contributed to the performances, and to those who supported this project from afar. Never before have I been in a room with so many brilliantly amazing individuals, and the combined energy in the atmosphere was incredible. Thank you all for making this dream a reality.
In other exciting news, the album is available for sale through the Music page, and Video 1 of the What’s Life All About? Puzzle Series is now up on the Video page.
Let the games begin!
Massive Show/Album Release March 2nd!
This is going to be one for the ages! Locally and internationally recognized speakers/musicians, door prizes, inspiring music, and a ton of outstanding surprises!
Early Bird Ticket sales have ended, and admission to the show will now be available at the door of the Denman Theater on March 2nd
1779 Comox Street, English Bay Vancouver……Doors open at 7:00pm, Show starts 7:30pm
Students/Musicians – $25, General Admission – $30
*(Includes Album and a massive surprise)
Check out more info at the What’s Life All About Fundraising page. The Lifetime Membership will still be available until March 2nd, but never again will this be offered.