September 18th, 2023

Hello Friends,

     This past Friday, we held a wonderful concert at our store. This is a rare happening these days, but when we first opened the store,  concerts were regular thing. Somewhere along the line, we decided to drift away from doing concerts…they were "just too much work and disruption" and we dismantled our stage. Still today, when something really special presents itself, I am always glad to lend our space. 

     I have known Julia Monica since she began her career at the venerable Eastman School of Music. She studied with the esteemed classical guitarist, Professor Nicholas Goluses, but over time her interests gravitated to "world music". She pursued an advanced degree in ethnomusicology with a passion for the music of sub-Saharan Africa. This was to culminate in a fieldwork study in Africa that was sadly canceled due to the pandemic. But that did not stop Julia from studying the music and letting her talents take her on a new adventure. The concert that we had was absolutely stunning. The music was sung in the native language and she was joined by her group of other Eastman graduates. I walked away from this concert with two observations. Firstly, this music was enjoyed by a diverse group of attendees.There were folks from my generation, and they were young kids, and there were the curious who just happened to drift in, but everyone seem to have the same enthusiasm for this music. Julia explained that the music derived from the constant civil strife and violent conflict that persists in the area. It was the way for the people to form some kind of solidarity, some kind of oneness, some kind of passion and self esteem. The performance included a ceremonial lighting of candles and brewing of native tea and sharing tasty dips and appetizers. The music brought all of the people in the room together as music does. That is its purpose… that’s what makes music the most important human expression.  

    My second take away from the concert…. and this is my very personal opinion…. but I think that the Eastman School of Music…now in its 100th year…should perhaps change the emphasis from preserving music that is 400 years old to advancing the Music of the World. They could bring educators, players and students from across the globe to create a true center stage for the one human activity that transcends our differences. I brought this up in discussion with the students after the concert, and they looked at me incredulously and said, "not in 1000 years would this ever happen…It would put too many cracks in the ivory tower." And so these young minds, who invested their future careers in "classical music" now must find their own path in the world, and I have hope for them. With their steadfastness and determination I believe that these young people will become the next "greatest generation".

Sincerely,

John Bernunzio 

Sam Snyder came to work on his day off to operate the the sound system. In true Sub Saharan fashion, he was paid with a box of dates! Julia Monica dressed in traditional clothing, John with his African walking stick and Julie, with the ability to make sure everything came off like clockwork and that the store was put back together for business.

AMIDI….

My contribution to world music; my instrument of choice is the stove.

In Penn Yan they take Halloween very seriously and start very early and do things in a big way

In an interesting "Trick-or-treat" the local authorities decided to dig up Main Street exposing dirt that has not seen daylight in 200 years. I recommend they just pave it over and have a little pedestrian area in the center of town. There is ample parking on both sides of the streets behind all of the stores affected.

We spent a lovely Sunday going to the Keuka Outlet Trail celebration, Apple Barrel Orchards, and finished off with some great beer and conversation with AJ Noto at Abandon Brewery. 

….. Next time I’ll have AJ over for some home grown eggplant and we will wash it down with some of his excellent Belgian style beer!