Hello All,
The last days of summer find our country teetering toward the financial abyss, while eyeing the every twitch of presidential hopefuls and hope-nots. Interesting times as
the ancient saying/curse goes. This blog is mostly dedicated to the small stuff however — the little pursuits that make up the day, the month, the year. Ok, it’s gets a bit
more political near the end — but do read on. It’s been awhile since I last sat down to summon a letter — about five months now come to think of it. I’m not a big letter writer
to begin with. I much prefer a real conversation, which includes plenty of coffee. Nevertheless, here’s what the heck I’ve been up to and what I’m excited about these days.
Earlier this year, Laura Gorenstein-Miller of Helios Dance Theatre approached me about collaborating on a modern dance production inspired by Homer’s classic “The Odyssey”,
specifically composing and recording original music for dance. Laura is the choreographer and artistic director of the Los Angeles based contemporary dance company. Cutting
the chase, I’m thrilled to announce my involvement in “The Lotus Eaters”. It’s a work that Laura describes in this way, “ The allegory of The Lotus Eaters holds powerful resonance
in our society today, with it’s many avenues for escape. The universal lure of oblivion is our collective, contemporary heart of darkness.” My own contribution includes several new
compositions and recordings, both lyrical and instrumental. An older work, the song “Heavenly”, has also been newly arranged and adapted for piano, voice and strings. It’s been
an exciting process to write for dance, to draw from literature, mythology and it’s been a healthy stretch outside of my previous experience. Composer Robert Cairns is also a
collaborator on the project. He and Laura have worked together many times. The collective decision was made to bring all of our voices to this very ambitious and intriguing table.
Violinist - Eric Gorfain and The Section Quartet are featured on the production recordings, along with pianist - Jamie Edwards. Other notables involved with
“The Lotus Eaters” include Alison van Pelt, prominent artist, who will be creating the original set. Costume design is by the celebrated designer Rami Kashou from Bravo
TV's "Project Runway". “The Lotus Eaters” presented by Helios Dance Theatre will premier at the Cerritos Center For The Performing Arts on Saturday, October 25, 2008
at 8:00 PM. (located 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos, CA 90703) TICKET OFFICE: 800.300.4345 or www.cerritoscenter.com.
For more information: www.heliosdancetheater.org.
( Other performances of The Lotus Eaters are listed under CONCERTS.) I managed to make it out on the road this summer with a few shows on both coasts and the Midwest.
Thanks to all of you who made it out this summer. For the most part, touring has been kept to a minimum as I continue to write for the next album, which at this date I’m feeling
very excited about. I’ve written more songs than ever before going in — three times as many as what I can fit on a record. It’s all about getting out my own way and letting inspiration take the lead.
Big favorites are “Buried Treasure”, “Violet” and “It Aint The Same Old Cold War Harry”. Some of the new stuff I’ve been slipping into the set since April and more and more so at
Largo in L.A. The newly relocated venue, boasts two great rooms. For full band shows, there’s “The Big Room” with its dramatic red drapes and theatre production and then there’s
“The Little Room”, a magical hideaway from another time, where it seems anything can happen. It’s a space where performers are at ease to try out new material of every sort
within living room proximity. I’ll be performing in Largo’s “Little Room” this coming Saturday, September 27. Last month’s show featured magician/ex-Possum Dixon front-man
Rob Zabreky, who conjured close-up miracles and tapped danced. The evening culminated with an impromptu encore featuring drop-ins Jon Brion and Benmont Tench
who shared a common piano bench on a cover of “Benny And The Jets”. Somehow I wound up on top of the piano like Cher by the end of it all. I look forward to more hy-jinx
this month. Come on out! Tickets 310 -855-0350 http://www.largo-la.com/largohome.html
It occurs to me that by the time
I get around to posting again, America will have elected a
new president. That’s the plan anyhow. No Florida repeats I pray. Personally, my vote is with
Barrack Obama.
If we are to enter the future with courage and responsibly to the next generation, the choice could not be any clearer and the differences between the candidates more glaring.
No doubt the seat of power warrants it’s own episode of “Dirty Jobs”. The new pres will be given the keys to a fix-er-upper country and we’re all going to have to pick a hammer.
You know how much those government hammers go for — yikes. Bring your own hammer. With a big job ahead of us the most important thing we can right now is to cast our vote
on November 4, 2008. NOTE You must be registered to vote in advance of Nov. 4. This deadline varies from state to state but is generally in early - mid October.
Registration deadlines are provided online. You can visit The United States Election Assistance Commission to register,
http://www.eac.gov/voter/Register%20to%20Vote.
Additional assistance with voter registration is available at http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Voting/Register.shtml
Tired of political dirty laundry? Need a clean shirt? Love Democracy? MoveOn.org is offering free Obama t-shirts (they look really cool!) and decals to anyone who donates
$12 to their efforts to register 500,000 young voters in swing states. Visit moveon.org
There, I’ve done my civic duty for the day. With watchful optimism, I wish you all the best,
Grant-Lee Phillips
|
|
