Recently Rated:
Stats
|
As some of you will know, AmeriCymru is holding a major event in Portland, Oregon this year. The Left Coast Eisteddfod on August 21st and August 22nd, 2009 will be a major celebration of all things Welsh and the rich American-Welsh heritage. There will be performances by BBC Radio Wales Chris Needs, tenor Bruce Anderson, Here Be Dragons from Cardiff and Oceans Apart. Also appearing will be authors Niall Griffiths and Chris Keil, lovespoon carver extraordinaire David Western and many more. This is an ambitious project and it is intended to be the first of many such events but, of course, ambition has a price. In this particular case, we set out to raise $20,000.00 in order to stage this event. We are very pleased and proud to announce that we have raised $15,000.00 of that total. This is a remarkable achievement and we owe it all to you, our members and readers. We do not have large, corporate backers and, until recently, were ineligible for funding by the various grant bodies in the United States. The good news is: that we are now a 501(c)(3) charitable public organization recognized by the IRS, with full tax-exempt status. Further good news is that we are still able to accept sponsors for this event. If you wish to support the Left Coast Eisteddfod, please consider one of the two following options. We need to raise those final, few dollars to complete our preparations. Uncle Dai needs you. 1) Sponsorship: do you have a business based in Wales or a Welsh or Celtic-related business here in the US? If so, please consider advertising with AmeriCymru. We can offer generous sponsorship packages from as little as $200.00, which will associate your name both with the Eisteddfod and with AmeriCymru (the largest and fastest growing Welsh social network in the US). We are particularly concerned to work with accomodation providers, tour companies, cultural, artistic and technologies ventures. Contact Ceri Shaw or Gaabriel Becket at americymru@gmail.com . Act now to ensure maximum exposure, there are only two months to go before the Eisteddfod. 2) Donations: Anything you donate to our non-profit corporation, the Meriwether Lewis Memorial Eisteddfod Foundation, can be claimed as a tax-exempt donation on your 2009 taxes. Every cent you donate will be used to make the Eisteddfod a bigger and better occasion and to prepare similar future events. There is a donate button which pays directly into the Foundation bank account at the top of the left hand column on every page of the site. Any amount, great or small, is appreciated. If you do not feel comfortable using the PayPal donate button, please do not hesitate to contact us at americymru@gmail.com to make alternative arrangments. WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU AND SEEING YOU ALL AT THE LEFT COAST EISTEDDFOD IN PORTLAND ON AUGUST THE 21ST AND 22ND, 2009. DIOLCH YN FAWR, AMERICYMRU!
|
A new profile question has been added to Americymru. It asks you to categorise your profile and presents you with a list of options to choose from. The idea is to make it easier to find certain kinds of profile on the site ( musicians, bands, accommodation providers, photographers etc. )
If you want to categorise your profile click on "Settings" in the top right hand corner of the home page. You will be taken to your "Profile" page. Scroll down until you find the new question and make your selection from the available options. You will then appear in the list in the relevant section in the dropdown menus under the "Members" tab on the main navbar. You can select more than one category if you wish but please ensure that all options selected are relevant to your profile.If your profile is a standard personal profile, simply check "Personal".
1. Click on "Settings"
2. Check the relevant option/options
3. Check your new listing in the dropdown menu.
.
Reproduced with kind permission from David Western's Portland Lovespoon Blog
.
I'm underway on the 'Tree of Life' section of our West Coast Eisteddfod lovespoon. This beautiful design was graciously given to us for use on this year's spoon by the extraordinary Celtic artist, Jen Delyth. It's always been a particular favourite of mine, so getting the chance to carve it is very exciting. As you can see, it's early days yet, but it is starting to take shape and I'm getting an idea of how it will look when I'm done. I will most likely leave each root and branch slightly 'textured' rather than going for the very smooth effect which Laura has achieved on her section of the spoon (the part which is slightly darker in colour). I'm hoping that by leaving it a bit textured, it will separate the intense knotwork sections and make each easier to 'read'. Of course, its always possible that my idea won't work out and so it will be one of those last minute decisions whether or not to sand them smooth after all!!
- So here's where things stand at the moment! With time flying by at what seems an accelerated rate this year, it feels like I am up against the wall a bit. I'm hoping a few long sessions this week will help me to get back in control of the time and have the spoon in the post for Portland on time.
- This year's spoon is going to be an ABSOLUTE CRACKER!!! With contributions from 4 artists, the West Coast Eisteddfod lovespoon is definitely our most complicated and elegant effort yet! If you haven't donated a buck or two to the Eisteddfod, don't delay!!! October 13 will be here in a flash and that is the time when someone lucky is going to win it!!
- There's a LOT of artistic, design and craft skill in this piece and it could be yours for just one dollar!! Every dollar you donate to the Eisteddfod equals one chance to win....and somebody is going to be that one!!!
- Please help us to help the West Coast Eisteddfod grow and flourish!
An Interview Edward Channon, Piper and Author ( Appearing at the Left Coast Eisteddfod, Portland, Oregon August 2009 )
By Ceri Shaw, 2009-06-22
Edward Channon, a resident of Portland Oregon, has been playing the bagpipes for 35 years. He has recently completed his first book:- The Ballad of A Bagpiper . The book details the humorous stories of things Edward has observed over the years at weddings, funerals, events and a myriad of other gatherings around the world. Edward will be appearing at the Left Coast Eisteddfod where he will be giving a presentation and demonstration of his piping skills and signing copies of his new book. 
Americymru: How and why did you start learning the bagpipes? Edward: I didnt start with the bagpipes when it comes to learning a musical instrument because both of my parents are classical pianists, I started playing the piano at age four. My father learned in Austria and my mother in the USA. However,my mother being of German/Scotch decent, made me practice the piano at least two times a day ,for about an hour each time. She always gave me that image that comes from being German discipline, thats my mum. If I got something wrong she would yell at me, striking me on the hands with a ruler or just stand behind me yelling PRACTICE, PRACTICE , PRACTICE with a German accent ,looking like a Gestapo agent, which always scared the hell out of me!
My grandfather, who at that time was a Episcopal minister and loved classical music, also played the bagpipes. Since I was young he constantly told me how fun bagpipes were. So pulling me away from the piano he showed me the techniques in playing this weird looking and sounding instrument. Of course, I had to use smaller ones, his made me fall over because of its size and weight. He always joked that if you suck at playing the piano, you cant pick it up and walk out, at least with the pipes you can walk out. Didnt need to say more!
Edward: Ballad of a Bagpiper is the first of its kind in this wonderful world of ours. At least, in the bagpipe world. It's about the funny things that have happened to me, really, and the things I saw at weddings, parties, military events, and even funerals over the many years Ive been playing. It's not really a life story but more about small segments rather short stories of my life playing this instrument.
Americymru: Do you have a favorite humorous incident?
Edward: I once played for a funeral in England after a rain storm , so the ground was wet, muddy and just slippery typical Britain. Even though I was watching where I was walking, I also had to watch the funeral to get a sign from the minister or family that I had to stop playing, which I had been doing for a while. Walking and looking, walking and looking; finally I thought I saw the sign but it was false, so I kept playing but I didnt see where I was walking and fell into a newly dug grave. Yes ,it was deep and it was full of water.
Another story, I was doing a benefit walking down the street ,leading runners in a charity run, so that as I walked the runners would run past me. I was sure that they heard me, how can you not hear the bagpipes being played, but I was being bumped and pushed as they ran by. I didnt care, I was having fun. When I got to a corner, a few reporters came running out to ask runners questions, one of them came up to me to ask me something. I gave them that look like, Ah hello! Im playing, kind of hard to talk! I tried to tell them but I couldnt and they ran off....... Ive been in that situation a few times and each time I wonder if reporters ever get it!
Americymru: Where does your sense of humor come from?
Edward: I grew up watching British comedy shows like Benny Hill, Monty Python, Dads Army, Are you being Served?, Man about the House and more. But the comedians Spike Mulligan, Peter Sellers and my father were great influences on me and how I look at the world. Not to be a critic about things but seeing the funny side of any situation.
Americymru: Would you say that Celtic music has been your biggest influence in play the bagpipes?
Edward: To tell the truth, no. Growing up I listened to Chopin, Bach, Mozart but going to primary school one day I heard a band called Def Leppard. That was it, I was hooked on rock. Since then heavy metal, classical, pop have been influences on me. I personally find Celtic music kind of boring if not played with passion and many dont have it. Bagpipers are the same: if you dont have the passion or the state of mind, then you shouldnt be playing if it doesnt come from the heart.
Americymru: You reference some bizarre events in your book. Can you elaborate on these?
Edward: Well Ive played for a nudist wedding, a vampire wedding and so many more. I dont want to give to much away. These are just a just a couple of weird or interesting events that Ive done. Things that I guess a bagpiper probably wouldn't play for or be included in normally however they were interesting and weird, which made them fun to watch and be in.
Americymru: Do you have any book influences or writers you like?
Edward: That's a hard one, since I read all types of books and have since I was a kid. I love all genres but I would say my favorite is Jack Higgins. But I love Bernard Cornwell, Sergei Lukyanenko, Nigel Tranter to name a few.
Americymru: What kind of engagements do you play at?
Edward: Of course Ive played for normal events like weddings to funerals, a number of these have been very usual in themselves, but I have also played for parties including a fraternity initiation parties, hen nights and stag night parties as well as birthday parties; business events, and even a Bar Mitzvah. However, it has never been about the money for me, I love what I do. It's all about the people I meet, the joy in helping them and the experience of doing it. But, of course in doing so I got into situations where I couldnt leave or get out of!
Americymru: Youve played for some celebrities and even royalty can you tell us more about that?
Edward: When playing for politicians and royalty, it is like entering different worlds. Politicians like it to make them look good no matter what, Do it this way as long I look good. While royalty like it done very specific, conservative and old ways ways, tradition all rules their thinking. This is way weve done it for centuries, Celebrities such as movie or TV stars are really the most fun. Just have fun! is what theyve always tell me. Each person I play for holds a distinct memory for me, however, playing for Queen Elizabeth is kind of hard to remember as I was so young at the time. Princess Diana was one I remember as being the most elegant, because of her beauty and grace. Her loss was a terrible for Britain and the world. From Reagan to the local politicians I remember as being stressful because I have to be careful what I say. I have a tendency to say the wrong thing at the worse time, getting the politician in trouble. Im good at that, my wife would say.
Americymru: Any plans for a record deal or music CD of your own?
Edward: I do. I was recently approached by a record producer to set something up in the near future. Dont know what type of CD it will be as I find the normal bagpipe CD kind of boring and over done. So, who knows, but as with this book it will be a first of its kind.
Americymru: Any other message for the members and readers of Americymru?
Edward: Just that this book will give everyone a good laugh and for those musicians out there remember that all things are possible if you have a sense of humor when you look at something. Humor I think brings out both the worse and the best in people you just have to figure what to do in that situation. Of course having humor can get you in trouble.... as you will see. hehe!!
Americymru: Any public appearances in the near future?
Edward: I do have many are coming up. The Scottish Highland Games in Gresham, Oregon Ill be making an appearance there with Kathleens of Dublin . I also have a launch party at Kathleens of Dublin in Portland on 6 Aug. I will also have a launch party in Seattle on 30 July. I will be working with the Iron Mutt Coffee Company which has three cafes around Portland in doing signings, one this coming Saturday the 27th from 10-12 in Hillsboro. This is great place to bring your dog and get them high on caffeine. Ill be in Seattle, Los Angles as well later in the summer. I believe Ill be in Boston, London, England, New York, and Albuquerque, New Mexico as well. Then of course Americymrus big event the third weekend of August which I hope shows the world the funny world of Celtic music.
The two graphics at the top of every page on the site ( currently 20,000 approx ) will become available after the West Coast Eisteddfod on October 13th. The site currently attracts around 150,000 unique visitors a year and with a page load ratio of better than 2 to 1 that means 300,000 eyeballs on these ad spots. We are interested in soliciting advertising clients for the coming year and we are open to offers. Each ad will be 480 pixels wide by approximately 100 pixels in height. Advertisers will be entitled to change both the graphic and the destination url once a month.All proceeds from advertising go to support the West Coast Eisteddfod.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO MAKE US AN OFFER. EMAIL AMERICYMRU@GMAIL.COM
Mike Jenkins describes his first blogpost thus:-"My very first blog.I'm a virgin blogger. I wonder if anyone out there will even bother to read it. Well, I'm used to that , being a poet!"In our humble opinion such modesty ill befits the author of this magnificent poem:- The Journey of The Taf ....first published on Americymru in April this year. We look forward to reading future posts. Mike must not blog in vain:)
Bonus Prize in Lovespoon Draw!!!! Poem by Chris Chandler, Artwork by Jen Delyth
By Ceri Shaw, 2012-09-28
.
For the latest progress reports and pictures of the Portland Lovespoon 2012 please see David Western's Portland Lovespoon Blog
The winner of this years Portland Lovespoon will receive an additional prize. As many of our readers will know David Western has crafted a unique lovespoon as a fund raiser for the West Coast Eisteddfod since 2009. In 2011 and again this year he has partnered with Laura Gorun and the record of their artistic collaboration can be followed on the Portland Lovespoon Blog ( linked above )
This year we are pleased and proud to announce that the theme of artistic collaboration has been carried even further.
Chris Chandler has composed a poem on the theme of celebrating your roots. The poem will be printed with a high rez graphic background designed by Jen Delyth You can read the poem and view the design below. Both the 2012 Portland Lovespoon and the poem will be presented to the winner of this years Portland Lovespoon Draw. If you have not bought your tickets yet go to the 'Donate' button in the right hand column on this page for a chance to win these unique works of art. Every dollar you donate entitles you to one ticket in the draw and all proceeds go to support the WCE. The winner will be announced at the West Coast Eisteddfod at the Multnomah Arts Center, Portland on October 13th .
Jen Delyth will be signing copies of her book 'Celtic Folk Soul - Art,Myth & Symbol' at the West Coast Eisteddfod and at our table at Wordstock on October 12th and 13th. Chris Chandler will amongst the judges for our short story and poetry competitions at the Eisteddfod and will be performing at the closing concert ( watch this space for further announcements )
DONT MISS THIS YEARS WEST COAST EISTEDDFOD - BUY TICKETS HERE 
.
Love Spoon
Chris Chandler 2012
As you and I water the simple pear tree we have just planted
I question...
Who gives life to whom?
Holding hands beneath her shade
Our lives entangle
Our bodies entangle
Like roots and branches.
Each feeds the other as with a spoon.
The spoon of life.
You feel my roots beneath you as I sway with your branches,
and I wonder
Branches branch skyward,
rewarding the ground with fallen fruit.
Roots root deep,
rewarding the branches with drink.
Without one there could not be the other.
Without you there could be no me.
Inseparable.
Feeding each other.
The spoon of life.
