Book Review - Taro-San the Fisherman and the Weeping Willow Tree by Richard Hatch

Review:

By David Sharp

Taro-san the Fisherman and the Weeping Willow Tree

Author Richard Hatch

Illustrated by Andras Balogh

Translated by Yokishige Kadoya

Taro-san the Fisherman and the Weeping Willow Tree is a beautiful children’s book that should be in every library and for that matter every home where intelligent parents wish to have quality cross cultural education and enchanting stories for their children.

Every page has thoughtful narration of a gentle story of the dream of Taro-san to become a fisherman. The magic of the Kanji characters painted with a brush on the hull of the boat, cast a spell to disguise it as the Willow Tree where Taro-san caught fish as a child. Yokishige Kadoya has made the translations next to the English text of the story written by Richard Hatch. Japanese Kanji characters with English show children the cross cultural nature of language. It also gives this book appeal, to be read to children in Japan as well.

The masterful Illustrations are by Andras Balogh and remind one of the beautiful water colors and block prints of Japanese master artist Hokusai during the Edo Period. (circa, 1830)

In addition to having written this wonderful book, Richard Hatch is one of the most incredible Magicians in the country. He combines storytelling with magic. Richard and his wife do a live version with the “Nankin Tamasudare”, in which a bamboo mat is transformed into a myriad of figures to illustrate the story. Rosemary Hatch performs music on the Violin to match the narration and punctuate the magical transformations for Richard’s story.

Enchantment is the best word to describe this book and its author. A must have for any children’s library, and if you get to see the live show with magic as well you are fortunate indeed.

Published by

The Hatch Academy of Music and Magic

www.HatchAcademy.com

Copyright @ Richard Hatch2012

By David Sharp

Proprietor DBA Idlewild and Idlewild Recordings L L C

Member of the Utah Storytelling Guild

Business Agent of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 104

Happy Holidays

from

Idlewild

May your dreams and hopes come true.

Penny Whistle Class at the University of Utah - Life Long Learning

If you've ever wanted to learn the Penny Whistle now may be the time. Instructor David Sharp. We will study music from the Celtic countries, England and Europe. Song airs and traditional dance tunes. Bring a D Whistle to the class.


http://continue.utah.edu/lifelong/class/llmt_440_penny_whistle

The Chicken Manifesto

Chicken Manifesto

I went to feed my Chickens in their Chicken Coop you see

when suddenly I’d a notion just to set my Chickens free.

Chicken’s in the Barnyard, Chickens in the street;

Chicken’s at the neighbors house finding what to eat.

Chickens riding subways, driving Cars in town,

Chickens in the Super Market, running round and round.

Chickens wearing sneakers, walking down the street;

Smiling and they’re waving at everyone they meet.

Chickens in the bread pan kicking out the dough;

Chickens stuffing pillows with feathers don’t you know.

Boneless Chickens, chicken pox, chickens aching back;

Chickens in the doctor’s office, some say he’s a quack.

Chickens riding skateboards, betting at the track;

The Banks they have no money, just bird seed in a sack.

There’s Chickens in the Library, Chickens in the schools’

Chickens that are scientists and Chickens that are fools.

Chickens need no Oil Wells no New-cler energy;

Won’t be no more frakin, cause Chicken poop is free.

Chickens in the legislature, House and Congress too

Chickens declaring peace on Earth, no more Chicken Stew.

by David Spalding Sharp

copyright 2012

Lifelong Learning Intro to Mountain Dulcimer | Continuing Education at the University of Utah

Lifelong Learning Intro to Mountain Dulcimer | Continuing Education at the University of Utah

Colonel John Francis Sharp MD and family

 

 

 

My Grandfather Colonal John Francis Sharp - Commanding officer of the Army Hospital Unit from Utah. Seen here before heading off to establish a field hospital in the conflict with Pancho Villa, near the Mexican border. He was the units commander during World War I as well. My Grandfather is holding Uncle Gil, who later taught at the New York Art Academy with Uncle Mahonri Young. Standing next to him is his wife Sally Luella Ferin Sharp, who was a Handcart Pioneer descendent and star Soprano of the Salt Lake Oprea Company. She was a favorite student of Madame Von Klenner where Colonel Sharp and she met in New York while taking instruction from her. The oldest child, front and center is Marion, who later was a fulbright in Opera, and member of the Paris and San Francisco Opera Companies. The tallest boy next to her was Klink (Klenner), named after Madame von Klenner and Bones (Harlow), my fathers older brothers and Naval Doctors in the Pacific in WWII. In the foreground is Aunt Martha, she later married Wallice Toronto and wrote a book called "A Cherry Tree grows behind the Iron Curtain". This picture was taken in Liberty Park, Salt Lake City, Utah, circa 1916.

 

 

 

Unkown Union band in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. I like the Chinese paper lanterns in the foreground and the banner in German with Gothic lettering behind the band. They have a Banjo player, and I love Banjos.....

Salt Lake may have been more ethically diverse in the early days than people today realize. The date on the picture says 1918, the union came here in 1902 one hundred and ten years ago.

Trom the archives of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 104 photo archives.

D. Sharp

Don Kirkham's and his Society Serenadiers 1922-23 Season

I found this photo in the archives of Local 104's Musicians Union folder where I work during the day. "See", all my banjo buddies would say, "Banjos used to be used for everything back then". What I want to know is how they got the Banjoist in a suit. Don Kirkham and his Society Serenaders 1922-23 season in Salt Lake City.

The Moon and Seven Stars

The Moon and Seven Stars

Once upon a time beneath the Moon and Seven Stars

A Swan and Seven Cignets swam upon a mirror Lake

An Elvish Woman came from the Hills and music she would make

To the Stars she played upon her Harp beside the lovely Pond

and when at last she'd played enough she left before the dawn

Daylight fades again the Swan's that swam upon the Lake

Would hear again the tales the ancient Harp could make.

by David Spalding Sharp

The Battle of Moytura

This Saint Patrick’s Day I am reminded of this story.

In days long ago, when the Tuatha de Dananan, or children of light, came to Ireland, they found the Fomori opposing them for the mastery of Ireland. They were an evil race of wraith like spirits that had in their enslavement a crude race of giants.  They moved upon the central plain of Ireland, a place called Moytura. There the Fomori brought forth their King, Balor of the Evil Eye. He brought several servants that would lift the lid of his great eye and a warrior in bright shining mail would die. The battle went badly for the Tuatha de Dananan, and Nuada Silver Hand was slain, and Govanan the Smith along with many others of the Children of the Goddess. Just when things seemed at their worst, there came upon the plain a great warrior, bright like the Sun, with golden hair and a great shining Spear.  Luke (Lugh) hefted up the great spear to his shoulder and flung it with all his might. As it flew through the air all living things upon the Earth held their breath as their fate was in the balance. When it struck the Eye of Balor there was a great flash of light that rose to the heights of the Heavens, and to the depths of the great Sea and the hidden places of the Earth. Ireland was free of all Evil for many hundreds of years. For after that the Fomori retreated to their island of Tori, and there they remained lashed by the waves in their ancient tower.  The Children of Light ruled Ireland in peace and contentment until the coming of man to Ireland. The Celtic Cross is both the symbol of Luke the Sun God and the forces of light combined with the Cross of Christ. The Irish harvest festival is named after the Sun God, Lughnasa. I am reminded in these days of controversy and hatred that there is a great and continuing struggle between light and darkness that with courage, love and charity in one’s heart we can defeat those that worship darkness and their ideals of hatred, violence, slavery and denigration. May our world be free of evil and hatred, yet ever vigilant.

Celtic Celebration - Peery's Egyptian Theatre

Idlewild is honored to be back at Peery's Egyptian Theatre with our old friends Celtic Beat and the Galway Pipers. The event is for Saturday March 17th, 2012 Saint Patrick's Day. The time is 7:30 pm to 9:15 pm.

Experience the authentic textures of Ireland and Scotland at Peery’s Egyptian Theater’s annual Celtic Celebration. High energy jigs and lyrical ballads weave an enchantment. Step dancers bring fire and energy to the stage. Haunting pipes and drums inspire images of lonely cliffs and brilliant green fields. Come celebrate the Irish in you.

Celtic Beat, Feet of Fire under the direction of LaRae Thackeray and the Galloway Highlanders Pipes and Drums will once again take the stage at the Egyptian. These phenomenal performers will be joined by the local Celtic group Idlewild. Dave Sharp on Irish Flute, Vocals, Storytelling, Cittern, Moutain Dulcimer, Carol Sharp on Whistle, Celtic Harp, Teresa Welch on Fiddle and Patrick Leary on Guitar.

Venue Details
The historic Peery's Egyptian Theater is a community performing arts center in downtown Ogden. It hosts live musical and theatric events and also cinema.

Peery's Egytian Theatre
2415 Washington Blvd.
Ogden, Utah

801-689-8700

http://www.peerysegyptiantheatre.com/

In past years the tickets have sold out some weeks before the event. In order to attend you may want to order soon.

Sincerely,

David S. Sharp

2012 Interfaith Musical Tribute

Salt Lake City Rountable Presents
2012 Interfaith Musical Tribute
Many Faiths one Family
Sunday February 26th, 2012 at the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square. Earth Based Music, Jewish Music, Unitarian Choir, LDS Children's Choir, Tahi Buddist music and dance, Christian Gospel Choir, Hindu music and dance, Little Taiko Buddhist Drums, Presbyterian Bell Ringers, Native American Flute and more. Flutes from various cultures are featured elements of each of the groups.
www.interfaithroundtable.org (free tickets are available)

INTERFAITH TRIBUTE 2012 – 10 year anniversary of Interfaith

Sunday, February 26, 2012

A. Organ Prelude - Bonnie Goodliffe

B. Welcome – Carole Mikita  (at podium)

C. Native American Flute (center stage mic) – Wayne Gardner – Northern Ute

D. Prayer – Lacee Harris (podium) – Northern Ute Piute

E. Elder Gary Crittenden, Area Seventy (podium)

Elder Gary Crittenden is a member of the sixth quorum of the seventy since

April 2007. Prior to that, he served as President of the Yorktown New York Stake

in Westchester County, New York and Fairfield County, Connecticut. He and his

wife, Cathy, have been married 32 years and are the parents of three married

children-two daughters and one son. They are also grandparents to six (soon to

be eight) grandchildren. They are members of the Manhattan First Ward in the

New York, New York Stake.

Sister Crittenden is a stay-at-home mom and enjoys a wide range of activities with

her children and grandchildren . She is a fine quilter, seamstress and pianist. Her

family would say that she is the heart of her family. Among her many church

Callings, she has served as a President of the Primary, Young Women's and Relief

Society.

Elder Crittenden works as the Chief Financial Officer of Citigroup, one of the

largest financial institutions in the world. Before his current position at Citigroup, he

was Chief Financial Officer of American Express, Monsanto and Sears Roebuck

and Company.

F. Governor’s Representative – Greg Bell? (podium)

F. Elaine Emmi – History of Interfaith – Interfaith Rountable Board Secretary (podium)

Elaine has been with Interfaith from the start. She is one of the driving forces that keeps Salt Lake Interfaith happening. By religious faith she is a Quaker.

TRIBUTE PROGRAM (Carole will introduce each number from podium)

1. Ogden Buddhist Taiko Group - (Buddhist) - Stan Hirai - director

The Ogden Buddhist Taiko Group is affiliated with the Buddhist Church of Ogden.   The Buddhist Church of Ogden is a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temple which is a Japanese form of Buddhism founded in the 13^th Century.  The group is comprised of members of all ages and has been in existence since 1977.  The group finds that performing is very satisfying both personally and spiritually.  The sharing of the art of taiko with others is a great way of expressing both the Japanese art form of taiko but also of sharing the spiritual aspects of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.  In Buddhist taiko the goal for the player is to become one with the drum just as in Buddhism the goal of each individual practicing Buddhism is to become one with Buddha or to become enlightened.

They will be performing “Ashura”, which translated means War or Warring Demons.  Written by and played with the permission of Rev. Masami Kodani of the Kinnara Taiko Group.  In this case the war described in this piece is not one fought on the battlefield but one that is demonstrated in our interactions with people and relationships in our everyday lives.  In this piece the group plays as if in conflict with each other and then will end together as if in resolution of their conflict.

The second piece was written by the Japanese taiko group Ondekoza in tribute to the people of Hachi Jo Island, one of the islands of Japan, an island unique in its support of the performing arts.  The group Ondekoza taught this piece to Denver Taiko Group one of Ogden Buddhist Taiko Group mentor groups who in turn taught it to them.

2. Idlewild - (Earth based) David Sharp

Carol Sharp - Celtic Harp/David Sharp - Celtic Flute/Teresa Lynn Welch – Violin/Pat Leary – Guitar

To honor the Earth as our Mother is a common spiritual theme passed down to us from ancient times. This includes honoring animals as well as the spirits of every grove, spring, rock formation or other feature of nature. We humans are not separate from nature, but are one aspect of it. We must do our best to stay in harmony with the whole of the natural world.

Idlewild will be performing a medley of original songs:

Clackmannen ©2012 David S. Sharp – Is an air written in the Scottish

idiom. The Sharps were a family of Quarrymen, Stone Cutters and Coal

Miners from Clackmannen from 1500 to 1848. The village was named after the megalithic standing stone next to the naval cross in the town square. Clackmannen is Gallic for “Stone of the Manu” or Sea God.

Mary Hunter Sharp ©2012 David S. Sharp – is a Strathspey written in the

Scottish dance idiom. Named after the composers immigrant ancestor that

set out for Utah in 1848.

The Firth of Forth ©2012 David S. Sharp – is a Country dance reel

written in the Scottish idiom. Named after the inlet where the village of Clackmannen is located.

As an interesting side note: David’s family quarried and freighted the red sandstone foundations for the Tabernacle from their family quarry in Red Butte canyon in the east side of the valley.

3. Karadi Karagam - (Hindu) 

Presented by : Utah Tamil Sangam

Choreography: Divya School of Dance

Director: Anuradha Narayanan

Song: Pachai Malai Pavazha Malai

Kutrala Kuravanji is a grand musical play, set in the picturesque town nestled in at the foot of a mountain waterfall named Kutralam, in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Written in beautiful ornate Tamil by Melagaram Tirikooda Rasappa Kavirayar in 1715 in praise of Hindu God Shiva and his son Murugan – the Tamil God for Valor, beauty and knowledge. A dance drama, set in verse and related by the young maidens of Kutralam, is one of both religious devotion and human love and paints a poignant picture of life in south India 300 years ago. The Kuravanjis are also known as Kurathis, who are the essential characters in the musical play. Kurathis are sooth sayers, and their tribe is very talented in craftsmaking. We are going to witness today one such song from Kutrala Kuravanji where the beautiful Kuravanjis dance about the pride of her beautiful rich mountain and land, -- the land that not only keeps them happy, but teaches them arts and also keeps them healthy in mind ,body and spirit, in short One with God !

4. Unitarian Choir

The First Unitarian Church of Salt lake City acts as a bastion of liberal theology and thought along the Wasatch Front. Established in Salt Lake City in the late 19th century, its permanent home was established at 600 South and 1300 East with the building of its church there in 1927. Lead by Seven Governing Principles, Unitarianism has a strong directive to  attend to social justice, mindful living and a conscientious awareness to the interconnectedness of all life and the well-being of our planet.  Reflecting these ideals, members of the Chancel Choir will perform"Liberty and Justice". Composed by our Director of Music, David Owens, this piece is a rousing call to 'Sing with One United Voice with Liberty and Justice for All'.

The Chancel Choir of The First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City:

"Liberty and Justice"

Director of Music: David Owens

Assistant Choral Directors: Holly Stuart and David A. Zabriskie

5. Reading from the Kuran (Muslim) Imam Muhammed Mehtar

(Still waiting for info from the Imam)

6. Mama's Temple Church Choir - (Christian Gospel Choir) –

Under the dynamic direction of Minister of Music Rosalind E. Cazares

 (Contenders for the Faith of Jesus Christ Inc)

Overseer & Founder (Mama) Dr. Rosemary Redmon Cosby (Apr 1932 –Jan 1997)

Pastors Elder Mark L. and Co-founder Rosalind E. Cazares

Assistant Pastors Elder Adrian and Rosae Jefferson

In the cold winter month of January of 1961 (Mama) Dr. Rosemary Redmon Cosby and her four young children left Indianapolis, Indiana by bus to Kansas and started out walking on the Highway to Utah in obedience to God after Mama received a call from God, To Go to Salt Lake City and seek His souls.  Mama worked her way to Salt Lake preaching revivals and God answered their prayers on their journey giving Mama and her children safe rides and warming the weather up for them as they walked along the highway.  After arriving in Utah, God richly blessed Mama after many hardships and years of faithfulness to God and hard work; truly a Rags to Riches story.  Since Mama’s passing in January of 1997, Pastors Elder Mark & Co-founder Rosalind Cazares, Mama’s faithful daughter, keeps Mama’s beautiful legacy and continues her great work.We believe in the water baptism in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and receiving of the Gift of the Holy Ghost according to Acts 2:38 preached by Peter on the Day of Pentecost.

7. (The African group was here, but they canceled. There may be a group we will slide in here, but I will have to do that last minute if it happens.)

8. LDS Children's Choir –

We will next hear from a group of children from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints singing a medley of Primary songs. The group is calling themselves the “Mormon Tabernacle Primary Children’s Choir”, and consists of children age 7-12 from the East Millcreek, East Millcreek North, Holladay North, Canyon Rim and Monument Park Stakes. They are under the direction of Susan Kaelin with Dean Kaelin at the piano.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the official name of the religion commonly called the Mormon Church. They believe first and foremost that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the Son of God. While their backgrounds and experiences are diverse, Mormons are united by a belief that we are all children of God.  They believe God has called a prophet that is on the earth at this time to guide and help all of his children. The church believes in helping all people and is involved in humanitarian efforts throughout the world.

9. Khemera Dance Troupe - (Buddhist) - Chanda Chuon

Name: Robaim Choun Por (Cambodian Classical Blessing Dance) This dance depicts goddesses descending from heaven to offer the world a blessing of peace and prosperity. This dance is often used as a way to bless the audience at the beginning of religious events or a royal ceremony.

Names of performers to be listed in the program (directors, choreographers, etc): Performance by: Sinoeun Poeut, Sovanny May, Jenny Hor, Julie Hor, Samnang Loeung, Londa Loeung and Rannie Sin. Under the direction of Chanda Chuon.

Cambodian classical dance is a sacred art form that is passed down verbally from generation to generation. In it's original form, only the king and his honored guests were allowed to view the performances. These dances were often used as a bridge to bind this word with the celestial world of his (the king) ancestors. Robaim Choun Por is used in the beginning of many royal and religious ceremonies to ask the gods to bless the audience with peace and prosperity.

Director: Chanda Chuon

10. Sikh Blessing – JB Singh – Sikh Temple

A progressive religion well ahead of its time when it was founded over 543 years ago, The Sikh religion today has a following of over 25 million people worldwide and is ranked as the worlds 5th largest religion. Sikhism preaches a message of Devotion and remembrance of God at all times, truthful living, equality of mankind and denounces superstitions and blind rituals. Sikhism is open to all through the teachings of its 10 Gurus enshrined in the Sikh Holy Book and Living Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib.Sikh's are having main Sikh Temple, Known as GOLDEN TEMPLE, in Amritsar Punjab India, which is most visited religious   places in the world and more than 50,000 peoples (Devotees ) are having Free Food (Langar) every day. Sikh Temple in Utah is open for everyone, seven days a week, having special congregation and prayers on Sundays 11 am to 1 pm, followed by free Kitchen (Langar )

11. Reformation Ringers - (Christian) - Barbara Hartman

The "Reformation Ringers" are from three Protestant Reformed Tradition churches, Wasatch Presbyterian (Salt Lake City), Hilltop Methodist (Sandy) and Community Methodist (Ogden). The Methodist and Presbyterian churches grew from the Sixteenth Century reformation with leaders John Wesley and John Calvin.  Our (Their?) beliefs are of One God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, saved by grace through faith, and encouraged to follow Jesus' lead of forgiveness and reconciliation.  Presbyterians and Methodists differ from many other protestant churches in our (their?) emphasis of living out the mandate of Christ in actions of social justice. We will be playing "Fantasy on Kingsfold", believed to be written by Ralph Vaughan Williams, though also believed to be an English Folk Tune. Arranged for bells by H. Dean Wagner.  The Reformation Ringers are directed today by Claudette Rothwell.

12. Desert Wind - (Jewish) Alan Bachman

Members of Jewish Faith.  Jewish faith in Utah is diverse with several congregations.  Jews have been in Utah since the mid-1800s.

They will be performing and original composition called “OD TESHUVAH”.

Od Teshuvah means more ‘return to source’. Od Tefillah means More Prayer and Od Tsedakah means more charity and good deeds

 

Performers: Alan and Andalin Bachman, Rajab Harrous, Adnan Jasim

G. Final Remarks – Alan Bachman – Interfaith Chair

H. Let There Be Peace on Earth – ASL interpreter on stage

David Parker, Ed.D., (Methodist) Associate Director of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Center for Community of Caring Institute at the University of Utah

1^st time thru sung by Children’s choir, 2^nd time with entire congregation

piano

I. Benediction – Rev. Canon W. Ivan Cendese – Exec. Director SL Interfaith Roundtable

J. Organ postlude - Bonnie Goodliffe