Grinnell College, IA (part 2)

Dec. 2 - Today we had the full workshop, followed by an evening concert / presentation, during which Sarah gave a summary of her project. It was entirely delightful! Everyone had a great time and I was quite impressed with Sarah's work & what she had to say. Grinnell purchased three Georgian folk instruments, which I helped obtain from Georgia: a chonguri, panduri, and chunir. I taught one song for each instrument and we performed them in the evening, formally presenting the instruments to the college at the same time. Following the concert, John Rommereim invited us back to his house & we had a lovely evening - especially when our visiting Georgian guitar player from Iowa City, Tariel Barimelidze, began singing Tsangala. It certainly helped warm everyone up - and boy, did we need it! As Alan & I departed the next morning the Bank displayed 6 degrees Fahrenheit. A cold time made warm by lots of great singing & good hearts. Thanks, Sarah, John, and everyone who made this visit possible for Alan & me.

Grinnell College, IA

Today Alan Gasser & I did the first part of a 2-day workshop at Grinnell College in Iowa, arranged by our good friends Sarah Burghardt and John Rommereim. We had a great time, despite the freezing weather outside! (Good thing the workshop was indoors). Prior to the workshop, Sarah, Alan & I did a teaser outside the dining hall - we sang 3 Georgian songs as a trio. It was great fun! Sarah sang the middle voice & had a great sound. Tomorrow we have a full day of singing, followed by a concert/presentation in the evening. We're hoping to be joined by a Georgian guitarist who is currently living in Iowa City. More to follow!