Alternative Indie Songs that Make Me Feel Good - News - Bubblews

This list might not be precisely alternative indie music, so you purists, don't judge. It's just me trying to sound young and hipster. I have no idea what constitutes "indie" other than something about independent, So, like not under fascist control? Not living with parents? Non-gratis? (Erhm, highly doubt that). Alternative, I have no clue about. But I ask you, hipsters, can YOU really define it? I think like me, you just like how alternative rolls off the tongue. Anyhoo, semantics aside, here's the playlist. Let's begin with Ane Brun "Do You Remember?" (a little cabaret). Read on for the rest. And if you don't like it, well, go to Bubblews (tell 'em I sent you) and write your own list of suggestions! Smiley face--love you!  Alternative Indie Songs that Make Me Feel Good

Solidarity Forever, Brother Pete Seeger

The world lost a dear person today. Pete Seeger entered his final rest. I grew up on his music, if not his purpose. In the late 60s, my parents were redefining themselves. We listened hardcore Christian revival like Bob Harrington (Chaplain of Bourbon St.), Mamas and Papas, New Christie Minstrels and Sister Rosetta. Pete Seeger fit that style by default. Then I grew up and started working in the labor movement and Pete was an icon. So it with deep sorrow that I bid him farewell. Solidarity Forever, Pete Seeger

Bobby Watson says MLK Jr Day is "Check Cashing Day" and He's Right

 I forgot it was MLK Jr. Day until I tried to go to the bank to cash a check. Ironically, a good object lesson for me, remembering Dr. King's "check marked insufficient funds" metaphor. MLK alluded to a 100-year-old "moral check" written by the founding fathers in the Declaration of Independence. It was payable to ALL "Americans" but only some could collect on it.



My son referenced these owed funds today, too. Coming home from work, he caught a song called "Check Cashing Day" on WYCE (our favorite alternative public radio from Grand Rapids). Jazz saxophonist Bobby Watson's wrote it as tribute to the I Have a Dream speech's 50th anniversary. The song says 50 years later, the check is still in some ways overdue.

 Bobby Watson is Right MLK Jr Day is "Check Cashing Day" - News - Bubblews

Kwanzaa in Congo Square Treme New Orleans Jazz and Roots at It's Best

On our recent trip to New Orleans, we explored Treme. If you're not familiar with NOLA, you might recognize this neighborhood from the TV show. Exotic, colorful, music-infused Treme was home base for many jazz icons--Alphonse Picou, Shannon Walker, Kermit Ruffins, Trombone Shorty, Tuba Fats. That's only the ones I recognize. There are many more bands and players.

Louis Armstrong Park on Rampart, honors legends Sidney Bechet, Mahalia Jackson, Wynton Marsalis, and its namesake Armstrong. Famed Basin Street, of Basin Street Blues, runs through the Treme.

Treme was particularly hard hit by Hurricane Katrina. All around are reminders. Foliage sprouted from flood water still grows on some buildings, like modern Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The original Mahalia Jackson Theater for Performing Arts was drowned in 14 feet of water. A new theater opened in 2009. Some areas still await clean up. Others are gone. Blessed Kwanzaa Ceremony, Congo Square New Orleans Treme Neighborhood

Mar and Big Al Playlist-- Eclectic, Hectic, Frenetic

Sometimes, with a little serendipity, my husband gets a night off once a week. If the stars are in alignment, he might get TWO nights off. As he did last weekend. So when he does, we like to enjoy music. I call our selections the +Mar-and-Big-Al-playlist. It is pan-genre, pan-world. It is hectic, electric and frenetic. Here's a sampling from last Saturday.   Mar and Big Al Playlist. Eclectic, Hectic, Frenetic

Educational Thanksgiving Movies with Awesome Soundtracks

Thanksgiving, as a holiday has some urban legends clinging to it. Historical inaccuracies, romanticized euphemisms, wishful thinking and revisionist history distort our knowledge of pilgrims (more accurately puritans), native Americans and 17th century life in New England.

I'm not going to attempt to lay any inaccuracies to rest. I'll be the first to admit I don't know for sure. I wasn't there. No one living was. What I present are movies based on research to be the most accurate depiction of life in the early 1600s. Most are literature based and have killer soundtracks. Best Educational Movies for Thanksgiving Lessons

Facebook Causes Awards Grant Money to School Arts, Music Programs

 I'm going to be honest about two things. I both love and dread getting a Causes notification from Facebook. I have an activist's heart and love supporting worthwhile issues. But I don't that some Causes requests feel more like someone's agenda. Some literally spam me with requests. Post on your Facebook wall, but don't flood my email with your pet causes.  Facebook Causes, An Agenda We Can All Agree On