360x270 version [5:33m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (204)
640x480 MP4 [5:33m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (769)My friends Don Charles and Deb Gessner, also known as D-Squared, performed this lovely tune at a house concert last year. I’m hoping they won’t be mad at me for editing out the lead-in song. See, what’s being performed is “El Dia de los Muertos/Owlsong,” but I wanted to zero in on “Owlsong.”
When D-Squared performs, [...]
iPod (320x240) [3:38m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (407) Bigger (640x480) [3:38m]: Download (307)As the performing arts troupe prepared to leave for the evening, they explained that they wanted to sing a final song in honor of our hosts. To “sing for their supper” as Mark puts it. As if they hadn’t earned it already! It just so happens they chose my favorite song, and you’ll hear [...]
iPod (320x240) [1:49m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (276) Bigger (640x480) [1:49m]: Download (191)You saw us learn it, now see us perform our haka for the group. I think we gave ‘em their money’s worth!
I should mention we were gently told later that women do not stick out their tongues when they pukana. This wasn’t mentioned during our learning because the evening was all in fun. But our [...]
iPod (320x240) [1:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (380) Bigger (640x480) [1:46m]: Download (143)This is the group performing a haka. This is not a war dance, though some haka can be war dances. I don’t know the words, but I think this performance is an overall expression of community pride as well as an entertainment for us, the guests. From what I understand, each performer is encouraged to [...]
iPod (320x240) [1:41m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (439) Bigger (640x480) [1:41m]: Download (263)This video was recorded on June 28, 2006. It features a wonderful Maori performance group, and I’m kicking myself that I can’t remember their name. The leader, Dave, who is blowing the conch shell and isn’t wearing traditional dress, gave me his business card, and I know it’s around here somewhere, so when I find [...]
