Support |
Hi folks, I'll be doing video improvisations with The Jambient Project at the end of the Lowell Southeast Asian Water Festival, which looks pretty interesting overall. Lowell Water Festival Directions: 495 or 3 to the lowell connector Follow connector to the end and take a left (Gorham Street) Gorham becomes Central Street After crossing canal, bear right onto Prescott Street Right onto East Merrimack street 2nd building on your right is Middlesex Community College (big new looking brick building), the show is in the back. There is some parking right in front, and plenty on the street nearby. 1. 5:30 pm Traditional Music (CD) 2. 6:00 pm Introduction by MC and Event Coordinator, Tooch Van, Special Guests 3. 6:15 pm Blessing Ceremony Religious Presentations by Ajahn David Chutiko, English; Venerable Sao Khon, Khmer; Venerable Thich Thien Hue, Vietnamese; and Venerable Mangkone Dhammadharo, Laos. Followed by Blessing of event. 4. 6:45 pm Blessing Dance by Somaly Hay & Co. Dance of Best Wishes: Also known as the Blessing Dance, this piece is ritually performed at the beginning of all events and programs to rid evil spirits and to bring forth joy and happiness to the audience. 5. 6:55 pm Peace Dance Peace Dance: Somaly Hay is a Cambodian Court Dancer trained at the Royal Palace as a young child. The art of Cambodian Court dance, as all the arts of Cambodia, was nearly decimated during the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970’s. Most of the nation’s artists were killed or forced to flee the country. In her search for spiritual understanding of the events of September 11, Somaly found her sorrow transformed to a feeling of peace, and was inspired to create this court dance as an expression of healing. The intent is to illustrate the power of the mind, spirit, and soul in achieving inner peace and tranquility. “We pray to the highest power - asking for peace and prosperity. Our dance is the gift of peace to all.” Performed by Somaly, Rithmaly, Sokphury, Nicole, Brenda, and Sophan. 6. 7:10 pm Tivea Propei (Glorious Day) Dance Glorious Day Dance: The text in the song accompanying the dance reads as follows: A glorious day of ours - The children all meet in solidarity - For friendship all over the world - Heartedly - not tiring - Living near and far without worries - Very happy - Solidarity in hand - Having glory and prosperity during our celebration - The coutry is properous because we love our nation. Performed by a special group of adopted children from Cambodia: Emma, Sothea, Srey Dy, James, Lea, and Solinda. 7. 7:20 pm Laos National Flower Dance by Tamara Phongsavad This dance is performed to honor this event with our treasured flowers. 8. 7:30 pm Bopha Lokei (Flower of the World) Dance Robam Bopha Lokei - Flower of the World Dance: The words in the song accompanying this dance are translated as follows: “Usually everybody wants flowers - For decoration or to decorate the body - The sweet scent of the flowers bring prosperity - The beauty of the flowers is like the beauty of the girls - Everybody admires the flowers - Even the bees surrounding the flowers want pollen - Flowers fully bloomed make you want to pick them and turn them into flower garlands.” 9. 7:40 pm Buong Suong (Wishing) Dance The Buong Suong Dance is the climax of a ritual traditionally performed to request the deceased king to protect the kingdom from drought, hunger, or other suffering, and to bring peace. Offerings are made to the four directions prior to the arrival of the dancers who unify this world with the celestial abode of the ancestors. 12. 8:00 pm Blessing of the Canal Mike Wurm, Lowell National Historical Park Volunteer Coordinator to give history of the canal system and invite Monks to Bless the Canal. 13. 8:30 pm Candle Floats FLOATING CANDLELIGHT CEREMONY ( Loy Krathong) While facts regarding the origins and intentions of this ceremony may vary, few would disagree that it is a joyful and ‘generosity-based’ ceremony whose meaning comes from the hearts of the participants. It is celebrated throughout South East Asia as well as many Temples in the West. The floating candles are normally designed and constructed by the person for the occasion. This 21st Century adaptation, while made from different materials, consists of the traditional candle, incense and flowers. Before releasing it upon the river, the person makes an intention, or prayer, dedicated to loved ones, living or deceased, wishing for them all the very best of good health and good fortune. We suggest that, no matter what our intention, we might also add a prayer for our fallen and wounded soldiers and a prayer for world peace. Monks are invited by MC to lead the candle floating procession on canal. Followed by audience participation. 14. 8:45 pm The Jambient Project "Encompassing elements of dance, classical, rock and jazz musical styles as well as ambient soundscapes, The Jambient Project mixes musicianship and improvisation with electronic precision, creating genre busting grooves, textures and harmonies." -- " Practice makes perfect, imperfect is better." -- Paul Bley Emile Tobenfeld, Ph. D. Video Producer Image Processing Specialist Video for your HEAD! Boris FX http://www.foryourhead.com http://www.borisfx.com