Awake

My serendipitous encounter with desert gypsies

Or, How I Became Acquainted With The Molehill Orkestrah from Tucson, Arizona.

It was just me and my camera out for a stroll. In the smoldering heat. I thought I may as well find a patch of grass in the park to sit and cool down. A band of musicians had gathered just past the first pond and looked as if they would begin playing soon. Ah. Grass+Entertainment=Perfection.

Having played the violin when I was a student, I was immediately intrigued by the presence of a violin and a cello player. When they began, I was delighted by the sound—a sort of a gypsy-inspired, New Orleans funeral march, dancing in peasant attire around a bonfire sort of sound. It is the sort of music that can evoke memory, stir the soul, kindle desire. Haunting and celebrating—all at once.

Later that evening, I heard them "plugged in" at the Where? House in Ashland, a new venue in the business park at 280 Hersey (#14). I had a wonderful time chatting with the cellist and picked up their CD, "Language of Bones," which I have been enjoying for the better part of today.

So without further ado, here are a few of the pictures I took of the Molehill Orkestrah as they played in Lithia Park yesterday evening.

Happy Friday.