Like "Oh Shenandoah," "Simple Gifts" is a traditional American song that I first learned during my choir years. It's another folk song that has stuck with me because I still find it beautiful. "Simple Gifts" is a Shaker dance spiritual that was written in the 1800s. I love its catchy melody and message of freedom,… Continue reading Press Play: Simple Gifts
https://soundcloud.com/user-759499852/oh-shenandoah The first time I heard "Oh Shenandoah" was at a concert when I was in elementary school. The boys choir sang it, and I was enchanted. They hit the high notes beautifully, and I instantly loved the melody. "Oh Shenandoah" is a North American traditional folk song with origins in the early 19th century.… Continue reading Press Play: Oh Shenandoah
Illustration by Aileen Torres-Bennett "The House of the Rising Sun" is one of my favorite traditional folk songs. It's a dark tale of remorse, with a catchy melody. The most popular version is the one by The Animals from the '60s. My version is more stripped down. I tried to give it a haunting quality… Continue reading Press Play: House of the Rising Sun
https://videopress.com/v/HDLd5kMl?preloadContent=metadata Waidroka Bay Resort held a two-day "Cooking Masterclass" on traditional Fijian cuisine this past weekend. Head Chef Manasa taught the course, and he conceived an inventive menu with plenty of techniques I'd never encountered before. It was a fun and creative class, and I learned things that I can try at home. Day 1… Continue reading Video: Traditional Fijian Cuisine
ATB 