We were having so much fun just hanging out for a change – and tracking happenings at the BEACHES Art Exhibit – that when 1 PM SLT rolled around, we looked at one another across the room and exclaimed: “It’s time for Russell! We’ve got to get going!” It is always a wonderful experience to visit a Silversword venue, as they morph with every performance. Russell always has a specially-themed programme there on alternate Sundays, and we look forward not only to Russell’s presentation of music and readings but also to the exceptional thematic design of a location for us to gather to enjoy. Dawn Greymyst is in charge of the Silversword experience, and it’s always perfectly attuned. Today, the wonderful SiFan was assisting Dawn and adding her own special warmth and welcoming energy to the hour. So many Eponymous Family members and friends were there to enjoy.

Russell shared some of his fovourite songs written and performed by women such as Mary Chapin Carpenter, Loreena McKennitt, and Tracy Chapman. His lovely renditions of these beloved songs are extra-special as they offer him an opportunity to showcase his various musical talents with the guitar and vocally. We truly enjoyed listening to him and dancing in the beautiful forested environment of Silversword this week. His readings included one from Elizabeth Barrett Browning and her Sonnets from the Portuguese and a selection from the beloved American poet Emily Dickinson as well as one from the hilarious Brit Pam Ayers to add a bit of humour. All were – as is his style – excellently read with perspicacity and grace. The photo below is from Dawn; can’t you just feel the coolness of the forest?

Straight away after this charming hour with Russell, Æon teleported me to another exciting performance by none other than our friend Lisa Brune. This lovely Frenchwoman has the voice of an angel – but she can also belt out a tune with the best of them. We were treated to her impressive range in an hour of very danceable tunes at one of the grid’s most well-known venues: Two Moon Paradise. Shiran and her crew know how to welcome people and provide a comfortable environment for enjoying the best in live music. Today’s show was filled with this professional singer’s sweet energy as the lovely Lisa delivered a solid hour of outstanding music – from the iconic Nancy Sinatra anthem These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ to absolutely gorgeous love songs like our very favourite: No Ordinary Love by the sultry Sade that melted our hearts…SIGH…

As you can see by this and earlier posts (start on Thursday, 06 July and that amazing opening BEACH PARTY for the BEACHES Art Exhibit!), we’ve had a FANTASTIC weekend! To say we’re tired would be a great understatement…but we’re happy as the sun goes down at Ce Soir Arts. We’ll be around tomorrow to track things and greet visitors, but we’re basically taking the day off.

VOICE IS BACK on the Ce Soir sim (thank you, Whitney Linden!), so all our regular readings will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, as usual. I’ll make a posting tomorrow about what these exceptional writers and readers will be sharing, as you are invited to enjoy storytime with Russell, Caledonia, MrG, Bryn, Dubhna, and Æon as we relax under the cool shade of The Magic Tree!

Come, be inspired tonight!