I took a step out of my usual musical theme for Dave’s Night Out tonight by inviting three women poets Ann Michael, Susan Weaver and Marilyn Hazelton. I’m good friends with Ann and Marilyn and have known Susan for a while. The initial topic was Tanka poetry, an interesting short poetry procedure that pre-dates Haiku. I’ve been a fan ever since Marilyn introduced it in a Lehigh Valley Teaching Artist session several years ago. I have several copies of Marilyn’s Red Lights magazine on my bedstand that help me drop the random thoughts that keep me awake and take me elsewhere.
Rarely used Martin 000-1R. A good pal.
Again, a small audience but with several friends of the poets. I started out with Blue Heartland, a nice, compact Jerling tune that seemed impressionistic and a good introduction to the evening. The three women proceeded to talk about Tanka, present some of their works and chat about their craft. It was a refreshing break from the musicians I usually present. I was able to link the poetry of the blues and folk music to the discussion, playing Rock Salt and Nails (a feeble rendition), Green Green Rocky Road (hooka tooka…) and finished the evening with Gorka’s Good Noise.
There was some great talk throughout the evening about the term “ma” which describes the moment of a “space/turning point” in the middle of a Tanka verse. Taking a breath. I shared how that technique helps me when I meditate. At the end, my friend Steve Capwell mentioned that B. B. King said that it wasn’t about the notes but the spaces between the notes. Spot on, Steve.
I’ve installed an audience reflection period after we’re done, and, as always, the feedback from the audience is enlightening, with several folk commenting on the obvious respect and co-energy from the three women, often a comment when my musician friends play with me. It may seem obvious to us as artists, but I like that the audience picks up on that symbiotic feeling on stage.
I was glad to provide this space for my friends and their craft, and especially in this venue. It was a good night.