In the interest of full disclosure: As a teen, I attended a music camp for several summers, and I HATED IT. Every. Single. Minute.

But some of the things that irritated me at age 14 or 15 are exactly what would appeal to me now that Ive reached the time of life when my snail mailbox often overflows with materials from the AARP.

How amazing would it be to spend time in a place with other people my age trying to improve a skill we all value? (Id give that a 10 on a 1 to 10 scale of amazingness.)

How relaxing would it be to get away from the everyday grind and spend a few days in a stress-free environment? (That one rates a 10 on a 1 to 10 scale of relaxingness.)

How much fun would I have meeting new people who share my interests? (Even introverts enjoy interacting in low-key environments. Thats an easy 10 in the fun category.)

We all know that research confirms that creating art.engaging in challenging activitiesand being social in generalhelp our minds and bodies stay fit and healthy. Considering that most of us 50-plussers arent ready for permanent residence in the front porch rocking chair, an arts-oriented camp is a profitable and pleasant way to pass some time this summer.

Arts camps for adults, particularly ones that welcome people over 50, can be found by searching online or contacting your local public library. Here are four, different in kind and location, that come highly recommended:

The heart of jazz, Jamey Aebersold believes, is the solo the moment when a member of the combo stands out from the others he or she is playing with and puts a new spin on the song. My camps are aimed at bringing out the individuality of each person, he says.

Aebersolds weeklong camps used to be aimed at teenagers. These days his campers tend to be older many well into their 60s or even 70s.

Sunday dinner begins at 5 p.m. at the University Club, followed by a meeting and faculty concert at 7:30 p.m. The business of playing jazz starts Monday morning with an 8:30 a.m. music theory class, followed by a class in musicianship and a combo rehearsal. Theres lunch featuring live jazz from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., more combo practice, master classes, dinner and then nightly faculty concerts from 7:30-10 p.m. And just in case everyone hasnt had enough, jam sessions for all are held from 10 to 11:30 p.m. Rinse and repeat Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Friday features student concerts after lunch (friends and family invited!) and then a farewell dinner.

Participants come from all over, and nearly half are age 50 or older. In 2016, 42 states and several countries, including Japan and Finland, were represented. The 48-member faculty and staff of 13 are all jazz musicians.

Coming to a camp like this changes their lives. Music makes you feel good, says Aebersold, who most jazz players know from his play-along recordings. For a musician who never improvises, for them to learn they can play a solo, its a great feeling.

Camp Dates in 2017: July 2-7, July 9-14

Tuition: $595

Dormitory: $260

Meal Plan on Campus: $160

Other Info: Instrument rentals are available; off-campus housing and restaurant information available; airport drop off and pick up available at a fee

Website: http://workshops.jazzbooks.com/

Need to brush up on your Passe Doble or Lindy Hop? Linda and Lee Wakefield, who have been running the Adult Ballroom Camp at the Brigham Young University (BYU) Dance Camps in Provo, Utah, since 1987, have you covered.

The camp runs from Monday through Saturday (July 31-August 4). Altogether, 37 hours of instruction are offered at five skill levels (for most of the dancers), but people can pace themselves. Attendees are assessed and put into appropriate skill levels at the beginning of camp.

A typical day includes three hours of morning instruction, lunch, three more hours of dance, dinner and an evening activity, such as a lecture, a performance by the teaching assistants (students at BYU) or a trip to nearby Sundance. Everything culminates in a performance the final night of the routines couples have been practicing.

Its a safe environment. You dont have to perform, Wakefield assures everyone. However, we find people dont just attend classes. They practice between classes and at night. Theres a high energy level and so many of our campers who are over 50 well, theyre young on the dance floor.

Camp Dates in 2017: July 31-August 4

Tuition: $530

Single-sex Dormitory: $95 (shared) $190 (private). As there is no married housing, many people stay at motels nearby.

Meal card (optional): $85

Other Info: The website provides a list of motels at special rates and restaurants.

Website: https://dancecamps.byu.edu/adult_ballroom

The internationally-renowned Interlochen Center for the Arts, in Traverse City, Mich., runs programs for adults throughout the year. If youre looking for an immersive music experience over the summer, however, this is the place to be.

A part of the Interlochen campus is dedicated to the adult programs. There are performance spaces and practice rooms as well as areas where people can simply socialize. Some people choose to stay on campus; others camp in the adjacent state park. There are also motels a short drive a way. A daily meal plan is available though all of the adult camps feature at least one communal daily meal so the participants can get to know one another throughout the week.The camps all follow a similar routine; the day begins at 8 or 9 a.m. with a practice session. Attendees switch to another activity in mid-morning, and then go tolunch followed byan afternoon of lessons or master classes. Each evening ends with a performance by the artists in residence.A lot of people, Donaldson says, come to study with a specific teacher and then because they have enjoyed the experience so much, continue to return year after year to delve into a different repertoire. A sizable portion of the campers are50 and older. Some have been coming to Interlochen for years; others are first-timers.

The program sizes are limited: Choir Camp accepts 80 people; Band Camp accommodates 90; and the Chamber Music Camp maxes out at 150.

Camp Types, Dates and Fees in 2017:

Choir Camp, 6/26-7/1: $545

Adult Band Camp, 8/8-8/13: $545

Chamber Music Camp, 8/14-8/20: $545

Meals and Housing: Meal plans can be purchased for $25/day. Housing information and pricing can be found on the website.

Choir Camp Website: http://college.interlochen.org/adult-classes/adult-choir

Band Camp Website: http://college.interlochen.org/adult-classes/band-camp

Chamber Music Camp Website: http://college.interlochen.org/adult-classes/chamber-camp

If your dream of a summer music program includes living in a cabin in the woods, dining communally with fellow campers, taking a break to kayak on Lake

The philosophy behind the camp is to provide a supportive environment for adults of all ages to learn music. Oh, and to have a good time, says program and music director Nina Andersen.People (who hail from all over the country) will arrive at the camp late Monday afternoon August 20 for orientation and that evening, participate in their first rehearsal. Tuesday through Friday are heavy days that begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 5 p.m., with a break for lunch. Attendees are placed into large and small ensembles (such as jazz, Klezmer and Dixieland). During the day, they rehearse and practice and attend educational seminars on topics like how to understand complex rhythms. At night, faculty members perform and students socialize and practice. The week culminates in performances by all the camper ensembles in the lovely bowl in the middle of the woods.Most of our campers are over 50, and they have as much fun socializing as making music together, Andersen sums up.

Camp Dates in 2017: August 21-17

Tuition: $450 (discount for alums)

Housing: Many options, from $180 (dorm room) to $870 for a three bedroom cabin. Off-campus lodging information available on the website

Meals: $200 for full plan; $120 for commuter plan (no breakfast)

Other Info: Family and friends not attending the camp can pay for access to the camps recreational facilities.

Website: http://adultmusiccamp.com

My advice? If you can still fit any of these camps into your summer schedule, go online immediately and reserve your space. For those whose fingers, toes and hearts thumped at the idea of arts camp at our age (imagine!) but who cant make the time this summer, bookmark this article or save it to Pocket. Then create a to do item for January. This summer, Im up to my ears in grandma duties. But next summer? I really would like to pick up my horn again.

Twin Cities Public Television - 2017. All rights reserved.

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Summer Music and Arts Camps for Grown-Ups - Next Avenue

Reprinted wtih the kind permission of Simmaron Research.

By Cort Johnson

For the second time this month, the loved one of an ME/CFS patient has dedicated talent and sacrifice to raise funding for Simmaron Research and awareness of the disease more broadly.

Michael Jasper met Terrys husband, Silvestre, 13 years ago and over time the two couples became best friends, even like family to each other but for a while they were a family with a mystery: Terry would mysteriously disappear at times. When the Jaspars were told she had something called chronic fatigue syndrome the explanation helped even as it obscured.

It wasnt until Michael and his wife Marie saw a screening of The Forgotten Plague earlier this year that they really began to understand what was going on. Terry wasnt just tired she was really sick! Theyd seen her only on her best days, which unfortunately were few and far between.

The Forgotten Plague turned out to be a line of demarcation for them. Theyd pounded Terry with questions about the disease after that. They now know the history, they know the neglect, they know the seeds of change that are sprouting now and they wanted to do something for their friend.

Several months later Michael asked for a meeting and when Terry was well enough Michael and his family broke the news: he was resurrecting his music career and wanted to dedicate the song Beachwalk to Terry and the ME/CFS community. Hed composed it years before, and when he and his daughter, Marissa, got to work on the album, it was the first song theyd worked on.

Michael told me that hed played in the greatest garage bands that never made it. Along the way, hed played and toured around the world with many figures in the music industry. Now as he re-emerged into the music scene he was putting those connections to good use having them join him on the new album he and his daughter who, having just graduated from college with a degree in music were going to release in December. Merging old and new his old-school R & B and funk roots with her contemporary pop and dance sound the album will have a unique sound.

Beachwalks melody described for him a simple pleasure that few people with ME/CFS could enjoy: a relaxing walk on the beach, the sun overhead, the sand in their toes a walk that left them relaxed and rejuvenated. Such an easy thing to contemplate for most people but just a dream for Terry and so many others.

For me I heard the keyboards, horn and guitar singing a song of triumph; a song celebrating someone finally making it to their beach after years of effort. It was an uplifting feeling.

Music for Simmaron

It was out of a vision of Terry, their good friend of many years, and others with ME/CFS finally taking their well-deserved walk on the beach, that Michael is donating 50% of the proceeds from the sale of Beachwalk to the Simmaron Research Foundation to help people with ME/CFS.

Please take a walk on the beach with Michael Jaspar, his daughter Marissa and other as they play for Terry Gilmete and others with ME/CFS to support Simmaron. You can find Beachwalk:

Millions Missing Rally & a Song in Sacramento on June 2nd

The problem, of course, is that people with ME/CFS arent able to walk far, if at all. Theyre largely missing from the rounds of daily life an absence dramatically evoked by the MillionsMissing rallies featuring ME/CFS supporters and their shoes.

This Friday, June 2, patients and loved ones will gather on the steps of the Capitol in Sacramento for a MillionsMissing Rally and a live debut of the Jaspars Beachwalk.

The Sacramento Rally featuring Terry Gilmete, Michael Jaspar and others has a story all its own. The woman who organized it, Marilyn Yu, also created The Forgotten Plague screening which opened Michael Jaspars eyes and got him, his wife and daughter involved. In 2016, Marilyn, whos had ME/CFS for three years, got West Sacramento, Elk Grove and Sacramento to do proclamations of their own. Shes gotten the Sacramento City buildings lit up in blue for the past 2 years. The Sacramento Convention Marque featured May 12 as ME/CFS Awareness Day. Marilyn also created a virtual run last year in which she raised some money for Simmaron.

On May 18th, a number of California patients including Terry Gilmete and Marilyn Yu met with Senator Glazers and Moorlach to sponsor SCR-40 which proclaimed May 12th ME/CFS Awareness day and the month of May Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month in California. Senator Moorlach passionately spoke of his friends daughter whos been disabled from ME/CFS for 18 years.

The striking and, in many ways, beautiful California resolution resolved that

WHEREAS, ME/CFS has been found by the National Academy of Medicine to be a serious, chronic, complex, and systemic disease that frequently and dramatically limits the activities of affected patients, leaving them with a lower quality of life than patients with multiple sclerosis, stroke, renal failure, heart failure, and other chronic diseases; and

WHEREAS, The lack of tracking for ME/CFS by the CDC and the grossly inadequate NIH funding for research based on disease burden have hindered progress in diagnosing and treating ME/CFS, such that there is no FDA-approved treatment for the disease; and

WHEREAS, ME/CFS is a tragic and disabling disease that destroys the lives of many patients and imposes a severe toll on their families, friends, and caretakers;

WHEREAS, The economic impact of ME/CFS in the United States is estimated to be $20 billion to $50 billion per year (CDC February 2016) and likely costs the California economy billions of dollars in health care costs, patient care, lost productivity, and lost tax revenues;

The Legislature hereby proclaims May 12, 2017, as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day, and declares the month of May 2017, and each May thereafter, as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month, to help spread awareness of the disease and the need for increased research funding, and to support individuals living with ME/CFS;

On June 2nd, Michael Jaspar, Marilyn Yu, Terri Gilmete and others will all be at ME/CFS Millions Missing Rally in Sacramento at the CA State Capitol Steps-south side on June 2 from 11:30-1:30. A shoe exhibit will be on display from 10:30-4. The music will be an inspiration all our own in the ME/CFS community.

When: June 2, 2017, 10:30-4:00 shoe display, 11:30-1:30 rally and musical debut

Excerpt from:

Making Music and a Difference for ME/CFS - ProHealth

The Flint Hills were alive with the sound of music during a breezy Saturday evening.

Thousands of people set up camping chairs in the middle of the prairie to listen to the Kansas City Symphony perform during the 11th-annual Symphony in the Flint Hills.

Country singer Michael Martin Murphey accompanied the symphony during part of the program, singing country songs like Rawhide, originally by Frankie Laine, and Happy Trails to You, originally by Roy Rogers.

During intermission, some people walked out into the prairie to take photos and observe the landscape, the vast hills their never-ending background.

Cheryl Mussatto, who has attended the concert for three years, said the event makes her proud to be a Kansan. Born and raised on a farm between Larimer and Herington, Mussatto said the event is a great way to show people not from the area how unique and beautiful the landscape can be.

Its an extraordinary opportunity for Kansas to really showcase what the Flint Hills has to offer, Mussatto said. To be able to listen to the beautiful symphony music sitting here in the beautiful flint hills as the sun sets you know it just is a fabulous experience.

Mussatto said everyone who gets the chance to attend a Symphony in the Flint Hills event should because its a one-of-a kind experience.

Julie Crawford, who is from Kansas City, has seen the Kansas City Symphony perform many times in the past, but never out in nature until Saturday.

She said the setting for the event is relaxing and almost spiritual because of the natural surroundings.

I love it. I think its so amazing you know the combination of the music and nature, Crawford said. Its really special.

This years theme was a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Chisholm Trail. The educational programs covered the history and importance of the trail, which ranchers used to drive cattle from Texas to Kansas rail heads after the Civil War.

Every year, the symphony prepares a musical program based on the theme of the event.

The concert ended with the symphony and Murphey performing Home on the Range, a tradition that started the first year of the event.

Go here to see the original:

The hills are alive - Manhattan Mercury (subscription)

Late last year, the electro-rock duo BoomBox announced that its bandmembers would split up after their New Year's Eve concert at the Gothic Theatre in Denver. This week BoomBox (version 2.0) is making its first trip to Colorado home of some of its most fervent and loyal fans with a show at Belly Up Aspen today followed by Red Rocks Ampitheatre on Friday night and the Boulder Theatre on Saturday.

"The amicable separation is in no way a dissolution but rather the opening of a new chapter for BoomBox moving forward," the band wrote in a statement to fans in November. That new chapter started pretty quickly, with BoomBox guitarist, singer and songwriter Zion Godchaux bringing DJ and keyboard player Heath "DJ Harry" Bennett on board to replace founding member Russ Randolph.

Godchaux never considered ending the BoomBox project when Randolph left, he said.

"Quite the contrary, I'm ready to make and am making a lot of music these days for BoomBox," Godchaux said in a recent phone interview from his home in Alabama. "We need to be releasing lots of music. That's the reason Russ and I went our separate ways."

Randolph left the band, in part, to focus on producing other project locally in and around Muscle Shoals. Godchaux, meanwhile, wanted BoomBox to record and release music more actively than it had been and break the band internationally.

"BoomBox needs our full attention," he explained.

Godchaux has been working on new music feverishly in recent months, aiming to feed fans a steady stream of new BoomBox tracks. Based on the first one, "Laid Back and Loaded," the band's signature sound of chilled-out psychadelia and funky house music remains in tact.

"That's pretty much my mode right now: to record and make as much music as I can in my studio at home," Godchaux said.

For the band's first time back in Colorado with DJ Harry, Godchaux said, BoomBox will play a mix of brand-new material and the familiar songs local crowds have heard in countless shows over the years.

"Harry brings a new energy to the show he's an amazing DJ and an excellent musician," Godchaux said. "We've had a chance to retool some of the older songs and get them freshened up. It's sounding nice and sparking and cracking. Hopefully it'll be even funkier."

After years of performing clad in feather boas, Godchaux said he's dialing back some of BoomBox's stage aesthetic ("The stage gets hot up there") to focus on the music and creating the laid-back party vibe that connected with audiences immediately in Colorado and made BoomBox a regular at Belly Up over the past decade.

"Our music is about release and it's supposed to be healing and relaxing and freeing very disarming by nature," he said. "Ultimately, it's a universal sound. Something anybody can cue into."

Opening the summer tour with an intimate show in the familiar and friendly confines of Belly Up before jumping to the massive open-air setting of Red Rocks was a creative choice, Godchaux said.

"To be able to relax the night before Red Rocks, and just do what we do and get loose and have a good night, it's sweet and it's necessary," he said.

And Godchaux is eager to share the new BoomBox with its loyal Colorado fans: "If states were friends, Colorado would be our best friend."

atravers@aspentimes.com

View original post here:

Boombox 2.0 debuts at Belly Up Aspen on Thursday - Aspen Times

How to actually concentrate at work while everyone talks about the election result

Independent.ie

The country has been left feeling pretty shocked, as we head towards a hung Parliament after the snap election.

http://www.independent.ie/world-news/and-finally/how-to-actually-concentrate-at-work-while-everyone-talks-about-the-election-result-35808116.html

http://www.independent.ie/world-news/and-finally/article35808114.ece/c758a/AUTOCROP/h342/ipanews_78093059-f039-4ff8-b1e8-2ef261d20d7c_1

The country has been left feeling pretty shocked, as we head towards a hung Parliament after the snap election.

No political party has emerged with an overall majority, and all eyes are now on what Prime Minister Theresa May will do next.

Having a normal day at work may be proving pretty difficult as youve probably noticed, the results are ALL anyone is talking about. So, here are some things you can do to try and keep your concentration levels as high as possible and actually achieve some work.

Motivate yourself by making a list of what you need to get done

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Lists can be a good way of keeping focused at work on a normal day, never mind a day when its probably going to be easier to lose concentration. It will help you prioritise, and you know youll get a sense of achievement when you can tick to-dos off your list.

Go and get some fresh air

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It may sound pretty obvious, but many people are guilty of staying in the office all day without taking a break. With so many distractions today, its more important than ever that you take time out to just stroll around the block and have a break from everything. Of course, during this walk you may just be thinking about the election, but at least youll return to work with a clearer mind.

Do some meditation

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Were not suggesting you lie down in savasana pose and freak out the office but, if you have a desk job for example, sit for a few minutes in your chair and do some deep breaths. Be mindful of how your body feels, close your eyes and do a few 10-count breaths. Hold for a second as you relax into the feeling of the in breath. Now breathe out to a count of six. Ahhhh doesnt that feel better?

Eat foods that will keep you alert

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Basically, avoid sugary foods as much as possible. Go for brain foods for your lunch, to avoid a mid-afternoon slump when election thoughts may take over blueberries, salmon, bananas, spinach and eggs will fuel your concentration. If you are craving a sweet treat, dark chocolate will perk you up nicely.

Put your phone on silent for a while

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On top of the distraction of your co-workers debating the election result, youve likely also got friends and family texting you their thoughts and opinions on the matter.

If youre prone to checking your phone too much at your desk, just turn it face down and avoid temptation for a while. Youll feel better for it, promise.

Listen to some music

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Many people find they feel motivated with their headphones in. Obviously be selective with this go for some relaxing music with no words maybe, and see if it gets you feeling focused.

Work in blocks

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If youre honest with yourself, theres probably no way youre going to go the whole day without wanting to check whats happening. Has Theresa May resigned? Whats Jeremy Corbyn said? What funny tweets are going viral?

So, schedule distractions in tell yourself that, after a chunk of hard work, you can check Twitter and Facebook as a reward. But, control how long you spend scrolling it can be all too easy to get carried away checking out funny memes about politicians

Press Association

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How to actually concentrate at work while everyone talks about the election result - Independent.ie

ONTARIO Four Rivers Cultural Center is bringing back its free summer concert series beginning next week.

The Live After 5 in the Garden concerts will be held every other Wednesday through August and will begin Wednesday, when Simple Ruckus takes the stage for the first of six concerts, which will all be from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Hikaru Mizu Japanese Garden.

Simple Ruckus is described as a high-energy cover band performing an array of popular hits that delivers quality, professionalism, fun and variety for all-ages audiences. The Boise-based band frequently plays at music festivals, weddings, and events throughout the Treasure Valley. The band plays classics that audiences expect and the favorites that are sometimes forgotten, a news release from the Cultural Center states.

A list of other concerts in the series follows.

June 28 West Abbey Road is a Beatles tribute band comprised of members of Rooftop Revolution, which has previously played for the Live After 5 series. West Abbey Road will make concertgoers think they are listening to the real thing, the release states. With new Ed Sullivan Show Beatle suits tailor made, along with custom wigs, they more than look the part.

July 12 Retreads is a four-piece fun, dynamic and energetic band from Boise and Meridian whose niche is playing between the lines, according to the release. The band offers a great selection of classic to modern rock and dance songs.

July 26 Emily Stanton Band, who has also previously played the concert series, is led by a Boise-based American soul/R&B vocalist filling a niche in the Boise music scene who is backed by a band of some of the finest musicians in the Northwest, reads the release.

Aug. 9 Encore, is an energetic five-piece band playing top dance hits from the 70s to today with an emphasis on the 80s, according to the release. Encore will keep you on the dance floor by covering hits from Prince, Naked Eyes, Haddaway, The Eurythmics, and other well-known musicians.

Aug. 23 The Chaz Browne Group members say they play both kinds of music: Rock and Roll. Formerly known as Charley Brownes All Stars, the group formed in 1967 with local members. However, over the years, some of the original members left, thus the name change.

Cultural Center staff encourages community members to see this years stellar line-up of musicians while visiting friends, relaxing and enjoying food and beverages.

The concerts provide an opportunity for local citizens to come together to socialize, to unwind after a day of work and to enjoy the beautiful and peaceful Japanese Garden, according to the release.

Read the original post:

Cultural Center offers 6 free concerts this summer - Ontario Argus Observer

Achilles Wheel, an eclectic Nevada City band that blends roots, world music and psychedelic rock, will play at the 26th annual High Sierra Music Festival this summer, which takes place from June 29 to July 2 at the Quincy Fairgrounds.

High Sierra will be one of several stops on Achilles Wheel's summer tour. The band will head north to play shows in Washington and Oregon before making its way back down the west coast, where it plans to play several shows around Lake Tahoe, in addition to making a stop at the Kate Wolf Music Festival in Laytonville.

The band will also play during a benefit at Gold Country Gymnastics in Grass Valley on June 24 for Nevada County resident Paige Lyon, who is raising money to help pay for a surgery that will help correct her severe scoliosis.

High Sierra has been on the forefront of the camping festival scene since its inception in 1991, said Rebecca Sparks, a producer who has worked with the festival since its very first year. Not only does the event bring great music to the mountains, she said, but it books artists from a wide variety of genres, appealing to different tastes.

Sparks said the founders of the festival "didn't understand why you can't book a singer-songwriter, follow it up with a rock act, and then have a funk band wrap up the night."

The seamless blending of different sounds has attracted thousands to Quincy each year. The event traditionally takes place during July 4 weekend, and might be described as a four-day party under the sun, with music, water guns and camping.

"It's a mix of people getting together with friends, relaxing, ditching their cars for four days, and really being able to enjoy great music together in an outdoor natural setting," said Sparks.

Achilles Wheel is slated to play shows on both Saturday afternoon and Sunday night at High Sierra.

"It's a huge honor and a big thrill for us to be playing up there," said Paul Kamm, an Achilles Wheel guitarist and singer.

Kamm said the band started out playing cover tunes at local bars around Nevada City. Eventually, band members began composing original music, which Kamm said was a big hit around town.

"We started playing our original stuff for bar crowds and people wouldn't leave the dance floor all night," he said.

Kamm said the band draws inspiration from the live playing style of rock and roll jam bands, but their overall sound is difficult to define.

"We tie in roots, Americana, world music and rock. What we've focused on most is writing and playing original songs," he said. "Writing music is compelling, because what you're really doing is telling a story."

The band recorded its first album, Thirteen Hours, in 2011, which featured 13 original songs.

Achilles Wheel's main goal, Kamm said, is to make people dance, and he looks forward to making that happen throughout the summer.

KVMR plans to broadcast live from High Sierra Music Festival throughout the weekend.

To contact Staff Writer Matthew Pera, email mpera@theunion.com or call 530-477-4231.

Link:

Achilles Wheel set to play at High Sierra Music Festival - The Union of Grass Valley

The Sunscreen Song was a huge global hit 18 years ago and produced by Baz Lurmann. Australian voiceover artist Lee Perry did the voice for the song but admits that 18 years later, "No one really knows".

One of the reasons this might be the case is because with Perry's talents, a lot of people probably thought the voice really was an old American man.

Perry explained that he was in his 20s at the time but when thinking about the brief he decided to do an "old American voice, that had been through the mill, gathered life experience and could deliver the words in a 'non-selly' way".

The song is based on a column by Chicago columnist Mary Schmich and is the column read by Perry over some very relaxing music.

"We did a few takes, we recorded it on a handheld recording device. No one knew it was going to do what it did." said Perry.

After a Radio Producer in Portland did an edit of the song and shared it with other radio producers, it went the 90s equivalent of viral as everyone started playing it and calling up radio stations to request it.

"I got a call from my agent saying 'You are going to be on the Jay Leno show in two weeks' It freaked me out completely as you I had to time the words with the music" Perry recalled.

There's a lot of wisdom in the song and now Perry says the line 'Be kind to your knees' resonates with him more than it used to.

"When you combine music and powerful words it stirs emotions in people, each line resonated in different ways with people."

Listen in to hear more of the story and also more about Lee Perry's career- including the fact that he worked with Steve Irwin and Robin Williams on the film Happy Feet.

Read more from the original source:

The Sunscreen Song- Not many people know this.. but Australian Lee Perry is the voice of the song - ABC Online

The Sheets Family Band played at the 2016 Music in the Valle Concert Series

Throughout the summer months, the Valle Crucis Community Park will be presenting the High Country with the Music in the Valle concert series. Every Friday night, starting at 7 p.m., a different band will be setting up in the park to provide the audience with beautiful music during a relaxing, summer evening.

Admission to these concerts is free, but donations are requested $5 per individual and $10 per family. These donations are what allow the Valle Crucis Community Park to provide live entertainment and other events for the community throughout various seasons.

You can purchase a Bucket List pass, which allows you to make one single donation instead of having to make a donation at each concert. These Bucket List passes are $140 per family and $70 per individual. Your donations are greatly appreciated and important both to the Valle Crucis Community Park and to the community in general.

Seating at the park is not provided, so it is suggested you bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Most people bring lawn chairs to set up around the bands, and this allows for great seating all over the park. There isnt a bad seat in the house at the Community Park for the Music in the Valle concert series!

The Music in the Valle concert series offers a variety of different musical talents ranging from Alexa Rose, a folk-esque songwriter, to the Lucky Strikes Orchestra, a jazz band for the ages, to the renowned Carolina Ramble Review! Out of all of the summer concert series throughout the High Country, the Music in the Valle is one of the many that you dont want to miss out on. It provides beautiful, live entertainment as the sun sets and the summertime evening falls, offering not only stunning sights and sounds but memories with your family, friends and neighbors, as well.

Below is the schedule for the Music in the Valle Concert Series through August:

June 9:Lauren Hayworth Jazz Band, sponsored by the Inn at Crestwood

June 16:Alexa Rose, sponsored by the Watauga High School Class of 1987

June 23:Cane Mill Road, sponsored by Blood Sweat and Gears

June 30:Letters to Abigail, sponsored by Blowing Rock Brewing Company

July 7:Soul Benefactor, sponsored by Modern Toyota and Subaru

July 14:Worthless Son-in-Laws, sponsored by Appalachian Voices

July 21:Lucky Strikes Orchestra, sponsored by Holy Cross Episcopal Church

July 28:The Neighbors, sponsored by Mast General Store

August 4:Maureen RenihanJazz Trio, sponsored by Watauga River Fly Shop and Motorcycle Medic

August 11:Dashboard Hula Boys, sponsored by Friendship Honda

August 18:Zoe and Cloyd, sponsored by the PTA of Valle Crucis School and Over Yonder

August 25:Carolina Ramble Review, sponsored by Peabodys Wine & Beer

Folk and Dagger playing at the 2016 Music in the Valley

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The Music in the Valle Concert Series is Serenading the High Country from the Valle Crucis Community Park Every ... - High Country Press

The gym class where you do nothing but sleep has finally arrived and we were the first to check it out.

The Napercise class, which consists of climbing into bed and napping for 45 minutes, was announced last month by David Lloyd Clubs.

The first trial was in Sidcup and was such a success that trial days are now being rolled out around the country.

David Lloyd Bromsgrove was the first Midland club to join in, holding three classes today.

Worcester follows suit tomorrow (Friday, June 9) with five classes. Solihull is keen to be next.

The trial classes are free to members and non-members.

Its designed for tired parents and stressed-out workers who can go there for an uninterrupted 40 Winks Workout, scientifically designed to reinvigorate the mind, improve moods and even burn the odd calorie.

Heres what happened at the first class in Bromsgrove.

When I first wrote about Napercise, my reaction was like thousands of others this is my kind of gym class!

I turned up in comfy clothes while other nappers wore workout gear.

While interest has been huge, only three other people apart from me signed up for the first class at 2pm and they all worked for David Lloyd.

But the 4pm class, perhaps easier to join later in the day, was fully-booked.

Outside the gym studio was a sign saying: Shh! Napercise in progress.

Inside were seven inflatable single beds, with sheets, duvets and pillows.

There was an introduction from sports manager Kevin Bennett, who took us through some gentle stretches and said: The point of the class is to get across to people how important sleep is to your mental and physical health.

Its not just about the active stuff we do here. Sleeping has even more of an impact on your life than working out in the gym three times a week.

On a rainy, miserable day where the main topic was General Election, having an afternoon siesta seemed a great idea.

Having had less than seven hours sleep last night, I felt tired and ready for a nap.

The beds were surprisingly comfy. When Kevin switched off all the lights and put on relaxing music, I felt warm and drowsy.

For the first few minutes my mind was racing, though - how was I going to write this article, what would the traffic be like on the way back to Birmingham, when would I find time to vote, isnt it a bit strange sleeping with strangers?

But after a while I forgot about the other people, especially as the beds were far enough apart. I relaxed more and drifted off. I didnt get 45 minutes of deep sleep, but I did doze for a while.

And the best thing is that nobody snored.

We were woken by Kevin returning and putting on a low-level light, so it wasnt too glaring.

Among those trying out the class was Harriet Busfield, from Bromsgrove. She said: It was really comfortable and I did fall asleep towards the end. It was really relaxing.

Fitness coach James Haughton, of Worcester, also gave it a go. He said: I had a really early start, I was up at 4.30am after only about five hours sleep so I thought this was a great idea.

Now I feel like I can get on with my day with more energy.

Just being able to close your eyes in a comfy place with no interruptions was heaven.

I did feel more refreshed at the end of it and could see it catching on.

Oh, and for anyone worried about hygiene, yes they do change the sheets between classes.

At the moment the classes are free as they are being trialled - but I'm not sure how much I would pay to go and sleep in a gym when I can do it at home.

It's the kind of thing everyone says it's great but when it comes down to it, would you actually go?

Original post:

The Napercise gym class where you do nothing but sleep is here - but is it any good? - Birmingham Mail