Bana Kuma Village – Pre FloFest 2017

Bana Kuma Village – Pre FloFest 2017

Bright Hawk is honored to be part of this event –

BANA KUMA PRE FLO FEST EVENT FACEBOOK PAGE

We are offering attendance to our Bana Kuma Village for *FREE or by donation. We ask that anyone attending throughout the 12 days commits for at least one FULL day (9am-6pm) so that we can keep a solidified container each day. To learn more please attend our opening council on January 12 at 5pm at Anuenue.
This is our gift back to community in gratitude for all that you have shared with us. Due to your support in other areas we are able to offer this once in a lifetime experience for free. We hope to see you.

*This offer does not include camping or meal plans.
(Note: this is not the Bana Kuma band Camp which will be providing the Prayerformance at Flow Fest)
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Schedule:

January 12:
Registration Orientation from 1:00p-4:00p
Opening Council: 5:00p-9:00p (roughly)

January 13:
Kasha (Fire Day)

January 14:
Shiniwa (Water Day)

January 15:
Kinika (Air Day)

January 16:
Chimbo (Earth Day)

January 17 to January 22 Daily Schedule:
Guided Music Meditation: 7:00a-8:00a
Breakfast 8:00a-9:00a
Air Focus: 9:00a-11:00a
Water:11:00a-1:00p
Lunch: 1:00p-2:00p
Fire: 2:00p-4:00p
Earth: 4:00p-6:00p
Dinner: 6:00p-7:00p
Roundcil: 7:00p-10:00p

January 23:
Closing Ceremony

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Is this for you??

Come Experience Living Wisdom in an Intentional Village for 12 Days.
Learn the Art of Self Guidance.
Initiate Yourself into the Greater You.
Live with Intention.
Create Your Reality…. For Real!

Are you living your greatest path?
Do you have the tools to decipher what is the best direction for your life?
Do you feel frustration and a sense of being lost at times?
Do you know how to read the subtle language of your expanded self or have you been making decisions that do not serve your greatest joy?
Are you fully expanded or do you desire to grow?

Come live the ancient, simple, unwavering and precise wisdom of the Bana Kuma.

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Background Information

Bana Kuma” refers to our ability to make thoughts manifest into reality, or to create – a gift we all possess as humans. You are a self sovereign beings born with the choice to choose your own path towards your highest self.

Give yourself the gift of living in your personal alignment. Feel what it feels like to be your greater self. Let the feeling of the ‘real’ you become a beacon in daily life. Life is short. Don’t waste time in the quagmire of mistakes and life sapping activity.

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Retreat Design

The wisdom of the Bana Kuma is based off of each persons’ freedom and free will. In honor of this self sovereignty, this Bana Kuma retreat will be formatted with a myriad of daily offerings that you choose for yourself (See the list below).
The idea is that you show up and then choose for yourself the activities, ceremonies or healing practices that you feel are most in alignment with your personal expansion.

There will be four elemental camps that provide a wide variety of daily offerings. Each day will be split further into four sessions giving you the opportunity to experience each elemental camp, if you so choose. All four camps will gather in evening for a council around the fire or in the “Kinika” or spirit house.

This event is directed by Chris Berry (chrisberrymusic.org). He will be joined by other facilitators this year. For up-to-date info, email Banafest@gmail.com

Here’s a peak into some of the life enhancing activities offered by each camp…

WATER CAMP:

New! Swim with Dolphins and Whales: Experience a unique opportunity to swim up close with our Cetation brothers and sisters. January is a unique time in which the Humpback Whales visit Hawaii’s waters to give birth and to nurture their newborns. It is also a time when the Dolphins welcome their big Brothers and sisters back and the two species are often found singing together during this time. The Whales and Dolphins hold a very deep significance in the mythology and the wisdom of the Bana Kuma. You will know why once you have been in the presence of these great and peaceful beings. (Discounted boat and guide fees may apply).

Shiniwa: A water ceremony in which the first half of the ceremony is spent cleansing oneself in waterfalls. The ceremony takes place at dawn and in the evening if needed. medicines, songs and prayers are used to empower the process and the waterfall. While the first half of the ceremony is to release and cleanse the second half is done in still or ocean water and is meant to consecrate. The second half of the ceremony literally seals in good intentions and prayers and is meant as an empowering and blessing. Sacred anointing oils are used in this second half. Various music and songs may accompany both parts of the ceremony.

Tira: refers to various sizes of smooth rounded sticks that are used in massage to clear energy meridians or rivers in the body. The technique has been compared with Lomi Lomi massage and is paired with an ancient elemental diagnostic technique that reads points under the collar bone. This technique is very powerful on its own and also when it is paired with the “quivering” and the tea ceremony. One is also taught the art of walking the ‘razors edge’ or not taking on the patients ills while strongly being able to understand and empathize with them.

Haula Frieme: Using water as a healer. Learn how to bless and change the molecular structure of water to heal almost any malady. The ancients used water as a medicine by learning how to imbue it with living intention.

Hana-Quiema: Carried out in waste high water, a whirlpool of current is created by a group of people who encircle the person receiving the healing. The ‘patient’ floats in the middle while the others sing ancient healing songs into the water as it gently spins the person in the middle. This is an ancient healing technique over 10,000 years old.

Dance: Like water receives energy from heat (fire) and reacts so to does the dancer receive energy from the fire of music and move accordingly. The Bana Kuma has a rich tradition of healing dances dedicated to each element.

FIRE CAMP:

Kasha: Clearing ceremony that is ruled by the drum and the element of fire. Intentional heat is created in the body through drum and dance that burns away ones blocks. Special rhythms and dances are used with intention and prayer to bring one more in line with their greater self. The obstacles that keep us from reaching our greatest potential are targeted and burnt away in this ceremony.

Ziassou: Or action from Greater self has been compared to Qi Gong and or Tai Chi. This technique includes the use of a staff called Ta that is ceremonially made by each person. The practitioner is taught how to let the bigger self move them or how to have involuntary action. It is action in which the Spark of life or spirit moves the body rather than the smaller you. This practice can prove to be very healing for muscle, bone and joints and has also been referred to as the martial art of Bana Kuma. It is also imperative for those leaning the art of mediumship.

Macheka: Learn an African version of Chinese accupuncture in which medicines and salves are applied to miniscule cuts made at various myridian points on the body.

Steam-vent Cleansing: Puna boasts a myriad of sites that feature natural steam vents in Lava caves or rooms. This is much like a Sauna or a sweat lodge but different in that the cleansing comes from Pele herself and is extremely healing and powerful.

Shiakwa Sah: The art of fierce love. Shiakwa sah is a technique that allows love to be expressed through fierceness without anger. Mostly used when ones self sovereignty is being jeoprodized this technique is very useful for non-violent demonstrators or in self defense. It also suggested for parents as a strong but gentle for of discipline

Drumming: The drum is the patron instrument of the fire element. There are 12 elemental rhythms of the Bana Kuma that will be drawn from in this class.

AIR CAMP:

Haum: Is an ancient form of meditation. it can but does not have to be accompanied with fasting and isolation for small to lengthy amounts of time. Haum may also be accompanied by music or done in silence.

Kinika: Is a “spirit house.” It is where the art of mediumship or listening to ones greater self is practiced. One of the many activities that happen in the Kinika is ‘Roundcil.’ The spirits that take part in these councils do not act as Gurus or masters but instead as wise elders with expansive perspectives. Kinika is a place for wisdom and clarity to be shared among humans or humans and those of the unseen. It is encouraged that every word that is spoken in the Kinika be loved by the speaker. It is a place for passionate discussion and a place where life changing decisions are made. From the perspective of Bana Kuma thought is the seed of all creation. In this way it is from the Kinika that much of the Bana Kuma’s ancient wisdom has been seeded. It is also a place of story telling, Alternative perspectives on history and healing. It is always a place of co-creation where the seen and unseen complete the circle of life together. Kinika Literally means house of self sovereignty as each individual (spirit or physical) is seen as a sovereign being worthy of great respect. There is a pole in the middle of the Kinika which symbolizes each persons authority self sovereignty.

Gah: Gah is an initiation into Actions that are harmonious with all that is. Gah itself is small “medicine pouch” that is worn around the neck and ceremonially made by the owner. While the creation and receiving of this pouch is unique to each individual, there are protocols which are intended to enhance ones personal creativity and power. Gah is also an object of which you own together with those in the unseen realm. When one wears their gah they are stating that they are living or about to do actions that the unseens are in alignment with. Once one receives Gah it is said that ones power to manifest is greatly enhanced. It is also said that actions born from the will of Gah have a distinct power to change the world no matter how big or small those actions are.

Gah-Ta: Or that which is born from Gah, is the process of creating those actions or Bana Kuma that are impeccable and in harmony with all that is. This is the closest thing that Bana Kuma has to teacher training and is unique to each individual. It may include learning how to conduct Bana Kuma ceremony or something entirely different as each person has a unique gift to bring to the world. Those wishing to undertake Gah and Gah-Ta will have a special orientation at the beginning of the gathering to to co-create their 12 day journey. The actions that one creates from Gah are aimed at being Impeccable. The definition of impeccable for Gah is something that is in harmony with ones greater self, The unseen world and all life on earth. Gah and Gah-Ta is suggested for those who want to guide their own retreats, ceremonies, healings practices, teachings, performances, take on leadership roles or anyone who wants to share their creations with the greater community.

Sah-kanama: Is ancestral or spiritual healing. It is said there are three main routes to Spiritual and Ancestral healing. One is that negative entities have ‘hijacked’ or attached themselves to a person without permission. This is often prevalent in Schytsofrenia, or those who have moods that they cannot control. Learn an extremely effective technique to release these entities from yourself or from others who may seek your assistance.

The second route is unresolved past lives. Past life stories that can still play out in our lives today. Learn how to resolve and to release their negative effects on your life and the lives of others.

The third route are those things passed down to us by our ancestors that reside in the memory of DNA. This too can be transmuted and healed.

Learn to diagnose which route the spiritual affliction comes from and how to effectively treat and heal it forever. It is said that ones entire lineage may be healed through this process.

Wind instruments and Song: Learn to play a pentatonic bone flute and also the sacred songs of the Bana Kuma.

EARTH CAMP:

herbal studies, medicine making: learn an ancient technique of herb gathering called “The Quivering” In which the plant world communicates directly with the person harvesting the herbs for the benefit of those who will be consuming the herbs or tea. Create Salves, tinctures and other healing remedies with the vast array of healing herbs on the island.

Tea making and ceremony: The tea ceremony that follows from the freshly harvested herbs is an ancient one in which all elements are honored as they combine to make the tea. Teas are made on an a sacred fire and the healing effects have been to many to mention here.

Gudoku-doku; Or tree medicine focuses on all of the healing properties of tree bark, roots and leaves (different from herbal or plant studies). Gudoku-doku actually refers to the club that is used to pound the bark and the roots while making them into medicine. The first song taught in this practice speaks of the club and the medicines power to kill or to heal. The song refers to the fact that we possess great power in the decisions we make. Apparently many things from trees can also be poisonous if not treated in the right way. This practice requires special attention and intention from the practitioner. The tree medicines can also be used in the Elemental tea ceremony.

Chimbo: Is the basic crafting or consecrating of objects, adornments or clothing. Chimbo are consecrated in ceremony to represent something that is shared between the spirit and physical realms. They are empowerment objects. Since these things are shared with the unseen realm, a process is undergone to be guided by ones spirits. A Chimbo consecrated and owned by both the individual and their spirits but is taken care of by the person who is alive. There is no limit as to what the object can or cannot be.

Bana Kuma music on Western instruments: Learn some or all of the 12 Bana Kuma archetypical music on any instrument other than the voice, drum or flute.

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*We are viewing Gah-Ta as our teachers training. You may choose to receive in depth training on any of the activities listed above or choose your own Gah-Ta and receive guidance from your spirits and the spirit of the Kinika. In this process it is important that you co-create with those of the unseen so that your Gah-ta will be in harmony with the unseen as well as everything else. There will be extra councils for people in this program as well as a graduating process with Haha. This program is reserved for those who have their gah or are going to be obtaining their gah during the upcoming expansion.

Note to the origin of the Bana Kuma ceremonies: Bana Kuma is based on a goal of a final world culture in which all peoples share their ‘medicine’ with each other. Those that have co-created and shared these ceremonies with us have requested that we do our best to keep them from being put into a cultural box. Where the ceremonies come from is not important to the creators of these ceremonies. Wheter or not they serve you or not is what is important. Bana Kuma is focus on creating unity instead of division and therefor is for and from earth people for all people. We are warned that the Bana Kuma is never to be delineated as certain peoples tradition. The ceremonies are born from ancient wisdom that is universal to all. They are not to be owned by any one culture or people but be freely offered to all humankind. It is said that if Bana Kuma is not as universal as a tear or a smile then it is not Bana Kuma.

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Meal Plan:
$50/day

MEAL PLAN OPTION:
Contact us at banafest@gmail.com if you are interested in up-to-date details for the meal plan option. We will need a commitment no later than January 1.
Typically the meal plan includes a light breakfast and a large lunch and dinner. To follow the ceremonial diet of the Bana Kuma, the meals are largely vegetarian and use little to no processed ingredients. When meats are incorporated, they are butchered ceremonially and/or locally, with great care and intention.

REGISTRATION:
We would greatly appreciate it if you could touch base with us at banafest@gmail.com if you are going to be joining us just so we can be as prepared as possible for the number of participants.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Contact us at banafest@gmail.com for accommodations.
$10/night Camping. Access to hot shower, Flush toilettes and community kitchen.

Rooms and shared cabins available for $58 per night.

Full cabin rental available for $95 per night (sleeps 3), $225 per night (Sleeps 8).

Directions to Anuenue from Noni Farm Road:
VERY IMPORTANT: Set odometer to zero at start of Noni Farm Road. The entrance to Anuenue Cultural healing arts Sanctuary is 1.7 miles from the highway. Make sure to always stay to the left on this road!

Landmarks:
You’ll pass Polestar on the right after .2 miles.
Once you see Gaia Yoga (on the left). the property is 5 driveways past them on the left.
You will first see the Norfolk Pine Trees that line their neighbor’s porperty directly across on the right.

For more info email us at: banafest@gmail.com

Adventure Stories with the Handpan

Adventure Stories with the Handpan

 

By Hollis Taylor

If you know Bright Hawk either by the fire, in spiritual community, as a musician, or in a facility you know that she holds a special talent in bringing people together. Bright Hawk’s work with Let’s Dance has lead her to tremendous growth in a way that is beyond words and sentences on your screen. I find her tremendous talent as a storyteller best shown when she combines it with her delightful abilities with the handpan. Here is her most recent video including a performance with the “Women of the World” as well as pieces of her “Dancing Happy Hippo Storytime Adventure” that can help you understand this dynamic being of peace and light. Her delightful smile and amazing talent of the handpan combined with her shiny personality and inspirational messages take her to gatherings around the world. Festivals all over the world delight in Bright Hawk’s presence at their events as well as libraries, schools, and other family based events.

Never before seen! Amazing Storyteller Handpan Player! Adventure Stories about Traveling and Bright Hawk’s very own creative stories for children of all ages. We invite you to WATCH FREE with these videos or DOWNLOAD THIS VIDEO FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES!

Furthermore, notice how Bright Hawk’s stories bring communities together, over and over again. Inspired by Bright Hawk’s stories and hand pan music many communities experience great inspiration by her presence.

Bright Hawk also has been playing the African Drum, Djembe for over 20 years. Many would first notice her amazing abilities rhythmically and honor her for her profound experience with both beginners and professionals alike! Here she is featured with the group “Women of the World”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac5uh2jVAp0

Swallow Hill Music – Open Mic

Swallow Hill Music – Open Mic

Open Mic – the community gathers! The anxiety in the room heightens as the group of new musicians gather to support each other and take their moment in the spotlight. There are several open mic events in Denver, every night, all over the city. Tonight, we are visiting Swallow Hill Music – Open Stage.

Swallow Hill is a gathering spot for musicians in Denver, CO. They provide space for classes, concerts and community music gatherings. Often Bright Hawk attends this open stage and has been featured as the “Best of” open stage. Once a month they have an open stage and they choose several people from the open stage that are considered the “best” to be featured at a special concert the following the month. Providing more space for the community to not only connet in community but also to lift each other up. Sharing audiences helps all in attendance to develop as musicians. We can lift each other up and celebrate our diversity. Swallow Hill Music certainly has the feel of not only professional musicians but also the community of people that celebrate music.

Bright Hawk plays the hand pan in a way that is different than most other hand pan players. Her background in percussion, music and African music shows through in her diversity and talents. The instrument, the Hang PANArt, is a very unique instrument but is normally played for only atmospheric music, until Bright Hawk.

Bringing her instrument to the stage brings immediate interest as usual. Everyone has questions about how to get one and where it comes from. The instrument is interesting and the sounds it provides for music enthusiasts is uniquely interesting. The sounds are compared to many other instruments such as the harp and even an orchestra! Some people have even insisted there is something inside of it, really underneath in that big hole. Others want to know how to get one or where they can get it. The instrument in itself gets tons of attention.

Once you get past the initial fascination with the instrument you are moved by the smiling Hang PANArtist and amazing talent of the Percussionist Bright Hawk. Her 20 years experience and lifetime of music study shows through in her compositions. Songs that begin and end in a way that feels like she took you on a journey. A journey with an instrument tuned in F that inspires happy and joyful feelings. She does two songs at the open mic that are upbeat and fun. One song with a little visualization about traveling and honoring those that have come before us. Then we are reminded of where the original Americans came from with a fun Irish Story and music that inspires community and hospitality.

By Hollis Taylor

Percussionist Concert?

Percussionist Concert?

Bright Hawk has over 20 years experience as a percussionist. Her background began with African rhythms on the Djembe, branched out into marimba, and now is combined on the hand pan, Hang PANAart. The Hang is a very special instrument and for sure deserves the attention it gets but also neglecting to bring Bright Hawk’s percussion talents to the stage would leave us all missing out.

Bright Hawk is best known for her work on the Djembe and most people in the drumming world know who she is and respect her talents. She drums along side may names and along with many well known bands, including String Cheese Incident. Her percussion abilities are rarely matched and she is unique among other female drummers. Bright Hawk has had a long time vision of playing with a DJ for parties, concerts, and shows.

Recently she joined forces with Izzy Ahee, a new DJ, creating the Crazy Monkeys. Simply a DJ who lays down some fun beats that fit the audience. Songs that inspire our hearts, bring life to your feet, and bring community together with music. Their debut show is at Cannon Mine Coffee in Lafeyette, CO on March 31st, 2016 at 7pm.

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By Hollis Taylor

A Story! A Story!

A Story! A Story!

A story! A story! Bright Hawk is a storyteller that crosses the lines between children, young adults, families, and even the elderly. Her ability to capture her audience in a way that transcends age, cultures, and even belief systems. Her original story “The Dancing Happy Hippo” is one of those age old tales that any audience can enjoy. The story unfolds in a way that helps us fall in love with the main character, Mvuu. The magic is certainly ever present in this story!

The most creative manifestation of the story unfolds when she tells it live, with the Hang PANArt. The Hang, one of the original hand pans, brings an atmosphere type of feeling to the entire story. The story is unfolded verbally with Bright Hawk’s animated mannerisms combined with her emotional tones. When she gets the audience to participate we find ourselves as emotionally involved as the teller. She takes us for an emotional journey with the Hippo in a way that we all forget that she is a Hippo, until Bright Hawk teaches us Hippo sounds! Then laughter takes over the audience that delights most of us. The deep bliss the hippo experiences is remininse to many “trance dancers” since Bright Hawk uses those words when she describes the Hippo’s experience. This immediately helps the 20-40 somethings to identify with the “Trance dance” experience. Young children identify with the animals and love the participartory parts of the story. Bright Hawk’s wise lessons about being authentic and following our bliss gets adults and the elderly on board to support this amazing storyteller. Her delivery of the story with the instrument makes it so unique that almost anyone just walking bye is likely to stop and listen in. The instrument is not only atmospheric but she even has little songs that helps us feel that part of the emotional story. We can feel the struggle, the suprise, and the wisdom is delivered in many of the lyrics for the songs. The songs have catchy chorus that the audience is immediately inspired to sing along.

Bright Hawk’s storytelling has evolved into something uniquely refreshing. Her ablity to not only make music but also tell a little story around her music brings her into a type of storytelling we rarely see. Many storytellers have music put behind them. Bright Hawk’s amazing storytelling talents can easily hold a crowd without the music and often at festivals she will mix a few songs between her stories. Just recently she developed her story with songs and music to go with it. She is working on developing more of her stories this way. Her talents are already celebrated among communities all over the country including at Rights Of Spring in Massachusettes. This yearly festival features her for familys and youth festival attendees. She has developed as a storyteller with the support of this community. Currently, in the works, is a DVD of Bright Hawk telling her story as a fundraiser to publish her original story into a book. We are still in the filming process but the excitement builds as we approach a dream come true for Bright Hawk. Bright Hawk is currently available for live concerts and storytelling events. The diversity in which she can entertain is vast and she is excited to continue to develop her stories with music of the Hang PANArt.

Here’s a video from one of her Live Performances at Rights of Spring. Follow this blog to get announcements about the DVD of her original story – “The Dancing Happy Hippo”

Brik on York – Open Mic

Brik on York – Open Mic

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By Hollis Taylor

Open Mics are a service to the creative community! We visit them while we build Bright Hawk as a solo musician in order to network and promote upcoming concerts. Recently I was turned on to a new place in Denver for an Open Mic. Since I am always looking for places for Bright Hawk to get exposure and places to meet other artists, I asked her to take part in the open mic at Brik on York. I could tell by the website that this place was going to be unique.

Upon arrival I was comforted by the casual setting. This industrial style venue resembled many other new food places that also serve craft beers and wines in Denver. This place had a bit more style though in the art they held on the walls. The art, with closer inspection, was from high schoolers. So now the Brik has pulled on my value strings, creating space for artistic expression for youth is a great thing to do, most of us would agree. When I came in there was a film screening ending, yet another creative form of entertainment. As I looked around I noticed that Brik on York was becoming a space for artists to show their true colors, including the young and less experienced. The open mic is yet another way…

When it was time to sign up the owner was plugged in enough to his venue that he could create a line up that would celebrate everyone. The show was opened by a band of young people including the owner on percussion. Its always great to see when people come together to play music and cooperate. There was a bit of a jam session that was just right to bring shy artists out of their shell. It can be intimidating to get on stage and perform in front of people, even if you have practiced every day and you been told a million times your good. It takes practice and confidence to get on stage again and again….often what is before can help sooth nerves. Then someone else has taken a risk as well. I have experienced this myself as a performer although it does get easier the more you do it.

We were blessed some good acoustic guitar players and then interestingly a spoken word artist did an improv type performance. The artist asked for 3 words from the audience after words like kitten and apple she managed to work the words in a way that sounded inspirational. As if they were the center of us all. Really well done. Bright Hawk took stage with her amazing instrument, the Hang PANArt. The unusual style of the instrument always gets initial interest but she has a way of keeping people past that curious moment, without diminishing the curiosity. Her style is most unusual and she can easily talk and play the instrument, or at least it looks easy! She uses the insrument to create music but also as sound effects and background to her Storytelling. The instrument is so diverse that it gives her freedom to create variety in sound and rhythms from song to song. Showing her diversity Bright Hawl delivered a fun Irish Story along with her song “Dance of the Fae” and then showed her impressive skills by playing both sides of the instrument at the same time. To keep two hands doing two different sides at the same time to create a song is a special talent. Her ability to balance the Hang in between her legs is impressive and unique – even having a story to go along with this song. Feels like a lullabye and takes many of us back to gentle imaginative days of our youngest years.

She closed her set showing even more diversity by singing along to a fun upbeat song that tends to get everyone singing and dancing. Seven Generations her original composition for this age old value. Showing how we are all connected through her music she rocks us into a community song that helps us all know just how siginificant we each are, regardless of age. Her fun attitude and upbeat rhythms bring a strong feeling of unity to the song overall. Most of us feel experience a sense of humanity as a result of this uplifting song.

Overall I was grateful to have tried the Open Mic out, maybe we can make it next week! Thank you Brik on York for supporting artists and keep up the good work!