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”
Tired of the same old thing? Need something positive and upbeat? When I am looking for a live music show to see I want something that’s gonna help me lift my mood. I love music and find that I am deeply effected by the mood of the music. Sometimes I need space to scream and yell to some crazy angry song, this way I can move past those emotions. Most of the time though I am in need of soothing, comforting, positive and upbeat music.
Bright Hawk was invited back to the Laughing Goat for a concert in February 2016. She was blessed enough to follow an amazing couple Marcel & Janelle. “Michigan-formed, Denver-based duo Marcel & Janelle offer a fresh mix of IndieSoul music with a positive vibe, entertaining show & original tunes” This statement from their website is a perfect description! Marcel’s talent to create romantic mood music with his electric guitar was impressive & I have witnessed some of the best in person! I loved his style, talent, and use of technology but was mostly impressed at his super positive attitude. Janelle’s voice was electrifying to the soul! The lyrics were original compositions and I found myself impressed at their style. My favorite part though was the romantic feel to the entire show. Celebrating their love for each other fills my heart for my own personal love life. This show would be highly recommended for that special date with a new lover or a long time spouse.
Bright Hawk followed them up with some of her best original compositions! The Hang PANArt is known for its soothing vibrations. When Bright Hawk plays it, its like sinking into your most comfortable chair. The interesting and unique sounds keep it fun to listen to. Her intricate rhythms communicate the mood for the song. All of her songs on the Hang PANArt are original compositions. One song she plays on both the underneath and the top of the instrument in a way that is impressive to watch. Having the ability to keep a back rhythm with one hand and create melodic rhythms with the other. This composition she calls “Singing with Whales”. It easily communicates the gentle rocking of being in water, the soothing sensation of water is brought to life through the Hang PANArt. Her unique playing style and talents as a percussionist are impressive and inspiring on this unique and fantastic instrument.
Bright Hawk delivered small stories and tales to go along with her compositions. The audience was impressed not only with this unique instrument and her obvious skills, but of the depth her stories helped us connect to her music. Her short stories tied into where or why she composed each song. Her stories included those of loss and sadness but also of joy, celebration and even a fun Irish song/story. One of her little stories tells of when she was a child and use to fantasize about swimming with whales. A wild childhood fantasy that most of us could relate to. The stories helped set up the tone for each song, using the music to enhance the story and visa/versa. This style is like that of a folk or country singer that has stories in their music, but they usually use as string instrument. Bright Hawk uses what she calls a “Spaceship”.
Her concert was filled with tons of music, upbeat energy, and positive messages. I felt inspired and uplifted by the time the show was over. I noticed that the audience felt the same way and many people were inspired to spread love in our world. At this time the only way to experience this extra special musical storytelling journey is to catch a live show with Bright Hawk. Keep up with her schedule by subscribing to this blog or social media of your choice.
It is a pleasure to get to share my music in lots of different places! This week Let’s Dance will play four different senior living communities! Thank you all for your support and encouragement–it is soulful work and pleasure to share with you, your magnanimous expression of support for us is priceless!
Speaking of gratitude–none of Let’s Dance would be possible without Hollis Taylor! It is a pleasure and a privilege to learn from someone who has been of service to seniors and those with special needs for a lifetime.
This week I offer you new, short pieces, from locations around my beautiful state of Colorado.
