BIG! 2020 is a BIG year, so much anticipation for this manifesting time. So many BIG things are happening for Bright Hawk Productions and our non-profit Let’s Dance Activities! First, a BIG EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT…. Bright Hawk is offering a Fire Circle that she is facilitating, organizing and visualizing along with other people including Hollis Taylor, Crystal J. Love, and Jason Bliss. This Fire Circle is completely different in the timing of the ceremonies and the intentional inclusion of children. We have worked hard this winter to manifest an event intended to include EVERYONE! Even to include families with children, Elders that want to share wisdom, and people with challenges that keep them from all night fire circles. The event space offers support for all levels of attendance from tenting to indoor space. Our event space even has handicap accessible indoor facilities! We are officially taking registrations at www.HeartlandFireCircle.com
HeartlandFireCircle.com – Dance In the Light with Us!
There is MORE and MORE, but here’s a little story! Then look for more exciting announcements below!
Van Life at Big Sur
Van life has its ups and downs just like living in a house. Although, unexpected mishaps can quickly become a disaster that eats your day. We had left Eugene, Oregon and had enjoyed sometime on the Pacific Coast.
We are both interested in healthy options and became intrigued with brewing Kombucha in our van. We brew two gallons, and that makes just about enough for the two of us. We are still working on our system and during our break in Eugene we worked to master the process. The scobies, the bacteria that makes the fermentation happen, are very active and the process is working.
All of us we have days that are more difficult than other days. Life is not about avoiding difficult days it’s about how you handle them. We were grateful to have enjoyed some days doing office work along the Pacific coast. We carried on into Santa Clara for a Let’s Dance program before we headed south to BigSur for a well deserved break.
Spring is blooming
BIG Ocean Views
Big Smiles from the Coast
Brilliant Blue Waters with BIG Spectacular Views
Loving #Vanlife on the Pacific Coast Hwy
As we drove out of the busy city, Hollis went to the center of the van only to realize the an entire gallon container of kombucha had spilled, the carpet was saturated and we both realized the entire van smelled like fermented vinegar! We really could not continue in this condition, so many levels of intolerable! As we inspected the damage we realized that this was going to be a project. We had to replace the carpet, clean things, relay carpet, and make more kombucha. We both sat in silence as we realized our plans to Big Sur were not happening tonight. We begrudgingly began to make plans to spend the afternoon with this overwhelming project.
We were relieved to find inexpensive carpet remnants and then drove into the city to find a DIY carwash tall enough for the van. We struggle through getting it all done with tired hungry bodies, carpet out and new carpet in. Hollis remastered the arrangement of things to assure this didn’t happen again. By the time we were finished we were both exhausted and frustrated with things and needing downtime. We sat in silence at dinner as Hollis reviewed the schedule and map,” Well I am grateful for this mess today because if we had gone to Big Sur for two days we would have to double back for our Let’s Dance program in Salinas, CA tomorrow!” Silver lining. We both stare at each other with raised eyebrows in surprise, realizing plans change, we both begin to relax and smile at each other, the stress of the day begins melting away. Bright Hawk says, “Well I guess it was meant to work out this way! We needed to slow down, study our schedule better, figure out a better system for the kombucha and finally get around to replacing the carpet, and now we have. ” Hollis agrees.
We both smiled and Bright Hawk asks, “Then do we have any time to spend in Big Sur?” Hollis reviews the schedule again and happily answers, “Actually we have several days to shoot video, get pictures and get a little rest.” We both look at each other as the stress fades, we have had easier days and will again. We know that everyone has moments like this, well, the details vary for sure! Often though as we sit and reflect we can find the silver lining in any hard situation. We took several quiet breathes together finishing our dinner and knowing that all moments pass–good, bad or otherwise.
We spent several days slowly meandering down the part of the Pacific Coast called “Big Sur” – savoring each beautiful moment because we are so aware of what we just went through. The beauty of the cliffs, the wisdom of the redwood trees and soothing nature of the waves washed away our rough start to the trip. We even spent time dancing in the sun with our shadows!
We slowly worked our way down the coastline on Highway 1 towards Morro Bay. We had pieced together that by the end of March we will have done the entire Pacific Coast Highway from Washington to Oregon and California! We were profoundly grateful for this life we have manifested. Even though it’s hard sometimes, we love our lives in the van! We worked hard to get to this point, we both have invested so much time and energy and every bit of it is worth it! For this we are grateful!
Redwoods at the Coast
Turkey *Gobble Gobble
Spring Flowers!
BIG Beach View
Waterfall Into the Ocean
Big Cliffs at the Coast
Sunset on the Cliffs of BIG Sur!
BIG Views, BIG SMILES, and BIG Fun at BIG Sur!
ANOTHER BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
Bright Hawk and Hollis have been Featured in this Summit!
We want to THANK YOU for reading Bright Hawk’s Blog! AND we want to share another BIG important announcement with you! Bright Hawk and Hollis have been featured in a special Brain Degeneration Summit that is packed solid with resources for people living with brain degenerative diseases. We want to invite you to look deeper into this or share it with someone that might find it helpful. This is a big step for Let’s Dance Activities, our non-profit serving nursing care and memory care communities Nationwide. Its part of the reason we get around! We are so honored to be part of this event. Here is a link to the Let’s Dance Activities Blog and we hope that you take a moment to read some of the stories or spread the word.
Professionals Come Together with Resources for this Community
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”.
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.
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.
