Sunday, April 12, 2009

Singing Sticks Didgeridoo Music Festival


For anyone reading this blog living in the UK or Europe, here's a didgeridoo Festival we wanted to make you aware of.

Singing Sticks Didgeridoo Music Festival
July 10th, 11th, 12th 2009 in Northamptonshire, England

The Festival will be held at:
The Overstone Scout Camp,
Billing Lane, Overstone, Northampton, NN6 0AF

The venue offers woodland and large flat fields aswell as lots of areas for performances, jams or workshops and there is a large outdoor ampi-theatre with a fire pit for evening performances and get togethers.

Get information at the official website www.singingsticks.co.uk

For more didgeridoo events visit www.laoutback.com

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Steve Roach and Hearts of Space Radio

The first time I remember hearing a didgeridoo was in 1988 on a syndicated radio program called "Hearts of Space". The music, by ambient electronic composer Steve Roach, is now a spacemusic classic titled "Dreamtime Return". And while the didgeridoo playing is a bit sparse on this double CD, it certainly struck a sonic chord in me that left a lasting impression.

Hearts of SpaceThese days I've been in communication with both Steve Roach, as well as the producer of "Hearts of Space", Stephen Hill. For those of you unfamiliar with the work of either of these two very talented and engaging fellas, I recommend that you visit their websites and take in what they have to offer.

I'm a long-time subscriber of "Hearts of Space" online where you can listen to over 700 one hour radio programs on demand. There are several shows dedicated to the didgeridoo, and the website is so easy to navigate. When you've got the time, visit www.HoS.com and hear what I mean.

Dreamtime ReturnSteve Roach has been a huge inspiration to me for many years, and "Dreamtime Return" is still one of my muses. It's the music I'm listening to as I write this, 20 years after hearing it for the first time. Steve has over 30 albums with an international fan base. If you have the chance to see him perform live don't miss it. Every show is completely improvised mixing electronic and acoustic instruments with found objects. His website is robust and you can support him directly by purchasing online while you're there. Visit Steve's site at www.SteveRoach.com

Steve Roach and Stephen Hill provided the original inspiration for my interest in the didgeridoo. This music keeps me somewhat grounded and fairly sane. Stephen distills the genre well by calling it "Slow Music for Fast Times". Thank you both so much.

Good vibes,

Barry
LA Outback
www.laoutback.com