A GLOBAL CULTURAL MUSICAL COMMUNITY

A few months ago Fire & Grace was invited to Hastings, New Zealand to perform and do workshops at Irongate School. One of the big important things we wanted to try and accomplish was working with the Maori and Samoan students and their cultures and find ways to connect them to ones that we study and perform. It was an absolutely mind-blowing experience. To hear these kids sing, play, and talk about their songs, what they are about, try to learn bits of their language, and perform these songs on the violin and with my colleague Bill on Guitar. It was nothing short of Magical. I would love to also give a shoutout to Raewyn Newcomb who has become a dear friend, and really understands and loves to help create the opportunity for these partnerships, and building a worldwide cultural community. I feel so honoured and thrilled to be part of this community, and look forward to connecting with these students, and budding young musicians soon again. Music brings us together, and music holds so much beauty and joy and friendship within itself - when we have the opportunity to share it together, it changes us forever.