KIVA ~ Music
for the Spirit
www.kivasong.com
Using mythological stories and images, KIVA weaves a rainbow tapestry of ancient cultures and natural imagery into energizing mystical folk music for all ages.
KIVA is a percussive, acoustic, worldbeat ensemble that celebrates the magic of nature and ancient bardic traditions with music that opens the heart and heals the spirit. The band blends strong vocal harmonies with rich and diverse acoustic and electric instrumentation, performing originals, traditionals, and covers. The musicians are inspired by many cultures, spiritual disciplines, and musical styles, including celtic-folk, folk-rock, blues, big band, traditional chants, and jazz. KIVA is based in the Washington DC metro area, and has been nominated fourteen times (so far) for the Washington Area Music (Wammie) Award.
Gretchen McMahon
www.myspace.com/gretchenmcmahon
This organic performer plays wicked sonic ambrosia, serving up tasty cuts
from a musical feast of jazz, rock, blues and Celtic. She moves seamlessly
from Celtic Harp and mandolin to electric guitar, demonstrating why she has
been called "The High Priestess Of Shred". Her voice dances from the smokey
to the lovely as she sings original songs with lyrics that range from the
witty to the achingly beautiful often honoring the Goddess and the
mystical. Gretchen makes this Beltane performance a family affair, as she
is joined by her husband Scott on bass and her son, Stephen, on percussion.
Catch the show and let your "Sexy Witch" out of the cage!
"Fire BLITZ"
Fire BLITZ is an eclectic group of firespinners who all began their tutelage under the leader of the group, Jason. In our philosophy, firespinning is not only an art form but a way to honor the gods we believe in and pay homage to our ancestors. All of the members of "Fire BLITZ" use poi as their medium while performing.
The members of "Fire BLITZ" have been spinning fire for a number of years at festivals as well as our own back yards, streets, parking lots and wherever we can as often as we can simply for the love of doing it. This will be our first official invitation to perform at a festival. We hope you enjoy it.
The spinning of Poi is an ancient Maori tradition from the land of New Zealand, where way back when, men were the only ones allowed to speak during tribal meetings. The women of the tribe however, would use poi to communicate with the men during the sessions and express their views to their counterparts.
MJZ
Min el-Jbal el-Zarr'a is a performance troupe based in the local area. Through music that speaks of ancient times and places, they convey a love of music and rhythm that is felt by young and old alike. The dancers play the music with movement, while the musicians dance with sound. More than just a troupe, the bond and shared desire to share the vision brings a joy to the stage that isn't often found, while conveying a feeling of the ancient Middle East. The music and dance movements are from specific areas in the Middle East, staying true to the roots and tradition of the folkloric style. The musicians and dancers are more than happy to teach and share their knowledge in these areas, hoping to spread the love and joy that comes from this deep and ancient art.