Flute & Drum

Seu Sérgio Playing  one of his many hand mdae flutes

Ana Lídia helping Dad out. 

Dad on the flute and youngest daughter on the drum. Probably two of the oldest instruments in the  world, the Flute and the Drum. Back in Genesis Chapter 4:21 the Bible mentions the first musician Jubal, was his name. He had a full time job making and playing instruments. As a musician I've always found it interesting that the Bible mentions the first musician on earth. Then all throughout the Bible we see how music was used to defeat the enemy and give glory to God. And still to this day music, if used properly (to worship God) can be a powerful force in your life to set you free and bring healing and peace into your life.

Last Chance to Dance

The News Media was in Full force capturing this Moment in History 

Maria on the Agogo Bells

Paula on the Caixa or Snare Drum

John Popper of the Blues Traveler Looking for the Stage 

Well Carnaval, is now in full swing in Brasilia, as hundreds (not millions like in Rio de Janeiro) of people hit the streets in funny costumes, musical instruments and a lot of enthusiasm as the excitement builds up. Some people spend all year preparing for this event practicing their instruments and finding the right clothes to wear like this gentlemen in the bottom photo.  

Music Masters

Daniel Oliveira, playing his new Brazilian made NAGANO DRUMS

World famous Brazilian drummer Daniel Oliveira, shows off this excellent musicianship the other night at the Music Master Concert Series, a monthly musically event held outside in front of the Music Master music store in Brasilia. Also on hand was the lovely and talent Michele Chitko. also from Brasilia, giving an outstanding performance with her band. In addition to being great performers these are also very nice people. I know from experience that music is a very tough business to in so I pray the best for them and there future. 

Michele Chitko

 

Willie & the Wailers

Willie and the Wailers 

Street Festival at 716 Asa Norte, Brasilia 

Ok, the other night I stumbled across this band playing in my  neighborhood. All they played was reggae, so, I called them Little Willie and the Wailers. And these guys were quite good I must say although I'd like to see if they could play more than one styles of music. A lot of young musicians  seem to be fascinated with what I call the Bob Marley syndrome much like the Che Guevara syndrome that young and dumb college student seem to be duped into.  If you actual research the lives of both of these people you'll see there is not really a lot to admire. Bob claimed to smoke about one pound of dope a day and Che was nothing more than a thug and a terrorist. Sometimes I'm surprised that no one has come up with a Charles Manson tee shirt the three of them would make a great pair. However, being a musician myself  I know the power of music and how it can be used for good or evil or to heal or destroy.  And so I pray that Willie and his band will use their talents that God gave them for good. Lord know theirs enough evil in the world today.

Rock'n at Sunset

Raul Emanuel on Drums and Vocals

Os três Músicos do DF, Playing into the Sun. 

Luiz Fernando Guitar and Vocals

This trio was entertaining the crowd that had assembled at sunset the other evening. Not a bad idea knowing that hundreds of people would come to see the sunset at this popular spot in Brasilia. I can't believe these guy's knew Johnny B Goode.

Make a Joyful Nosie

Edgar, leading in song

Los Cinco Rumberos de Colombia, Playing for Change 

Armando pounding out the Rhythm  

The Bible is full of versus about music and the power of music especially in book of Psalms. The Bible also names the the first musician on earth; Jubal was his name found  in Genesis 4 vs.21. David is good example of using music for power as he was called upon by King Saul to play for him to drive a tormenting spirit away. So, music in a sense can be use in three different ways.  1.Good; to glorify God through Praise and and Worship and breaking down strongholds. 2.Evil; we see this everyday especially in today's modern music from pop to rock to rap. 3. Neutral; music that is not use for moral or immoral proposes like these guy's on the streets here in Bogota, Colombia just playing some traditional music that's designs to make you feel good and you go about your daily business.

Just Drums

Bruna, pound out the the rhythm. 

Cristina, giving it all she's got for the local news camera.

Izabell, I think she was the Drum Princess. 

A group of young lady samba drummers showing off their musical skill to prove a point, that all you need is a good beat to make a crowd happy. Well, there's more to it than that but, the drums are the foundation of most music in the world today from Rock to R&B, Latin and Jazz,  you name it there's a beat. After all where does music come from? It's all over the scriptures especially in the book of Psalms. And not only that, drums is among the oldest instrument in the world along with the cymbals and of course the human voice.

Year in Review

Salome Ponce, me and Shuyan Ponce  near the Equator.

Playing to a group of school kids in Quito, Ecuador 

Iglesia La Vina, Quito, Ecuador 

One of the highlights for me in 2012 was a mission trip that I was honored  to be a part of  to Quito, Ecuador,  back in April of 2012.  The days were full of playing music and ministering in local schools and teaching music lessons (Drums) in the evening. Our host was a wonderful missioner Oscar Palma, and his family who are from Chile, but have been living and working in Quito, for a good number of years now. I'm always humbled to be with people with who are so dedicated to sever the Lord and spread to Gospel of peace. Many people sadly, especially in the US, chase after the wrong things in life and make Idols out Rock Stars, Politicians and Athletics etc. So, when people ask me who my heroes are I respond by saying " My heroes have always been missionaries" and  I will make the godly my heroes in land. No government policy or religion can change a persons heart only the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, the creator of all things and ruler of the entire universe can do that. Amen.

Joy of Music

Raquel on the drum

Gabriela  Dancing

Without music the world would be a pretty dull place. There's not a culture on earth that doesn't play or is not effected by music. It all started with a guy named Jubal, the first musician on earth. Psalm 150: 4a Praise him with the drum and dancing. 5b & 6 praise him with the loud clanging cymbals. Let everything that lives sing praises to the Lord.  Remember if you don't praise him, the rocks will.

Feira dos Povos do Cerrado

Young lady working the Acaraje Booth a traditional dish from Bahia

Playing and dancing to Traditional Music

The big chief from the state of Mato Grosso 

The night was filled with food, fun and dance as Brasilia, celebrated the 8th annual Feira dos Povos do Cerrado. It was my first chance to mix and mingle with some of the Indigenous people of this beautiful country  and hopeful not the last.

Festa São João

Youth enjoying the festival

Hi Mom, like my outfit

Doing the Alligator Dance

The Festa São João or the Saint John Festival, aka the Festa Junina is celebrated every June in Brazil. it use to be only on the 24th of the month but now they celebrate it through the whole month. I believe in Oporto, Portugal, home of port wine, where the festival has it's origins, it's only celebrated on the 23 & 24 of the month and not the whole month like in Brazil.

Corpus Cristi

Catedral de Brasilia                                                               

Celebration of Corpus Cristi

They should do this ever week

A fé ilumina o Corpo Cristo. Sob as linhas da arquitetura moderna, 60 mil brasilienses participam das celebrações de Corpus Christi na Esplanada dos Ministérios, Brasilia, Brasil.

60 thousand Brazilians, 4 Americans, 9 Germans, 2 Frenchman and a lost Russian spy were among the faithful at the celebration of Corpus Christi at the Esplanada dos Ministérios in Brasilia, Brazil. 

Di Steffano

Di Steffano

I had to opportunity to photography Di Steffano, a great Brazilian drummer that tours all over Brazil, and part of the US.  Di Steffano is well versed in my different styles of  jazz and Brazilian music. Check out the Video below and enjoy this amazing Band

Shuyana

Shuyana, playing her guitar

Waiting outside the Church

I have been very impress with the young people that I have met while living in South America, and this young lady Shuyana, is no exception. She is very talented loves the Lord, plays many musical instruments, is good with kids and has the heart of a servant.  She was my interpreter, when I taught drum lessons at the Allegro school of Music in Quito, Ecuador.  She, along with her parents and two sister attend the Iglesia La Viña where they are all active member  severing the Lord enthusiastically. I've said it before in other post it's the youth that is the future and the only thing that can change the world is the Gospel of Jesus Christ!!

Jesss Christian Academy

Jesss Christian Academy 

The Band from left to right: Carol Brey-Casiano Flute, Lance Martin Bass,Ximena Borja Vocals, Camila Garreton Vocals, Me on Drums, and Oscar Palma Guitar and Vocals

Lance before his face burned

This was a blast playing here at the Jesss Christian Academy in Quito, Ecuador. The kids were well behaved and I had fun getting to talk with them. Although it wasn't hot outside temps in the 60's, playing this close to the equator you will burn especially if your light completed like are Bass player Lance Martin, who burned, ouch!! My flute playing wife brought her sunscreen so she didn't burn.
Bottom two photos taken by Shuyana Ponce

Montebello Academy

Marcos Benaclazar giving his testimony 

Smiling for the camera 

Group shoot of Happy Kids

Ministering to the youth at Montebello Academy outside of Quito, Ecuador. It's always fun to play for kids as you can see in the bottom photos they were more than happy to pose for photos.

Drums of Salvador

Drums of Salvador

I came across this outdoor shop were this guy makes and sales these handmade drum. I recognize the conga drum on the right the other drums look like old fashion snare drums but I'm not sure what they're really called but they look cool. I think the're used in traditional samba music they play in the streets during carnival and other festivals. What ever the drum or instrument just make a joyful noise to the Lord!! I think drummers were the first musicians God made...It had to be.

Drum Circle

Drum Circle

Paulo giving the Signal 

Paulo, leads a Drum Circle every Sunday afternoon in Praça do Papa, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. He sometimes has more than 20 drummer in his group all following his musical direction as he blows his samba whistle to signal the group when it's time to move from one rhythm to the next.  

Music Food & Fun

Dancers Perform at Gran Folia  

Delicious Food From Bahia

Percussion Section From Mamãe Taguá

As Carnaval came to a close last night in Brasilia, at the Gran Folia Stage there was no shortage of dynamic performances and food from different regions of Brazil, to sample.   

Etta James

Etta James Live at the Hollywood Bowl June 2007

Etta James

By now everyone knows Etta James passed away on Friday, she was a great singer and also knew how to work a crowd, as I wittiness when I photographed her at the Hollywood Bowl a few years ago.