Visitors and the Fink Festivities

The heat was back on today and it's almost that time when the sky looks spectacular every morning.

 Chores as usual.

 Gary took Finn and Coop on another outing.  This time (after going out to breakfast) they went to the 100th Anniversary ForestFest in East Bethany, New York.  There were all kinds of planned activities and presentations.  All three of them made bird calls and wooden necklaces.  There were Timbersport Demonstrations, a live Bird of Prey Demonstration, Guided Forestry Hikes etc..

 They got back to the farm around 2.  Cooper headed straight for the carrots.

 We were joined by Scott's sister Paula...her husband (also) Scott and their three children.

They wanted to visit the horses.

 Berlin and Abbe were each given about a 30 minute (massage) grooming and they loved it.

Both girls were perfectly behaved and enjoyed all the attention.

A good experience for the kids.

 Jenny brought up a rustic peach tart that she made.

 The 6 adults loved it...and the kids ate fudgecicles.

 After they left, I took a short nap before doing evening chores.

 Tonight we were invited to the annual Andrew Fink BBQ.  He flies in from NYC at this time every August and has all his buds over for some fine food from the Dinosaur BBQ.  It's like a reunion and somehow we (oldies) have been included.  I am very flattered.

 Mel and Helen are always there and Andrew's parents play a big part in the hosting.

 The food is always superb.

 Before I retired, many of these people were my students.  Hard to believe.

 When it got dark, we were surrounded by candlelight and

 many gathered around two fire pits.

 Photo ala fire light.

 Finally the flash worked.

 I'm sure the party will be going on for many more hours.

We and the Smags left at 9:30.

Another great time Andrew.  Thank you Alicia and Herb.

Can't wait to see the group photo.

Night all.

Convocation at SUNY Brockport

Before the first day of school starts at the State University of New York at Brockport, Convocation is held at the Serc for the incoming freshman.  This building is only a few years old and provides a perfect space for large gatherings.

For a very long time, members of Sankofa (an African Drumming and Dance Ensemble) have performed at this event.  I am not a member of Sankofa, but have been drumming with Khalid Saleem for quite awhile, and this is the third time I have participated.  A few members of our Saturday drumming group are official members and the rest of us are able to join them.

Before going there, the drummers and dancers met at the Strasser Studio around noon to get organized.  There was a brief rehearsal for about an hour as it's the first time this group had worked together this semester.  The kids were up and so talented.

 

It  was good to see Khalid, who spent the summer working in North Carolina.

We practiced with the shakers and bells for a short time and sounded great.

By 1:15 we were over at the SERC with all our gear.

Here's the drill.  After all the students are seated, we lead a processional into the space, followed by the college faculty and administration in full regalia.  It is an amazing experience as we sound like an explosion entering the room.  (I'm sure the new president was very impressed).

After we practiced our entrance the stage was set up and we had a run through with the dancers.

 While we were waiting in the dressing room, the dancers practiced once again.

We still had an hour and a half to go before things got started.

Khalid (on the right) is the musical director for Sankofa, and Wayne has been part of the group for years (he also plays with us on Saturdays).

These are the dancers who performed today.  On the far right is Oli, the new choreographer for Sankofa...who is going to be doing a fabulous job.  I was so impressed with her today.  Have known her for several years as she was a graduate student here in the Dance Department.

What amazes me, is the fact that there are no rehearsals before today.  These dancers are aware of what is expected, and put it together in a very short period of time.  They have all done this before and the drummers already knew the appropriate patterns.

It's just a matter of running through it a couple of times to get the kinks out.

This is the group of people I drum with.  An offshoot group was started called Umoja and we drum for various activities (cancer walks/runs, half-marathons, farm markets, summer serenades, special events, school and hospital visits etc.).  Later in September we will be drumming for a full marathon in Rochester and will probably finish the season with another cancer walk/run in October that attracts thousands of participants.  I have posted pictures in the past.  Such fun.  Many stop and dance in front of us.

This man is the most community minded person I have ever met.  We are so lucky to have the opportunity to work with him.

Unfortunately, I can't drum and take pictures at the same time.
We really rocked the house.
You had to be there.....
So much for today.
Night all.