Fairfax Street Choir Member Stories
Aloha everyone! This is exciting! To see everyone's post, click on the comments button below each topic...
posted by Administrator at 8/07/2006 01:25:00 PM
posted by Administrator at 8/07/2006 01:25:00 PM
225 Comments:
Okay, let's see if this works. Aloha everyone! When you sign in to blog, go to anonymous or other as you will have to set up an account with blogger.com not the Fairfax Street Choir. We will see how this works. All other posts are gone, they got deleted accidentally, so please post again. Can't wait to hear from you. Love, Gypsy
I'm still testing
Hey everyone, I have a couple of my stories I’ve told over the years. We were on the way up to the California State Prison (for the criminally insane) on the bus. All having a wonderful time when the conversation at the front of bus went to what to do about the songs Bill B. did. I quietly piped up… I Can Do Them…. Bill could not make that gig, something to do with family as I remember. Everyone turned around and looked at me and said REALLY???? I mean we did not do understudies…. Well, I did my first solos with the choir that day even though I really did not consider them mine… Bill was the shit!!!! I got quite the response from the captivated audience… I could not figure for the life of me why I got as big an applause or more from them than the very talented and beautiful ladies??? I was twenty years old and a little naive to say the least.. (right girls) Well, it was many years that I thought about that gig when it came to me. I just had a great…. PRISON AUDIENCE…. LOL On my 21st birthday we did a gig at the Inn of The Beginning in Cotati. (the only poster I still have Moses) I was so hyped!!! My first real solo on my birthday. It was cool to say the least… I bought myself a Hawaiian shirt with naked dancing hula girls on it.. Well, Laura Allen showed up that night in Cotati and joined us. She had already left the choir by the time I came to them. We had never met. The bass section was a little light that night and she sang on my mike with me… She kept looking at my shirt, smiling and saying, I like that shirt… She got me so flustered; I was screwing up my parts…. All My Parts!!! LOL It was a Fabulous 21st birthday !!!!!!
That last one was me... Could have sworn I checked other... PHIL E.
They would not let Charly attend.... I was so disapointed!!!! LOL
Hey Phil, what are you talking about, aloha, Gypsy
Who's Charly? And who's they? And attend what? Your B-day at The Inn of the Beginning? Or something else?....
Charles Manson was and still is housed in that institution>>>> lol... Was just a joke......... Charly????? Could not make the show!!!!!! lol
With permission, I put this up which came to me from Pam Barlow, aloha, Gypsy
Dear Gypsy,
I can't tell you what a delight it was to get your email about the reunion.
My name then was Pam Moore, and now I'm Pam Barlow. I loved reading your bio, as I too came to Marin from San Diego. Although I graduated high-school in '70, I didn't manage to make it up here to Marin until '74. Shortly after that, Billy B. drafted me into the service of the choir after hearing me practice in the piano rooms at College of Marin. As a result of the wonderful people I met in the choir, I formed a band with Marla and Kathy Hudnall, in which we performed all of our original songs. The three part harmonies were really fun, and the songs - well, what a great experience. We played at the Sleeping Lady, where else?!
I was always in awe of Marla's songwriting and singing skills, she's remained in my memory as an example of how to really serve the Muse. I have no doubt she's still brilliant, probably even more so. I loved singing her songs! And I wonder, what ever happened to the recordings we did at the Church in San Anselmo and then took into the city, to Blue Bear, was it? I really can't remember, but I never got to hear them!
Anyway, I did go on to become a "professional songwriter," in Los Angeles, a fact of my life that I alternately celebrate as having provided a means of survival, and denigrate for enticing me to sort of sell my soul in the process. By the grace of goodness, I did manage to have my best success after deciding to quit listening to others tell me what to write, (and taking money for it), and going out on my own. Then I produced, sang, and arranged professionally and even was part of a group that had some hit records and a rather unusual following in Scandinavia, of all places. Who can ever know the strange things that will happen...? And I was fortunate enough to get some songs in movies that still run regularly on cable; not a monumental achievement, nevertheless I feel satisfied.
I returned to Marin five years ago, looking to find the love of spontaneous musical creation that existed in those days and of which you speak so eloquently. I found the "rich and famous" crowd I'd known back in the day rather perplexed by the idea of playing just for fun. Even the friends that'd stayed in the business to a lesser degree, (meaning they lacked corporate backing, nevertheless played in successful groups), were really too tired and worn down by the grind of what I'd been through: the professional music mill.
So now my husband, (Buffalo Bruce Barlow, the original bass player for Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen, as well as having played with some amazing blues artists like Albert Collins, Magic Sam, Musslewhite, as well as Roger McGuin, Hoyt Axton, etc., etc....), and I perform my original songs every Saturday night in Muir Beach at a little pub called the Pelican Inn. It's the purist music I've played - or the purest intention, or venue, or something - anyway, it's slowly but surely restoring my belief in the experience I had in the Street Choir. Just singing your soul out, no matter what.
Anyway, I could go on, but I just want to say thank you for organizing this reunion and to tell you I'd be honored to be included. I have some photos too that aren't on your site, one of the concert in the park in Fairfax and one of the Mount Tam gig. They aren't in the greatest shape, but hey, with all this techno stuff, maybe they could be tweeked or something?
One last thing, I'd love to reach Marla and just say hi, so I'd appreciate it if you could just forward this email to her and then she can decide if she'd like to contact me. Again, great work, a beautiful site. I feel like now I can forward it to all the people I've told about the Street Choir over the years who just couldn't understand. Now maybe they can begin to. It'd sure be great to show everybody it not only did happen - but it's happening again! Fondly, Pam Barlow
Hi, folks, where is everybody? I realize I was only there for the choir's first couple of years, but that is me holding the trumpet there in the first picture! (got to get one of those, everybody looks so great!) Kudos to Gypsy for putting this together, and it's been great to be back in touch with Marla again. Let's hear some more stories from y'all. Anybody know where David Simmons is?
Hi Gypsy and everyone!!!
I'm so glad this is happening!! I know Gypsy has worked on getting this going for quite sometime now!!! I know Moses, Clyde and Marla have also been working diligently on the audio part of things as well as some other aspects of the reunion. What a wonderful world!!! I'm so excited to hear how you all have been doing...and where life's journey has taken you!!!
I just saw Mellicent again, and met her wonderful husband and 4 year old son! She is moving to Washington D.C. this month! She's still as bright and wonderful as ever!
I email Julie Stafford (Straton) all the time. She's living in Georgia and is a real estate agent for ReMax...I think. She's doing very well for herself and will be building a recording studio in her house!
I've had the opportunity to work with Clyde on a few gigs where he has plyed bass and also where he not only ran sound....but also recorded some awesome soundboard recordings!
Bill Craig and I have a daughter, Stephanie Willow - almost 29 yrs. She sings in the band with Bill and I. Though Bill and I are not married anymore...we get along very well and have continued to play music together all these years. We were in a band, Chameleon, in the early 80's and were on the road for 3 years...touring the Pacific Northwest and Alaska and Canada. I ended up marrying our drummer, Tom, and have been married for 23 years to him. Tom and I have two children together. Eric is 20 yrs. and Raisia (pronounced Ray-sha) is almost 16 years. Eric plays bass in two bands and Raisia sings and plays keyboards. She also dances Ballet incredibly well. In fact, I take Ballet and Jazz at the Academy of Danse with my two daughters.
Bill started Phoenix Rising when still in Marin...and some of you were members of that group. I have pictures of us singing at The Sleeping Lady Cafe and will be sending them to Gypsy to post...and/or perhaps we'll post them on www.phoenixrisingband.com We have secured the domain name...but do not have it published with our stuff yet. But soon we will have it up and running. So...when we left Marin in 1978 we took the name with us...in our hearts....and took the name again ..... as it's meaning seemed to fit (the phoenix bird recreating itself etc...) and have had this current band with that name, since 1997. So the website will have the first Phoenix Rising AND the current Phoenix Rising on it!
But right now, you can see what Bill, Stephanie and I have been up to by visiting www.craigprographica.com we are a multi-media business and specialize in wedding photography as well as Hot Air Ballooning in the Napa Valley.
Stephanie, Raisia and I have been recording cover tunes on www.ksolo.com and www.ksuperstar.com It's online karaoke and it's such a blast! The recordings are public...so if you want ...you can listen even if you're not a member. Some songs I'v sung just for a good laugh, while others I've sung just because I like the songs and take great pleasure in having the chance to sing them. It would be absolutely awesome if some of you were to record some songs on there too!!! Then I could listen to you!!! Wooo Hoooo!!!
OK...enough about what I've been up to!!! Let's hear from you!!! Do tell us everything about what you've been doing with yourselves!!! I know I've thought so much about you all for so long now...and wondered how you are and where you are!!!! That was such a special moment in time for me....and I will cherish it and the friends that I loved so much....ALWAYS!!! Love to all,
Charlene (Francom)/(Craig) Savelberg Napa, CA
11:44 AM
Charlene said...
Hi all...it's just me again. I forgot to leave you my email address....
PhoenixRisingRocks@hotmail.com I LOVE the new pics from Marla!!! Thank you Gypsy for making this happen!!! Love,
Charlene
9:00 PM
Charlene said...
OK...so if you sign in as anonymous...your comment reads: "anonymous says..." BUT...if you sign in as other....it reads "(your name)says...."
So I will choose the "other" dot to check, when I sign in so it will say my name instead of anonymous says....
Charlene
9:07 PM
Phil said...
Hi, Aloha, and greetings to all you kindred sprits, This is phil (late member to FSC: 1975) 30+ years WOW!!!!!… Gypsy, Marla, Moses, Clyde, your time and energy to this site and reunion is an act of love we all know. Thank You !!!… Life has taken us on many different journeys for sure. It’s going to be very heart warming to read and hear the stories. To hear from Charlene was great…. Charlene was the reason I came to the Choir and Marin. We were in a youth choir together in our teens. I was in Napa seeing some music and ran into her. She proceeded to tell me of the life she fell into in Marin and subsequently the group of musicians she was involved with. Those big eyes were saying all I needed to know when she asked me to come over to a rehearsal and check it out. Of course one rehearsal was enough for me!!!!!! Charlene said she had a room for rent in Lagunitas and I jumped on it so quick my friends wondered what happened to me. And my life in Marin began… A wonderful part of my life. The people, music, and lifestyle for me were most incredible experience to I had ever had. At 20… After the Choir was dissimilating I was going to the College of Marin in the music department. Soon after I saw the production of Fiddler. I was hooked. Robin Williams did the bottle dancer gig and stole the show. I was recruited from music to the drama department by Jim Dunn & Harvy Susser and did many productions there. I got an offer from an old friend to move to the north shore of Tahoe and front his band… My life in Tahoe so began…LOL.. I’m thinking right now of Dustin Hoffman in Little Big Man. The many parts of his life.. Just a funny thought……… I lived In Tahoe many years, married, had a son BJ (22) and went through a few more changes in life. I have remained in music and drama in many different ways all my life. I am living in phoenix and importing teak furniture (recycled oxcart teak) from northern Thailand. Enough for now… I’m so looking forward to the reunion and seeing all of you…………. Phil phillip.elpers@gmail.com Hey Charlene!!!
11:20 AM
Sorry Gypsy...didn't mean for these to go on the "Fans and friends" page....lol.....so I copy/pasted here. Love,
Charlene
Hi Gypsy,
I'll get Dennis's email. I thought I had it but I don't. You've done a great job on the Choir's website. The Taz are playing at the Mystic Theater in Petaluma Aug 19th, the CD is available and the website is up.....TAZDEVILS.NET.
See you later Dave C
...Pasted this over from Fan page, sorry...
From time to time it is a very cool thing to look back and examine the road one has traveled to get where one is today, to reflect on the choices we made that led us to be who and where we are now.
I first saw and heard the choir at a gig at College of Marin. I was 17 and barely out of high school. It was a kind of 'love at 1st song'. I think it was 'Gather Together' with Laura Allen's beautiful voice and dulcimer playing with fiery intesity. In remembering that experience I can still feel the tingle that started somewhere around my heart and radiated outward until I was totally enthralled. I remember the intense desire to be part of this magnificent sound.
As it happened, Moses was doing sound that day and by happy coincidence he had been my high school bus driver. He made intros after the set and I was off and running full speed toward one of the most beautiful and intense chapters in my life.
During my years with the Fairfax Street Choir from 1973 to 1976 I was presented with amazing growth opportunities. I will always be so grateful and amazed by the people whom I met that taught, mentored and shared with me. Singing together, blending voices is the best possible thing that human beings can ever do. It creates such an openess of heart, a vulnerability in the tenuosness, a strength like steel cable that can lift the heaviest weight.
Thanks Gypsy, Marla and Clyde for your concepts and efforts to pull this all together. Thanks Charlene for remembering and including me. Thanks to my dear Mellicent for being my dearest friend thru 30 years and 3000 miles.
More later...
Best regards,
Julie Stafford Straton
Hahahahaha!!!! I just saw Dave Carlson's note about the Tazmanian Devils playing tonight!!! That's where Bill Craig and his fiance', Laura are right this minute!!! Laura is Clyde's younger sister...and she and Bill are great together! Anyway.... I was going to go...but I got a cold...waaaaah!!!! Charlene
Love Ya Julie!!!! And Phil.... So good to be in contact with you too!!!! And Petere Montalbano.... I told Bill Craig you left a message on here! Dave Carlson ROCKED the house last Saturday night when the Tazmanian Devils played in Petaluma!!! Bill brought back their new CD, and just raved about them!!! He was very happy to be in their audience!!! Way To Go Guys!!!!
OK....so where is everybody????
Anyone know where Rose Rutman is? Max? Debra Parma? Cathy Hudnall?
I'm sending Hope Levy and her Mom Carole the link....Remember "Little" Hope who sang Gather Together and Smilin' with us on a few shows when she was only about 8 yrs old???? Well, she has her own website and has been doing "voice overs" for some popular nickelodeon cartoons...as well as TV Commercials such as the Wells Fargo one that has been playing this last year. She also has a band that she sings with. You can visit her at: www.hopelevy.com
More news....Bill cleaned out some of his storage room....rofl... and found two huge boxes worth of Reel to Reel tapes of the Choir as well as other stuff like from Phoenix Rising and other projects! He also found the Micky Hart studio tape, and is turning all tapes over to Clyde to do his "Magical Restoration/ Digital" thing to them....so eventually they will also be available to all!!! Yaaaaay Bill!!!!! I can say that ....can't I???? Hahahahaha!!!.....even though we're not married anymore.....we're still good friends!!!!
Hope to be hearing from more people soon....Soon....SOON!!!!!!
Hi everyone who's here and reading. Okay, so I thought I'd share a few stories that you may or may not remember. These were VERY MEMORABLE!!!
I won't mention any names because it might embarrass someone for this first story, but there was a gig, may have been in Bolinas; some big hall and these were back in the old days of the choir.
Someone in the choir had returned from Mexico and had a little problem with dysentary and well, at some point on stage we were in the middle of a song, and the stage started to clear off to one side. I actually passed out and Moses had to carry me off stage. I'm laughing so hard remembering this event. Actually, I'm in hysterics right now. It's like laughing at your own jokes, ha ha ha ha ha!!!
Alright here's another memorable experience. Anyone remember the Rainbow Festival up in Davis where I wore a REAL large Boa constrictor on stage while singing Angel of Darkness? That was another time some people started to clear the stage. Here I go again laughing at my own jokes!!! ha ha ha ah ah!!!
I'm waiting for all the choir members who said they would share their stories to come forward. In the meantime, anytime I remember some MEMORABLE moments, I'll blog them to ya. Love and Aloha, Gypsy
Hey you gorgeous babes:
Just wanted to get back with you with some pictures I
found buried in an old scrapbook. Quality is slightly
dubious, colors faded, but thought you might want to
include some of these on the website.
Sorry that they are all of me singing lead, but that's all
I have found thus far. And I hope the file is not too big.
I will caption each one with whatever I remember about
that gig, place, date etc, and maybe even some folks
you've forgotten about.
BillyLove,
Here is some other entries about pictures up that Billy B. sent:
Date unknown, clearly an outside performance, maybe at the Mountain
Theater.
Date Unknown, but it's the '74 bass section with
Stephen Galloway, David Canaan (RIP), Fred Ross
and petite moi
These three are attached via the scan, so I can't caption individually,
but the top one is at College of Marin lunchtime concert outside the
Student Center '74 or '75.
The middle on is on the Mountain, probably 1976, from the look of the
crew, remember Curt Minor and Mark Stern (bass section)? and I'm not
sure who is between Jack Kane and Rick Walt, but the one right next to
Jack looks like Steve Iverson, although I don't remember him being in
the choir. Sop section on right is Millicent, Rachel Gladstone, Cathy
Beckwith and Julie.
The bottom shot is the Looking For Your Long Lost Mind Revue, at the
Mountain Theater, with me singing Let your Light Guide You, with Dave
Mackay on Bass, Rick Quintinel on Drums and Bill Champlin on guitar.
Pat Craig is on organ off camera, and there was chorus of about 8 or 10
including Gypsy, Bill Craig, Laura Allan, Marla, and other Street Choir
members.
Fairfax Street Choir's last live gig, Summer 1976, Fairfax Park, Gospel
on the Green or Fairfax Festival, I think.
Marla on piano, Leroy Shyne on bass, Dennis Desjardin on Sax, Gary
Vogenson on guitar, I don't know who the
drummer is. Altos are Brown Bird (Lynn Ray), Carolyn Laney (Gauthier),
Sondra Shyne, and Rose; Basses
are Mark Stern, Curt Minor, and Phil Elpers, Middles are Unk (maybe
Debbie Page?) Pam Moore and Melody (RIP);
Tenors, Jack Kane, maybe Steve Iverson, and Rick Walt;, Sops are
Millicent, Rachel, Cathy and Julie. It's pretty clear
that everyone is singing "OOOOH", with Brownbird getting the "most
sincere OOOOH" award.
This is from the Marin IJl, March 12 1976
I'm not sure who wrote this, but from the copy
it seems as though he or she must have interviewed
Marla and I .
Gypsy, how cool is this site! Thanks for putting all the energy into doing this. It’s great to see all the old faces in the photos and read the blogs as they come in. Here’s a choir recollection of mine: I remember riding that chartered bus down to L.A. for the Cosmic Boogie gig at the Scottish Rite Auditorium. We boarded the bus as it stood idling in front of the Sleeping Lady, and all of us tie dye-wearing longhairs marched past a very straight-looking, uniform-wearing, crew-cut bus driver. I remember thinking, what is this guy making of us? Then, just before we pulled away from the curb, the driver stood up and announced: “I just want you to know, this is your bus, so anything you want to smoke or drink is fine with me, and we’ll get you down to L.A. just as quick as we can.” The bus erupted in loud cheers and applause. I joined the choir sometime in ‘73, I believe. I was a taking music classes at College of Marin when I heard that the tenor section was looking for a temporary replacement for Marlynn, who was hospitalized at the time. It must have been Bill Craig who recruited me. Bill and I often shared music (and wisecracks!) in the tenor section of the C.O.M. choir. I stayed with the FSC after Marlynn returned, and remained until I left to go to U.C.L.A. in the fall of 1974 to major in film. Before I left I shot a video of the choir, which I’m still trying to locate. It included an interview with Marla, footage of Laura Allan teaching vocal parts for “Gather Together,” and a performance at College of Marin. I’ll keep digging around until I find it! After film school, I pretty much went right back into music (someone once said that once music finds you, it never lets go of you.) Played with Billy B. in the late 70s, had my own little group as well, with Cathy Hudnall, Dennis Desjardin, Reid Whatley, Scott Thunes and Dallas Smith. Joined the Heart of Gold Band after Keith Godchaux’s untimely passing in 1980, then began working in film as a music editor for a time before settling in to composing film scores (which is what I’m up to now.) Heart of Gold Band got back together for a 10 day tour a couple of years ago after a 23 year hiatus. It was the first live playing I’d done in that many years, and man did I miss it! I’m currently living in Santa Monica with my wife Joanie. My e-mail’s armedlark@mac.com
Much love to everyone, Mark A.
So... who was it that shared this experience with me? At Davis at night on shrooms laying on the grass and a white owl circling overhead. That was one magical night. Who were you with me sharing this awesome and magical experience. Life is full of synchronicity isn't it?
Aloha, Gypsy
Ps So glad to see that my former true love Mark Antony has blogged!
Love, from Cleopatra ; )
Aloha everyone! It's good to be in communication with some of the finest and most inspirational musicians I've ever known. And Gypsy, mahalo nui loa for the fabulous job on the website you've created for us. What a miracle. So here's my story. I first came in contact with the "Choir" at The Lion's Share on the miracle mile in San Anselmo. 1972, I believe. The love of my life for four years had recently left me for a cocaine dealer and I was in a miserable funk. I wasn't at the point of suicide yet, but it had crossed my mind. I was in that "pre-suicide state" when I wandered into the Lion's Share that Thursday night. I was not at all ready for what was about to occur. A dozen or more beautiful ladies and some guys singing with a rock 'n roll band. I was so unprepared for this that I was able to completely forget about my miserable situation for the first time in weeks. I remember leaving the bar singing "... everything will be alright..." And it truly was. The next night I was at the Sleeping Lady and I overheard a telephone conversation while waiting to get in the restroom. It was the bass player from the night before (Clyde). Apparently the truck that was to take the band equipment to the gig at the One World Family in Berkley had broken down and he wasn't having much luck finding another one. In between phone calls I approached him and said, "Hey, I've got a truck..." We rushed over to where he and Marla were living and proceeded to load up and took off for the gig. After unloading and setting up their was nothing for me to do. So I stood back and watched and listened. Every once in a while poor Clyde had to drop his bass and run down from the stage to adjust the P.A. At the first break I got him to tell me what he was doing and show me how to work the board. From that moment on I was hooked. I proceeded to create a niche that would allow me to be close to the music. The music had healed my soul and I had to serve it. I completely rearranged my life so that I could be there with you. The next four years created some of the most memorable experiences of my life. To all of you that heard the call and passed through this incredible organization. I love you. Peace... Moses
Aloha everyone! It's good to be in communication with some of the finest and most inspirational musicians I've ever known. And Gypsy, mahalo nui loa for the fabulous job on the website you've created for us. What a miracle. So here's my story. I first came in contact with the "Choir" at The Lion's Share on the miracle mile in San Anselmo. 1972, I believe. The love of my life for four years had recently left me for a cocaine dealer and I was in a miserable funk. I wasn't at the point of suicide yet, but it had crossed my mind. I was in that "pre-suicide state" when I wandered into the Lion's Share that Thursday night. I was not at all ready for what was about to occur. A dozen or more beautiful ladies and some guys singing with a rock 'n roll band. I was so unprepared for this that I was able to completely forget about my broken heart for the first time in weeks. I remember leaving the bar singing "... everything will be alright..." And it truly was. The next night I was at the Sleeping Lady and I overheard a telephone conversation while waiting to get in the restroom. It was the bass player from the night before (Clyde). Apparently the truck that was to take the band equipment to the gig at the One World Family in Berkley had broken down and he wasn't having much luck finding another one. In between phone calls I approached him and said, "Hey, I've got a truck..." We rushed over to where he and Marla were living and proceeded to load up and took off for the gig. After unloading and setting up there was nothing for me to do. So I stood back and watched and listened. Every once in a while poor Clyde had to drop his bass and run down from the stage to adjust the P.A. At the first break I got him to tell me what he was doing and show me how to work the board. From that moment on I was hooked. I proceeded to create a niche that would allow me to be close to the music. The music had healed my soul and I had to serve it. I completely rearranged my life so that I could be there with you. The next four years created some of the most memorable experiences of my life. To all of you that heard the call and passed through this incredible organization, I love you. Peace... Moses
Oops! I'm new to this. I guess I sent it twice. Sorry.
Okay, so now that Moses has blogged, I need to tell my story on how i met Moses. I was barely 18 years old, in the choir and hitchhiking somewhere in Marin and Moses picked me up in his schoolbus and I ended up going to his place somewhere in the wilderness (of course)(probably Lagunitas) with him and his girlfriends two kids and meeting up with his girlfriend. That was before he became involved with the choir. Again, synchronicity. I am so glad that Moses became part of the choir! He did so much for us! Just look at the artwork for one thing and just having him there was awesome. I am glad that I am going to be moving to be closer to him. Aloha Nui to all, Gypsy
Great to see the ongoing photo postings. Billy B., glad to know you've kept such great records! Do you or does anyone know where the Church recordings are and the others that we did at the studio in the city? Well, Billy posted one of the two photos I had, of our last live gig. And I still have one of the Mount Tam gig that I'm trying to get scanned to post...I love reading everyone's stories...FSC was a great time with good friends and soulful music. I have only been in one group even remotely like it since, the National In-Choir, a group of about thirty session singers in L.A., (Rosemary Butler was one, that was an honor), who carolled at hospitals, etc., during the Christmas Holidays. The cause was a good one, the harmonies were amazing, but, well, I'd rather have been doing the FSC repertoire with the FSC... I sure hope we get to do it again! XOXOPB
Just can't keep from blogging. I can't wait for others to do their thing as well... Any more pictures please send. We are getting quite the collection, thanks to all of you who have contributed to making the memories come alive!!! I have more pics that I am scanning as well.
I have just added more pics and posters to my own personal website as well. Check it out. www.mooremusicpele.com go to "about me" go to Gypsy's bio and you will find a work in process of old posters and pics. I have alot of stuff and am going to scan some more in tomorrow for both sites.
Keep looking for new stuff all of the time. Happy Trails til we meet again, Aloha, Gypsy
Hi Here I am in Hawaii reading all the notes. I am beginning to realize that there were alot more of us than I thought. A group energy that we all created and can still plug into now thanks to Gypsy. What a life eh?
Aloha, Marla
Here's another memory. It's stayed with me all these years, mostly, I think, because it was one of those Musical Wisdom Moments you kind of file away for future use. Allaudin Mathieu payed the choir a visit to coach us a little, give us performance tips. One of those had to do with making good vocal entrances. He used the analogy of being on a playground where there's merry-go-round, and it's already in motion with other kids riding it. And he said, if you want to jump on it, you have to run along side so you're up to speed with it before you get on board. He said it's the same with music. You have to imagine yourself singing along before you make your entrance--that way, you won't be late, but you'll easily mesh into the music that's already in progress. I really liked that image.
Hey everyone, new song on the home page, check it out. You may need to empty your cache if "music" is still playing. Love, Gypsy
Hi!
This is Hope Levy and I was one of kid singers in the Valley Voices under Marla Hunt's musical direction!
I have wonderful memories of singing as a 6, 7 & 8 year old at the Sleeping Lady Cafe, The Lion Share and Golden Gate Park as well as at our school the Open Classroom!
I was privileged to sing Laura Allen's song GATHER TOGETHER on our 45 bonus album inside GIVE ME WINGS as well as SMILIN! I also studied the Dulcimer with Cathy Hudnel who was the most wonderful patient and loving teacher. But singing in the Valley Voices under Marla Hunt's direction was the most treasured experience...
I now live in Los Angeles and still sing and make my living primarily doing voice overs and commercials! I just gave birth to a son 3 months ago and I am turning 40 on September 20th! Thank you Charlene for telling me about this wonderful site down memory lane....
Much love, Hope Levy!
Hi Fellow Streeters,
It’s taken me a little while, but I finally found my way to the site. What a gas!
I was a late-comer to the choir and sang as an alto from 1976 through the last recording sessions and to the end. I was brought in by Billy Bramblett whom I met while working at the Sleeping Lady Café. Along with two other Street Choir members (Lynn “Brown Bird” Ray and Rachel Gladstone) and Rusty Gauthier, we formed the band Full Circle. Rusty and I married in 1979, so Carolyn Laney became Gauthier. We have a son Kellen who in 24. We are no longer married, but we still play music together as Full Circle with a rotating cast of musicians.
I am in touch with Clyde Niesen because he volunteers for the non-profit organization that I work for Bread & Roses. Some of you may remember when it was started in 1974 by Mimi Fariña. I’ve been with them for eight years, producing live shows for people who are isolated from society. www.breadandroses.org
Those great songs still float up into my consciousness now and then. It sure would/will be fun to sing them again. I’ll spread the word to others that I’m still in touch with.
In harmony,
Carolyn (Laney) Gauthier
It's so nice to here about what our old friends are doing and what their FSC experiences meant to them.
It's funny, I remember very little about the gigs themselves and a whole lot about travelling to and from. Remember how weird the energy was on the bus after the prison gig? I was absolutely wiped out, psychically drained and slept for 20 hours after that. Remember how great it was skinnydipping in Isa's parent's pool in LA before/after the Scottish Rite gig? Going up to Davis for the Whole Earth Festival singing Higher and Higher on the bus. How about the time I made a complete idiot out of myself in front of half the population of my home town, Bolinas, telling about how Cathy Hudnall wrote River (was it?) after hearing some guy play his hands like a flute... My friends and neighbors found this extremely funny and wouldn't quit laughing at me. I don't think I talked on the mic at a gig ever again after that.
I can not wait to hear some more of the choir songs and see more pictures. I log in all the time to see who else has stopped in for a chat.
I would love to hear from some of you directly if you want to email me I can be found at my web site: www.realestateincarrollcounty.com or j.straton@comcast.net or you can phone me on my cell: 770-313-5780
Julie
Hey Julie, just wanted you to know that the pool party that we went to in Hollywierd in the hills was at David Kapralik's house with all the gay boys and us running around without any clothes on. Ah, those were the days, beautiful young bodies and all...
I have been in touch with David and he lives in Maui and is no longer in the music business working for CBS, but is very interested in coming to any reunions we have.
To everyone, I have a newsletter that I put out once every two months on my personal business site www.mooreamusicpele.com I will include Fairfax Street Choir news in there. If you are interested in signing up, go to my site and on the left hand side there is a place to subscribe.
There are more pictures coming, so check back often. I will also change the music on occasion to bring you back to a time in history that we never want to forget. Oh how the world has changed. I am thankful for the internet only because of what can be accomplished like what has become and will be manifested.
Let's not forget about nature. Take your children, grandchildren or friends out in it often. We live in a media saturated, fast food nation (the movies coming out soon yeah!!!) I am such an activist for all of this. Billy B wrote a great song about organic food that he is implementing in the schools trying to get some nutritious, non GMo, non microwaved, organic foods in the school system. Kudos to you, Billy B!!! Aloha to all, Gypsy
So, who was that guy who saw me on the street way back in 1972 and took me to Cheryl Gurley's house for the choir rehearsal? It had to be someone in the choir in the first place from the old days... Let me know, I am so curious yellow ; )
Okay, so here is the scoop. I am going to make a date with all who can come to the site and have a jam session with the blog. I am going to make a date for Sunday, October 8th (that was my wedding date) at 8pm PST. Email me and let me know if it works for you. If we have enough people, even a few it will be a go and then we can discuss when we can do it again. We need to keep this thing alive and kicking so this is an idea anyway.
I just received a new batch of CDs from Clyde today. He is working hard to restore our music and I want to send him great energy for his efforts. WE LOVE YOU CLYDE!@!!
Any more pictures and posters? I am itching for them. And videos? I know there are a few out there. So 8pm PST October 8th! Aloha, Gypsy
Be checking picture and poster gallery for some real treats from Mark A. from 1974! Aloha, Gypsy
The Blog is on!!! C Ya at 8pm tomorrow Sunday Oct. 8th at 8pm. What's with all of these 8's? ; ) Love, Gypsy
I am here are u?
I'm here for da blog partay, let me know when you arrive!
Hi Gypsy et al:
I'm so glad to have this chance to catch up.
So, what's up?
I believe Charlene should be here as soon as dinner is over at her place. It's 11 here so we are kicked back and ready.
Charlene, Marla, Phil and Karima are supposed to be here as well...
I hope everyone realized how to use this, this is trial and error as this is the first time I've done this
Gypsy, I've had the opportunity to listen to most of the songs and samples you have up on your site. You are such a strong talent. I think your students and clients are very lucky to have found you.
So, am I the only guy here!?!?!
My trepidation about getting together for a musical reunion is all about the fact that at 50, I am no longer a soprano. The years I spent polishing a lead voice and then the years not performing have hammered my falsetto right out.
thanks so much Julie, validation is a good thing. I think a majority of us have become much more as vocalists and musicians and the reunion concert should be incredible, I think
..whereas, since my voice was always, how should I say, more of a "character voice," I'm cool with it myself...
Hiiiiii!!! I'm here....dinner, hubby and kids outta the way...lol...and I'm so excited even though I don't really know what to do or how to do it....Is this a blog???? I'm blonde now....hahahaha...really!!!
Hello Mark:
Do you remember me?
Hey Mark, are you complaining? Julie, you can get your falsetto back, just start singing in it again! Muscle has memory, exercises and being in it will get it back, believe me
Yes, I do! Hi Julie!
Is that Mark Adler??? If it is ...Bill will be sad he missed this!!!
(If I'm complaining, it's in a kind of "character voice" ;)
Hey, Charlene!!!
Hi Charlene? no instructions, just do it, i don't know either
Hiya Charlene:
I think you are still a pure soprano after hearing you on the Ksolo site. Do you think so?
Julie sounds AWESOME!!! I mean AWESOME....in TEN FOOT TALL LETTERS!!! I love the song you wrote and sent me Julie!!!!!
Bill and I have been exchanging emails, btw.
I am at a friends house using their laptop, so it's foreign. I am having the time of my life right now. So much healing and meeting incredible people, connections leading me home to Hawaii.
Yeah!!!...guess i'll never escape it...though I've truly tried hard to....lol...the up side is that everyone says I sound sooo young!...what a hoot!!!
Hi Gypsy!!! Thanks for hosting this!!! And Mark.....Hi to you and congratulations on the movie soundtracks you've done!!!....Hey...julie's song sounds like it could be a movie soundtrack....that's what I told you....huh Julie!!!
I wonder where Marla and Karima are? Karima's the one that told me we should do this, so where are you?
Okay...
Most memorable songs? Favorite songs? Solos? Anyone...
Thanks, Charlene...it really is great to be back in touch. Kind of weird, though...when I look back, I find songwriter-prohpets who proclaim, "don't look back," ;)
Mark...I was at his house one day when you sent him some email....the same day he was talking to Karima!!! Where's Phil??? He just left me instructions on how to do this!
Memorable songs for me...train to glory, gather together...
I have been getting into "toning" as a healing modality. I am starting to bring another one into what I do. I have been studying nutrition, herbalism and energy healings in depth now, in school and it's incredible the people that I am drawing to me from this work.
Hi everyone...
Taken me a few to get it
Thanks Charlene, I am thrilled to share it. I've become so unattached to what happens to the music when it leaves to enter the world. It's now all about the creation. But it does feel great to get the strokes from people I love and admire.
Gypsy...I'm writing songs again, and I've got a line about healing in the one I'm working on now...it's in the air, I think...
I talked to Karima for about an hour a few weeks ago....but it was on Bill's dime....hahaha...and I don't have her number....Bill is visiting his Dad in Seattle right now....
Memorable songs....I Don't Want To Fade Away....Midnight Sun....Let It Go.....Five Miles Out Of Jerusalem.... Give Me Wings...Music
Memorable songs? God all of them, but I have always loved "New World" and the line from "Train to Glory" "OH tell me why does it take so much just for someone to believe in something that they already have inside?"
yeah...I always loved that line, Gypsy
Carol Alexander and Marla's song Give Me Wings. It still gives me shivers when I think of it.
kind of the human condition in a nutshell, I'd say
Hey Phil!!! Thanks for the gmail invite....I'll get more into it later when I have the time!
Oh my god, yeah, Fade Away. Miss Billy B. Great energy from that fella!
I have been listening to all of the CDs there are tons, and amazing stuff! My daughter heard me sing "amazing grace" from the really early choir days when I had a cold and did not believe it was me. She said "Mom it sounds like you are singing from your nose and throat" and of course I told her I was. Today my voice is better than it ever has been and I'm happy because things tend to deteriorate as we age. My daughter and I have been on raw foods for 10 weeks now and all I can say is that I have so much energy and feel fantastic. More energy than most young people I know!
Hi Charlene.... I just figured out to refresh
I love that line too!!! And Give Me Wings!!! I also LOVE that song with James Trumbo....Does There Have To Be A Reason...
Fade Away... I loved it
Right...Fade Away, a great song--and Bill always sounded great singing it..
Howdy Phil! Glad you could make it! Mark my love, and how is "? Did you guys see the artwork of Mark's in the photo and poster gallery?
Howdy Phil! Glad you could make it! Mark my love, and how is "? Did you guys see the artwork of Mark's in the photo and poster gallery?
Who would you most like to reune with? I see Mellicent Singham(Wauters) fairly frequently and feel like I've caught up alot with you Charlene and now Gypsy. Does anyone see Christopher, Gary Vogenson, Cathy Beckwith?
didn't finish my sentence. Mark antony, and how is "mellow marin" coming along?
I'd like to see everyone again! (is that too broad an answer?)
Gypsy, Gyspy! I'm reconstructing Mellow Marin from Memory. It's getting there...(haven't played it much over the years...)
Phil....What Do you mean....refresh? What about 4 Ravens?...We still sing that one...only Stephanie, mine and Bill's daughter, sings the high harmony with us.....that was my first "special part" I got to sing in the Choir....the high harmony with Gypsy and Bill!
(I keep going, "who wrote these frigging changes!")
I heard Christopher works at the health food store in Fairfax. I don't remember Gary and Cathy? Who knows. I was really good friends with her cousing Julie Saul who I would love to find. I really loved that girl. I heard she go married, moved to Kauaii and has like 4 kids and she did all of that fairly young
Of course...how could I forget "Four Ravens"--Bill's tune. Lots of cool metrical shifts in that..
I must have been stoned all those years ago, I don't remember 4 Ravens, I don't remember Mellow Marin, I didn't even remember my own songs... the ones I wrote! until Gypsy reminded me! This is disstressing...
(Julie...the Choir never did Mellow Marin...it was a tune I wrote a performed around C.O.M., and maybe at a gig with a few folks at the Sleeping Lady.)