Updating...

Life has once again gotten in the way of blogging.  The new job and longer commute are truly cutting into my writing time, and certainly there is less time for various adventures. So, I'll update you on some of what I have been doing.

Reading...One benefit of the commute is having more time to read. Since the beginning of the year I have read five books, including one in Latvian. Gloria Steinem's newest book, "My Life of the Road," was very informative; it includes many interesting stories and anecdotes from her life spent traveling to places around the country to work with various community organizations, civil rights movements, and individuals. The Latvian book I read was a memoir by Krišjānis Barons, and I would recommend it to all of my Latvian friends.

Enjoying...In an effort to stave off the winter doldrums, as well as to spend time with friends and enjoy some of Washington's cultural riches, in recent weeks I attended both a concert and a comedy show. The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington is celebrating its 35th year, and they kicked it off with a performance at the Barns of Wolf Trap. Although I had been to the outdoor amphitheater at Wolf Trap for numerous summer concerts, this was my first event at the Barns - which are two beautiful old barns stitched together to create an intimate concert venue as well as bar area. The atmosphere was cozy, and the concert was very good. Another Washington institution is the Capitol Steps, a musical satire ensemble, which - as their slogan puts it - puts the "mock" in democracy. Interestingly, the Steps are also celebrating their 35th anniversary this year. Particularly in this crazy election cycle the group had much to satirize, though one of my favorite pieces featured Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor waiting for the women's bathroom at the Supreme Court, and breaking out into song to rhapsodize about their crushes on Anthony Scalia. For your viewing pleasure, here are a couple of video clips of skits we saw. The first is Bernie Sanders singing "If There Were No Rich Men."

And "Lirty Dies: A Nunch of Butts..."

The Steps perform every Friday and Saturday night at the Ronald Reagan Building in downtown Washington, and I'd say it's a "must do" for any Washingtonian. It was an entertaining way to finish the workweek.

Socializing...Although football does not interest me in the least, I always look forward to the elaborate Super Bowl party that some friends invite me to every year. And one of the most laughter-filled evenings in recent memory took place at a Tex-Mex restaurant with seven former co-workers. The get-together had been organized by a former colleague visiting from Ecuador; we had not seen in six months, so it was truly great to catch up. How fortunate that our party of eight was essentially given a private room, as our loud chattering and laughter would probably been annoying to anyone sitting nearby! In the coming weeks I'm looking forward to seeing another friend visiting from overseas.

Latvia's 97th

This year Latvia celebrated 97 years since it declared independence on November 18, 1918. The Washington area Latvian community marked the day on November 15th.

May as well take a photo while we're dressed up!

The day began with a flag-raising outside the church, then most proceeded to the church service, while the Latvian school gathered for a small event of their own. The students were fortunate in that we had special guests - musician Laima Jansone and singer Zane Perkone, who later performed for the entire community, but in their time with the school, they engagingly educated us about the kokle.The type Laima plays is from Latgale, while the kokles we are more accustomed to seeing here in the U.S. are from the Kurzeme region.

Later the concert itself was absolutely fantastic. Afterward I did have a brief chance to chat with the performers; Laima was very interested to learn that my grandfather had made kokles here in the U.S.

As is always the case, following the concert everyone greatly enjoyed the reception - complete with champagne and many delicious hors d'ouevres. And as is often the case, I was one of the last to leave. It's always nice to see friends and acquaintances, and have an opportunity to catch up. 

At the tail end of the reception...

Although from my photos it may seem that only women were present at this event, I can assure you there were quite a few men, as well. But clearly they were not as photogenic!

Mūzikas Festivāls Garezers-Palooza

The following is an article I was asked to write for a Latvian publication. I already wrote about Garezers-Palooza on the blog, but this is more detailed and might be of interest to Latvian-speakers who were there or who wished they could have been!

This is my un-edited version; it was edited slightly for publication. Thanks to my friend Māra for her suggestions and edits as I was writing, and thanks also to some of the musicians who provided me with details I had missed or background I did not know.

Mūzikas Festivāls Garezers-Palooza

Nezinot īsti, ko sagaidīt Garezera 50. jubilejas svinību otrajā dienā, laudis Atbalsīs ieradās viens pēc otra - ar segām, krēsliem un padzērieniem - visu vajadzīgo, lai saulainu vasaras dienu pavadītu baudot mūzikas svētkus "Garezers-Palooza." Izrādījās, ka rīkotāji bija par visu piedomājuši - zālājā bija uzstādīta galdi un krēsli, lai cilvēki varētu ērti sēdēt, klausīties un ciemoties, un bija arī stends kurā varēja iegādāties pusdienas un aukstus dzeramos. Par bērnu izprieci arī bija padomāts - tiem bija dažādas spēles.

Pavasarī čaklie talcinieki bija piebūvējuši Baltajai mājāi plašāku lieveni, kuru izmantoja kā skatuvi.  Koncerta laiks beidzot pienācis, skanēja pazīstamā balss no bijušā Gaŗezera vasaras vidusskolas direktora un volejbola skolotāja Ērika Kores, kurš ar savu šarmu un humoru vadīja programmu, un klausītājus iepazīstināja ar katru ansambli. Lielo aiz skatuves darbu veica koncerta producents Gunārs Inka. 

Pirmās skatuvē kāpa ansamblis Lini, kurām ar Garezeru ciešas saistības, jo trīs dalībnieces ir GVV absolventes, un visas četras daudzkārt piedalījušās 3x3 nometnēs Garezerā. Lini pēdējos gados reti uzstājas, jo viena dalībniece dzīvo Latvijā. Lini kopā muzicē jau 20 gadus, un kaut ansamblis tagad reti koncertē, viņu ieraksti - ar skaistajiem tautas dziesmu sabalsojumiem un mazāk pazīstajamām dziesmām - vēl iepriecina daudz Ziemeļamerikas latviešus. Šajā reizē viņas dziedāja vairākas dziesmas no iepriekšējiem repertuāriem, bet arī jaunas, piemēram "Kur tad tu nu biji, āzīti manu?", kurai teksts bija pavisam cits nekā dziesmiņa ko mēs daudzi pazīstam no bērnu dienām.

Austrumkrastieši Bob & the Latvians uzstājās nākamie. Dibināts 1985. gadā, ansamblis ātri kļuva populārs un arī 80s un 90s gados Garezerā uzstājies, kaut tie koncerti varbūt nesalīdzinājās ar koncertēšanu 1989. gadā Latvijā, kad Bob & the Latvians piedalījās turnejā ar Pērkonu. Ansambļa dziesmas, kā piemēram "Vairosimies Latvijai," guva lielu piekrišanu arī starp Latvijas jauniešiem. Šogad grupa atzīmē savu 30. jubileju, bet šī ansamblim bija pirmā uzstāšanās kopš 1993. gada. Šajā reizē vislielākā piekrišana bija arī klasiskajām dziesmām, “Kriksis,” kurai publika īpaši skaļi dziedāja līdzi “Mans suns ir aizbēdzis!” un “Iesim viņu meklēt!” Uzstāšanās tika noslēgta ar dziesmu “Alus ir lētāks pilsētā,” kura ir Bob & the Latvians pati pirmā oriğināli sarakstīta dziesma.

Vēl austrumkrastu pārstāvēja ansamblis Frikadeļu zupa, kurā trīs oriģinālajiem dalībniekiem pievienojusies GVV absolvente un skolotāja Imanta Nīgale. Viņas māte, Laila Medne, ir viena no ansambļa dalībniecēm, un pati arī GVV absolvente. Frikadeļu zupai pirmā uzstāšanās notikusi tālajā 1975. gadā, un pēdējo reizi jau 1978. gadā. Ansamblis sen nebija uzstājies, bet izrādās, ka viņu 1976. gadā izdotā plate vēl dabūjama! Divas viņu tai laikā populārākās dziesmas arī šajā reize guva lielu piekrišanu – dziesmai “Baby Blue” daudz klausītāju dziedāja līdzi un daži pat dejoja, un pēdējo dziesmu “Pusnakts vilciens” bija jāatkarto.

Visiem pazīstamie Čikāgas Piecīši ir gados vecāki par Garezeru, bet dvēselē tik pat jauni. Garezera pastāvēšanas laikā ansamblis un tā dalībnieki diezgan daudz reižu te uzstājušies. Alberts Legzdiņš šajās dienās daudziem jaunākiem garezerniekiem pat labāk pazīstams kā futeņa treneris un GVV labais gars. Kā varētu sagaidīt, šim gadījumam bija sava “Hei laili” dziesma, kurā daļa no pantiņiem skanēja:

Cik ātri laika rati rit,

Jau Garezeram piecdesmit.

Kas to butu iedomājies,

Ka tik ilgi noturēsies.

Vai saule spīd,vai pērkons rūks

Svētdienās par Garezeru lūgs.

Un Dieviņš laipni galvu mās,

Arī viņam šī vieta patīkās.

Un kamēr klāt nāks mūža biedri,

un talciniekiem tecēs sviedri.

Vēja kalnā karogs plīvos,

Jo latvieši te dziedot dzīvos.

Visaktīvāko publikas līdzdalību guva reperis Delete, kurš personīgi pazīstams daudziem garezerniekiem, pats būdams Garezera bērns, GVV absolvents, kā arī ilggadīgs voleja spēlētājs. Klīda baumas, kā šī varētu būt viņa pēdējā uzstāšanās. Bez lielas mudināšanas gados jaunāki skatītāji sapulcējās skatuves pašā priekšā, lai dejotu un dziedātu līdzi viņa hitiem, īpaši dziesmai "Rīga - Detroita." Delete mīlesība pret Garezeru bija manāma vadonī, kur savā biogrāfijā minēja, ka viņam patīk plunčāties ezerā un apciemot kantīni. 

Ansamblim Adam Zahl ar Garezeru vienmēr bijusi tuva saistībā. Ansambļa nosaukums cēlies no mūsu pašu iemīļotās ēdamzāles, un grupa savos 13 pastāvēšanas gados vairrākkārtīgi Garezerā uzstājusies . Vēl pie tam sastāvā muzicē vairāki GVV absolventi, kā arī tagadējo Garezera programmu dalībnieku tēvi. Adam Zahl programmā originaldziesma “Iesim peldeties” guva vislielāko atsaucību. Iespaidīga bija tradicionālā dziesma  “Es zinu šie vārdi…” ar Pētera Freimaņa specīgo operas balsi sākumā (“dzīve ir tikai bleķis!”). Klausītājus arī iepriecināja dziesma “Litte Willy,” kura veltīta ilggadējam Atbalsu saimniekam Vilim Zepam.

Garezers-Palooza bija vienreizēja iespēja noklausīties latviešu mūziķus, kā arī satikties un ciemoties ar sen neredzētajiem draugiem. Starp klausītājiem valdīja īsta svētku sajūta un draudzības gars. Daļa no klausītājiem pat tika uzcienāti ar kliņģeri, jo viena garezerniece iepriekšējā dienā bija atzīmējusi dzimšanas dienu, un mātes cepto labumu nolēma baudīt tieši šajā dienā. Publika patiesi baudīja festivālu. Viens ilggadīgs garezernieks, savos 90 gados piedzīvojis daudz Garezera sarīkojumu, pat teicis, ka šādu mūzikas dienu varētu rīkot katru vasaru. 

Kaut Garezera oficiālā devīze ir Dievam un Latvijai, jebkurš garezernieks piekristu, ka Garezeram pa gadiem attīstoties ir kļuvis skaidrs, ka precīzāka devīze būtu Dievam, Latvijai, Dziesmai un Draugiem.

Mēs Esam Garezers! - Garezers 50

We arrived in Dziesmu leja/Song Valley Saturday evening, marveling at the sheer number of people present - we hadn't seen it that full in years, and we sat higher on the hillside than usual, although I must admit that observing the audience adds a certain entertaining element to watching the show.

Waiting for the show to begin!

The program began somewhat unexpectedly with a woman standing in the middle of the dance floor announcing, "Man ir 50 gadi! - I am fifty years old!" This was followed by a man, clearly a fair amount older, striding out to announce that he is 50 years old. Next came a young girl, who also said that she is fifty years old. Then a group of folk dancers ran out to yell that they are also 50 years old. By this point I think everyone in the audience had understood the touching all-inclusive theme, echoing the celebration's slogan of "Kas ir Garezers? Es esmu Garezers!" - because we are all a part of Garezers, we were all celebrating our 50th birthdays! Appropriately, the evening's concert was titled "Mēs esam Garezers!" ("We are Garezers!").

With an impressive number of performers - both singers and dancers - from several cities and GVV, a varied program of singing interspersed with dancing, and a great thematic idea, the concert was a rousing success. Beginning with a string of dances to represent the atmosphere (Vide)....

followed by children singing and dancing to represent childhood days spent in Garezers (Bērnu dienas)...

which was naturally followed by a high school segment (Vidusskolas laiki), which featured the dance "Gandrīz tautas deja" (Almost a folk dance), choreographed by GVV graduate Margrieta Langina and set to the famous song "Gandrīz tautas dziesma" by the famous Latvian rock group Pērkons. The only video of this dance I could find is this one, but if you've never seen a folk dance set to rock music, I suggest watching at least an excerpt!

The sections that followed were on returning/giving back (Atdeve), friendship (Draudzība), family (Ģimene), and Permanence (Pastavība). Two dances which earned the most applause and which were most fun to watch were in the friendship section, and fortunately the performances by Toronto's folk dance ensemble Daugaviņa have been posted online: "Nerejati ciema suni", as well as "Laucinieku deja," (the group behind Daugaviņa is Milwaukee's Metieniņš) choreographed by another GVV graduate and former teacher Iveta Asone. It was particularly entertaining to watch some of the men dance, as a couple of them are well over 6ft tall and stocky, yet they were moving as lightly and happily as young children.

Another wonderful moment was the performance of "Ģērbies, saule sudrabota," jointly performed by the choir, the folk ensemble All Folked Up, and by several dance groups. Two of the more beautiful songs included in the program were the moving "Svetī debesis šo zemi" and the beloved "Saule, pērkons, Daugava."

Two happy spectators!

The concert closed with the always popular song "Gaismas pils," and then with the entire audience standing up, everyone - choir, dancers, spectators - holding hands, and singing "Pūt, vējiņi!" I'm quite certain there were a few misty eyes to be found. By this point we all knew - we are Garezers.

Then it was time to party! (Or bedtime for a few folk in our party, so they headed home.) First up: Bob & the Latvians, who have posted a three-minute video featuring snippets from both their Garezers-Palooza and Saturday evening performances. They were followed Latvian superstars Pērkons. Photographer Brita Brookes took some amazing photos of their performance. I was busy visiting with friends at the top of the hill -- we were so happy to catch up and observe the scene from afar that we didn't seriously contemplate going down to the stage and dance floor.

Catching up

View from the top of the hill

Happy on the hilltop - until one friend who'd ventured into the valley returned and excitedly exclaimed: "The view down there is so different! The music's great, and so is the energy. I say we go down and party like it's the 90s. Who's with me?!?" This was expressed with such enthusiasm that we couldn't say no. And she was right! Pērkons puts on an amazing show! Interestingly, while I don't count myself among the biggest of their fans, Pērkons' music has apparently been so ubiquitous in my life that I was singing along to many of their songs. 

Pērkons!

While they played a total of three sets, regrettably sis and I did not have the energy to stay that late. We were walking out of Dziesmu leja as they began playing their best-known song, Gandrīz tautas dziesma, so I sang and hummed along while we strolled back to the house, ingenious (thanks, Ks & N!) headlamps lighting our way on the dark country roads, which were otherwise only illuminated by many fireflies flitting about in the magical summer night.

What's an event in Dziesmu leja without a bonfire?

Garezers-Palooza Music Festival

While there were many wonderful things about the Garezers 50 weekend, one stands out as a particular blessing and bonus, as it's not something that can be planned - outstanding weather. The entire weekend was sunny, dry, and not too hot. Like most summer camps, Garezers has little indoor space, and certainly none to accommodate enormous crowds, such as the over 1,500 people who had turned out for this celebration. As one of the organizing committee members honestly told me, "We had no Plan B" if it had rained, so we can all thank whichever Latvian goddess or god is responsible for weather, as they apparently realized how imperative good weather was for this momentous event!

On Saturday practically all events were held outdoors, where we all relished the sunshine. The morning official opening ceremony and subsequent panel discussion about Garerers' future took place a tad too early for some of us (and would have involved too much passive sitting for the kids!), and regrettably I did not make it to the Grasis Pavilion for that, as I was interested in the panel discussion. However, a very full day stood ahead of us - we were heading to the Atbalsis area for the first ever "Garezers-Palooza" music festival! While for many years Atbalsis was an independent entity, the fact that it recently became a part of Garezers was welcome news, and it was the perfect setting for this day-long event. In the spring volunteers had built a large addition to the main house's porch, and that served as the stage, while in the future the porch will be the perfect settings for parties and many outdoor meals.

Lini entertaining with their folk harmonies

Happily we arrived early enough to snag seats in the shade and enjoy the first performers, my good friends Lini, whom I know partially due to time spent at 3x3 camps in Garezers. They entertained with songs from their recordings, as well as new pieces. Lini was founded in 1994 in the Twin Cities, and has several recording to their name, but due to one member now residing in Latvia performs infrequently, so it was a rare treat to hear them. Their songs from a beautiful 1996 recording can be heard on YouTube. Two of my Lini favorites are Zviedzi zviedzi and Silta saule, karsta saule.

A couple of the other groups - Bob & the Latvians (founded in 1985, and very popular in the late 80s) and Frikadeļu zupa (founded in 1975, with performances and one record released in the late 70s) - had not performed in a very long time, thus it was also a fantastic treat to savor their music. Additional performers were the always popular Čikagas Piecīši and Adam Zahl, as well as the supremely entertaining rapper/hip-hop artist Delete who may have been performing his last show according to a rumor I heard. He was once part of the duo Latvian Syndicate, best known for their song "Riga-Detroita". Delete is a child of Garezers, and I particularly liked his artist bio in the printed program, where it stated that when in Garezers Delete likes to splash in the lake and visit Kantīne (the little store beloved by the camp kids for its candy and ice cream selection).

Frikadelu zupa

While adults listened to the music and chatted with one another, kids could keep themselves entertained in several large inflated "bounce houses," as well as a variety of games that had been set up on the lawn. Our appetites had also been considered in the planning, as a food stand was selling sausages and pulled pork sandwiches with sides and drinks. Many people came prepared for an all-day music festival - with their own seating, coolers full of drinks and snacks, hats, and sunscreen, and certainly a good percentage of us spent at least several hours in Atbalsis.

The atmosphere was relaxed and very social - it was wonderful to see a friend or acquaintance wherever one turned. I was able to catch up a bit with several friends I had not seen in a couple of years. At the same time, it was almost frustrating that the weekend was so short and the acquaintances so many, as there were many with whom I chatted for only a minute or two. Of course, as someone who tends a bit more towards introversion (while needing a decent amount of social interaction), I am also not the type of person who can just chit-chat all day long, and occasionally these short superficial conversations can be disappointing. Amusingly, I did have one exchange that afternoon in which an acquaintance and I seemingly read one another's minds: we saw one another, smiled, greeted one another while hugging, then - without launching into the typical "How are you?" exchange - almost simultaneously sighed, said "Yeah...", smiled again and then parted ways - having fully understood one another, while at the same time each having been glad to run into the other.

Having spent the better part of the day at Garezers-Palooza, and with both the kids and some of the adults having become restless and needing a bit of a break, we headed back to the house for some quiet time and dinner. The weekend's biggest event was taking place that evening, so the opportunity to recharge our batteries was appreciated.

Music & Food in Boston

Boston is an iconic American city, and one that I enjoy greatly. With having family there and with the availability of relatively inexpensive and short flights from the DC area, I visit quite frequently. My most recent trip coincided with a Latvian concert I wanted to attend. It ended up being a low-key, relaxing weekend, with a heavy emphasis on good food.

Arriving mid-day on a Thursday, I took the T into the city (great travel tip: taking the Silver Line from the airport to any end-point in the T system is free!), and met a friend of a friend. Carla and I had been Twitter friends for a while; a friend and colleague of mine knew Carla from college and had mentioned Carla's love and study of chocolate.. Being a chocoholic, I was intrigued, so I looked her up and we began following one another on Twitter. Naturally, I brought her a few local DC area chocolates, Undone (my absolute favorite - the sea salt bar is amazingly good) and Salazon, to sample. She had plans to take me to a chocolate cafe, but it was lunchtime, and before we could enjoy chocolate, I needed savory sustenance, for which Carla chosen a wonderful little place called Sofra. The day's special was a chili with coffee and chocolate--clearly that had my name written all over it. The chili was flavorful, and the salad I ordered was incredibly fresh. 

Then we proceeded to L.A. Burdick, which is best known for its adorable chocolate mice and penguins, but it also has a small cafe. There we each sipped a decadent hot chocolate or mocha and a piece of cake (they only had one option that was relatively gluten-free, and it was average - the other desserts looked far more decadent). Much of the cafe had a European feel to it, but I found the uncomfortable seats to be a bit disappointing, although it might be their way of discouraging long-term sitting. On our way out, I picked up a few small truffles to take with me. We still had time to check out Harvard Coop, which is one of the more attractive American bookstores I've visited. Naturally, I found a book to purchase, but also nicer than average postcards to send to a Twitter friend and my youngest niece and nephew, who probably receive more postcards in a year than many people do in a lifetime. During our entire visit Carla and I were so busy chatting that I ended up not taking any photos. However - if you've never been to Cambridge and Harvard Square particularly, I can assure you it's a fun and rather photogenic part of Boston, and one I am always happy to re-visit. Carla and I eventally parted ways, but before getting back on the T, I stopped in at the very entertaining Curious George Store.

In the evening, I joined my family members in heading to the Latvian Lutheran church, which is located in a lovely part of Brookline. The Boston Latvian Choir has recently been an ad hoc group, under the leadership of the supremely talented Krissy Skare. A group of singer and musicians had come together late last fall, and held a Christmas concert to rave reviews. I only saw short video clips, but was duly impressed. Earlier this year, I received an email asking what Latvian songs about the sun I know. I shared a fair amount of information, and thus found out that the choir was planning a spring concert, and promptly booked a flight (yay for frequent flyer miles!).

The concert was titled "Lec, Saulīte!" or "Rise, Sun!", and featured a variety of sun and summer solstice-themed pieces, performed by the choir and ensembles/soloists/instrumentalists in varying combinations. The program was  entertaining, moving, and certainly one of the most fun Latvian choir concerts I've ever attended. I will mention just some of the highlights.

"Ģērbies, saule, sudrabota," a folksong arranged for mixed choir by Anita Kupriss, is a much-loved piece often heard at concerts and festivals, including the final concert of the Latvian National Song Festival in 2008. Anita lives in the Boston area, and sings with the choir, thus it was particularly touching to hear this song performed by a choir of which she is a part.

A performance that surprised me with its beauty was a viola solo by Silvija Kristapsone - it was a medley of summer solstice songs, arranged by her father, Māris Kristapsons. When one is accustomed to singing these songs or hearing them sung, an instrumental performance can show the melodies in a different light. Another lovely  solo, this one vocal, was Krissy Skare's interpretation of the well-known folksong "Saulīt' vēlu vakarā."

Krissy preparing to sing - accompanied by pianist Bret Silverman

The Latgallian folk song "Aizalaida sauļeite" as arranged by Iļģi but interpreted by the choir, was perfomed by the women, with instrumentals by several performers, was a huge hit. Anita Kupriss played the trompet, and while that's an instrument one doesn't typically associate with Latvian music, it worked incredibly well. I managed to record about a minute and a half of the song, and you can view that here. You'll notice how much fun the performers are having!

The biggest hit of the night was "Lec, saulīte!" by Raimonds Tiguls and Rasa Bugavičute. I wish I'd been able to record some of it, but I was too busy listening to and appreciating the gorgeous music. The audience loved the song so much that there were very Latvian requests of "Atkārtot!" (Repeat!) coming from the row behind me. Because the song is a bit lengthy, Krissy had the choir repeat only the second part. However, this song is so beautiful, and it was so movingly performed that the American woman who doesn't understand a word of Latvian sitting next to me - who doesn't understand a word of Latvian - was wiping away tears. For a version of the song as performed by a much larger group, you can check out this video of the grand finale of a 2014 summer solstice dance and music performance in Riga. (The composer Tiguls is the same one whom I saw in New York City when he performed with the choir Latvija. In the previous video he can be seen with a plaid scarf around his neck, and flowers in his hands. If you'd like to learn the words to "Lec, saulīte!" see this karaoke-style video.)

For the final piece, the choir had chosen a folksong called "Noriet saule vakarā," as arranged by Folkvakars. We were asked to sing and even dance along. I'm hoping no one has a photo of me singing and dancing in the aisle, but - boy - that was enjoyable!

Like I said - a fun concert!

The next couple of days were spent relaxing and eating. I had the chance to try out the Roslindale restaurant Redd's in Rozzie, the amazing Jamaica Plains dessert heaven FoMu, as well as Inna's Kitchen in Newton, all of which I would return to in a heartbeat! The paella at Redd's, the purple mu ice cream and mini gluten-free sandwich cookies at FoMu, and the buckwheat blintzes, iced coffee, and freshly squeeze orange juice at Inna's were - essentially - perfect. Also, service in all three spots was friendly and helpful (something which all to frequently cannot be found at DC area dining establishments).

My flight back to the DC area was on Saturday evening, as I wanted to be at the DC Latvian school's graduation on Sunday (the students graduating had been my students a number of years ago). And because clearly I'd not eaten enough during my visit, I made time to enjoy a crabmeat roll (on gluten-free bun!) at the airport's Legal Sea Foods before getting on the plane.

It might be a while before I get back to Boston, and I'm grateful I had this opportunity to visit - to spend time with family, and experience that fantastic concert!

Happy Friday, People!

Earlier this week I attended the Maris Briezkalns Quintet's performance on the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage as they presented the world premiere of "Rothko in Jazz." The recording of the hour-long concert can be found here on the Kennedy Center's website.

Tomorrow is Independent Bookstore Day, a rather new phenomenon, but a great one! There seems to be no comprehensive website of all events around the country, but if you search for "independent bookstore day" and your area, or just look up your favorite bookstore's website, you might find the store has special events planned. I will be stopping by Washington's best bookstore, Politics & Prose, where the wise and amusing folks there have scheduled a full day of fun. Of particular note is the fact that all of the participating stores will be selling limited edition items such as this incredibly adorable baby onesie.

(Source: Politics-Prose.com)

Enjoy your weekend!!!