http://judylunn.com/news.html JUDY LUNN: Judy's Journal Jannis' PHPRss class - http://www.jannis.to/ Thu, 29 Jul 2010 01:16:37 -0700 http://judylunn.com/news.html#17
I’ve started a big, bold new chapter in my life …. today I arrived in Austin, Texas – my new home.  This was a huge decision, one that I have been considering for many, many years.  When I was in the hotel business in California, I had the opportunity to talk to visitors from all over the country.  Always the question “Where Are You From?” would come up in conversation – and the most enthusiastic responders always came from Austin.  I was told that Austin was a unique city – there was nothing like it in the rest of Texas.  What makes it so unique? I would ask.  Some of the responses were:

1.  The MUSIC, of course – On any given night, there are over 200 live music events happening
2.  The people – younger, well educated, laid-back, friendly, non-competitive, nature loving
3.  The climate – the weather map always showed Austin to be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than Palm Desert, CA where I lived.  This was a big deal for me, because I’m a big fan of sunshine, not snow!
4.  The environment – eco-friendly, with plenty of “green” parks, hiking and riding trails, etc.
5.  The economy – Austin has consistently been rated high as a good place to work with a reasonable cost of living.
6.  Education – home of the University of Texas as well as many other fine universities – there are so many opportunities to continue to learn and grow with the lectures, concerts, theatre productions etc. that are found in a college town.  I need to get settled, find some steady income, and immerse myself in the music scene first …. but down the road I may consider getting an advanced degree in Instructional Technology – which harnesses all of the new multimedia to teach.   I’m also interested in learning more about Music Therapy.

In this next chapter of my life – I’ve decided to move to a new place where no one knows me.   In this environment, the music is everywhere – the stakes are higher, as is the competition.  This will force me out of my “comfort zone” and hopefully elevate me to the next level in my musical education and performance.  A change like this is scary, no doubt – but I feel I’ve made the right decision, and so far everything “feels right.”  I’m on the path now to my more authentic self.  I don’t know what the future has in store for me ….. all I know is that I want to be true to my personal mission of sharing the gift I’ve been given to entertain, educate and inspire through music.

]]> http://judylunn.com/news.html#17 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 Sings A Tribute To John Denver - JUDY LUNN - Judy's Journal http://judylunn.com/news.html#15
www.mccallumtheatre.com

It has been described as the “Tiffany’s” of performance theatres for many reasons. The size is just perfect, in my opinion, the theatre is gorgeous, the sound system is stunning, there is always a lot of positive, creative energy in the room, yet is still feels very warm and intimate. I would attend EVERY live performance at the McCallum if I could afford it!
“Open Call” is a valleywide talent contest produced by the McCallum Theatre Institute — the education department of the theatre. This annual fundraising project contributes over $100,000 to their annual budget. The participants benefit just as much — they are given the opportunity to learn how a professional theatre production is created.
There were 144 applicants for the production this year — 84 were invited to audition, and 27 acts (representing 45 people) were chosen as the finalists. The McCallum has been putting this show on for 9 years now — I’m just kicking myself for not “getting around to” auditioning for it until this year. After this experience, they won’t be able to get rid of me! There was a wonderful array of talent on the stage for 3 sold out performances — singers, dancers, musicians, and a few eclectic acts including a steel drum band and a yo-yo artist.
In the past, awards were handed out by age groups and categories. I’m not sure why they changed it this year — how can you compare a 13 yr. old sax player with a vocalist and a dancer? I’m glad I didn’t have to be a judge!
The winner of Open Call this year was Nico Bergmann, a 15 year old classical pianist. Nico also won the Audience Favorite award. 2nd place went to Sarah Green, the gal who sang "Good Morning Baltimore." There was an additional award, a scholarship provided by ASCAP -- which was shared between Nico (he really scored tonight!) and Ali King, a 17 year old opera singer.

Although I didn't win a "cash award" -- here are just a few of the gifts I received from Open Call:

Ӣ A 2nd dream came true .... I sang on stage at the McCALLUM THEATRE !!!!!!!!!

Ӣ A new pair of red boots


Ӣ The opportunity to hold a $5,000 Sennheiser microphone in my hand and hear the stunning musical background of Eagles and Horses through an acoustically perfect sound system.

Ӣ A professionally recorded DVD of the entire show -- perfect for promotion for future singing opportunities!

Ӣ Professional photographs we can purchase for publicity and promotion

Ӣ New "contacts" in the music business that I am sure will grow into friends, including a songwriter, music composer, wardrobe designer, makeup artist, choreographer, stage manager, videographer and photographer.

”¢ Kajsa Thuresson-Frary, the Director of Education for the McCallum and Producer of Open Call — just happens to be a songwriter AND a neighbor (it’s a small world). She wrote a song called HOPE that was used in the finale at the end of the show — it’s a gorgeous piece of music.

”¢ Paul Cracchiolo is the Musical Director for Open Call — he wrote the lyrics and composed the music for the theme song of the production, called SHINE. These two songs blended together into the grand finale, which was a choreography miracle directed by Wayne Tibbetts.

Ӣ New friends from the pool of contestants, including Nikki Hock, a massage therapist, horse breeder and riding instructor (with a gorgeous soprano voice).

Ӣ The opportunity to share John Denver's beautiful music and spirit with 3600 people

I don't know what I've done to deserve such magic in my life .... but I will continue to receive it with gratitude and reflect it right back!!! I'm truly one of the luckiest people on earth....]]> http://judylunn.com/news.html#15 Sat, 28 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700 Sings A Tribute To John Denver - JUDY LUNN - Judy's Journal http://judylunn.com/news.html#14
Rita and I signed on as Staff Members for Semester At Sea for the Fall 2006 voyage — she has the hardest job on the ship. As the Field Office Coordinator, she is the liaison between the ship and the various countries we are visit. When we get to a port — 800 people leave the ship and jump on trains, planes and busses to participate in academic field trips to such places as the Great Wall in China or the Taj Mahal. Rita’s job is to coordinate all of the logistics for over 250 of these trips.

I had the easiest job on the ship — I was involved with the Senior Adults — people like you who chose to see the world in a more academic setting than the typical cruise line.

In fact, we were not allowed to use the word “cruise” — this implies a frivolous vacation or party experience. We were on a “voyage of discovery”

Here is one of my favorite quotes relating to the Semester At Sea experience:

Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. That is what Semester At Sea is in a nutshell.

www.semesteratsea.org


The staff boarded the MV Explorer in San Diego on August 21 for training.
We picked up the students in Ensanada, Mexico
First stop —
Hawaii, then
Kobe, Japan
We were supposed to stop in Qindao, China — but were diverted by Typhoon Shan Shan
Hong Kong, China
Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), Vietnam
Myanmar (formerly known as Burma)
Chennai, India
Alexandria, Egypt
Istanbul, Turkey
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Cadiz, Spain
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 3 ½ months, 22,000 nautical miles

“Discovery,” experiences, perceptions and lessons learned are different for each passenger — but everyone comes away forever changed by the experience. For me — the most significant discovery was Burma.

Burma (called Myanmar by the current government) is ruled by one of the world's most brutal military dictatorships, led by General Than Shwe.

Since 1996, Than Shwe's regime has destroyed over 3,000 ethnic minority villages in an effort to root out all opposition to its rule. Over one million refugees have fled the country, while an additional ½ million remain internal refugees.

One of them is Aung San Suu Kyi, head of the National League of Democracy and winner of the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize. When her party won the national election in 1990, the military refused to turn over power, and instead incarcerated over 1200 of her political supporters and placed her under house arrest, where she has been for the past 16 years. Her book “Letters From Burma” was included in the ship’s library — and it really opened my eyes to the issues in that country, as did the filmed documentaries that were played on the ship in each port.

Frontline did documentary on Burma in Oct 2006 — regarding forced labor for tourism, businesses like Unocal doing business with the military regime. Aung San Suu Kyi and her supporters are asking us not to visit her country because the tourism dollars go right into the couffers of the military govt, further suppressing the people of Burma.
www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/burma601/video_index.html


With the wonderful technology of the internet — as we pulled away from Burma and were heading to our next port — we were able to connect to the US Campaign For Burma via the internet — and had a web chat with Ying Lao — a Burmese exile and one of two women involved in the committee to draft a new constitution for Burma. All of the students who attended were very moved by this woman’s story, how she is working so hard to get the United Nations to intervene in Burma regarding the Human Rights atrocities going on there. Unless there is a change in the government — she will never be able to return to her homeland. She is a very courageous example that one person CAN make a difference — and hopefully her efforts will be rewarded with freedom for her and her family some day.

www.uscampaignforburma.org

JOURNAL ENTRY BY SHAUNA KENNEDY IN BURMA

We visited a girls monastery school today. The girls were so excited to see us and we unwrapped our lunch and they all sat around with us and talked. They spoke such good English it was amazing, and the conversation soon turned to us asking them questions. I asked one girl, who I thought was just beautiful what she wanted to be when she grew up and she looked at me and said I have no choice in that. I said of course you do. One of the monks came over and sat next to me and began explaining the system that was in place in most of Burma for the orphanages run by monasteries. The monk went on to explain that the girls at the school were between age three and thirteen and if by the age of fourteen the girls had not found either a job or a husband — to repay the monastery for the care they have received they are sold. Sold. I got stuck on that word and asked what he meant. And said they are sold to men in Thailand mostly because the Thai trade pays the best. The little girl must have seen something in my face and she sat closer to me and said “that’s just the way it is — I must have done something in a past life to deserve this, I just have to be good and do my best and in my next life it won’t be this way.” After lunch we played games with the girls, duck duck goose, the hokie pokie, red rover, and all I could think about was here were girls that were playing elementary school games and by the end of the month they would sold away like slaves — as slaves basically — forced to have sex with men or work until they died as prostitutes and bar girls. Talk about growing up fast.

MICRO LENDING

While we were on the ship in November — the Nobel Peace Prize Winner for 2006 was announced. Muhammad Yunus is the founder of the Grameen Bank — they shared the award for their efforts to create economic and social development from below with micro-financing. Muhammad Yunus believes that “poverty in the world is an artificial creation. “Lasting peace can not be achieved unless large population groups find ways in which to break out of poverty. Micro-credit is one such means. Development from below also serves to advance democracy and human rights.”

Muhammad Yunus tells his incredible story in his book — “Banker To The Poor.”

Today, more than 250 institutions in nearly 100 countries operate micro-credit programs in a growing movement toward eradicating poverty throughout the world.

WORKING WOMEN'S FORUM

Rita saw the effects of micro lending when she was in India. She attended a Working Women’s Forum in Madras (Chennai), India. Women gather there on a weekly basis in a collective effort to help each other learn new skills and support their families financially.

With loans of just $20 - $35 they are taught trades (over 200 options) and expected to support each other in small groups of 10. I held a document that showed how 3 women saved for 36 months to accumulate 1300 Rupees (approximately $25).

The women are asked, “Who is the head of the household?” Inevitably they answer, “My husband.” After learning how to develop their own business, (flower stringer, incense seller, construction worker, banana vendor, coconut vendor, etc.) how to handle a loan and be responsible for debt payments, buy and prepare food for the family and care for the family, they quickly learn that it is them who are head of the household.

To visit this center and see the small classrooms with women of all ages crowded together on the floors, wanting and working to better their lives was a sight difficult to describe. They smiled, they laughed, they held hands in support of each other, they were keen and interested, they still had hope and the strongest of human desires ”¦ to overcome difficult situations and carry their families with them

The Indian women are funny, generous beyond belief, hospitable, and more than considerate in every way. It proves once more that people are people everywhere on earth, no matter what flag flies over their heads.

http://www.workingwomensforum.org/


WOMEN'S NEWS SOURCE

I was recently doing some research on the internet regarding current political world leaders who are women — and came across a fabulous site to share with you — its called

www.womensenews.org

and focuses on investigative reporting from around the world about women’s issues.

TURKEY

We were in Turkey on November 10, at 9:05 am, which was the anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881-1938). Ataturk was the Founder of the republic of Turkey and its first President. It was truly amazing to see the country come to a complete standstill — traffic stopped, people got out of their cars, and stood in doorways and balconies with their hands held over their hearts in respect for this man. Our guide, Ahmet Elci, proudly told us that Atatürk was deeply respected and loved in his country. One of the reasons was that 72 years ago, he gave women the right to vote and he had 21 women in his parliament.

RE-ENTRY

I’ve come away from this voyage with a new perspective on the world. Obviously, we can’t change things overnight, but definitely the seeds have been planted in my subconscious, making more sensitive to the signs and signals around me.

I was at Barnes & Noble the other day and this book just jumped out at me. It’s called

365 Ways to Change The World — written by Michael Norton,

and its full of ideas of ways we can make changes in our own lives, in our communities and hopefully that stream of consciousness will spread throughout the world.]]> http://judylunn.com/news.html#14 Sat, 14 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700 Sings A Tribute To John Denver - JUDY LUNN - Judy's Journal http://judylunn.com/news.html#13
When I found out I had the wonderful opportunity of going on this voyage, I wanted to participate in an active way — and I felt the Peace Cloth was a worthwhile project to adopt on my “Voyage of Discovery.”

Debra Chilton was kind enough to loan me a portion of the John Denver Memorial Peace Cloth so that I can take it around the world with me as I share John's music and message of Peace with the citizens of the world I am meeting along the way.

The Peace Cloth is one way to get people to STOP and think, focus, meditate, pray, formulate an opinion, articulate a thought and get it in a tangible form so that it can be shared with complete strangers from around the world — to MAKE A CONNECTION.

My goal is to collect 50 pieces for the Peace Cloth from my new international friends as well as the students here on the ship.

I am really sorry to be missing all of the JD events in Aspen this year -- but opportunities like this don't come along very often! I'm already planning to be in Aspen next October and hope to present a large new section to the Peace Cloth to Debra next year.]]> http://judylunn.com/news.html#13 Sat, 14 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700 Sings A Tribute To John Denver - JUDY LUNN - Judy's Journal http://judylunn.com/news.html#12
As I write this journal entry, I am sitting in a beautiful cottage on a remote lake in British Columbia. I come here every year for vacation — it feels more like “home” to me than any place I have ever lived. Nature surrounds me in every way — I sit on the dock every day listening to the sounds of the loons, squirrels, songbirds and the wind. Spring is bursting forth in brilliant pink, purple, red and yellow flowers. The birch, poplar, Douglas Fir and spruce trees tower majestically all around me. You see more animals here than people — already in the two short weeks I’ve been here, I’ve seen moose, deer, bald eagles, osprey, herons, sandhill cranes and foxes to name just a few. The azure sky is dotted with beautiful cloud formations that reflect on the water. The sun dances on the water every afternoon and stays high in the sky until 8:30 pm. Then it’s parting gift is a gorgeous purple, orange, red or pink sunset.

This is my respite from the world — an opportunity to soak in the natural energy that soothes my soul. To shut off the phone, ignore the clock, and be “unproductive” for a while. I’ve come here to focus on my music and renew my spirit. I can’t think of a better place on earth to be.]]> http://judylunn.com/news.html#12 Sat, 10 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700 Sings A Tribute To John Denver - JUDY LUNN - Judy's Journal http://judylunn.com/news.html#3
Simply Stunning ... these are the best words I can come up with to describe the John Denver tribute album you produced for me.

You should win some sort of “casting” award for the team you assembled on my behalf. In addition to securing Pete Huttlinger, Jim Horn and Tom Roady (musicians who had worked with John), you also invited two of Nashville’s best studio session players — Dave Pomeroy and Hank Singer to join us . The reverence and respect that all of the musicians have for John resonated in the music — their performances were magical, just as you promised. Brittany Allyn was also the perfect choice for the background vocals. She complemented my voice beautifully!

And, as important as the musicians and vocalists were, you knew that the sound engineer could “make or break” the album, and took no chances in hiring the best — Ronny Palmer. Ronny’s easy going style, calm, gentle personality, professionalism and passion for making music definitely shows in this production. I absolutely loved working with him!

Your choice of The Parlor Recording Studio was also just perfect for this project. You didn’t have a large budget to work with, but in my opinion you did not compromise on quality in choosing this studio. The Parlor is absolutely gorgeous, spacious, warm and inviting — the environment makes you feel comfortable, at ease and “at home” — and that feeling definitely permeated through the recording sessions. It was obvious that Robin and Larry take great pride in this beautiful, creative place, as they “checked in” on a regular basis to welcome us, make sure we had everything that we needed, and to offer gentle words of encouragement.

Chris, I will never be able to convey the amount of respect and appreciation I have for your many talents. You were able to “switch roles” between Producer, Musician, Band Leader, Music Arranger and Sound Engineer with ease. It was obvious that the musicians enjoyed working with you — as you were incredibly organized, your “charts” were accurate and professionally arranged — you were easygoing, but focused on the project, keeping close rein on the time and production costs. The quality of your work and enormous scope of your talent can be heard and felt through every note of this production.. I feel incredibly blessed that our paths have crossed, and I will sing your praises to anyone who will listen. Thank you so much!

- Judy]]> http://judylunn.com/news.html#3 Thu, 08 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700 Sings A Tribute To John Denver - JUDY LUNN - Judy's Journal http://judylunn.com/news.html#11
I can still remember getting my first guitar at 18 -- I took a year of guitar lessons from a college freshman at a local music store. He taught me classical guitar using the Frederick Noad method. Pretty boring stuff -- but essential to getting my fingers to speak the language of the guitar. I really just wanted to learn how to play well enough to accompany my singing -- so my instructor worked out a deal with me. He said if I studied my classical music, and practiced all those "Etudes in E minor" that he wanted me to learn; then I could pick some popular music to work on during my lessons. The first songbook I purchased was John Denver's Greatest Hits. The very first song I learned was "My Sweet Lady" -- I didn't have a clue what the chords were -- I just followed the little diagrams in the songbook. I headed off to Penn State in the fall of 1979 and spent all of my free time playing my guitar and developing a repetoire of songs including John Denver, Anne Murray, Jim Croce, Joan Baez, Don McLean, James Taylor, Simon & Garfunkle and other great acoustic artists. The coffee houses and student union buildings were my hangouts -- I just loved the music. I met a young man by the name of Jerre Smith in the Resident Hall where I lived on campus. I remember after dinner, we would head out to the lobby and hang out at the piano. Jerre was a great piano player -- we would sit there like The Captain and Tenille -- playing and singing till the wee hours of the morning. I wonder where Jerre is today ...]]> http://judylunn.com/news.html#11 Sat, 31 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800 Sings A Tribute To John Denver - JUDY LUNN - Judy's Journal http://judylunn.com/news.html#10
A special thank you to TLC -- our favorite country DJ from KPLM radio for giving me a spontaneous "on air" interview to promote my new CD and my concerts at the Living Desert.

This is by far one of my favorite places to sing and the staff always makes me feel like a part of them. A special thanks to Marcia Fisher, Director of Public Relations and to Garth Hoyes (my soundman), Margo Meyers (greeter), Francine Stewart, Joan Crowson & Danielle Howard (bartenders), Sharon Faler & Chris (food servers), Kay & Lara (for selling my CDs), and Bob Isenberg (Santa) for another wonderful year at the Living Desert.]]> http://judylunn.com/news.html#10 Fri, 23 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800 Sings A Tribute To John Denver - JUDY LUNN - Judy's Journal http://judylunn.com/news.html#8
Barbara has been one of my biggest supporters in realizing my dream of becoming a recording artist. She has asked me to perform several times at the Desert Woman events, and has advertised and promoted my music in the magazine. In December, she was kind enough to do a feature article, and on December 2 invited me to sing and sell my CDs at her Holiday Luncheon for 150 people held at the beautiful Palm Valley Country Club.

Like so many other women here in the Coachella Valley, I have a tremendous respect for Barbara McClure and am so grateful that our paths have crossed. She is a true inspiration and a guiding light for all of us.]]> http://judylunn.com/news.html#8 Mon, 05 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800 Sings A Tribute To John Denver - JUDY LUNN - Judy's Journal http://judylunn.com/news.html#7
I joined a poetry club led by Dessa Reed, an incredibly gifted writer, last year in the hopes that some of her skill and sensitivity with the written word would rub off on me.

There are about 8 brilliant women in this group -- and they really do inspire me with the creativity and talent they bring to our discussions each week.

Dessa and I were the guest speakers/entertainment at the Desert Woman's Luncheon last April, and many of the gals from the poetry group came to support us.

Dessa read her poems, and of course, I sang my favorite John Denver tunes -- and after the luncheon, one of our poets, Janet Damron, said she was so moved by the music that she was inspired to write a poem for John Denver - which she called "Rocky Mountain Dreamer." I liked it so much I included it in the graphics for my tribute CD - Songs That Speak To Me.

Another poet in the group, Joan Beasley, left the concert and told her good friend Mary Arnold about my music.

Mary Arnold is the Special Events Coordinator for the Palm Desert Library. She called and invited me to perform for their patrons.

See how we are all connected???

I really enjoyed playing for the 80 people who attended my first concert of the season. Many of the attendees were new to me -- and some of them didn't know who John Denver was!

Well, I did my best to inform and entertain them -- and we all had a great time!

Mary has invited me back to the Palm Desert Library in the spring -- so be sure to check the "Calendar" link for new dates/times!]]> http://judylunn.com/news.html#7 Sun, 13 Nov 2005 00:00:00 -0800 Sings A Tribute To John Denver - JUDY LUNN - Judy's Journal