Art Walk: Culture and A Good Time Was Had By All

The Notorious Oglala Sioux Poet Luke Warm Water autographing one of his books
The Notorious Oglala Sioux Poet Luke Warm Water autographing one of his books

For The Second Saturday Art Walk, Art lovers joined with eight historic district establishments, sampling ideas, conversation, sights and sounds plus the aroma of freshly opened fine wine, champagne and gourmet treats.

Throughout the evening, several hundred visitors sampled the offerings, keeping the flow “just right” so there was enough room for all.

Visitors to Pacific Western Traders listened to readings by The Notorious Oglala Sioux Poet Luke Warm Water, who signed copies of his book and DVD afterwards.

Others reviewed the displayed work of Craig Martinez, Closer to the Sky, inspired by the burial platforms used by Native Americans. Luke Warm Water ended the evening by telling part of the story of his life.

Penny and GF Cloud, playing a french music duet, on Vielle a roue and acoustic guitar at Clouds porcelain.
Penny and GF Cloud, playing a french music duet, on Vielle a roue and acoustic guitar at Clouds porcelain.

Known in France as “Vielle a roue” or fiddle with a wheel, Penny’s instrument is known in England as the “Hurdy Gurdy,” in Germany “drelyre,” in Italy “gironda” and Portugal “synphonia.”

It is a 6 to 11 stringed instrument invented in the 10th century, with two or three melody strings (depending on the type) and 5-7 drone strings. The instrument sounds when a wooden wheel coated with rosin is turned, rubbing on the strings much like a fiddle bow. One or two of the drones are attached to a moveable bridge which provides percussion when the wrist is sped up.

It is rare to see the “Vielle a roue” in the U.S. but there are at least 10,000 active players in the center of France. G.F. Cloud played guitar and diatonic accordion. Both recorded with the French Creek trio.

Photographer Billie Jean Redemeyer celebrates with Italian Virtuoso, Peppino DAgostino.
Photographer Billie Jean Redemeyer celebrates with Italian Virtuoso, Peppino D’Agostino.

The Italian Virtuoso, Peppino D’Agostino sang and played beautiful italian compositions on acoustic guitar. Peppino D’Agostino was voted “Best Acoustic Guitarist” by the readers of Guitar Player Magazine in The 2007 Guitar Player Magazine Reader’s Choice Awards. He says “I want to stretch the limits of the acoustic guitar in terms of melody, harmony and rhythm, and add percussive effects while addressing those first three elements. Ultimately, my mission is to touch people in a heartfelt way both emotionally and intellectually.”

What a great evening! It is one of the reasons I moved to the historic district and it is what keeps me here. The people I spoke to loved it and said they are looking forward to Second Saturday next month – and so am I. Be sure to add a note to your diary, for Saturday August 11.

The participants, from North to South:

Cloud’s Porcelain, 609 Sutter Street.

Sunshine on Sutter Street, 611 Sutter Street.

Planet Earth Rising, 625 Sutter Street.

Fike Gallery, 627 Sutter Street.

Rainbow Bridge Jeweller, 721 Sutter Street.

Melange, 307 Riley Street.

Pacific Western Traders, 305 Wool Street.

See Also:

Second Saturday Art Walk in Folsom Commences

Closer to the Sky

Italian Virtuoso, Peppino DAgostino at Procissi Cellars, Folsom.
Italian Virtuoso, Peppino D’Agostino at Procissi Cellars, Folsom.
Alan Gray
Alan Gray is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of NewsBlaze Daily News and other online newspapers. He prefers to edit, rather than write, but sometimes an issue rears it's head and makes him start hammering away on the keyboard.

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