Episode Summary
This week, we have music from Rani Arbo and daisy mayhem, Owen Morrison, and Tim Eriksen. Julie reads poems by Pádraig Ó Tuama and Susan Cooper, and Ben Williams reads a poem by James Agee. This week is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. From here on out, the days will only be getting longer, and we are preparing for a new year and the promise that it holds. It’s been a hard year for many of us, and there is still a lot of the winter to come, but we can get through this. The first doses of the vaccine are coming out and things are slowly beginning to turn, even while they feel like they are at their darkest. I’m inspired by this quote from Hafiz: “I wish I could show you, when you are lonely or in darkness, the astonishing light of your own being.” Take care, everyone.
Episode Notes
1. Singing in the Land – Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem (Middletown, CT). This traditional Appalachian song is on their 2016 album Wintersong. https://raniarboanddaisymayhem.bandcamp.com
2. In between the sun and moon, by Pádraig Ó Tuama. Read by Julie Vallimont (Brattleboro, VT).
3. Winter Blossom Waltz – Owen Morrison (Washington, DC). Owen wrote this waltz for the wedding of Kent Gilbert and Diana Hultgren. It’s on Daybreak, his album of original waltzes. https://owenmorrison.com/
4. Sure on this shining night, by James Agee. Read by Ben Williams (Northampton, MA).
5. Silent Night – Tim Eriksen (Amherst, MA). Tim’s version of this traditional carol is on his 2011 album Star In The East. https://timeriksen.bandcamp.com
6. The shortest day, by Susan Cooper. Read by Julie Vallimont (Brattleboro, VT).
7. Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming – Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem (Middletown, CT). This traditional German carol, accompanied by clawhammer banjo, is also on Wintersong. https://raniarboanddaisymayhem.bandcamp.com
The opening music is “The Pearl in Sorrow’s Hand” by Julie Vallimont, from her album Dark Sky, Bright Stars. Produced by Julie Vallimont. Mixed and mastered by Dana Billings. All content courtesy of the artists, all rights reserved. This series is supported in part by the Country Dance and Song Society, NEFFA, CDS-Boston, and Pinewoods Camp. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting it via Patreon: www.patreon.com/starsintherafters