how to improvise

            Dr. Billy Taylor   on how to improvise           

"Me & Melville" available at Lee Library

I'm pleased that my CD "Me & Melville" is now available at the Lee Library.

Creative Spirit : Come to the Fair November 22nd

Many connections were made at the BFWW Creative Spirit showcase....it was great to meet other writers and see their work in print....

                                           

  christmas cat / j.spies

                       

See you there! Stop by my table to visit and hear my new CD. 
Am looking forward to seeing over fifty vendors and a fabulous array of creativity.
Berkshirewomenwriters.org

soft shoe boom event October 24th

Soft Shoe Boom Info here

Come to a silent auction and soft shoe surprise performance

starting at 7:00 

Friday, October 24th

at the Whitney Center for the Arts

Pittsfield, MA

to support dance programs

in Nairobi, Kenya

with tap artist and founder Stefanie Weber at Whitney Gallery

to bid on my piece below and other soft shoe boom art:

soft-shoe-boom-auction

"They Dance for Rain" by J. Spies 

Thanks to all who joined in the dance at the Rockwell Museum  ~
It was a joy to launch my CD 'Ecstatic Dances' on
their grounds by the river.

                                                   

Elemental Songs Concert at Knesset Israel Monday, August 24th

What happens when we notice our everyday rhythms and their connection to the elements? JoAnne Spies will offer some possibilities when she shares songs, poems, and stories from her own work and other traditions that honor earth, air, water, fire and ether.

Spies has been leading songwriting workshops that focus on writing as a conversation or a ‘turning with' the elements, inviting the audience to participate in rhythm and sound experiences that build community.

Knesset Israel  concert and talk begins @10:45am.
16 Colt Road ~ Pittsfield, MA ~ 413-445-4872

                           

"Ecstatic Dances" CD Launch at the Norman Rockwell Museum August 15th

I'm excited to launch my new CD "Ecstatic Dances" at the NRM.
We'll meet at the Linwood Mansion, which is located through the hedges to the left of the main building.
The event begins at 2:00pm, but come  earlier to meander by the river and enjoy the grounds.

Consider dressing as your favorite goddess, god or transgender/whole gender third deity. 

There are hundreds of deities to investigate:
For a start:
Earth Goddesses

"Ecstatic Dances" honors the elements and since making the CD it's been enlightening to study the mythology and endless number of deities who represent the elements through the ages.

Recently saw Jim Shaw at MassMoCA.
He has an installation of 4 wigs and 4 videos representing fire, air, water and earth. Fantastic!
Wish I could wear the earth wig that has giant crystals emerging at 45 degree angles from a frothy white mass of 'hair.'


Are you drawn more to earth, water, fire, air or ether?
... some combination?
We'll explore this at the CD party.

Norman Rockwell Museum
9 Route 183
Stockbridge, MA
(413) 298-4100


Thank you to Tom Daly, Laurie Norton Moffatt and staff at the museum. This innovative museum has nurtured some of my favorite performances that have involved walking or dancing from place to place.
for example:
Karaoke Confession