Tiny Planet

When you hear the words Tiny Planet, what comes to mind? You might think of actual planets, those spherical things that rotate on their axis in space right? Nope! Maybe? Yeah?

Anyways! In my world, Tiny Planet is an eclectic, vibrant, Art Loving place, and a Musician's dream hang out. Its home of Kelly Snook transformed into a music venue where people enjoy Music and Fellowship in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

We were blessed to have been invited to play at her place in DC on September 13th 2008.
Ali Youssefi, Pam Hill, Nasim Youssefi and I rocked the house in gentle ways through uplifting music inspired from Sacred Writings (mostly from the Baha'i Writings), the poetry of Hafiz and cultural everyday life.

The house was packed. Imagine over 90 people in a studio apartment in DC, steaming in music,perspiring in joy and being elevated in spirit, after a delicious meal and heartwarming conversations.

So much encouragement poured over us, appreciation and to a greater extent admiration of our efforts in putting together a unique kind of music, which does not only blend African, North and South American musical influences splendidly, but also portrays the charming musical power of having Violin, Classical guitar, Djembe and Vocal harmonies in a balanced musical weave.

All in All, I had a wonderful time and felt so blessed to play for those fun loving, music aficionados and great supporters of the Arts. God Bless Y'all.








Ali on Guitar, Nasim on Vocal Harmonies, Pam on Violin and Gustaff on Djembe

Native America to the Natural State

She smiles and I smile in her beautiful home, where I woke up to the sounds of ducks playing at the huge pond, where the greenery of North Eastern Arkansas stretch before me for miles upon miles. A home where I ate delicious meals mostly Cameroonian dishes full of reminiscent flavors and memories. A time of quiet relax and good times. This is at the home of Aaron and Jacky where I spent the last week.

Before all these I had the bounty of playing with Sahar and Ciara- daughters of Chester and Sayena Aruk-Bissong. It was a great time being with the girls. They are as gorgeous as ever. Growing up fast.

Below are photos of Jacky and I at her office.

Garden of the God's

Panoramic view, rocks that get your attention in a popular park, an on the spot attraction to tourists and visitors of the Colorado Springs area.

It was a hot day, but when we arrived at the park known as The Garden of the God's, the clouds were up, and a little breeze made it so pleasant to walk around with friends. It was a nice walk, a picture taking moment and just a fine way to spend the afternoon with friends.

Humanity

What kind of world will it be if everyone did something small to make everyone else's life a little better? i.e be of service to others. Not because one's Religion taught so, or its a Moral high ground nor as an Idealistic endeavor. I mean just wake up in the morning and say, today I will smile at everyone who comes my way, or I will be of help to so and so. Simple things. Simple!!!

I was surfing the internet as usual and came across a talk (click on the title)

I was reminded that humanity's welfare and wellbeing lies in being of service to others and that making a change doesn't necessarily have to be grandiose acts. Deeds of Love makes a huge difference.

The Story

With a pleasant voice of assurance she said,
“You have to meet my brother. The two of you should meet.”
When those words of confidence and foresight were pronounced, I didn’t take them seriously. After all many people have asked or suggested I meet so and so in my travels. Musically speaking, needless to say those suggestions didn’t pan out as hoped or expected. Her suggestion however turn out to be beyond expectation.

It was December 2007, the hall of a fancy hotel in Orlando-FL was teaming with eager faces of participants of the Social and Economic Development Conference. Amidst the crowd,there she was with a smiling face, a glowing tan and a pleasant demeanor bestowed by a joyous vacation in Antigua.

“Meet my brother Ali, …”
So it went, we became friends at the conference, jammed during one of the nights- a memorable one some people call The night of the Tribal dance. A musical bond was formed, but how that bond will manifest in the months ahead was not an item of anticipation within the machines of my imaginative mind.

Two trips to Charlottesville-VA sealed the deal. Ali and I knew we could play together and not kill each other musically speaking. Though different in personality, musical backgrounds, up bringing and even taste in food and dress style, our musical chemistry, modes of interaction and artistic vision are complimentary. Dare to say we are like ‘Lost Brothers,’ from different continents who’ve been longing to meet one another but never conscious of the fact until it happened.

“What are you doing this summer?” I asked
“Mostly working,” he replied
“Do you want to travel for a month?”
Without hesitation he said, “Yes.”
And as the saying goes, “The rest is history.” But wait that is not the end of the story. That is the beginning of a one month journey filled with adventure and anecdotal moments of insight. Some were shared in my blog during our tour.

We gave little notice to friends, acquaintances and communities we planned to visit. Three weeks for the lucky ones and for some less than a week.

From May 29th - June 29th 2008, we lived and or played in the following cities in the states of New Mexico, Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington:
Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Scottsdale, Tempe, Tucson, Los Angeles, Redonda Beach, Encino, San Clamente, Fresno, Visalia, Tulare, San Francisco, Redwood City, Portland, Philomath, Beaverton, Seattle, Redmond, and Bellevue.

The reception everywhere we went was amazing. Friends went beyond the call of duty to make sure we were comfortable and have a good performance. The encouragement, love and appreciation of our music was heartwarming. Compliments poured forth like tropical rain, and we were treated as Very Important Personalities (VIP).

During the first two weeks of the tour, Amelia (Ali's sister, the engineer of this musical bond) graced us with her presence, charming harmonies and sisterly comfort. After she left for Santa Fe, the tour wasn’t the same.

This tour did more than confirm our ability to play together to compliment each other’s musical contributions, It also sparked the desire to do more in this line of service-- bringing inspiration from Sacred Writings to the hearts and minds of people everywhere through the divine and effective medium of music, not only to uplift hearts but awaken spirits.

This trip, this journey of two souls chatting their musical course and future endeavors has given birth to ideas which by God’s grace will be translated into immediate projects for meeting the needs of children. We see it gaining momentum and expanding the kind of music we play- hard to confine to a box of genres, familiar but different, unique in its character and combines elements of various musical influences from Africa to South America and every land in between-- a trace of the ancestral journey in human settlement.

There are not enough superlatives nor adjectives to describe how Grateful, Indebted and Thankful we are to all those who gave their priceless contributions in making this trip a success, a memory never to be forgotten. We are forever Thankful.

I sit at a bus station waiting for the bus, and I think to myself- How come Iam so lucky? How come we are so Blessed? How come Music makes such a difference in peoples lives? And how can I adequately covey to my Musical companion (Ali ) that he is a phenomenal musician and a delightful personality to hang out with? And how come I never took Amelia seriously on her suggestion to meet her brother in the first place?

These questions, I might not know why nor have answers for, but I know Life's been Great. And for all the support, encouragement and Love we received along the way from each and everyone one of you, made Life the more so Marvelous as it can be.

Once more a round of applause to all of You for your support, a standing ovation for your Encouragement, and an encore for your Prayers and heartfelt Love.

Blessings be upon All.

The Adventure Continues

You might be asking, where is Gustaff and his compadre- Ali? Where are they?
Yes we are on a Musical Adventure through the Western States, and if you can't guess where we are, then you've not been reading this blog.

Anyways! I am Happy to know your eyes are perusing these lines for some juicy stories, Oh boy! do I have some juicy stories!!!

Seriously though, We have been Blessed and Bountifully enriched during these travels and its quite a momentous task to describe. I will give you some glimpses of happenings since we left that Afro-Jam packed session of dancing at the home of Jaime and Cellas in Fresno-CA.

Visalia: At the Montessori School, we whaod those cute and most precious gift a community can have- People! I am talking about Kids. They were so cute, adorable, and attentive, we wanted to take all of them on our Journey.



In the evening we had a performance at the home of Daria and Atissa. It was a fantastic session. We got the opportunity to play some Persian Classical music during a Jam session with Daria.


The next morning, we had an early breakfast and took Amtrak to San Francisco.



In San Francisco we had too much fun, BBQ at Eddie's place, And on the day we were leaving, Camille was our tour guide of the city.









Our luggage in the train, and that is pretty much what we had in the bus for Portland-OR

Marathon

Human Faces bright with Smiles

This picture epitomizes the feelings we've had on our journey-- Music for the Soul tour.

We started in Santa Fe-NM, now in Visalia-Ca and Looking forward to the other cities. Everywhere we've been, the reception of the friends has been amazing with each city adding its own flavor.

Since Thursday, it has been a marathon of events. At the Baha'i Center in Encino we had the opportunity of giving a Talk on the Nobility of Man, intertwined with songs, quotations from the Sacred Writings and a good doze of quiz and humor. At the end of the presentation, we got everyone dancing.


Group Photo Encino Bahai Center

In San Clemente, also at the Baha'i Center we played for the friends and they loved it. We had a stage, back drop and good sound system, that we had to figure out ourselves as soon as we got there.

The next morning we drove to Fresno- CA for a house warming party of dear Jaime and Cellas. We met friends,socialized for a while and then got with program of the evening. Starting off with us sharing some music with the friends who sat out in the yard on picnic chairs, surrounded by the aroma of potluck food, and braving the high temperatures of the day.

After closing that part with a prayer, from then on it was full swing non-stop African drumming, dancing and singing. The drums sounded out and the friends danced their waists off-- some of them. Fun, fun, fun it was.

Tourist in Los Angeles

Yes I am a tourist, tourist in Los Angeles, with a camera and a smile on my face. Looking at places with wonderment and captivated by some facts and a measure of fascination by my surrounding.

Yesterday afternoon, Ali, Amelia and I went to check out the Getty Center by recommendation from our hosts- Mandy and Kalim. Good to say they were right on!!!

I will just share with you a selection of photos and you can guess how amazed I was by the beauty of the place. Although I spent most of my time outdoors, I did make it indoors to take a look at the works of Art on display-- after all I had come to a museum. From European Art to a display of photographs and Art collections of Women in Art and Science, and the Greek bronze sculptures, I got myself cultured- Hahahahhaha.

Car Trouble?

After a hearty breakfast and a champion pool game between Ali and I, we had planned to leave Scottsdale in the afternoon and make it on time to Tucson by 4pm. On our way we stopped at a gas station to fill up Nicholas' car.

As we pulled into the gas station we realized the car was overheating. Ali and Nicholas took a look at the car after the hood was opened and had cooled off. There was no anti freeze. Well, they got the anti freeze. Another realization, the car was leaking. More problems than we anticipated, so we needed a mechanic.

We got to a shop and the mechanic was ready to fix the problem, and he needed a lot of Benjamin's.Talk about major credit card swiping. We had no choice, so we stayed there for close to an hour to get the problem taken care of.

Fixed and off we went, a quick stop at Chandler mall for lunch on the go. From then on it was a smooth drive to Tucson.

Arrived just in time for the evening performance at the Baha'i Center. The friends welcomed us with so much love. It was a nice program, we sang for about 20 people. It was such a spiritual atmosphere. Some people were dancing in the back to our songs, others had the pose of meditation throughout the performance.

So touching was: There was this young guy about 11 years old, who welcomed us, and when we got into the building he brought us cool water refreshed with lime, then he came back and offered us lemonade, midway to our performance, he brought us more cool refreshing water.

A lady came up to us and said,
"I woke up this morning,I wanted to do something prayerful and meditate, but during the day I didn't get to it, and now you guys are here. Your music uplifts. I am so Thankful for your presence and music."

From the Baha'i Center we left for Navid and Chandra's-- our hosts who treated us to fine Indian dishes, in addition to bread, Persian tea and sweet cookies. They were such gracious hosts. We had a great time laughing to our humorous discussion on various topics.

Group photo Tucson Baha'i Center

Tempe

In the afternoon, Nicholas took us to one of the apartment complex in the north side of Scottsdale for a home visit( an activity where Baha'is visit friends and new believers at their homes to share prayers and sacred writings)

This was in the company of Ali with the guitar, Nicholas our guide, Anya and Jessica from Chicago with their voices, and I was with my djembe as always. We went to the first apartment the guy wasn't ready for us, we then went to the next apartment. As we were searching for the right apartment number, a lady with a Jamaican accent, her head peering through her door, asked us which apartment we were looking for. We told her and she pointed at the next door. We knocked, the guy was not ready for us as well. As we were about to leave, the Jamaican lady said, "He didn't want to listen to your music?"

She came out of her apartment. She invited us. We sat at her porch and shared some prayers with her. We improvised music to accompany a prayer for Forgiveness and an incredible rendition of a Healing prayer. These were prayers of her request. Our harmonies and on the spot compositions were such a lift to our spirits. The lady had tears flowing down her face-- she was moved, we were moved. We did a Caribbean calypso song Ali had written long time ago on Unity and Peace-- the core message of the Baha'i Faith. The lady loved it and sang along.

I saw the power of music at work, especially with the use of Music in conveying the message from Sacred Writings.

Third Concert

In the evening was our third concert for Music for the Soul. It was at the Baha'i Information Center in Tempe-AZ. There were about 70 people in attendance. The acoustic of the room was amazing.

We started the show with a Persian prayer, then went into full swing with the music for Music for the Soul. The crowd was digging our songs. The response was enthusiastic. Smiles on peoples faces, others came and wanted to learn some of the songs to share with their communities and others asked us to come up with the next CD as soon as possible.

One of the noted points of compliment was that people thought the three of us, Ali, Amelia and I had been singing together for a long time. To their surprise, actually we started performing as a group as of May 29 2008 when we had the first Music for the Soul concert in Santa Fe-NM.

Just like a Boabab

Imagine you are in Africa.Think of a Baobab tree. You know that tree famous on most pictures of Africa? That big tree with branches which provides shade in most hot and desert-like places in Africa?

Under that tree where you'll have a school meet, elders sit down and decide on important matters of the village, or transformed into a center of festivities as the occasion demands? A tree! Yes its like City Hall.

Now come back to the U.S.A, fly to New Mexico's largest city-Albuquerque and drive down a neighborhood, go to the side of a house, a modest house with a nice big yard,green grassy area. Look! There are two sky blue drapes hanging on a line, blocking the sun to form the backdrop of a stage. Three seats, potted plants on a carpet--That is the stage. Blankets spread out on the grass. All these under the shade of one big tree.

Now take in a whiff of the air, an aroma enlivens your sense of smell, its barbecue, grilling is happening on the far corner at the back of the house. All kinds of foods that make your taste buds jump and your mouth watery is laid out in front of you. Ice water and drinks, fruits and plenty of snacks that accompany barbecuing is set for your enjoyment.

You meet smiling faces, over 30 of them and make good conversation. You converse and take your place on one of the blankets, or if you prefer being at the back to lean on the wall of the house. You settle down.

A solo Djembe rhythm is played- its your welcome to an Under the tree Concert- Its Music for the Soul's second stop.

For about an hour, the musicians captivate you with soothing music, charming harmonies and their songs uplifts your spirit and warms your heart .

Ali

Gustaff

The Dynamic trio- Amelia,Ali and Gustaff

The concert is over, but some people want more, so the musicians give an encore performance of three songs, a rap and two Spanish songs--one of them being a prayer.

There is more food to eat, people to meet and acquaintances to know. You interact with new friends, catch up with old ones. You become part of this atmosphere of camaraderie. You are excited and then participate in a photo taking session,

Die hard fans who stayed till the end for a group photo
with cameras clicking here and there. Still more food to eat and people to talk to. So you walk around and make more conversation.

You go and give the musicians hugs, and compliments, thanking them for a job well done. Before you know it you are on your cell phone telling loved ones about the two CD's One Step Away and Village Nights you just got for a good deal of twenty dollars.

There is big smile on your face as you get into your car. You bring out the CD's, put one on and starts listening to it. You turn to your darling or children and say, "Wasn't that a wonderful concert?"
They reply,
"Oh, absolutely Amazing! It was like having a concert in the park, but this time it was at the yard of Caroline and Patrik Nkouaga. Ah! they are such a wonderful family. We are so glad they organized this."
And you conclude,
"And that tree! Just like a Baobab tree in Africa, so much importance, so much Blessing for the Village (Our community in Albuquerque)."

That is the story of our Performance in Albuquerque. Lovely photos courtesy of Sjona Bro.

Music for the Soul

It is official, Music for the Soul tour has begun and the kick off concert at the home of the Talebreza's in Santa Fe was amazing.

It was Thursday May 29 2008, it had been a bright day all along, sunny and no clouds, just the big blue sky. In the evening, the sun was still blessing us with a beautiful New Mexico day, when friends started to show up at the Talebreza's. By 7:40pm over 5o people had gathered, each taking a seat, some standing in the back because all the seats had been filled. The seats arranged in a semi-circle, the audience sat facing the fireplace decorated with flower arrangements and works of Art. With an adjacent window providing a fantastic view of the city's hills, they could get inspired by our music and the enchanting view outside- What a blessing.

The djembe call was sounded and the chattering crowd became silent. It was announced that officially, Music for the Soul has begun and how happy and overjoyed we the musicians were by such show of support and encouragement. We introduced ourselves beginning with Ali, then Amelia and myself. After explaining why we have the tour as Music for the Soul and why most of our songs are quotes from Sacred Writings and inspirations thereof, the show began with the first song 'The Subject'--A mix of Hafiz's poetry and the sayings of Abdu'l-Baha on Love.

Seven songs later, we were ready for an intermission. The whole group singing Family Member in acapella in the likes of an African chorale. The song talks about being part of a family where only Love, Unity and Harmony exists.

During intermission, I got the chance to make new friends, chat with some old friends and bask in encouraging words and compliments.

Ten minutes later, we were back on the show. Ali started with a Spanish song 'Todos Juntos', which describes the beauty in the diversity of the world, and how we're all in this together. To close the show we ended with a prayer "O God refresh and gladden my spirit..." and the audience participated in singing a translation of the verse Purify my heart in Barombi- Tamba Mwem Meng. Barombi is one of my tribal languages.

We did our best to make the show inspirational, meditative and light with punctuations of humor, introduction of the songs and their sources of inspiration as well as recitation of a few Sacred verses.

All in all I will say that it was a great show. Taking into account that it was the first time Ali, Amelia and I were giving a concert together.
The atmosphere was that of Love and Encouragement. So many people came to us and offered compliments, best wishes and words of encouragement. We were showered with smiles. I felt this air of upliftment during and after the show. It was like sitting on Aladin's mat eating the sweetest apple and taking in the glories of the heavens.

Santa Fe Here we are

Arrived in Santa Fe the afternoon of May 22nd 2008. I knew from the start it was going to be fun. Don't ask me why, I just knew, maybe it's that sixth sense of a musician thing.

Ali and the sister Amelia picked me up at the bus station after I had put my French language skills into use by translating for a sweet French lady who is traveling the U.S.A. Without waste of time as soon as we got home, I took a long shower, my body felt refreshed and we went to work immediately, rehearsing songs for a Holy Day
celebration and a friend's wedding.


Celebration of the Declaration of the Bab:

Held at the home of the Talebreza's, we had the bounty of starting the devotional program. Ali, Amelia and I sang two songs. The first one was a Hidden Word of Baha'u'llah (...Take Thou one pace and with the next advance into the immortal realm...) the second song was about the glory of this Revelation (...A new day is dawn, the hour is come, mankind can behold His face...)
After readings and excerpts of stories relating to the Declaration of the Bab, we sang a prayer "O God refresh and gladden my spirit..."
Then there was meal time and socializing. The food was delicious, the view from the house located on a hill was fantastic.

Martha's Wedding Reception

Martha and Wakeel


Ali, Amelia and I on our way to the Reception

Sunday May 25th 2008, around 3pm we pulled in into a dirt road that goes along the banks of a river and parked the car close to an entrance of a bed and breakfast known as Cincerro. The surrounding valley green and verdant, tall trees waving to the will of the wind,the river full in flow. A great contrast to the background mountains of New Mexico that evokes the enchantments of desert life, very earthy and welcoming. Above us was the panorama of the big sky.

Well decorated tables of white cloth, blue napkins, glasses and eating utensils, plus an attractive arrangement of flowers in a small transparent vase set at the center of each table. A white tent pitched at a corner to provide shade for those who wanted to redeem themselves from too much sunshine.

In the midst of about 120 people of smiling faces, well dressed and pleasant demeanors, we (Ali, Amelia and I) sang two songs to begin the reception. The first song was about nourishing the tree of their union, the next song was Rumi's poem on marriage (May this marriage be blessed... may this marriage be sweet milk, full of laughter, a seal of happiness).

It was a beautiful day, the reception was amazing. I had a good time.

Music for the Soul

Its a joy to announce that as from May 23rd when rehearsal for Music for the Soul begins, this blog will be dedicated to giving you updates on the tour.

From June 1- 28 2008, Ali Youssefi and I are going on a one month musical journey through the following cities: Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Scottsdale, Tucson, Los Angeles, Fresno, San Francisco, Visalia, Sacramento, Salem, Hood River, Portland, and Seattle.

Please have us in your prayers as well as make yourself one of our dedicated fans.
We Love you.
Enjoy the music:
http://www.myspace.com/ayoussefi (Ali)
http://www.myspace.com/besungu (Gustaff)

Potter's Cup

Oh brother I feel your pain
I know your struggles
I hear your cry

This world seem cruel sometimes
But remember, waves come and go
Seasons change, flowers bloom and wither
It's all part of the evolution of growth

You grow in pain and become stronger
A mother cries at labor, smiles when the child is born
She knows the reward of her pain

Who I my to lecture you about Life?
Life is you and you are life
You know your soul best
And you'll find what makes you grow

I once met a potter who made only cups
I asked, "Why make only cups?"
She smiled and said,
"A cup holds only to give."

You are a cup, always ready to give
Give yourself to the universe
And trust, it will burn your veils
And let you see the light that you truly are
Worries are like sand in a runners shoes,
Dust them away, put them to the side
And focus on your journey.

Make a vine into a basket
Weave it through the hands of craftsmanship
There is nothing that plays between imagination
That runs dry into the depths of reality
Intricate patterns intersect at numerous junctions

Shadow on the walls
The source of its light is somewhere else
Dark of night, only tells of the morn's light
A sweet rose wafts its breath
And give the bees a joyous feast

Flower into glory, I see your beauty
As hidden as it may seem
The song of your heart is meant to be sung
So go and sing
And let the birds hear your cry
They'll leave the heavens
And embrace your soul

?

The sun shines in our faces,
Moonlight brightens the night sky,
Stars are just flickers compared to the sun,
And when rain falls, the air is refreshed.

Fresh, green and verdant, full of life the place becomes,
Pasture, feed for creatures of the fields
And we are just consumers
With a keen sense of wonderment
How come humans are so blessed?