Another perspective

Having been on the road with Munirih Sparrow traveling and sharing music, its always heart warming to hear of what others say, their perspective on what we do. So much encouragement and support from the friends, their kindness, hospitality, generosity and love has been tremendous. We feel blessed to be able to share with the world our gift, doing what we love doing.

Here is an article for Shiprock/Farmington  that Jeff worked up. Wow!


MUNIRIH SPARROW & GUSTAFF BESUNGU:
TROUBADORS of ONE WORLD


Munirih Sparrow & Gustaff Besungu are fast becoming rising stars of international music & storytelling. As seasoned performers, recently they
have been performing together as troubadors of intercultural and inter-racial harmony with a compelling spiritual message.

Munirih’s musical roots arise from her Canadian prairie homeland & its soulful voice and native storytellers; while Gustaff hales from a long heritage of traditional drum players, dancers & story-catchers from Cameroon, West Central Africa. Yet both have branched off into East-West & international music, with a strong focus on Baha’i songs & Writings--displaying a far-reaching repertoire.

Inspired by these diverse sources, they are fashioning a new kind of musical sound & launching fresh themes & even new performance methods.

Munirih’s richly textured voice travels up and down the musical ladder to make intimate & meaningful connections with the audience; Gustaff’s deep-rooted voice & drumming draws listeners and participants into the heart of his time-honored rhythms & wisdom. Combining gifts, they bring into being transformational music.

Likewise, they intersperse their performances with teaching stories and invite the audience to accompany them on a spiritual journey through
interactive dialogue and singalongs. Traditional African folk songs, world wide music & Baha’i verses intermingle and are woven together with the
oneness of God, humankind, & all the world’s religions. Unity in diversity is the keynote.

Beauty after the storm

Yesterday we had a wonderful time at the Albuquerque Bahai center. What a delightful group. The music was great, the interaction cheerful, filled with humor; in celebration of Love. After snacks, engaging in light conversation, making acquaintances and being treated to a heart full dinner, it was time to go home and rest for the night.  

Our host was our driver, a very careful, diligent driver she was; we got caught in a snow storm as we drove up the mountain to Edgewood-NM from Albuquerque. High winds blowing snow directly into our path, semi-trucks and trucks getting off the road, some coming to a standstill others plowing through slowly. Now and again we got one of those crazy drivers swerving in and out of lanes for their respect of life and common sense driving skills under such conditions was out the window. Outside temperatures so inconsiderate to someone like me who is accustomed to the sunny weather of the Sunshine State (go Key West), snow on windshield and wipers quickly turn to ice. A typical 30 minutes drive took us about an hour to get home.

By the grace of the Almighty and skills of our host and driver, we got home safely.  I drank a cup of tea and slept like a baby. This morning, it was pristine outside, beautiful, and an inspiring landscape of snow to salute me.  I thought “What a view, what a beauty after the storm,” and it got me thinking: sometimes in our lives we get caught in a “snow storm,” our energies are drained, we lose our sense of purpose and feel lost and burdened, because we are not sure when the storm will pass away, but if we keep steady, become alert and weather the storm with patience, diligence and a powerful belief in hope, then we get to see the beauty after the storm, we get to enjoy life in its fullest, for no matter how long the storm stays, it will eventually give way for the beauty that ensue.