Politics

I was recently asked to participate in a peaceful demonstration for Dick Cheney's visit to Bloomsburg, PA. I turned it down. My politics, such as they are, are not currently to a point where I feel public demonstration is necessary, or advisable. Unlike many artists who use election time to gain exposure and jump on the soap box, I tend to lay low out of concern for alienating any segment of my audience, coworkers, friends and family. And yet, I admire those who have convictions that surpass the actions of a single person, and the ability of some to rally support for their cause.

This is not to say that I do not have opinions or concerns, many of which are commonly known as "liberal." Yet, in many respects I am quite conservative. I walk a fine line on many issues and have yet to formulate my approach in public. For now, my only action is to control my own behaviors in ways that I believe are respectable, and hope that others will do the same. I believe tolerance and change is only possible if we each do our part within our own lives. Hopefully from there it will rub off.

Turning 31

As many of you know I'm not much of a history buff. One of my only interests from American history is the Lewis & Clark expedition, mostly because of its intercultural significance and the endurance that the people on the journey displayed.

When I first read the (condensed) journals, I was struck by one particular passage written by Meriwether Lewis on his birthday, Sunday August 18, 1805. Now at the same point in my own journey, I reflect on the passage deeply, and would like to share it with you now:

"This day I completed my thirty first year, and conceived that I had, in all human probability, now existed about half the period which I am to remain in this sublunary world. I reflected that I had as yet done but little, very little, indeed, to further the happiness of the human race or to advance the information of the succeeding generation.

I viewed with regret the many hours I have spent in indolence, and now sorely feel the want of that information which those hours would have given me had they been judiciously expended. But since they are past and cannot be recalled, I dash from me the gloomy thought, and resolved in future to redouble my exertions and at least endeavor to promote those two primary objects of human existence, by giving them the aid of that portion of talents which nature and fortune have bestowed on me; or in future, to live for mankind, as I have heretofore lived for myself."

Blue Buddha Records announces new CD

Bloomsburg to Bangladesh (Blue Buddha Records) is a self-titled album that showcases the collaboration of roots songwriter Jeremy dePrisco and Bangladeshi tabla player Ahm Mostafizur (Bulu) Rahman. Formed in 2003, Bloomsburg to Bangladesh has performed throughout Central PA and have been featured on WVIA’s Homegrown Music with George Graham (billed as Moonlight Masala with artist Tom Dennehy).

Bloomsburg to Bangladesh consists of 11 tracks of East/West fusion with anthemic lyrics and full arrangements, peppered with acoustic instrumental music. Instrumentation includes guitars, flute, tabla, harmonium and tasteful use of sampling. Subject manner ranges from whaling to teen violence and fairy tales expressed through dark characters and situations. A tribute to songwriter Tom Waits is also given with Jeremy’s rendition of "Yesterday is Here."

Jeremy’s third self-produced release, Bloomsburg to Bangladesh is truly a celebration of intercultural possibilities. Bulu Rahman, from Bangladesh, has been playing tabla for 20 years and has recorded with his brother, Atique Babu. Several students from Central PA and Indian singer Nandini Sengupta contribute to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party song "Prothom Bangladesh." The song "She’s A Zombie" was co-written by Jeremy and lyricist Paul Rodericks from India.

Bloomsburg to Bangladesh is now available at CDBaby.com and will soon be available in select retail establishments throughout Northeastern and Central PA, including all Gallery of Sound locations.

CD Release parties...

Thursday, September 9, 2004 6:00 PM
Bloomsburg to Bangladesh CD Release Party #1
Sakuntala Indian Restaurant, Bloomsburg, PA
Reservations recommended, seating limited: 570-389-0281

Friday, September 17, 2004 7:00PM
Bloomsburg to Bangladesh CD Release Party #2
Brews N Bytes Internet Cafe, Danville, PA
For more info: 570-275-8666

Reservations are just so we have an approximate count of who is coming. Walk-ins are still welcome. Both events are informal and will feature a short performance, chance to meet the artists and an opportunity to get signed CDs for a one-time only low price.

For more information, contact:
Jeremy dePrisco
info@mindspeak.com
www.mindspeak.com

Perception of Geisinger

I had an insight recently based on a number of unrelated conversations with different people, but it painted an interesting picture...

Some folks in the community feel that Geisinger Health System should really do more to encourage growth, especially in the Danville area, whose downtown is not quite as active as even Bloomsburg's. There are others that say that Danville should do more to attract interest from Geisinger workers and area residents, sighting the poor downtown conditions for people's lack of patronizing the local economy/events. Many businesses downtown are not viewed as permanent attractions that will sustain the town culturally. It's a catch 22, because those businesses really won't be sustainable if they are not patronized.

Both perceptions are somewhat valid, but I think what is ironic is that many doctors that move into the area are used to big cities, and thus do not even take time to explore what the area has to offer. Danville is invisible to them. Doctors and other professionals tend to buy large expensive homes out in the country, and skirt around Danville. I see this first hand with many doctors I meet who move to the area from NY, NJ, DC, Philly, etc. and then continue to go to those locations for entertainment/arts instead of patronizing local artists. There have been only a few doctors that I've met recently who have patronized events (which is a sign that it can be done, but needs to be on a larger scale).

This is a multi-sided issue that is only going to improve if all elements (Geisinger, Danville, Artists, etc) make an effort.

Geisinger is now in the process of forming a Cultural Diversity Task Force, with which I am going to be involved. I am hoping that this can be an opportunity to expose people to what the area has to offer. I've also begun discussions with some other folks here to get some support for events such as Bengali New Year and Compassion Moves. (See www.mindspeak.com for more about these events.)