Tag: SBE
Jason Farnham Returns to Seldovia
by Susan Mumma
Jason Farnham from Santa Rosa California is back in Seldovia this coming weekend to play at Susan B. English School presented by the Seldovia Arts Council.
On August 16 at 7:30 PM, he returns with his zany piano styles, his sense of humor and his crazy antics which created a delightful family friendly event two summers ago. One could say that he was Classical or one could say New Aged or perhaps even Jazz piano, but one thing is certain. He is pure entertainment. and indescribably fun.
Reaching out from his great “ little piano “ pieces to his multi- media productions, adults and children all over the country have been charmed by Jason’s enthusiasm and sense of fun. You will be too.
Jason has been featured in film and television. He has several acclaimed CDs featuring his original compositions.
He says “An Evening of Piano with Jason Farnham delights audiences around the U.S., again and again. Fans have affectionately dubbed him “Schroeder” from Peanuts because of his toy piano, his witty Victor Borge-style piano comedy antics and the clever way he interacts with the audience.
The variety includes contemporary romantic piano, jazz, bossa nova, blues, stride piano, and classical with a modern twist! Jason is always looking for an interesting spin on the status quo, a way to take a classic and turn it on its ear, so… the newest addition to his piano show is Fur Elise with a techno-rock-dance beat: “Fur Crying Out Loud Elise, Let’s Dance!” And Mozart’s Rondo Alla Turca has now become “Rondo Alla Techno”. He’s also re-envisioned Autumn Leaves into a fusion of bossa nova and samba styles. Playing the piano while lying upside down Amadeus-style? Check. And always included in the lineup are a handful of Jason’s signature original piano pieces that his fans adore, like his 2008 original instrumental hit, Lisa’s Song (When).”
Laura’s First Impressions of Seldovia
by Laura Haskins
Coming into the Seldovia harbor the other day, I must admit, I was a bit anxious. Alan and I were very excited when he was offered the principal position, but he had been to town several times before and knew where we were going. And while I love a good adventure, I felt a bit blind coming across the bay that day.
I knew I would find a quaint fishing town nestled among some of Alaska’s most beautiful mountain scenery. I had seen pictures, after all, and Alan had been talking it up for years. But the heart and soul of a community is its people. Individuals create a collective character and give a place its personality and ambiance. I had heard wonderful reports of the “friendly, easy-going folks” who lived here but still I wondered; what would I find?
Well, I believe in first impressions and, Seldovia, you make a great one! I was overwhelmed by the charm of your boardwalks and the majesty of your landscape. Pictures can never really do justice to such an impressive panorama. But I was equally moved by the individuals I met – friendly and easy-going for sure, but also, genuine and sincere. You made us feel welcomed and at ease in such a short visit. We enjoyed walking around town and meeting folks as they worked in their yard and it was great visiting with you at church and at the dessert potluck. Thank you especially to Paul and Jenny Chissus and to Doug, Kathy, Les and Shirley Giles for your gracious hospitality.
Alan and I have said many times we could live anywhere as long as there were good people, and we’ve found good people everywhere we’ve lived. Seldovia is no exception! I’m still anxious about moving but this time it’s not because I’m blind. Now I can’t wait to come to town and really get to know the great people who make Seldovia home!
Editor’s note: Alan will be our new principal at Susan B English school this upcoming year. It was a total pleasure meeting both Laura and Alan on their first visit to Seldovia together! They are a very nice couple, authentic folks, interested in Seldovia and her people, and I am sure they will be a great addition to Seldovia and our school! They made a great first impression on us too! 🙂
Seldovia Beach Volleyball
by Jen Giles
July 5th the high school mixed-6 volleyball team will be hosting a fundraiser volleyball tournament at the Outside Beach to help pay for new uniforms. Last year was our first year with a mixed-6 team and we managed to scab together uniforms with basically anything that was red and had a number on it- this ranged from old girls’ jerseys to red t-shirts and tape. If we hope to join the lineup of State contenders next year I want us to look the part and represent our community well.
My hope is to make this a fun annual event, with future proceeds benefiting the Booster Club. The tournament will be set up as a buy in single elimination bracket, winner and runner up taking home generous cash prizes. To make the winnings enticing and the event profitable I am asking for help from the community to come up with the prize money. Any donation, big or small, will be a huge help in making this tournament a success. Donations would also be appreciated for food to host a barbeque in addition for participants and spectators as a sort of “concession stand.”
Most importantly I want people to come out and participate. The goal is to have a 16 team bracket of 2 man teams (high school age and up) playing on two courts for an afternoon filled with action, and hopefully some sunshine!
To make a donation or to sign up a team please contact me, Jen Giles at 399-3563. Thank you in advance.
Seldovia Time
