Anya M. Wassenberg's Blog: Art & Culture Maven, page 96

Global Roots Pop: Karikatura New EP 'Speak Now' (Ropeadope Records April 15, 2016)

From a release:

Global Roots Pop:
Karikatura New EP 'Speak Now'
(Ropeadope Records April 15, 2016)

• Check out Live Dates incl CD Release Show April 14 at Bowery Electric NYC
• Pre-order/Buy the EP on iTunes

NEW YORK CITY - Brooklyn-based roots pop group Karikatura will release their new EP Speak Now on Ropeadope Records April 15th 2016. Building on their acclaimed full length Eyes Wide (Ropeadope 2014) Speak Now features four songs that address the ghosts in our society: racism and white supremacy, gun violence, war and identity. The music on Speak Now is stylistically diverse, yet unified by Karikatura’s characteristic sound: blazing horns, reggae guitars and Afro-Latin rhythms delivered with punk-rock energy.

Karikatura just wrapped up the US leg of their #GlobalBarrio tour, playing across 12 states in a month. While on the road, they launched their new Suitcase Series, recording unique videos of their favorite covers in the van, on a ski-lift and beyond. Check those out and stay tuned for more!

Back in NYC, they will celebrate the release of Speak Now at Bowery Electric on April 14th with Yotoco and Fulaso, before kicking off their fifth European tour this spring.

On the lead single “Ghost Town ft. Akil B Strange,” which premiered on Relix in February, Karikatura teams up with Queens rapper Akil B Strange to deliver a haunting hip-hop/cumbia reimagination of The Specials classic song, “Ghost Town.” In their hands, the song takes on new meaning, addressing gentrification, official neglect and police violence and institutional and cultural racism in the US and around the world.



Continuing in that vein, “White Lies” is a blazing merengue/hip-hop/punk song about the seductive lies of Whiteness. Singer Ryan Acquaotta intones, “Got no love for cop killers/No love for killer cops/But I can see who’s got the power/From the top to the bottom/From the bottom to the top.”

“Barrio Nuevo,” which premiered on Latino Rebels in March, is a cumbia/salsa song that calls for an end to mass gun violence in our country, but also asks us to look deeper for the roots of that violence in our country’s history and culture.


On “Miesto,” guitarist and bandleader Dima Kay sings a laid-back rock-reggae ode to his birthplace, Kiev, Ukraine, which has been engulfed in war for several years. “Miesto” asks what it means to be ‘from’ somewhere, while national armies wage war over resources and borders. This struggle for identity is relevant in the US as well, where conflicts continue to arise as different groups fight to define what it means to be ‘American.’

This is a crucial moment in our country’s history. On Speak Now Karikatura adds its voice to the conversation with characteristic self-reflection, positivity and clarity, in their unique transglobal style.

Ticket Deal for Danai Gurira's Highly Acclaimed 'Familiar' in New York City - Must Close April 10

From a release:

#FamiliarPH: Ticket Deal for Highly Acclaimed Familiar 
at Playwrights Horizons New York City
Must Close April 10 2016

• Buy Tickets 
• Use code DANAI for $35 tickets

It’s winter in Minnesota, and a Zimbabwean family is preparing for the wedding of their eldest daughter, a first-generation American. But when the bride insists on observing a traditional African custom, it opens a deep rift in the household. Rowdy and affectionate, Familiar pitches tradition against assimilation, drawing a loving portrait of a family: the customs they keep, and the secrets they bury.

Danai Gurira is an award-winning playwright and actress. Danai’s play Familiar received its world premiere at Yale Repertory Theatre directed by Rebecca Taichman.  As an actress, Danai currently stars as Michonne, one of the most popular characters in AMC’s critically-acclaimed original series “The Walking Dead.” 

FEATURING
Ito Aghayere - Nyasha
Joby Earle - Chris
Melanie Nicholls-King - Margaret
Roslyn Ruff - Tendi
Harold Surratt - Donald
Myra Lucretia Taylor - Anne
Joe Tippett - Brad
Tamara Tunie - Marvelous


Trailer:

CD Release: Haiti's Lakou Mizik - Wa Di Yo (April 1, 2016 - Cumbancha)

From a media release:

CD Release:
Haiti's Lakou Mizik - Wa Di Yo is here!
(April 1, 2016 - Cumbancha) 

• Buy the CD
• Check out their tour dates including May 6 in Brooklyn, NY

Lakou Mizik is a multigenerational collective of Haitian musicians formed in the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake. The group includes elder legends and rising young talents, united in a mission to honor the healing spirit of their collective culture and communicate a message of pride, strength and hope to their countrymen and the world.

Music is at the core of Haiti’s sense of identity, and musicians have always played an important role in society, both in documenting the country’s history and helping to shape its path forward. Today, a young generation of artists is keeping this tradition alive, narrating the world they live in through music that is made in their neighborhoods, villages and post-earthquake camps. Lakou Mizik brings together these musical generations in celebration of the cultural continuum while using Haiti’s deep well of creative strength to shine a positive light on this tragically misrepresented country.

Check out/buy the album:

Wa Di Yo by Lakou Mizik

The idea for the band was hatched in 2010 on a hot November night in Port-au-Prince. Haiti was still reeling from the earthquake, a cholera epidemic was raging and a political crisis filled the streets with enough tire burning ferocity to close the international airport. Steeve Valcourt, a guitarist and singer whose father is one of the country's iconic musicians, singer Jonas Attis and American producer Zach Niles met in Valcourt's muggy basement studio and agreed that Haiti's music and culture could serve as an antidote to the flood of negativity.

Niles, who ten years previously was part of the documentary film and management team that introduced Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars to the world, had traveled to Haiti to explore ways in which music could help play a role in recovery and empowering social change. According to Niles, "I always wanted to use music and story of musicians to create a deeper connection to the country than either the one-note negative press or the falsified hope-and-inspiration NGO stories that get pushed to the public." Niles, Valcourt and Attis assembled an exceptional lineup, creating their own musical A-Team, a powerhouse collective of singers, rara horn players, drummers, guitarists and even an accordionist.

Over the next few years, the band honed their electrifying live show, presenting hours long concerts that blended the soulful spirit of a church revival, the social engagement of a political rally and the trance-inducing intoxication of a vodou ritual. Finally, after building a devoted local fan base, the band headed to the Artists Institute in Jacmel, home to a beautiful new recording studio and music school built by the We Are the World Foundation to help develop Haiti's music industry.



The resulting album, Wa Di Yo, reflects the African, French, Caribbean and U.S. influences that collide in Haiti. The spirit-stirring vodou rhythms and call-and-response vocals are supported by the French café lilt of the accordion. Intricate bass lines and interlocking guitar riffs mesh mesmerizingly with the joyful polyrhythmic hocketing of rara horns. These powerful layers are topped by sing-along melodies with inspiring, socially conscious lyrics. The end result is a soulful stew of deeply danceable grooves that feels strangely familiar yet intensely new -- and 100% Haitian.

Art City: Medellín, Colombia - Rebirth of the City of Eternal Spring

Art City: Medellín, Colombia
Rebirth of the City of Eternal Spring

From "the Most Dangerous City in the World" to a transformed urban area with artistic ambitions, Medellín, Colombia is well and truly lives up to its moniker as the City of Eternal Spring. The "Most Dangerous City" came with a Time Magazine cover in March of 1988 - in 2013 Medellín was named the most innovative city in the world in the Wall Street Journal's City of the Year Contest.

Medellín - El Poblado skylineIn the bad old days, between drug cartels and the violence generated by the left-wing FARC and opposing paramilitary forces, Medellín was definitely off the list of usual tourist stops. Nowadays, business is thriving and the arts are the city's latest growth area, attracting the attention of dealers and collectors from around the globe. It has a cosmopolitan vibe and a hot night life scene, with a contemporary culture that blends its South American and European roots.

You'll still find remnants of the old days here, from the heavy police presence that keeps the peace to a reminder that has been deliberately left in place in the Plaza de San Antonioas as a "homage to the barbarians". There, you'll find two bronze bird sculptures by Fernando Botero - one beautifully intact and the other a twisted fragment that was destroyed by a bomb in 1995 (allegedly planted by FARC) that killed 23 people attending a concert. The artist left the damaged version and added the new bird in 2000 as a monument to peace.

While not exclusively, you'll also find many artistic pieces that examine themes brought up by the memory of violent times - often called the "aesthetics of violence" - in works dating from the decade between 1995 and 2005. Many of the younger artists, however, go in different directions.

Medellín is the capital of Antioquia department in Colombia, surrounded by mountain peaks that dwarf the city's skyscrapers in a narrow valley that encompasses the Medellín River. There are many ways to experience culture in Medellín, from libraries, galleries and museums to beautiful parks and public spaces where many events are held.

Getting Around
The Medellín River runs parallel to the Metro system, an extensive public transportation network which includes Metro Cable, a cable car service that takes you up the hillsides. Metro Cable is your key to the cheapest of sightseeing, offering spectacular vistas of the valley city and its surroundings.

Botero Plaza, adjacent to the Museum of Antioquia Arts Institutions

Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín (MAMM)
Housed in a former steel factory, the Museum of Modern Art features a permanent display of prominent Colombian artists, among many other works. While you're there, you can explore the renovated Ciudad del Rio neighbourhood.

Museo de Antioquia
The Museo houses a nice collection of Colombian artists, including local artists and many Botero sculptures and works. You'll also find contemporary art works from around the world.

Fundación Universitaria Bellas Artes
The Universitaria is a natural centre for the arts and you'll find many performances, exhibits and events hosted in its campus.

San Ignacio Church El Castillo Museo y Jardines
Set on verdant, landscaped grounds perfect for picnicking, this Euorpean style castle was built by a wealthy citizen for his German wife. Nowadays, you'll find exhibits from the early 20th century, paintings and books.

Contemporary galleries with a vibrant young arts scene:

LokkusBanastaPlectoTaller7 Campos de GutiérrezPorestosdías
Green Medellín
Along with the arts, the city has become known for its eco-friendly ventures. Here are a couple of ways to check out the green scene.

Parque de los Pies Descalzos (Barefoot Park), including water fountains, gardens, bamboo and more in a zen-inspired design. (Address: Cra. 58 #42-125, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia - Phone: +57 4 3806977)The eco-árbol - located on the avenida del Río, this hi-tech tree-like structure purifies 22,000 cubic metres of air every hour by removing carbon dioxide and traffic toxins. Built by a company called ConTreeBute. The Orquideorama, a marvellous wooden meshwork of modular “flower-tree” structures located in the Medellín Botanical Gardens that expands organically.
Metro Cable at Santo Domingo Savio stationHot Tip:
As a longstanding centre for the textile industry, Medellín also boasts a burgeoning fahion scene. You'll want to check out El Poblado’s Vía Primavera (also called Carrera 37,) an open-air space for independent designers – especially of shoes, leatherware and accessories. Look for the gorgeous, summery pieces of Local designer Camilo Álvarez in city boutiques.

HOTEL PICKS

Art Hotel
Where better to explore Medellín's artistic offerings than from the Art Hotel itself? It is located on a lovely treed street about 3 km from Medellín Museum of Modern Art and 10 km from Parque Explora science center with an "industrial-chic" aesthetic. Amenities include a spa and trendy cocktail bar.
Address: Cra. 41 #9-31, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Phone:+57 4 3697900

Charlee Hotel
This is a superior boutique hotel property when you have the budget to treat yourself. It features a stunning modern decor 2 km from the Medellín Museum of Modern Art. Rooms feature original art works, unique furnishing, including chandeliers and a quirky luggage-art installation in the walls of the lounge. You'll want to dress up for the rooftop cocktail bar and enjoy the view of the Parque Lieras from your balcony. If you really want to splurge, order a private chef and in-room massage.
Address: Cl. 9a #37-16, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Phone:+57 4 4444968

Film: Alexander Sokurov’s FRANCOFONIA Opens in Toronto on April 8th 2016

From a media release:

FILMS WE LIKE PRESENTS
From the master director of FAUST, RUSSIAN ARK,  MOLOCH and MOTHER AND SON

Alexander Sokurov’s
FRANCOFONIA
A Eulogy for Europe
Opens in Toronto on Friday, April 8th 2016 at TIFF Bell Lightbox

• Ticket info

TORONTO - Films We Like is pleased to announce that Alexander Sokurov’s FRANCOFONIA will open in Toronto on Friday, April 8th at TIFF Bell Lightbox.

Against the backdrop of the Louvre Museum’s history and artworks, Sokurov applies his unique personal vision onto staged re-enactments and archives for a fascinating portrait of real-life characters Jacques Jaujard and Count Franziskus Wolff-Metternich.  Enemies who became collaborators, Jaujard and Wolff-Metternich’s alliance would be the driving force behind the preservation of museum treasures during the Nazi occupation of France.

In its exploration of the Louvre Museum as a living example of civilization, FRANCOFONIA is a stunning and urgently relevant meditation on the essential relationship between art, culture, and history; what art tells us about ourselves even in the midst of one of the bloodiest conflicts the world has ever seen.

Throughout his vast filmography – documentary, fiction and others somewhere in between – Alexander Sokurov has demonstrated that a museum is much more than a place to preserve art. Museums are the veritable DNA of a civilization, the living organ of the city where the heart of a nation beats. With FRANCOFONIA, he explores a historical chapter that we might know, but whose description does not take into account all the lines that run through it.

FILMS WE LIKE
Founded by award-winning documentary filmmaker Ron Mann (Grass, Comic Book Confidential, Altman) Films We Like is a boutique distributor of documentary, independent and international films in Canada. Recent releases include Force Majeure, Finding Vivian Maier, and the Academy Award-winner Ida.

Running time:  87 minutes
German, French, Russian with English subtitles

CD Release: Fantahun Shewankochew & Ethio-Zema April 2 2016 in Toronto

From a media release:

Fantahun Shewankochew & Ethio-Zema CD Release Concert 
Alliance Francaise de Toronto Theatre (AFT)
April 2, 2016

• Tix Available online

TORONTO - Fantahun Shewankochew releases his new album titled Adera (An Undertaking), at the Alliance Francaise de Toronto Theatre, 24 Spadina Rd. on Saturday April 2nd, 2016 at 9:00 pm.

Fantahun Shewankochew has crafted an album that harkens back to the golden era of Ethiopian music. Adera is a rediscovery of Ethio-jazz, traditional and popular Ethiopian music with a modern twist.

Fantahun Shewankochew is an accomplished krar player, vocalist, composer and arranger, inspired by the late Tilahun Gessesse to pursue a musical career. From his early years working in the Ethiopian National Theatre until his arrival in Canada in 2011, Fantahun has performed in many countries around the world and released a number of recordings. He is well experienced in traditional and popular music genres from Ethiopia. Ethiopian music uses an essential modal system (pentatonic scale), which is called "qenet." There are four main modes of qenet: tezeta, bati, ambassel and anchihoy. He is now based in Toronto where he has performed at the Harbourfront Centre, Alliance Francaise de Toronto, CBC's Glen Gould Studio, the Music Gallery, Lula Lounge, Gladstone Hotel and the Luminato Festival.

The Ethio-Zema ensemble is truly impressive as it composes of talented musicians and artists based in Toronto. The lineup features vocalist Fantahun Shewankochew on acoustic krar, Daniel Barnes on drums, Tom Juhas on guitar, Simeon Abbott on piano, Liam Smith on bass guitar, John Maclean on saxophone, Steve Dyte on trumpet and Paul Tarusov on trombone.

Fantahun Shewankochew & Ethio-Zema CD Release Concert 
Alliance Francaise de Toronto Theatre (AFT), 24 Spadina Rd. 
Doors open at 8 PM / Show at 9 PM
Tickets $25 advance / $30 at the door

Advance Ticket Locations:

Soundscapes, 518 College St. W.Hirut Café, 2050 Danforth Ave.
Fantahun Shewankochew thanks the Ontario Arts Council for their support.

Film News: California Pictures Inks Deal for Rude Buay … the Unstoppable and Who Shot the Sheriff?

From a media release:

Hong Kong: California Pictures inks two picture deal 
for International rights to Rude Buay … the Unstoppable and Who Shot the Sheriff?

HONG KONG: California Pictures recently announced that they have acquired International sales and distribution rights to A L I Pictures’ John A. Andrews’ upcoming big screen projects: Rude Buay … the Unstoppable and Who Shot the Sheriff?

Rude Buay … the Unstoppable is a secret agent, fast paced, suspense thriller, described as the epitome of a Black James Bond, meeting Traffic, Jason Bourne and Charlie’s Angels – gone bad.

Set in Jamaica, Miami and Colombia: a greed driven fiasco baits this international agent who’s every man’s idol and every woman’s fantasy, back to his roots – Jamaica. There his past like a plague haunts him. Caught in the web of deception, deceit and inequities of all kinds, Rude Buay is forced to use his street style of justice in order to combat the tyranny of a viscous Drug Cartel.

Who Shot the Sheriff? set in Jamaica and Miami is a musical driven mystery crime drama. This mysterious saga can be compared to The Harder They Come, Hustle and Flow with elements of “The Verdict and Witness. Protagonist Wesley Haynes, a potential rising star launches out into the deep to find fame and fortune. Battling the waves of adversity, he finds himself trapped in the tidal waves of bigotry and hypocrisy masterminded by the infamous Sheriff.

According to Andrews, the brain child behind these “gritty and twisted“ novels and who also adapted them to screenplay: “Since the character John Shaft emerged, we’ve not encountered a black character with such longevity, international flavor and pizazz as the Rude Buay character.”

“On the other hand, Who Shot the Sheriff? comes sautéed in cultural music and uncanny twists: depicting a Jamaican artist trapped inside the claws of the corrupt Sheriff John Brown.”

Back to back production of the pics could start as early as this Fall in Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.

Both of these upcoming pics have already been previewed at the recent Berlin Film Market and were presented at the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market, March 14 – 17, 2016.

Steven Istock, CEO of California Pictures will co-produce the duo with John Andrews from A L I Pictures. Istock was one of the top new business producers in the U.S. for both Meryll Lynch and Bank of America. California Pictures has also produced and distributed “A warrior’s Heart” and “Scavengers” plus distributed and sold many motion pictures worldwide.

A L I Pictures LLC is a New York based film production and creative marketing company, specializing in making movies with a difference.

California Pictures was originally founded in 1944 by Howard Hughes and Academy Award winner Preston Sturges. The two joined forces and created an independent production company which allowed California Pictures to welcome the rise of independent producers during the late 1940's.

California Pictures was reincorporated in 2008 by Steven Istock and is based at Paramount Pictures Studios in Hollywood, California. The company is focused on creating great movies and television content with dynamic characters, strong and personally identifiable themes and powerful journeys for a worldwide audience.

The company also advises various companies and producers on financial architecture. This involves structuring debt and equity finance, examining production and project budgets, cash flow, casting selections, packaging, resource allocation and distributor interest in all stages of production and distribution.

Travel South Korea: Dokdo & Ulleung-do - Korea's Easternmost Islands

From a media release:

Travel South Korea
Dokdo & Ulleung-do, Korea's Easternmost Islands
A National Geopark

Land and cuisine are inextricably entwined and a hand's on exploration of both is highly recommended when you visit Dokdo and Ulleung-do, the easternmost islands in Korea.

Land
Located in the East Sea, Ulleung-do Island and Dokdo are known for their impressive natural environment. Created by volcanic eruptions with its unique geographical landscape, the islands present abundant picturesque spots for visitors to explore. In the center of Ulleung-do Island stands the majestic mountain known as the Seonginbong Peak, where its highest point offers a bird’s eye view of the entire island. Visitors may also choose to enjoy a cruise on the deep blue waters of East Sea with oddly formed rocks and strangely shaped stones surrounding.

It takes about 1 hour 30 minutes by boat to get from Ulleung-do Island to Dokdo, where you can get a glimpse of the most beautiful first sunrise of Korea. Dokdo holds a special place in the hearts of Koreans as they hold pride in defending Korea’s easternmost reached territory.

Haengnam Coastal Walking Path (Jeodong)Jukdo is a small island adjacent to Ulleung-do Island, and it is considered the largest island among the others in the region. Due to the strong presence of bamboos on the island, it was given its name as juk refers to bamboos in Korean. In order to have the top view of Jukdo Island, visitors will have to first climb a spiral stairs consisting of 364 steps. After making your way up the stairs, an observatory deck offering a panoramic view of the neighboring Ulleung-do Island with facilities including log benches, two rest shelters, camping ground, picnic sites, as well as will local food restaurants can be found.

From the observatory deck, the ridge found Northeast of Ulleung-do Island, cliffs; Gwaneum-do Island and Samseonam Rocks can also be seen. More often than not, tourists visit Jukdo Island on their way back to the Ulleung-do Island, the ‘main island’ by taking a ferry service leaving from Dodonghang Port. The cruise service only operates during the summer peak season (from Dodong Port to Juk-do Port). It takes about 20 minutes from Dodong Passenger's Port for a one-way trip to Jukdo Island.
☞ Address: Jeodong-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
☞ Directions: Take a passenger cruise from Dodonghang Port to Juk-do Island
☞ Fees: Passenger Cruise (Round-trip) 15,000 won / Jukdo Island Admission 2,000 won

Naesujeon Sunrise Observatory
The Naesujeon Sunrise Observatory offers an expansive view that allows one to see most of Ulleung-do Island. It takes about 15-min to get to observatory from the harbor by following the narrow inclined pathway. Aside from the plentiful camellia flowers and rowan plants (also known as mountain ash) that fills the tunnel along the pathway; lights have also been installed for visitors who flock to catch a glimpse of sunrise and the local fishermen’s at work.
☞ Address: Jeodong-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
☞ Directions: From Dodonghang Port, walk about 200m to Dodong Bus Stop → Take a bus bound for Cheonbu-Jeodong and get off at Naesujeon Bus Stop → Walk for about 1km to arrive at Sunrise Observatory

Bongnae Waterfall
You'll thrill to the stunning view of Bongnae Waterfalls is a three-tier waterfall with a height of about 30m. While the abundant volume of water flows down majestically throughout the year, the water also serves as a main source of drinking water for local residents in the south. A therapeutic walk in the Redwood forest located within the Bongnae Waterfall can be chilly as the natural breeze is colder than an air conditioner. Ulleung-do Island’s nostalgic traditional shingle-roofed houses of first settlers’ can also be found nearby, functioning as rest shelters for visiting tourists.
☞ Address: Jeodong-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
☞ Directions: From Dodonghang Port, walk about 200m to Dodong Bus Stop → Take a bus bound for Dodong-Bongnae Waterfall and get off at Bongnae Waterfall Bus Stop → Walk for about 850m to get to Bongnae Waterfall

Taehahyangmok Tourist Monorail
Gawk at the vistas of mountains, forests and sea in style in the Taehahyangmok Tourist Monorail. It takes only about 6 minutes to arrive at the top of the observatory deck, or a distance of about 304m. During the peak cuttlefish fishing operation, you'll see the bright lights from the fishing boats at night along the Ungpo Coast and in front of Daepunggam Aromatic Tree Inhabitants.
☞ Address: Taeha-ri, Seo-myeon, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
☞ Directions: From Dodonghang Port, walk about 200m to Dodong Bus Stop → Take a bus bound for Jeodong-Cheonbu and get off at Taeha-ri Bus Stop → Walk for about 350m to arrive at Taehahyangmok Tourist Monorail
☞ Operating hours:  09:00–17:30 (Ticket box closes at 16:30)
☞ Fees: Round-trip 4,000 won

Elephant Rock (Gongam)Elephant Rock (Gongam)
The Elephant Rock, Gwaneumssang Cave and Samseonam Rocks are the top 3 picturesque sites of Ulleung-do Island. The name 'Elephant Rock' originates from its resemblance of an elephant drinking water with its trunk. There is a hole at the back of the elephant trunk, which has a diameter of approximately 10 meters wide that boats can even pass through. It's not only the shape of the rock but the surface texture that resembles the skin of an elephant.
☞ Address: Hyeonpo-ri, Buk-myeon, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
☞ Directions: From Dodonghang Port, walk about 200m to Dodong Bus Stop → Take a bus bound for Jeodong-Cheonbu and get off at Pyeong-ri Bus Stop → Walk for about 750m to arrive at the Elephant Rock

Nari Basin
The northern part of Seonginbong Peak was created by caldera, crater formed during volcanic eruption or collapse. It is the only flatland in Ulleung-do Island. Located north east of Nari Basin is Nari Village, and located south west is Albong Peak Village where no people are living there presently. There is one traditional shingled-roof houses of the first settlers, as well as 4 tumakjips (houses built by stacking up wood and soil) currently found and preserved as cultural assets in the Nari Basin.
☞ Address: Na-ri, Buk-myeon, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
☞ Directions: From Dodonghang Port, walk about 200m to Dodong Bus Stop → Take a bus bound for Jeodong-Cheonbu and get off at Cheonbu Bus Stop → From Cheonbu Bus Stop, transfer to a bus bound for Cheonbu-Nari Basin and get off at Nari Basin Bus Stop

Haengnam Coastal Walking Path (Jeodong)
On the left of Dodonghang Port, you can enjoy the beauty of nature through the coastal walking pathway that follows along the coasts, natural caves and valleys. The trail is about 1km and when you make a right turn at the end of the trail, another pathway towards the Dodong Lighthouse is revealed. Go up to the lighthouse and you can see Jeodong Port, the famous Chotdae Bawi Rock statue, which can be reached by a separate coastal walking path from the Jeodong Port. Keep walking from Jeodong Naesujeon Sunrise Observatory to the north of Seokpo Village as it is an old road that is densely filled with trees for an intriguing experience of sightseeing through the island.
☞ Address: Dodong-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
☞ Directions: Walking distance from Dodonghang Port

Cuisine
Here are some regional favourites to try out when you're there.

Barnacle Noodle Soup & Rice with Sea MusselsBarnacle Noodle Soup & Rice with Sea Mussels
Made with barnacles that grow on coastal rocks, the barnacle noodle soup is one of the must-eats on Ulleung-do Island. Barnacle pieces as big as the size of a thumb, as well as wild edible greens are added, creating a delicious and fresh scent of ocean with every mouth of this dish.

On Ulleung-do Island, mussels are often cooked and complemented with rice. Seaweed are also added with some spicy soy sauce and eaten by mixing ingredients together like a bibimbap. Unlike mussels caught closer to the mainland, those caught in Ulleung-do Island are the size of an adult's hand. For a true blue local taste, the dish is regularly eaten with side dishes like wild aster, dried laver, fatsia shoots, and other wild edible greens found on the island. with barnacles that grow on coastal rocks,

Ulleung-do Island Beef & Cold Raw SquidUlleung-do Island Beef & Cold Raw Squid
A wide assortment of medicinal herbs can also found on Ulleung-do Island and the cows that were fed with medicinal herbs are thus known for its great quality and unique herbal flavor. You may enjoy the taste of fresh meat even unseasoned meat when it is roasted over hot coals. The most delicious way to eat is to cook the meat till slightly burnt, place a piece of it and wrap it with vegetables and pickled vegetables altogether.

Squids are one of the local specialty foods on Ulleung-do Island and there are many dishes made with it. One of the popular dishes is ojingeo mulhoe (cold raw squid) and a fresh, sweet and spicy sensation can all be tasted in a single bite. The cold broth gives a refreshing feeling along with the other vegetables and sauce that enhances the other flavors. It also serves as a great side dish of alcohol.

Dodko Island & Seodo IslandDokdo Island, Korea’s First Sunrise Spot
Dokdo Island is comprised of two main islands: Dongdo, or East Island and Seodo, or West Island, as well as numerous smaller rock formations. The clear blue sea and the surrounding natural environment put together spectacular landscape for all.

Dongdo is located southeast of Dokdo Island, and it sits 98.6m above sea level. A watched lighthouse with a circumference of 2.8km is present, including the Dongdo wharfs, where major storages for marine products are kept fresh and facilities for coastguard are located. The area has a wharf within the close range, big enough to allow a vessel size over 500-ton class transporting a large batch of tourists pass through every day.

On the other hand, the rugged terrains of Seodo are used by fishermen in cases of emergency. In addition, Gajaebawi Rock, Dongnimmunbawi Rock, Chotdaebawi Rock, Eolgulbawi Rock and many other uniquely shaped rocky islands are fun to look at as well.

Designated as Natural Monument No. 336, access to Dokdo Island had been restricted according to the Article 33 of the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act.

Passengers entering Dokdo Island (Dongdo) from Ulleung-do Island via ferry can only stay for a maximum of 30 minutes on the island. Furthermore, there are always possibilities that the transit travel will not be available due to harsh weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Nonetheless, visitors can still enjoy the beautiful nautical view over the deck that commends the full view of Dokdo Island and its surrounding. Please also be noted that the ferry will not operate during winter season.
☞ Address: Dokdo-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
☞ Directions: From Dodonghang Port, take a ship bound for Dokdo Island. (Total travel time: about 4 hours; round-trip including time of stay on the island)
☞ Fees: Passenger Ship 50,000 won (varies according to shipping company)
☞ Website: www.dokdo.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

David Occhipinti Debuts Art Song Project April 23 2016 in Toronto

From a media release:

David Occhipinti Debuts Art Song Project 
As Part Of The TD Discovery Series Special Projects
April 23 2016

TORONTO - Multiple JUNO nominee, composer and guitarist David Occhipinti debuts his long-awaited project, Art Song on Sunday, April 24 at Alliance Francaise, as part of the TD Discovery Series Special Projects.

Developed over the past three years, Art Song features vocalists from the jazz and classical worlds performing songs in a chamber music setting. This unique celebration of art song will incorporate added elements of improvisation with instrumentation that includes guitar, violin, viola, bass, clarinet, bassoon, marimba, vibraphone and harp.

"This Art Song project has allowed me to take some wonderful text by T.S. Eliot, Dylan Thomas and Emily Carr and compose some new music for voice," states Occhipinti. "It is also my first time composing for harp. I'm hoping it will be an elegant musical experience for audiences and a rare chance to hear my music in a beautiful performance space."

Occhipinti has released five CDs as a leader that features his unique voice as a composer and as a guitarist. Three of his projects, Bristles (2014), Forty Revolutions (2007) and Duologue (2003) were nominated for JUNOs. Noted guitarist Jim Hall, whom he studied with during the mid-1990s, has described Occhipinti's writing as unique and his playing completely original and stunning.

Joining Occhipinti on stage will be: Michael Davidson (vibraphone), Aline Homzy (violin), Jeff LaRochelle (clarinet), Soren Nissen (bass) and Sheba Thibadeau (bassoon). Special guests include Erica Goodman (harp) and Beverley Johnston (marimba). Featured vocalists for this performance will be Robin Dann, Alexandra Hetherington, Charlotte Mundy and The Cookie Choir.


The TD Discovery Series is a year-long initiative of music and educational performances created by Toronto Downtown Jazz, producers of the Toronto Jazz Festival, and supported by TD Bank Group. Designed to encourage the creation, development and presentation of unique, new programming, the TD Discovery Series showcases some of Toronto's finest local jazz talent.


David Occhipinti's Art Song Project
Alliance Francaise - 24 Spadina RoadSunday, April 24, 2016 - 3 p.m.Tickets: $12 - $20 at the door
A taste of David's previous work:

Jazz: Nonesuch Releases Two New Recordings from Pat Metheny on May 6, 2016

From a release:

Nonesuch Releases Two New Recordings from Pat Metheny on May 6, 2016:
The Unity Sessions and Cuong Vu Trio Meets Pat Metheny

The Unity Sessions features Grammy Award-winning Unity Group-Metheny with saxophonist Chris Potter, drummer Antonio Sanchez, bassist Ben Williams, and multi-instrumentalist Giulio Carmassi
Cuong Vu Trio Meets Pat Metheny joins longtime Pat Metheny Group trumpeter's trio with his mentor

• Pre-order both albums from the Pat Metheny Store
• Check out tour dates in the US, Asia & Europe through July 2016

Nonesuch Records releases a pair of new albums from guitarist, composer, and bandleader Pat Metheny on May 6, 2016. Metheny is well-known as a musical collaborator, and both records feature friends and colleagues with whom he has worked for years. The Unity Sessions is taken from a filmed performance with Pat Metheny Unity Group that was recently released on DVD; the set comprises 13 songs by Metheny, one he co-wrote with Ornette Coleman, and one well known standard by Ray Noble. And Cuong Vu Trio Meets Pat Metheny joins the guitarist with a trio led by longtime Pat Metheny Group trumpeter Cuong Vu. It comprises five tunes written by Vu plus one by Metheny and one by Andrew D'Angelo. Pre-orders of The Unity Sessions and Cuong Vu Trio Meets Pat Metheny are available now at iTunes and nonesuch.com, each with an instant download of a track from its album ("This Belongs to You" and "Let's Get Back," respectively).

In 2013, for the first time since 1980, Metheny recorded with a band that highlighted tenor saxophone. The resulting Unity Band, which went on to win him his 20th Grammy Award, featured Chris Potter on sax and bass clarinet, longtime collaborator Antonio Sanchez on drums, and Ben Williams on bass. Metheny then took that same ensemble into new territory with the addition of his Orchestrion and a focus on more through-composed material and christened the ensemble Pat Metheny Unity Group. The Group's first record, Kin (__), was released by Nonesuch in 2014 and was named the best jazz album of the year in the DownBeat Readers Poll Awards. The Group went on a world tour of more than 150 cities; at the end, they hunkered down in a small Manhattan theater to film new performances of music from the original Unity Band, the expansive Kin(__), and touchstones from the entirety of Metheny's music catalog. The results were released on DVD last year as The Unity Sessions, and now Nonesuch releases the album of the same name.



The Cuong Vu Trio includes Stomu Takeishi on bass and Ted Poor on drums. Metheny says of his record with the Trio, "This project is something that Cuong and I have talked about doing for years. For as much as I loved what Cuong has brought to my bands along the way, I always wondered what it would be like to join his group for a project, to see what I might be able to offer those guys. Cuong came up with a great set of tunes for the project, and we all met in NYC for a few days and recorded this music quite quickly and spontaneously."

Vu, who first heard a cassette of Metheny's Travels as a teenager and credits it for leading him into a career in music, adds: "Pat came to the session and killed it, taking us to different territories. We (the Trio) assimilated his sound into ours and made music that still felt uniquely ours." The trumpeter has played with a wide range of artists, including Laurie Anderson, David Bowie, Dave Douglas, Myra Melford, Cibo Matto, and Mitchell Froom. Vu, a graduate of New England Conservatory, began his career leading various groups while touring extensively throughout the world. As a leader, he has released eight recordings, each making critics' lists of the 10 best recordings of their respective years. His awards and honors include two Grammys (with Pat Metheny Group). He is currently an associate professor in jazz studies at the University of Washington.

Over the course of more than three decades, guitarist Pat Metheny has set himself apart from the jazz mainstream, expanding and blurring boundaries and musical styles. His record-setting body of work includes 20 Grammy Awards in 12 separate categories; a series of influential trio recordings; award-winning solo albums; scores for hit Hollywood motion pictures; and collaborations and duets with major artists like Ornette Coleman, Steve Reich, Charlie Haden, Brad Mehldau, and many others. His band the Pat Metheny Group, founded in 1977, is the only ensemble in history to win Grammys for seven consecutive releases.

Pat Metheny U.S. Tour Dates
Wednesday & Thursday, April 20 & 21: Infinity Hall, Norfolk, CT
Friday, April 22: Musikfest Café, Bethlehem, PA
Saturday, April 23: Exit Zero Jazz Festival, Cape May, NJ
Sunday, April 24: The Newton Theatre, Newton, NJ
*All dates with Ron Carter