Rhythm & Song
Earthtones NW has the honor of serving clients in the greater Portland area, Wilsonville, Salem and Eugene. And now, we are reaching out to serve Central Oregon. On July 17th 200 community members of Sisters Oregon came together to drum, sing, eat and play! Earthtones NW’s CEO and owner, Jodi Winnwalker, coordinated the second annual Sisters Rhythm & Song in the Park event, bringing together local musicians and community members to celebrate the summer season and to connect through shared musical experiences. The event was free to the community and included a dinner of hot dogs, potato salad, chips and cookies.
Blurring the lines between performer and audience
One unique element of the evening was the approach to blurring the lines between “performer” and “audience”. This event was designed to engage the “musician” in everyone. Local musicians were invited to share music of various styles in the center of the circle. The community gathered around the featured musicians and were invited to sing, dance and play along. Earthtones interns brought an impressive collection of musical instruments that were made available and placed throughout the a circle for all to play. The instruments included drums, shakers and other small instruments, tone chimes and a gong. The interns also wrote and led a chant about peace and unity. Even the surrounding Ponderosa Pines and other park trees seemed to sway to the music.
"I loved seeing multiple generations gathering in one place, both musicians and those new to music. It felt like people had freedom to express themselves and listen and engage with others" - Earthtones intern Darcy Wallace
Jodi Winnwalker and Earthtones NW interns Matthew, Darcey, Adam, Kat and Stephanie
Joy and connection
Many of the folks that attended the event remembered the joy and connection they experienced last year and wanted to participate again. “I think it’s great for the community to get together and celebrate”, Dottie Kemble said, who came with her two granddaughters.
Sponsors
Rhythm & Song was made possible by Citizens 4 Community, and the many sponsors of the event including Earthtones NW, the Ford Family Foundation, St. Charles Health System, Coldwell Banker Reed Bros. Realty, and the Lodge in Sisters. Paulina Springs Books donated the chairs and the PA system was managed by Rich Hummel. Rhythm and Song is an event for the community and by the community, and what a wonderful event it is!
To learn more about the Rhythm & Song event in Sisters OR email info@earthtonesnw.com. Or go directly to the article written by the local Sisters newspaper, the Nugget. https://nuggetnews.com/Content/Arts-Entertainment/Arts-Entertainment/Article/Sisters-dances-and-drums-in-community/65/105/28450