Since his initiation into world music during the urban folksong revival of the early 1960’s, and later in ethnomusicological field studies on three continents, Peter Gold has developed a virtuosic and spiritually-illuminating style of global vocal fusion music. His songs range from Native American, Tibetan and European traditional songs to the music of Bach, Beethoven, Ravel and Satie in 

fusion with classic works of poetry. 

Peter’s musical experience ranges from years of performing and teaching Western and traditional musical styles and instruments, and leading “Sacred Hootenanny” and “Spirit of Song” workshops, to directing folk choruses and recording two CDs of his songs. During a half century of musicmaking he also did anthropological work and activities under the aegis of his Ancient Ways Project.

I am happy to invite you to celebrate Peter‘s 50^th year of musicmaking with an intimate and meditative, afternoon “salon” recital of his songs of illumination. They draw upon the world’s timeless music and poetics, as well as his own imagination in composing lyrics and musical themes.

There is no admission charge but donations are of course welcomed. A percentage of donations will be applied to World Wheel/Ancient Ways Project joint initiatives. Please RSVP regarding your plans to attend as seating will be limited. For further information please visit Peter’s website:  www.ancientwaysproject.org

On another exciting note, Peter and I will be leading a pilgrimage into Navajoland’s Canyon de Chelly and on the Hopi Reservation. I hope that you will join us from May 17 through the 23^rd 2012. It is our offering toward a spiritual transition for the beginning of a new life of connectedness on this planet. Here is a description of our pilgrimage:

IN THE LAND OF RAIN AND BEAUTY

A Creative Pilgrimage into the Sacred Realms of the Navajo and Hopi Indians

Join anthropologist, author and musician, Peter Gold and environmental artist, ceremonialist, and author, Vijali Hamilton on a special excursion in the Four Corners region of America’s High Southwest and into the ways of life, expression and spirit of the Navajo and Hopi Indian people. 

Navajo Sandpainting, L. Francisco

From our base camp at glorious Canyon de Chelly (America’s second largest and perhaps most sublime canyon), centrally situated on the Navajo Nation, we meet artists, medicine people, herders and farmers, taste their Native foods and experience their sense of place, as we participate in their ways of life and spirit. 

For the Hopi, the purpose of life is to exist in a healthful partnership with the universe leading to the marker of its success: maintaining an abundance of the staff of life, which is embodied in the spiritual metaphor of rain. For the Navajo, the universe exists in a dynamic state of balance called Beauty, a state that must be maintained within one’s own thoughts, expressions and actions via the Beautyway path of life. 

Hopi Road of Life: Prophesy Rock, Hopi Reservation

In our quest for inner and outer rain and beauty, we live close to the Earth visiting sacred sites while our minds and spirits are released to soar skyward. We create works out of our deepest inspiration in various expressive media such as visual arts, essays, poetry, photography and song inspired by the vast land and lives of the Hopis and Navajos. Then, through communal ceremony we become infused with the useful inspiration which we each will have acquired on our pilgrimage.

In the process we are empowered by these wonderful people and landscapes to harness our inspiration, healing powers and knowledge in order to meet the challenges of life back home at this time of transformation on our planet. 

Sacred Hopi Cornfield, Hopi Reservation

(A note on the disposition of the fees for this trip. A major portion of the fees accrued on this trip will be going back into the Navajo and Hopi communities, both as honoraria for our presenters and fees for other individuals in their communities.) For more information please email:  vijali@worldwheel.org 

Photos by Peter Gold © except photo of Peter taken by Vijali Hamitlon