Earth Mama will participate in the venue's "Share Our blessings", an event benefiting the Grayson Backpack Ministry. The arts and culture event also will feature a children's art show, "Blessing of the Backpacks" presentation, bake sale, and raffle for three handcrafted quilts. Admission is free. Proceeds from the sale of CDs, quilts, baked goods, and other donated products will help Grayson Backpack Ministry provide nutritious meals and snacks to children.
A number of songs on "Blessings of the Universe" were commissioned to mark milestones for various faith-based organizations. Others were written as musical blessings or prayers for a well-drilling project in Africa, women's events, and a solar energy conference. Several musical short stories reflect on the "kin-dom" journeys of great religious figures, including Mary Magdalene and Saint Francis of Assisi.
The album was recorded in Nashville, with Rouse serving as lead vocalist, songwriter and producer. Some of the selections feature stirring accompaniments by pianist/vocalist Catherine Styron, guitarist Pat McGrath, and percussionist Paul Scholten. Earth Mama plays grand piano on "Follow the Sun".
"The Sisters of St. Francis, the Sisters of Earth, and other organizations inspired me with their depth of love and concern for people and places on the margins -- women who walk miles each day to carry their family's water, those with serious mental and physical health issues, and ecological unraveling," said Rouse, who wrote most of the songs at her home in the Appalachians. "These songs express in some way my gratitude for this journey. When I sang them at events, they caught on in a kind of folk song way and were then carried gently out into the world. The whole project felt like the unfolding of the Universe".
Earth Mama has been delighting audiences of all ages with toe-tapping music and green-living tips for more than 10 years, “helping heal the planet one song at a time.”
Individuals may purchase raffle tickets for $5 each or five for $20 at participating retailers, including Guynn's Furniture, Square One Framing, Walter's Drugstore, and The Treasury.
For more information about "Share Our Blessings", call (276) 579-2254 or (276) 773-8529. For informationa about Earth Mama's "Blessings of the Universe" CD, call (276) 773-8529, send an e-mail message to Joyce@EarthMama.org, or visit http://www.EarthMama.org.
I did a fun radio show this morning with Danny Gordon at WYVE, Wytheville highlighting what a great "Party to fill the Backpacks" benefit this will be. Local kids will join me to sing "A Place in the Kin-dom" before we draw the winning raffle tickets for 3 beautiful quilts! Thanks for helping me get the word out, Chuck. You offer a terrific service.
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