Sunday, May 24, 2009

Bolivian Flute Music

We had a lovely evening the other night. We were invited to an intimate little gathering at the Ten Thousand Villages boutique to hear a Bolivian pan flute musician named Efrain (pronounced Eee.fra-in). There were 15 of us scattered at little tables around the transformed shop. Lights were dim and cozy, textiles and tapestries softened the walls and ceiling, and incense wafted through the still air. My husband found a little rattan love seat that we could snuggle on to enjoy the beautiful music.

Efrain, a native of Bolivia, had long, jet-black hair and traditional, colorful dress. He played a mix of traditional folk music, self-composed instrumentals, and Christian songs such as On My Knees by Jacqui Velasquez, and El Shaddai. In between the songs, he spoke of growing up in a small village, his early love of music, and his journey toward playing music professionally. Eventually, he developed a deep faith in Jesus Christ and a ministry to be a witness to Him through his music.

There was an intermission featuring a variety of fruit, a chocolate fountain, coffee and cheescake. We all had a chance to chat with Efrain as well. We learned that he made all his own instruments, which included quite a mix of flutes. He innovated a finer bamboo mouthpiece for the pan flute, made single bamboo flutes and even aluminum flutes. He also showed us other instruments, like a 10-string one that resembled a ukelele. Efrain has played concerts all over the world, in venues small and (very) large. We were very priviliged to enjoy such a special concert. Thank you, Melody, of He, She and Me, for hosting the event!

15 comments:

Cherdecor said...

We have a Ten Thousand Villages boutique here in the town of Ephrata. I wonder if it is the same kind of store.

Rosezilla (Tracie Walker) said...

Yes, the one in Ephrata is apparently the largest Ten Thousand Villages store. They have a good website. The store is really very cool with nice, unique, handmade items from all over the world, at a fair price both for the customer and the artisan.

Islandsparrow said...

Sounds like a lovely evening of music and food!

My daughter is coming back on June 6th. She's in the States now - her team is in Ft Lauderdale today and then they are touring other churches in the southern states until their graduation on Friday Jun 5th. I can hardly wait to see her!!

Cathy said...

Hello there
That sounds like a lovely way to spend an evening - and if there is chocolate and cheescake it makes it even better lol
BTW thanks for dropping in the other day, I'm feeling lots better now, raring to go again later in the week
Take care
Cathy

Connie said...

One of my favorite places to shop!
Sounds like you had a lovely evening with your sweetheart!

Ruth Hull Chatlien said...

That sounds really wonderful. I find that kind of music very calming.

Zuzana said...

There is nothing like the beauty of live music; sounds like you had a lovely evening.;)

steviewren said...

I love the Bolivian Pan flute. It has a magical vibe to me.

Anonymous said...

Oh Tracie, that sounds absolutely delightful. Good company with interesting music and soothing surroundings... perfect!

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

What a wonderful evening...quality time with your hubbie on a cozy love seat...lovely AND unique music and delicious refreshments! Perfect!

Beverlydru said...

What a treat! I would have enjoyed it as well. Not the cheesecake and chocolate fountain.. just the music of course. LOL

Susan said...

Interesting - I bet I would have loved his music (as would my daughter, who plays flute). I've never heard of Ten Thousand Villages stores. I'll have to check the website. I am glad you had such a great evening!!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful evening you had. I wish I had been there. It sounds like something the hubby and I would love to do ♥

Louise said...

A lovely thing to be able to do, taking time out to spend a relaxing evening with your husband. x

Anonymous said...

I love Ten Thousand Villages! Just bought a cookbook there before we left Philly. Simply in Season -- check it out!

Related Posts with Thumbnails