Open Mic Night
One of the great things about being in an ex-pat community is, well, the community! On Saturday night, Ty and I went up to Gwangju to attend the Open Mic Night. There's something so nice about walking into a room and having "Hello"s and waves greet you.
This Open Mic was one of the best I've been to, with the non-musical spectators vastly outnumbering the performers. They were originally started up by a guy called Matt, who would organize the whole thing himself. Since he left Korea, other people have taken his place with the arrangements, including my friend Jens, and it's become a sort of perpetual institution of music lovers. Since Gwangju is central to Jeollanamdo, you can end up with people (it used to be mostly Foreigners, but now there are a lot of Koreans who are getting into the act, which is great) from all over the province. I saw people that I hadn't seen in ages, and a lot of people that I only see at Open Mic nights.
And it's not just a cross-cultural thing, but one of different ages, abilities and music styles. Instruments (now and in the past) have ranged from guitars, drums and piano to accordion, mandolin and clarinet.
Other than that, our weekend was pretty quiet.... We're still waiting on news from the UAE, which we've been told is normal. Still, it's stressful.
In other news, today is Pepero Day. I've only been at school for 15 minutes or so, and I already have 8 boxes, 6 big sticks and a few other random candies. Makes you feel special...
On the Canadian side of things, today is Remembrance Day, and I hope that you are wearing a poppy. I haven't been able to wear one in 3 years, so someone has to do it for me!
This Open Mic was one of the best I've been to, with the non-musical spectators vastly outnumbering the performers. They were originally started up by a guy called Matt, who would organize the whole thing himself. Since he left Korea, other people have taken his place with the arrangements, including my friend Jens, and it's become a sort of perpetual institution of music lovers. Since Gwangju is central to Jeollanamdo, you can end up with people (it used to be mostly Foreigners, but now there are a lot of Koreans who are getting into the act, which is great) from all over the province. I saw people that I hadn't seen in ages, and a lot of people that I only see at Open Mic nights.
And it's not just a cross-cultural thing, but one of different ages, abilities and music styles. Instruments (now and in the past) have ranged from guitars, drums and piano to accordion, mandolin and clarinet.
Other than that, our weekend was pretty quiet.... We're still waiting on news from the UAE, which we've been told is normal. Still, it's stressful.
In other news, today is Pepero Day. I've only been at school for 15 minutes or so, and I already have 8 boxes, 6 big sticks and a few other random candies. Makes you feel special...
On the Canadian side of things, today is Remembrance Day, and I hope that you are wearing a poppy. I haven't been able to wear one in 3 years, so someone has to do it for me!
posted by Ms Parker at
8:41 AM
4 Comments:
Hi Mom I should have mailed you a poppy, I'm sorry. For the third year now, I'm escorting a seniors bus tour for Remeberance Day & find that its so special to do so.
Love MOM
By
Anonymous, at 12:54 PM
Hey, Laura sang Amazing Grace (solo) to the entire school at the assembly today. I was sitting beside her teacher and he tapped me to show me the goosebumps on his arms. Laura was awesome. Ian presented the wreath at church on the weekend, by himself which is something since he doesn't share Laura's love of the limelight. Hurry up and get your computer fixed, I miss you on MSN!!
By
Anonymous, at 5:22 AM
Keep me posted when you hear about UAE!
Will be awesome to see you again!
Carol
By
Anonymous, at 10:35 PM
Hey!... a posting of the open mic and no mention of me even playing... :p
No more music for you. :)
By
Mr Fowler, at 11:15 PM
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