Grab a cup of coffee, I had a busy weekend.
This weekend was Planina’s 20th reunion concert. To back track a bit, I started singing with Planina, a group that sings songs from Eastern Europe, in January, right before my cancer diagnosis. Now I could have quit and nobody would have thought less of me, but I really wanted to keep this for myself. It had taken me a long time to find a group to sing with (the most singing I’ve been doing the last few years is to my children. LOTS of Twinkle Twinkle. I think I might even be able to sing it backwards.). The members were very understanding and supportive even when I could only come to every other rehearsal and needed to use note cards during performances because my chemo addled brain had trouble remembering my own name, much less languages that I’m barely familiar with. They brought me beautiful scarves to wear when I lost my hair. I’ve learned so much since January. My Balkan music learning curve has been pretty much vertical. This weekend I got to meet the former members and hang out with the current ones as well. The beauty of the music is only enhanced by the greater number of singers. Just gorgeous.
On Friday night, at one of the parties/rehearsals, I met the wife of one of the former members. She told me she loved my haircut and how bold it was. My hair is coming in pretty nicely, but it’s still at the older Sinead stage. When I mentioned it was actually growing in rather than cut off, she had said she never would have guessed. She just thought I was European, maybe German. I loved it. It’s the first time I’ve really felt that I don’t look like a cancer patient. Apparently I look European. Hooray!
The concert was amazing. So. Much. Fun. Planina concerts are very audience participatory. People sing along (You’d be amazed how many people know songs in Bulgarian!) and even dance in the aisles. I sang Hajdutin in a trio. It’s a beautifully sad song about a man’s last request of his love. I also sang a duet on More Sokol Pie (Moray sohkohl peeyay). Yeah, I pronounce it in English in my head, too. Yes, I’d like my More Sokol Pie with whipped cream if you don’t mind… I feel very proud and a little intimidated to have sung solos at this concert where there were so many experienced singers. I had so much fun though. Nothing is as gratifying as performing in front of a truly appreciative audience. Thanks so much Planinas!
We’ll be performing again on Sunday, August 31st at 10:00 am at the Taste of Colorado. See you there?
7 responses to “Sit back and relax. It’s a long one.”
Karen
August 17th, 2008 at 18:57
Nicole I seem to have missed that you are singing with Planina. I was torn last night among all the choices including Planina, the melodrama at church and Jeremy Jones at Dazzle Jazz. I won’t be in town on the 31st but I hope you will keep posting about this. I have enjoyed the Planina concerts I have seen in the past and I would have loved to seen and heard your beautiful contribution. Great story about your hair!
lydee
August 18th, 2008 at 06:03
that is fabulous! I cannot believe you continued to sing with them during your chemo! Absolutely fabulous!
It’s so wonderful to find an outlet for music. I’m so glad for you! 🙂
sprucehillfarm
August 18th, 2008 at 06:17
Very cool! It is good that you are doing something for yourself. It always helps to have a creative outlet!
You must post a picture of your hair. Has it changed color yet? Mine is still white. I am thinking it will stay that way ;(
StarSpry
August 18th, 2008 at 11:29
That sounds wonderful! I’m so glad you kept up with this throughout everything else 🙂 That’s really cool what someone said about your hair, too!
kari S.
August 18th, 2008 at 11:58
you cool euro chic you!
katbur
August 18th, 2008 at 16:18
If I ever make it out to Colorado can I sit in on a rehearsal? I sing with a classical choir here and stayed with it during the worst of my treatment as well. They’ve even let me use a music stand because I’m such a diva (actually I couldn’t hold the score in one arm long enough to perform). Go girl!
cheryl stouff
August 18th, 2008 at 19:38
You are so talented Nicole. Miss seeing you at Arvada Knitters. I will be out of town on that date, darn. I would love to hear you sing…….