§ JULIE BLUE & PEPE DANZA

Julie Blue and Pepe Danza are no strangers to the islands, having been guest performers at two Edge of the World Music Festivals. Their performances in both years were very popular. This return engagement was definitely not to be missed!

Julie Blue is a performer of extraordinary talent with her rich, soulful voice that weaves together jazz, classical, pop, blues and soul with delicious combinations of percussion, keyboard and vocals. Her music is infectious and has the ability to profoundly touch people. Julie has a reputation as an amazing pianist, singer, composer and facilitator in addition to directing the 70 voice ‘Singspiration’ choir in North Vancouver.

Joseph “Pepe” Danza has been performing with Julie for the past 15 years. Together they layer various musical genres with the pulse of World Beat Rhythms drawn from Pepe’s Uruguayan background, travels and studies in Japan, India, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Korea and the Philippines. Pepe is an electrifying percussionist and multi-instrumentalist. He is a teacher, studio musician, composer, arranger, and producer. Pepe has received countless award nominations (Juno, Leo, Jessie).was

Performances

Julie & Pepe appeared twice on the islands: in Old Massett on February 19, 2010 and in Skidegate on February 20.

Workshops

Julie & Pepe also gave two workshops during their islands visit.

1. “The Joy of Singing” at the Kaay Llnagaay Heritage Centre, Skidegate, on Saturday, February 20.

The cultures from India, China, Tibet and Native America use singing, chanting, breath work and music-inspired visualisation for healing purposes. This workshop provides the opportunity to develop your physical, emotional and mental aspects through the use of sound, breath, meditation and rhythm. Julie and Pepe, both experienced facilitators, have the ability to bring people deeper into their own beings, and deeper into community. The environment that they create gives people a deep sense of permission to feel, to open their minds, bodies and hearts. You don’t need to have sophisticated instruments to make music. Learn to use chop sticks, pots, pans, recycled bottles. (If you have percussion instruments: rattles, drums etc. bring them.) Discover how to transform and shift emotions with sound and breath. Develop a skilled practice that you will be able to continue on your own.

2. “Healing Sounds” at the Tluu Xaada Naay Longhouse, Old Massett, on Thursday and Friday, February 18, 19.

Open up to your musician, and experience the joy of expressing with voice and rhythm, guided by two gifted facilitators. This day will give you the opportunity to ENJOY making music at whatever level you are. This provides a great foundation for those individuals new to singing and rhythm-making while still offering opportunities to more experienced musicians to improve their technique. If you don’t have a drum bring along something from your kitchen that sounds good when you hit or shake it. Come and enjoy a wonderful day of play and expression with the option of taking part in the evening’s concert. Are you ready to have more fun, express more of your passion, and be part of an outrageous creative happening?!!