Women Making Music, September 2020

Women Making Music, September 2020

by | Aug 28, 2020 | Asheville, Music, Musician, Women

To piggy, or “Peggy” back (if you will) off the August issue, let’s continue to explore more fantastic “women making music” who reside in Asheville and surrounding towns. I think we can all agree that “low-grade depression” is a real thing. These practitioners of music, without a doubt, contribute to our mental good health as we head into month six of our “Covid crazy” lives.

Each of these artists persist and each of them, inspiring beyond words. These women persevere and in some cases reinvent themselves. To me, they exemplify courage. I am honored to bring to your attention month after month, the female musicians of all ages who continue to pursue their dreams with vitality and creativity, notably within this downturn.

One of my very favorite people on the planet is my song sister friend, Jesse Barry. If you are a live music enthusiast new to town, you’d be wise to seek out and support any of the high powered musical cars Ms. Barry steers or rides along in. She’s the sweet strawberry in Her Rockin’ Blues/70’s & 80’s cover band “Jesse Barry and the Jam” that features astounding players all around: Kelly Jones on guitar, Micah Thomas on drums and Robert Geisler on bass. Her recent collaboration with the premiere outfit “A Social Function,” injects that 6-8 piece special events band with a shot of unparalleled virtuosity. She’s the pied piper for the dance community and their reverence for her explosive and so too, warm and sultry voice is indeed infectious; she’s got the cure for your Covid Blues. facebook.com/JesseBarryAndTheJam/, asocialfunction.com

On the fabulous flip side, is Miss Dulci Ellenberger, crooner sublime! I’d heard her with the all-girl band she writes, co-writes and performs in, “Cowboy Judy.”  But my first taste of her intimate sensibility was revealed on her debut solo record, “I Can Feel It” released in 2015. Here are a few phrases I made up to describe her sound: “Nimble Pop” “Modern Retro” “Poet Singer.” Word-couplets to describe her songs and their content: dreamy gaze . . . tangible reflection . . . buoyant charm . . . groove friendly. Whether she’s working alone or with any number of her enormously gifted cohorts, what you’ll experience with Dulci are wistful or happy melodies, intricate chord progressions and pitch perfect harmonies. “Fwuit” is the name of her latest project trio that combines originals that harken to their self-described sound, “retro soul” with carefully selected and arranged covers. It features band members from “Holy Ghost Tent Revival,” Ross Montsinger and Kevin Williams. Check out all things Dulci here:
dulcisings.com

Debrissa McKinney is a singer and saxophonist with a laugh and panache that garners undeniable affection. She puts the “skidoo” in the Grammy-winning kid-hop troupe she performs with, “Secret Agent 23 Skidoo.”  I think of McKinney as the Emmylou Harris of Asheville. She’s in high demand in the studio and on stages for her adaptability on backing vocals and sax fills.  Sensitive to a number of styles, grooves and genres this self-proclaimed “road dawg” tours with ‘23’, and horn laden Brass/Funk/Rock band, “Empire Strikes Brass” as well as “Dirty Logic” a Steely Dan tribute band. ESB, just dropped their sophomore full length release, “Brassterpiece Theater.”  Pre-pandemic, she hosted the renowned “Brown Bag Songwriter Competition” that has for years, helped up and comers and newly transplanted talent launch their brands. This website empirestrikesbrass.com and this website: dirtylogic.band and this facebook link facebook.com/debrissa will keep you in the know about Debrissa!

Mare Carmody, happens to be my next-door neighbor, and happens to be one of my favorite songwriters.  A purveyor of Americana Country and Blues music, she works solo and with her trio, Carver Carmody & McIntire, which features Michael Carver on vocals and guitar and Paul McIntire on fiddle.  During the corona slow down, she’s been working on new songs. These snapshot moments in time are scenes from reunions over pie and coffee, or a drive to a lake or a woman musing about her lover. With the occasional live stream from her house or driveway as well as a number of outdoor socially-distanced gigs at local wineries, your chances to catch her live continue despite the pandemic. She and her bandmates will continue to host the “Hendo Showcase Brunch,” a once-a month outdoor, Sunday afternoon show featuring collaborations with well-known local musicians, held at Southern Appalachian Brewery.  facebook.com/CarverCarmody, sabrewery.com

The reigning queen of Country in Asheville, Rebecca O’Quinn gives everything she does, her all. A ballerina, dance instructor, model, songwriter and guitarist, it’s her fantastic voice when I heard it for the first time that rendered me and those in the audience, transfixed. Yes, yes, she’s pretty for sure for sure. Yes, yes she’s graceful and accomplished. But it’s her natural luminescence that draws me into her performances and our conversations. Her music oozes with genuine care and nourishment. She stays true to the classic in all her classic country covers with her band The Reckoning. A benevolent Captain, OQuinn is competent at the helm. I invite you to set sail on her amphibious craft. Get on board her next excursion by visiting here: facebook.com/rebeccaandthereckoning/ or here: rebeccaoquinnonstage.com/rebecca-and-the-reckoning

Peggy Ratusz is a vocalist, vocal coach and writer. reverbnation.com/peggyratusz

Clearing Clutter

Clearing Clutter

by | Aug 28, 2020 | Asheville, Positive Change, Stress, Women

It’s easy to let your home become a cluttered mess. Millions of people slowly lose control of their living space, allowing their home to become disorganized and filled with useless junk. However, that is no way to live. It’s so much better to dwell in a clean house. Here are the five biggest reasons to declutter your home.

You’ll find lost items. Large piles of clutter could easily be concealing items you thought were long gone, or completely forgot existed. That book you never finished reading might be buried right under your nose.

You’ll have more space. Clutter takes up lots of room. Left unchecked, junk will occupy more and more space in your home. Get rid of this clutter and you’ll be amazed at how much larger your living space seems in comparison.

You’ll be happier. No one genuinely likes living in a clutter-filled home. Getting rid of all that junk will relieve stress and raise your mood. You’ll feel better about yourself just seeing how much of a difference you’ve made. A clean, orderly home is a haven for peace and contentment. Ridding yourself of all that useless stuff will generate a wonderful sense of freedom.

You can make some money. While clutter is by definition stuff you don’t need or want, that doesn’t mean it won’t be of value for other people. While cleaning up your home you may find all sorts of items you can sell for a bit of cash. Either sell the stuff you don’t need online or consider holding a garage sale.

It will help you get your life in order. Getting rid of clutter isn’t just about clearing a physical space. It’s like a spring cleaning — not just for your home, but your mind as well. Taking on and completing a big task provides a sense of accomplishment. Psychologically, it will help you prepare to improve your life in other areas.

Clutter can be intimidating. The more it piles up, the harder it can seem to get rid of. However, that is an illusion. Getting started is the hard part. Once you do begin, ridding your home of all that junk will feel great. Your initial efforts will generate momentum and you’ll be glad to continue. Soon, all that clutter will be gone, and your life will be improved.

Proactive Women’s Health

by | Aug 28, 2020 | Asheville, Health, Women

As women, we are usually the caretakers of our families.  Husbands, children, elderly parents, and sometimes other family members depend upon us to help them with their daily needs.  Employers expect us to fulfill our job requirements. The demands that are made upon us often leave us with little time to take care of our own needs.  We become emotionally stressed and physically exhausted, and our health suffers as a result.

Taking Care Of Our Health Must Be a Priority

We must become proactive in taking care of ourselves, and our own emotional and physical health must become a priority.  As women, we must educate ourselves about what we must do to retain our own optimal well-being.  Our attitudes and actions can determine whether we struggle through life or enjoy a vital, healthy and rewarding existence.

Having a regular healthcare provider in whom you have confidence is an important first step, but educating yourself on health issues that may affect you can alert you to early warning signs that may need addressed before your yearly checkup is due, or you have an emotional breakdown.  Research women’s health issues online, or through non-profit and government agencies.

Find a Reliable, Knowledgeable Health Care Provider

Bring research material with you when you visit your physician, and be prepared to ask questions.   And ask lots of questions!  You may want to know about the prescriptions your doctor gives: Is there a suitable generic?  What side effects may you expect?  Is there an alternative treatment that does not involve medication?  You may want to ask about follow-up treatments, the length of recovery time that may be expected, or other issues concerning your health.  A quality physician will take time to explain the results of tests, procedures and treatment options thoroughly, and answer any questions that you may have.

Being proactive in your health care involves more than just having a yearly physical check-up, and making healthy diet and lifestyle choices.  We must take responsibility for our own emotional health.  Having a positive mental attitude and managing stress in a healthy way has powerful anti-aging effects on our bodies.

Deal With Stress Realistically

Stress is a part of life that we can’t avoid but we can either allow it to manifest itself with physical and emotional symptoms, or we can take control of the situation when people, events, and situations make excessive demands upon us.  Setting realistic goals and determining whether there is anything we can do to change the situation can keep stress from taking over our lives.  Don’t sweat the small stuff, just let it slide!  Prioritize responsibilities instead of becoming overwhelmed with too much to do, and don’t be afraid to say no when you already have a full schedule.

Take a few minutes every day to de-stress!  Physical exercise is known to relieve stress.  A simple walk in the park will do, you don’t need to run a marathon!  Take a long, hot soak in the tub with your favorite bath oil after the kids are in bed.  Whatever it is that relaxes you, set aside a time each day when you can indulge in your favorite tension-relieving pastime.

Take Care of Your Inner Being

Our soul, our inner essence, is unique to each of us and requires nurturing to remain healthy.  It is our self-awareness, and defines the values by which we think, feel, and live.  Spiritual health can be found by tapping into a source of energy that brings us love, hope, optimism and empowerment.  Whatever our religious beliefs are, spirituality and physical health are linked.  A healthy spirit can reduce depression and self-destructive behaviors (smoking, drug and alcohol dependence, for example), boost the immune system, and create a more satisfying life.

By having a proactive attitude about our physical, mental, and spiritual health we can create healthier and more fulfilling  lives for ourselves and may also inspire our family, especially our daughters, to adopt this attitude for themselves.

Hold On to Summer with These Outdoor Exercise Activities

by | Aug 28, 2020 | Asheville, Autumn, Recreation, Women

If you like exercising outside during the summer months, here’s some good news: when the season ends, you don’t have to move your workout indoors. Cooler weather, colorful scenery, and fewer crowds can make exercising outside in autumn the most enjoyable workouts of the year. Try any of these outdoor fitness activities this fall and let a little summer back into your exercise routine.

Practice yoga outdoors. Hot yoga at the studio may be all the rage, but practicing yoga outside is refreshingly peaceful–and scenic. Yoga classes are offered at all kinds of outdoor venues, including wineries, rooftops, and stadiums. Check your local paper or look online for a class that piques your interest. Then enjoy the crisp, cool air while you work on toning, strength, and balance. Namaste to that!

Hit the lake. Don’t let the cooler water temperatures keep you from enjoying some lake exercise in the fall. Throw on a wetsuit and have fun paddle boarding, water skiing, wakeboarding, or swimming–without all the boat and beach traffic of the summer. Of course, you don’t have to get in the lake to get exercise. Why not kayak, canoe, or row for a great way to work your biceps, shoulders, and core?

Go park hopping. Parks have a myriad of fitness activities at your disposal, and with the kids back at school, there’s more room for you to do what you like. Check out the trails, try inline skating, or bring your dog and toss the Frisbee. Whatever your fitness flavor, parks have it all in the fall. Don’t limit yourself to one park, though. Hop around, and get a different workout each time.

Tackle the chores. Did you put off doing chores this summer? There’s no better time than autumn to get them done–and get fit. Many fall outdoor chores, such as chopping wood, raking, and cleaning gutters, involve moderate to vigorous exercise. Besides getting a good workout, you’ll feel useful and productive. Just be sure to stretch, stay hydrated, and take breaks when needed.

Don’t let the end of summer change your exercise plans. Fall outdoor fitness can be even more fun than exercising outside in the summer. Take your pick of the season’s activities, and enjoy a great workout in the comfort and beauty of autumn.

How Sweet it is

How Sweet it is

by | Aug 28, 2020 | Acupuncture, Asheville, Healing, Women, yoga

Honey is a delectable treasure that has been enjoyed all over the world for centuries. Its delicious and nutritious properties have long been referred to as, “The Nectar of the Gods”, for very good reasons. Honey was so sacred and sensuous to the ancient Egyptians, that they used it as an offering to their gods, as did the ancient Greeks. The queen bee was the symbol for the goddess, Artemis, and it is said that Eros (Cupid), the God of Love, dipped his arrows in honey before shooting them into unsuspecting lovers. Its richness was so valued that ancient Egyptians used it as currency, and marriage vows included a husband’s promise to provide his new wife with honey.

The ancient Egyptians also had the earliest record of beekeeping, around 2400 BCE, and they discovered how to use smoke to calm bees (modern science shows that this practice inhibits the bees’ chemical communication and prevents them from panicking). In the United States, we celebrate National Honey Month in September, because it marks the end of the honey collection season for many beekeepers.

The intriguing Honeybee has been making honey by the same method for about 60 million years. The female worker bee certainly lives up to her “busy bee” status, by visiting 55-100 flowers on a single trip outside of the hive. In fact, she can fly up to 6 miles, at 15 miles per hour, to meet her quota. She works continuously to extract the sugary nectar from blossoms, and then stores it in her “honey stomach,” which is a separate feature of her digestive tract, before returning to the hive. Once she is home, the nectar is chewed and transferred between bees until the final product is made. The rich and golden honey is then stored in honeycomb cells, which are sealed off with a wax covering to keep it pure.

To make one pound of honey, approximately 768 bees in the colony must collectively visit 2 million flowers, and fly over 55,000 miles in their lifetime. The Honeybee is also a master pollinator, which keeps our environment fruitful and abundant. It is safe to say, without the Honeybee, our ecosystem would quickly unravel.

Nutrition Benefits

Honey has always been highly regarded for its healing properties and is thought to help with conditions such as sore throats, digestive disorders, skin problems, and hay fever.

According to the American Journal of Therapeutics, a large number of clinical studies have confirmed that broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties are present in honey, which may be attributed to its acidity (low pH), and the presence of bactericidal factors, such as hydrogen peroxide. Bees deposit hydrogen peroxide into the honey as they ​synthesize​ flower pollen. This could explain why, for centuries, various cultures have used honey in wound care, and as a natural antibiotic. It also explains why microorganisms rarely grow in honey, and sealed honey does not spoil, even after thousands of years!

The natural fruit sugars in honey, fructose and glucose, are quickly digested by the body, which is why it gives us a natural energy boost.

Honey’s ability to attract and retain moisture makes it an effective beauty treatment. It was even a part of Cleopatra’s daily beauty ritual.

Honey is one of the few foods that contains pinocembrin, an antioxidant associated with improved brain functioning.

It is commonly used as a way to relieve allergies. When a person eats local honey, they are thought to be ingesting local pollen. Over time, a person may become less sensitive to this pollen, a bit like an allergy shot.

Recipes

Hydrating Honey and Yogurt Facial Mask

Cleopatra’s most famous beauty secret was her ritual of bathing in milk and honey. Both of these ingredients soften the skin and leave you smelling  sweet. Make your own version by creating a honey and yogurt face mask.

Mix 1 Tsp of ​raw​ honey with 2 Tbsp of plain yogurt.

Apply to your face and let sit for 15 minutes. Use a warm washcloth
to wipe it off.

Honey Tonic to Soothe a Sore Throat

1 Tbsp lemon juice

2 Tbsp honey

1 cup or more of hot water

1 cinnamon stick

1 whole clove

Optional – You can always add a dash of whiskey for a Hot Toddy.

Sweet Honey Nut Bars

2 cups of your favorite nuts and seeds, chopped

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 tsp of cinnamon

1/2 cup of honey

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving the flaps over the sides, in order to lift the bars out of the pan, after they cool. Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down to reach all corners of the pan. Bake it in the oven for 15-20 minutes, watching carefully towards the end to be sure the honey isn’t burning. Remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

*Honey should never be given to children under the age of one.

* Diabetics should watch their intake of honey, because it can raise their sugar levels.

Natasha Kubis is a licensed acupuncturist and certified yoga teacher.
For more information, visit acuwellhealth.com

Women Making Music

Women Making Music

by | Jul 31, 2020 | Asheville, Musician, Women

By Peggy Ratusz

There’s a lot not going on; but also, there’s more going on every week- concert, gig and show-wise in WNC. Ticketed virtual shows are on the rise. Drive-In style concerts are popping up! Breweries with outdoor spaces are booking small combos of musicians and a limited number of restaurant gigs are up for grabs again!

Artists are still releasing music. Musicians are still practicing; on their own and having social distant rehearsals to keep up their chops. I know it’s been a godsend for me, to meet up with my music pals to play an outdoor live stream or do an outdoor house concert. Venues hosting bands for recorded shows to stream at a later date are becoming more common as well. The creative juices are still flowing in the music industry and our scene at large is no exception.

The women, for sure, are still making music. Here’s a list of just a select few, out of literally hundreds of female, career musicians in our region, who haven’t allowed this Coronavirus to keep them down or out of the spotlight.

April Bennett struts across the hallowed ground of R&B, straddles and rides the rhythm and rhyme of Hip Hop and sails on the wings of Soul. Seamlessly blending her influences into a sound called April B. & the Cool, look for this trendsetting grove ingénue, this guitar slingin’ starlet, this elastic yet deliberate singer with a conscience, on the other side of the Cororna! aprilbmusic.com

Lo Wolf just came out with her debut full-length album she titled, Singe. Some tracks come with a suggested Parental Advisory for their disquieting use of the English language. She’s blunt, honest, unfiltered and extremely personal. This is a singer/songwriter who puts her money where her activism is. 90% of all the proceeds from the album will be endowed to Asheville Survival Program.
lowolfmusic.com
facebook.com/groups
AshevilleSurvivalProgram

Way back in April, local singer/songwriter, Kathryn O’Shea released a debut album too, that she calls January 9th, which is the date her father died in 2014. On her website she elaborates about the album and her father: “….on January 9th 2020, I recorded 10 of my songs in a vocal booth built out of the closet I shared with him in my childhood home. My brother, Michael recorded everything. That day, he sat right around where he used to sit to do homework when this now recording studio was his bedroom.”  Follow this link to support this amazing young artist, and purchase her
incredibly raw collection of songs:
kathrynoshea.net

One of the most prolific and sensitive singers and songwriters in our town is one Ms. CaroMia Tiller. She’s a staple in this town for a reason. And the reason is her stunning soul saturated vocals and reflective original songs. Her latest release, Green, is a compendium of a larger collection of her most inspired writings. It’s a project that she recorded at home and produced almost entirely on her own. Before the epidemic, fans and tourists flocked to her solo and ensemble gigs at places like 5 Walnut Wine Bar. If you’re “jonesing” for contemplative lyrics riding on gossamer melodies, this new CD is one for your library.  Here’s the link to stream/purchase this new record avl.mx/76s and to view a video of the title track, go here:
youtube.com/watch?v=RjkYrxCdaTc

Kimberly Cann, concert pianist and director of Piano Lab Studios, now called The Music Lab, is a former professor and currently a piano music instructor. Founded in 2010, Kimberly’s concept has thrived and now includes several locations in South Asheville, Hendersonville and Mills River. Cann and her staff have a simple and compelling mission statement: To provide the best quality education for pianists & musicians in the WNC region and beyond. To ensure that ALL students, regardless of age, background or economic status are afforded the opportunities & benefits that a well-rounded music education can bring. Though the crux of students is on hiatus due to Covid 19, the lab offers virtual lessons upon request. For more information, I urge you to visit her website here: pianolabasheville.com/about

Cynthia McDermott is a fabulously innovative and so too, nostalgia-infused creative. She brandishes her mandolin like it was her heart on her sleeve. Open, liberated, unscripted is how I’d describe her playing style! Her singing voice is solid, lilting, twangy, edgy and pitch perfect – whatever the piece she’s interpreting needs, she brings it. The Pimps of Pompe, Miss Cindy & the The Knockin’ Boots, or when she plays “solo Cindy”, she’ll be back on a regular basis after all “this” is said and done. You might catch her on a virtual live stream until then. Just visit her website to find out: mandocynmusic.com/#miss-cindy-section

Viola teacher Anastasia “An Ya” Yarbrough explains her approach: “I talk with the student to assess their interests and playing level. If they are beginners, we start with the feel of the instrument, with posture, and later with hearing the pitches and associating what they hear with the movement of their arms and fingers. Once the student is comfortable with all of this, we move into simple tunes – first by ear, then by notation.”  Yarbrough knows what she’s talking about! A sessions, orchestral and ensemble violist and singer, An Ya’s repertoire of accomplishments and collaborations is full and impressive. Reach her through the Asheville Music School. Their live streaming music session’s page is up and running: ashevillemusicschool.org/teachers/anastasia-an-ya-yarbrough

Heidi Holton has made a name for herself in the international Blues community. So much so, that Rory Block produced her sophomore release in 2018 which critics called “a stunning step forward.” Well versed in slide and finger pickin’style guitar, this tom-boy beauty has been touched by the likes of Mississippi John Hurt and Memphis Minnie. Before the state’s stay-at-home mandate was enforced, Heidi was touring regularly. We’re lucky when she schedules a show more close to home. She’ll tour regularly again, I assure you. And when she does, you’ll know it by keeping her website on your rolodex: heidiholton.com/home

Carolina Music Planner was founded by premiere cellist, Megan Leigh Johnson. It’s a one-stop shop for all you grooms and brides, especially, to sample any number of and configuration of stellar string ensembles. Megan’s expertise and experience, booking and performing with her extremely accomplished roster of instrumentalists has elicited a plethora of accolades you can read on her beautiful website. carolinamusicplanner.com/media

Singer Songwriter and guitarist, Ellen Trnka along with her partner, guitarist and vocalist, Howie Johnson, venture out to mostly breweries in and around Hendersonville to play music where social distancing is enforced. Their simpatico is refreshing and familiar, what with a playlist that ranges from folk, to blues to jazz to country. There’s a sweet spattering of original material in there as well. A delightful respite from sitting at home in your pajamas, this duo will bring you out of the dull-drums. Ellen’s facebook page: facebook.com/ellen.trnka

So there are just a few of the fine feathered females who are doin’it to it; helping to keep live music alive in Western North Cacka-lackie. Next month, I’ll delve into a few more, including Rebecca O’Quinn, Jesse Barry, Debrissa McKinney, Kelli Redman, Karen Corn, Melissa and Kayla Mckinney, Dulci Ellenberger and more!

Until then, be safe and support live, local music online or at a safe distance in person!

Peggy Ratusz is a vocal coach, song interpreter, and songwriter.
For vocal coaching email her at [email protected]

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