It was no contest. This doll has been beaten down, but they're still here. Head held high. In your face attitude. This doll is a role model to dolls and humans alike.
I asked if I could take a photo. We talked about peace for a bit. She and her friend set up around town with their violins and their sign. She said, "It's a small thing we can do." They've been peace playing for a few years now. Come to find out, there's always more violence to play over.
I heard her music from my car window on my way home. Well done.
Forget you ever read that. I've probably jinxed it now. Another bad decision on my part. Why do I do these things?
Moving on quickly....
We went to our 200th Lotus Festival this weekend. I bought the festival t-shirt that has a sea turtle on it. I love sea turtles, but why a sea turtle? We may never know. We saw musicians from India, Mali, Pakistan, Canada, Ukraine and Virginia. Usual drill. Some we loved more than others, but I'm not going to lie---the festival overall pleased us greatly yet again.
I know you've all been waiting, so here it is...
This year...the 2024 LeewayLotus Trophy goes to....USTAD NOOR BAKHSH and his amazing benju wizardry.
Born into a shepherd family in Pakistan, Ustad became obsessed with the benju at age 7. He apprenticed with a benju master at 14 who had his same name, but was no relation. After decades of playing around, doing his thing, anthropologist Daniyal Ahmed searched him out and made some music videos. These went viral. Now Ahmed is Ustad's manager and Ustad plays all around the world. Ustad, age 79, now supports his extended family. They recently added running water and a bathroom to their residence. California friends, maybe you caught Ustad at Hardly Strictly?
By the way, the official name for the benju is bulbul tarang, which means "waves of nightingales." The benju evolved from a Japanese instrument, probably brought around the world by Japanese sailors, called a Taishōgoto.
The Taishōgoto was developed in 1912 by the musician Gorō Morita in Nagoya. He came up with the idea of combining the mechanics of a typewriter with an instrument. (wikipedia) Well done Goro!
In an attempt to avoid working on dreaded report cards, I've spent time reading about Ustad's home province of Balochistan this morning. Balochistan, you might want to work on your literacy rate. Not good. Just saying.
I'm probably listening to Ustad's EP as you read this. You can learn more about Ustad here and listen to some of his music if you feel like it.
Congratulations, Ustad, and don't be a stranger! Your birdsongs are always welcome here.
Like you, I've been feeling feelings as I witness what's happening in Minneapolis and elsewhere. The people there are so incredibly ...
