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The Wonders of the Beggar’s Kingdom

With its 2012 album, The Wonders of the Beggar’s Kingdom, Lithuania's Sutaras went beyond cheery celebrations of its native land’s music and culture and addressed the reality of the outside world where most live in 'uncerta...
by David McGee
 

 
 
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‘Knowing Happiness Without Restraints’

Descended from Hindustani musical royalty, ANANDI BHATTACHARYA makes an impressive international debut on JOYS ABOUND, a celebration of 'knowing happiness without restraints.'
by David McGee
 

 

 
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Melody and Drama from a Baroque Master

As part of CECILIA BARTOLI's Steffani Project, I BAROCCHISTI, under the direction of DIEGO FASOLIS, has recorded 'a first-class collection of instrumental suites and movements from Agosto Steffani's operas, DANZE E OUVETURES. P...
by David McGee
 

 
 
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Feeling Nature’s Rhythms, Mystery and Spiritual Beauty

A sequence of nine evocative, often poignant solo piano pieces by the young Scottish composer/pianist Alexander Chapman Campbell, inspired by a walk through Norwegian mountains
by David McGee
 

 

 
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Pure, Unrepeatable Magic

In 1938 SHAKESPEARE and RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS met in music, now restored to our ears.
by David McGee
 

 
 
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The Emotional Lives of Wolves

From High Country News, a review of 'Wolf whisperer' RICK MCINTYRE's third in a series of novels centered on the emotional lives of the Yellowstone alpha wolves,
by David McGee
 

 

 
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A Visit with Matthew Cordell to Talk About What is Still My Favorite Picture Book of the Year

An interview with Matthew Cordell, author/illustrator of our kids' lit blogger Jules's favorite book of the year, hello! hello!
by David McGee
 

 
 
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Beth Waters Uncovers ‘A Lost Way of Life’

BETH WATERS's CHILD OF ST. KILDA is the product of two years of research into "a lost way of life" on one of the most remote part of the British Isles. JULES has the story behind a most remarkable story.
by David McGee
 

 

 
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A 2nd Chance for Orphaned Pets

Pets orphaned by their deceased or ill owners are an at-risk group. AMY SHEVER, founder of 2nd CHANCE 4 PETS, is about making sure these animals don't wind up discarded in shelters.
by David McGee
 

 
 
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In The Realm of The Elusive Butterfly

Darwin overlooked butterflies, Nabokov loved them, and author WENDY WILLIAMS did a deep dive into the butterfly kingdom and came out with an entertaining and informative perspective on a most unusual insect.
by David McGee
 

 

 
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The Kid (1921)

Marking the 125th anniversary of CHARLIE CHAPLIN's birth, Deep Roots Theater presents his 1921 masterpiece, THE KID, starring Chaplin as the Tramp and 7-year-old JACKIE COOGAN as the Child.
by David McGee
 

 
 
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Sustainable Agriculture News: Urban Farming Taking Hold

BALTIMORE, CHICAGO and NASHVILLE are embracing urban farming in a big way, and out in California, the UC Riverside 'Grow Riverside' Conference is trying to encourage the movement in the Golden State.
by David McGee