“Music for Libya” set to release 4/5/2011

The situation in Libya is becoming increasingly unstable as the conflict rages on. Forgotten in the headlines and political rhetoric are the thousands of people who are innocent victims of the war. The Humanitarian International Services Group is committed to serving the needs of these people who are caught in a terrifying crossfire.

HISG has an opportunity to purchase 30 metric tons (66,000 lbs) of flour in Egypt and transport the flour over the border into Libya to supply local bakeries. By empowering the local bakers instead of simply handing out loaves of bread, HISG is allowing the local businesses to lead the way in a very turbulent time. Also, producing the bread locally bread will rebuild the citizens’ confidence in their community, in addition to alleviating a looming food shortage.

The Legacy of Music

Sarah Billings

Editors Note:

“I have watched this young and budding new artist from afar for a couple of years now. In this, I have been very impressed in that she not only possesses a natural gift, she is also committed to working at it. Simply put, Sarah Billings has a work ethic that impresses me.

What also impresses me about her is that she has a heartfelt desire to both understand and honor those legendary musicians that have gone before her.

Sarah is that artist who often times before she playing a later gig on a Friday or Saturday evening, you’ll find her out at another show just so she can support other artists.

To me as both a life long musician as well as fan of music, I find these traits to be refreshing. Not only do I have a tremendous amount of respect for Sarah… I am also a fan, too.

In this, it is an honor for us here at Liquid Cloud Eleven to feature her recent post and interview with blues legend, Norman Sylvester.” – Gunnar Simonsen

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By Sarah Billings

It was just a year ago that I decided it was time for me to take the next step in music. This entry is not about the description of what that “next-step” was or is…but about the undeniable fact that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my fellow musicians, my community….my people.

Norman Sylvester a blues legend here in Portland. He is known as a guitar man, blues man, mentor, sharp dresser and stand-out performer. When the Boogie Cat puts on a show, everyone is up dancing. The tired excuse of a lack of dance skills is left at the door. Any and all are welcome to just let go and enjoy the music. It’s truly a community of people that Norman has nurtured at his shows. You will never feel alone at an event, because his  most loyal fans will be there, dancing right beside you.

You can imagine my complete surprise and nervousness the first time I was invited up on stage to sing a song with this celebrated blues cat. I went confidently behind the mic that night, however, regardless of my erratic pulse and heart thumping, thanks to the support and encouragement from Renato Caranto and Dennis Carter. Perhaps it was the nostalgic, passion driven melody of “Aint No Sunshine” or a twist of fate or a combination of both, but something clicked.

The Welcome Concerto

I live in a red barn converted cottage.

Nestled against a hillside in the country, my home is surrounded by massive trees and overgrown shrubbery, a testimony to the fact that seasons have changed and my aversion of gardening has not.

I grew up as a regular visitor in this home, spending long afternoons with my beloved grandparents who were the tenants at the time.

Ten years ago, when my grandfather served in his self-appointed role as “Chief Gardener”, this “barn” as he often called it, boasted some of the finest gardens one could behold.

My grandmother was ever the elegant hostess, producing inside the “cottage” as she liked to call it, a delightful counterpart to my grandfather’s outdoor masterpiece. With seemingly no effort, she could transform the antique pine table into a spread fit for royalty, placing platters of delicious fare amidst elegant place settings, candles and flowers.

Throughout the years, I watched my grandmother master the art of entertaining, performing her role to the hilt.