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The members of Portland traditional band, Mistral, and their musical friends summon you to their annual benefit concert, The Dark Harvest Ballads V, Soldier's Field. This year's presentation will be an exploration of historical folk songs about war, the soldier's experience before and after battle, and the effects of war on the families and communities on the Home Front. Funds raised by this event will benefit three organizations working to help returning veterans transition to civilian life:
GI Voice/Coffee Strong, from the website: "Coffee Strong is a veteran-operated service member and veterans rights center located next to Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State. We help service members with military discharges, grievances and complaints, and other GI Rights. We assist veterans with getting their benefits, including disability, healthcare and education including discharge upgrades. At Coffee Strong, we also have free coffee and snacks, access to the internet, alternative information, and referrals for legal, medical, mental health and other forms of assistance."
Doug Fir Veterans, Boots to Roots Program, from the website, "DVF's Boots to Roots program is aimed at providing veterans with permaculture-based education, employment, and therapy opportunities. Boots To Roots empowers veterans to reforge their sense of identity while experiencing a comprehensive range of permaculture production and distribution practices."
The Returning Veterans Project, from the website: "Our Mission: Returning Veterans Project is a nonprofit organization comprised of politically unaffiliated and independent health care practitioners who offer free and confidential services to returning veterans and service members of the current Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns and their families. Services are available in Oregon and Southwest Washington"
As our great country continues a never-ending war in" the Middle East and across the world, it has become critical for those of us who oppose violence of all kinds to stand together for peace. An important first step toward a peaceful world is to approach returning veterans with compassion and support. GI Voice and Doug Fir Veterans provide invaluable service to these men and women and it is our honor to help support their efforts.
The Dark Harvest Ballads is a chance to explore some of the more difficult aspects of the human experience through music and spoken word. Around Halloween, or Samhain, we gather to revive old, almost forgotten folk songs whose lyrics echo many of the themes we struggle with today. In recognizing these struggles of our ancestors, we seek to build a sense of purpose and resolve among our community to do good work and resist injustice.
To this end, funds raised at the Dark Harvest Ballads have benefitted organizations such as the Oregon Food Bank, FISH Emergency Services, and the Newport Fishermen's Wives. These sold-out shows also benefit the organizations through increased community awareness of their work.
What can you look forward to at The Dark Harvest Ballads V, Soldier's Field?
- Old, spooky, rarely heard folk songs, mostly from the English tradition.
- Complimentary refreshments
- A Shadow Puppet Play
- Moving spoken word pieces
- Excellent beer and wine available
- A chance to meet others who love traditional music, and to interact with some amazing organizations.
- A "Halloween" event for grown-ups! (Children are WELCOME, but some of the songs are pretty sad!)
Performers this year include Mistral... Ian Clemons, Elizabeth Christina, and Bryan Owens
...and our dear musical friends Richard Lewis, Meg Larson, Hugo Glanville, Stella Pentimenti de Bergerette, and Seneca & Maia Clemons.
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LocationThe Village Ballroom (View)
700 NE Dekum Street
Portland, OR 97211
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
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Contact
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