Straw Into Gold 2004 |
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Straw Into Gold 2004 |
Quotes:
“I would not have believed you could make me anticipate your next recording more than I already did, but you managed it. As long as you keep singing, I'll keep listening.”—Martin Miller, North Pole, AK
“I took the finished weaving to my teacher in Boulder for a critique. She was very, very pleased at how balanced my beat was. For someone who had absolutely no rhythm at all, this is an amazing comment. I just threw the shuttle and beat to your music, that is what made the difference.”—Shelley Burger, Millikin, CO.
“When I first heard you sing you were mysterious and pure. Today you are different. But your music is as beautiful as ever, maybe even more so.”—John Benson, Portland, OR
“Your concert was an exquisite union of sparkling brilliance, love, power. When you offer your music, the rest of us are taken to a very sacred place there is a most subtle yet profound sense of JOY. Ahhhh!”—SusanHazel-Georgetta, Portland OR
“They’re kind of irrepressible…they have shimmery voices.”—Dan Maher, Inland Folk radio host, Pullman, WA
Straw Into Gold has sung harmonies of the soul since 1993. The ensemble’s repertoire ranges from traditional folk music about weaving, to Celtic, choral-like spiritual music, to contemporary folk songs, bluegrass and jazz. Members of the group also write original songs with thoughtful lyrics and create the compelling vocal arrangements. The message of the music beckons the heart to linger and listen.
Straw Into Gold performs in handwoven costumes. A woven backdrop inlayed with wheat sets the tone of the performance which integrates the visual and the performing arts.
The group performs both a cappella and with instrumental accompaniment of autoharp, fiddle and guitar. Regardless of the musical genre, the trademark sound of Straw Into Gold is a clear, sweet blend of precise harmonies.Background
Personnel:
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Lisa Beaver, Edmonds, WA: Alto
Lisa has been singing most of her life, having sung in various choirs and groups, as well as performing with her husband. In doing so, she has toured throughout the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Europe. She feels that singing is a gift that can uplift and bring joy to both the audience and performer, and that without music, life is incomplete. Lisa plays piano and is currently endeavoring to learn Celtic fiddle. She likes various styles of music and is looking forward to expanding her musical horizons with Straw Into Gold. Lisa trained vocally in the Dallas area, as well as recently with Kathryn Grimm of Los Angeles, CA. She works as an Administrative Assistant in the Maritime Industry, but music is her first love. She and her family are all musicians, with her daughter playing cello, her son drums, and her husband keyboards. |
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Nadine Sanders, Chehalis, WA: Soprano, arranger/writer, autoharp, violin, manager
Nadine combines her love of music and fiber as The Singing Weaver. “Music and weaving go hand in hand for me. Even as a small child I made treasures with my hands and sang in public.” Close vocal harmonies relate to the marriage of structure, design and materials in successful weavings. The rhythm inherently linked to weaving and making music is the touchstone to her creative energy. Nadine teaches music in her home studio, travels the country teaching weaving and weaves commissions and production work available on her web site: http://www.singingweaver.com. She received her formal education at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts and St. Olaf College. Studying fiddle with Anthea Lawrence, playing in musical jam sessions and writing waltz tunes are her current musical adventures. Her inspiration for creating new songs and artwork comes from growing up on a MN farm, digging in the garden, climbing and skiing in the mountains and traveling. Nadine founded Straw Into Gold in 1993. For more weaving information, contact: nadine@singingweaver.com |
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Kristen Ramer, Seattle, WA; arranger, mezzo uke
Kristen knew from a young age that she loved to make music; she would play the old pump organ at her grandparents’ farm every day of her vacations there, and made her vocal debut at their fiftieth wedding anniversary when she was five years old. Kristen’s love of music continued throughout her youth until finally she decided to pursue it as a career. She received her B.A. in vocal music and a certificate in French at the University of Hawaii-Manoa (on Oahu). Kristen sings in the Esoterics choir and is the manager of Flourish, a specialty card and paper shop in the Wallingford District. During her time in Hawaii, Kristen performed with the Hawaii Opera Theatre chorus and worked as a wedding singer. She moved to Seattle in 2001, where she has taught music and French. Kristen’s other interests include cooking, reading, and playing piano. |
Straw Into Gold Alumni:
Laurie (Miller) Vischer
Laurie and her husband, Karl are enjoying the joys and challenges of raising rapidly growing boys, Alexander and Aaron. Laurie is an associate minister at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Portland. She also enjoys lap-swimming, writing poetry and songs.
Pam Sloper
Pam continues to share her music gifts with the Dances of Universal Peace in Portland. Her latest musical endeavor is learning to sing Indian (Hindustani) rags, and is studying with Michael Stirling. Pam is a hospice chaplain in the Portland area..
Jessica Clary
Jessica and husband, Edward, are enjoying raising baby Agnes born June 2004.
Rachel Greenspan
Rachel gives solo performances in the Seattle area.
Katrina Haeger
Katrina and husband Brad live in Eureka, CA. She gave birth to Rowan in May, 2, 2004. Katrina is also teaching K-4 music, beginning and advanced 5-8 band, and 5-8 choirs at two public schools.
