Concert in Jaroso

Last night we went to a concert in Jaroso. One of our very talented neighbors, Michael Schraud, makes African Harps, called Koras, and there is a documentary being made about him and the harps and what not, so three Kora players came to town and played for an artistically inclined group of town's people. We were lucky we saw the poster in the post office. The concert was held at another neighbor -- Mark's little old adobe church, which used to be the town church, once upon a time. Mark Dudrow is also a musician, as well as an artist who makes some pretty cool clay tile art pieces.

The concert was amazing and the kids managed to sit through the whole thing, sort of, sleeping on and off. We met up with several neighbors, one who might even buy eggs and goat cheese in the near future. Quite the social event for our tiny town. I think everyone who went enjoyed it immensely. People dressed up and there was one older lady decked out all in gold lame, while some of us just wore our jeans and T-shirts. The common article of clothing seemed to be a scarf as the weather was a bit chilly and the tiny church was heated solely with a small wood stove along one wall of the church. It was toasty enough inside with the 50 or so people enjoying the small space and the lovely sounds of the music filling the air. Maybe Mark will have more concerts at the church in the future. Wouldn't that be fun?

I just love the quirkiness of this area. Not too far out to be touched by the magic that is Taos (or maybe the tiny town of Jaroso holds a little bit of its own magic and mystery). Only here would we accidentally happen upon a concert with musicians from around the world, who also happen to be filming for a documentary. Amazing stuff. A few months ago I had never heard of or even seen a Kora. Then we went to the Jaroso studio tour and met the man who makes them and saw his studio first hand. The Kora is an amazing instrument that produces an amazing and beautiful sound. If you ever have the opportunity to listen to a Kora being played, do it. You will not be disappointed.