Santa Clara Music

New Music New Music New Music!!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Clara) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 03:27:00 +0000

New website

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Clara) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:32:00 +0000

So it's about time we put out some new material, and what better way to give it to you then all wrapped up in a new website. We're really happy with the 2 demos we've posted No_Lonely.mp3 and Skyline.mp3. They both have some classic Santa Clara feel but with some new direction and sound. We are currently working on pre-production for the final cuts. Please let us know what you think of the songs. We love hearing from you all and we want to know how these songs make you feel. Because that's the whole point - isn't it?

We're Really looking forward to getting together with our Victoria fans soon - it's been WAY too long! We miss you all and can't wait to see you at the next local show. It's looking like it will be around the end of summer after we're done in the studio. We'll post the date on the site when it's finalized.

Brandon and I have been enjoying our summer acoustic jams outside and we hope you are all taking advantage of summer finally arriving.

We'll see you soon,

Tim

Tools and Bones by Santa Clara

Celebration in Nicaragua

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Clara) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 23:58:00 +0000

Striking.... Francella has such a wonderful, innocent smile. Who knows what she may have been through in the past 11 years. Maybe her life was similar to Maria’s 10 years ago but you would never be able to tell.

Quebrada Honda, (no not a Honda dealership) is a community about 40 minutes from Managua on good roads. What a difference from the potholed, muddy, rock filled rivers we drove hours on two days prior. Yes I meant rivers. Not figurative due to rainy season, but actual parts of a river or creek bed. The river rocks were small boulders in some areas that had to be moved by hand so we could keep climbing into the mountain jungle. You can imagine that the road conditions mean less to them than us. Walking is first choice after horseback, bus and if you have enough money maybe a motorbike. Cars are saved for the rich and found mostly in the City centers.

I am thankful for the slight repose from guilt when I consider that Janine and I made the choice to drive one car rather than two a couple of years ago. I do mean slight repose though. The fact that we even had the choice and found it so difficult to make the life change is itself a luxury. Oh how creative I can be when it comes to justifying the need for my excess....

Francella begins her story and we are taken on a journey of community transformation. This sweet innocent young girl, brilliantly speaks of how World Vision has been in her community for many years, eleven to be exact, and how she has been given skills to help her and her family produce an income. The bag is a pale blue. There is a detailed, blond, hand crafted children’s doll resting inside. Francella beams with pride as she shows us an example of what she has created. She quickly adds that she fabricates hammocks while gesturing toward the sun lit room filled with children and what looks like looms. You see them strapped to backpacks and suitcases while standing in airport queues. Saturated with sensational color, reminiscent of one of those phenomenal sunsets or lush tropical forest flowers.

Michaela didn’t need an invitation. It’s like a photographers dream. She was already inside shooting the grinning faces. The shutter rhythm was melodic. Are my eyes gleaming like hers. They must be. I can feel the release of tension in my face. The grinning is contagious.

Francella watches from the doorway while Terri gets one of the girls to demonstrate how to weave the colored rope into a hammock. They dance with they’re hands while they try to communicate in different languages and they both laugh heartily when Terri fails her first weaving attempt. My sons reaction at that moment would have included an outspoken “FAIL” if he were here. I suppress the urge to indulge that part of my personality but grin at the thought. They pass the spool back and forth a couple of times both happy with the interactive play while Sofia translates.

Camy comes back in with her hands full of small bracelets to give as gifts to the children. It feels like a birthday party. A celebration. The change in our moods is evident. What our team has glimpsed over the past few days is extraordinary but at the same @socialjartist

Common Pot!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Clara) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 19:31:00 +0000

His favorite subject is math.........

The worn wood slats serve as the walls for the one room house. They lean in slightly and although they seem to be holding up the make shift thatch roof I question the structural integrity. We would pay big money to have this distressed wood look on our floors and furniture but this is far from custom design home and garden. We are in the San Lorenzo area of Nicaragua.

Ervin is standing across the yard outside the room he lives in with his mother Candida and 3 siblings. School is out for the day and instead of being at the park with friends like my boy would be, he is here to meet us. The only park to speak of would most likely be the run down rusty sorry excuse for a playground at his school. I am sad. I think we all are sad as Sofia explains the plight of this family.

Where are the men? We all keeping asking why there are so few men around. We later find out that often the men go to Costa Rica to find work and then just don’t come home. Really? This adorable young boy suffers from malnutrition and lack of access to almost everything he needs to be healthy. Now on top of this he has no Father to speak of.

The pain in Candida’s eyes is heartbreaking and I know that Ervin feels it too. For a moment I imagine him being a boy climbing the tree outside his house, laughing and playing until he shows us the scar on his arm. It’s grotesque, he fell from the tree and gouged his arm from shoulder to hand. It would have healed with less scar tissue had there been some access to medicine. It looks like it may have needed stitches and I shudder at the thought of a young boy dealing with that pain and healing process, hunger..... is awful enough.

The river is close and despite the pollution and disease this is the only water they have. Laundry lines the perimeter of the almost fenced area where they live. Washing clothes is the only work Candida can find.

Terri is beside herself and before we leave she tells Candida that Ervin is now her sponsored child. Hard to focus on the video I am taking as I well up with emotion. We grasp at the hope that is in this moment and thank God for the Common Pot program that World Vision has started in this area. It doesn’t seem like much and is certainly not enough but it is a start. At least that is what I tell myself as we walk back to the Toyota.

He is being fed and Candida is getting some help. He is in school. The chasm still seems unbridgeable.......
@socialjartist

Overwhelmed By Reality In Quitzaltepe

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Clara) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 09:35:00 +0000

Only one of us speaks Spanish and the driver no hablar espanol see. It’s a good thing we are traveling in 3 vehicles and our driver is following the pack. It’s about and hour and a half to the first World Vision ADP office.
Everything is so green. It’s rainy season so the downpour comes often but the gray sky is not raining today. We are in the rain forest for sure surrounded by Volcanoes and water.
If you look carefully through the lush green jungle you see glimpses of volcanic rock.

The visit at the ADP office is brief and all too quickly we are off to visit a school.

Back in the oh so familiar off white Toyota Land cruiser we are all getting to know each other in and less than 2 minutes we are at the school. We laugh hysterically as we tumble out of the vehicle again. We so could have walked and after hours of sitting in planes and cars we all would have rather.

Dirt! Red lush looking clay like dirt. That’s what I see on the roads, on the floors, in the school yard. The main school room has a concrete floor but that's it. No electricity, not much for furniture, running water occasionally and a bathroom if we are lucky.

The mood seems to change as we are introduced to Maria. She has what seems to be brain damage we are told. She is so smiley and full of life but she does not speak. Her desk is a classic one piece school desk with a writing platform attached to the seat by a curved green metal bar. It’s places at the front of the one room with a grande chalk board across the front wall. Light filters through the cloudy window slats illuminating the room with a golden hue.

Maria grins from ear to ear as Terri Clark lights up the room with the Hummingbird Epiphone guitar donated by Gibson. As Terri begins to sing Michaela is enthralled by a group of girls crowding around her camera to see the images in the view finder.

The door is open. It’s always open since there is no real door. The earthen walls match the floor and the one window shed a thin streak of light on the otherwise dim lit room. Her mothers name (madre nombre Sonia) is Sonia and her husband died in an accident a couple of years ago. A few fruits and vegetables stacked haphazardly in the corner of a smaller closet size room to the left make me think it must be the kitchen. Not much room and most assuredly there is no running water. I decide not to search for the bedroom if there is one. I can guarantee they had no bathroom.

Morning came way too early. I peeled myself out of bed after what I thought was a long grueling journey. As we head to the next stop I am overwhelmed by the reality. I live like a prince.........@socialjartist

Planes Trains and Automobiles

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Clara) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 05:01:00 +0000

I never board the plane right away. It's a hurry up and wait situation so I just hang tough till the last minute. When I finally take my seat I expect the plane to taxi to the run way pretty quick. It doesn't move for what seems like an eternity.
The pilot gets on the intercom and says they have found an irregularity in the sheet metal located by the tail of the plane. the nervous tension of the passengers is almost visceral.

Finally they decide that it is not safe to fly and the plane is grounded until a qualified mechanic can ascertain the serious nature of the anomaly. I am expected to meet the team I am traveling with in Houston. I decide to be patient and see what happens.

They re-route my flight through Guatemala and I get on my way about 2 hours late with an extra 4 hours added to my travel time.

Landed in Managua at 11:30 PM and get the hotel by 12. Travel is never a sure thing and I am okay with the delay but my my luggage is missing. Now I am in survivor mode. It's not the end of the world and only adds to the adventure. Lets see what happens in the morning when I meet the team.

The room is nice and I hit the sack after a 20 hour journey of planes trains and automobiles. :)

plane is loaded and all passengers are eagerly anticipating the journey

@socialjartist

Love Wins in Managua too!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Clara) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:38:00 +0000

It's 4:00am on the first day of summer. I pour myself a coffee wondering if this is the best thing for me to put into my body after 2 hours sleep. Feels like I should skip the caffein high and make the first thing that I ingest on the first day of summer, something more healthy. On second thought I can't bear the thought of bad airplane coffee and decide this is the right thing. My brain need to be active.

I can't resist the temptation of making Janine share in my misery and creep up to the bed to kiss her goodbye. I'm surprised she doesn't get miffed and as I quietly head for the door I think that was good. You never know what might happen when your traveling and I am happy to think that the last memory she has of me is a tender kiss. It makes me smile to myself. The cabby says it's been a rough month for him and starts to blame the HST. Apparently his grocery bill has increased $100 on every purchase. I mention that basic groceries are not taxed with the HST ans he emphatically says that is not so. HE CHECKS EVERY RECIEPT. I realize people just need something to blame and decide the debate is not worth the stress this early in the morning.

I'm heading to Managua to see the work of World Vision and wonder what it will be like seeing the abject poverty in Nicaragua. What stories will I hear about the many years of civil war? Will the children be as happy as the children I saw in India last February? Does my cabby realize how blessed he is and that even his roughest month is equivalent to a kings ransom compared to what the people of Nicaragua will recieve in any month. I start to feel a bit guilty about the purchases I made yesterday getting ready for this adventure. It's okay though. We should not feel bad about what we have but we should be very thankful. I'm not nearly enough thankful these days. It's the summer solstice! What better day could there be to make a resolution to be happier. It should last at least a week or 2 I laugh to myself.

I plan to finish reading Rob Bell's book, "Love Wins". I truly hope he is right. Sometimes I wonder. I am sure Michaela Hudson and Terri Clark will have some insight to share with me on this trip. It's planes trains and automobiles all day. Not ideal for the Summer Solstice but I can celebrate in the evening when I land in Managua. How blessed am I to be able to make this journey for such a great cause. I sit and wait to board the plane as the sun breaks the horizon. Just another day in paradise.............

@socialjartist

It's Not About The Money!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Clara) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 16:49:00 +0000

Money is not to blame for the state of things. People are the problem. When people become motivated by money it never seems to do anything but screw things up.

The music industry and arts in general are not immune to this. One hit wonders, not always, but sometimes are the cause of people who find a way to write the hit with money in mind. But because money was either the motivation prior or they became enamored but the money they made, nothing more artistic ever came from them.

When I think of the artists that have had lasting careers or have become famous post-humus, I see artists that were first about the art always. They had something to say and the game was not part of it. The money took a back seat. Sometimes the money came and sometimes it didn't.

It's not about the money!!!! If it was the labels would not be crumbling.

After a month of being immersed in the Canadian music scene in Toronto I have emerged with this as a primary motto. Stop making art with money as the goal and you just might create a masterpiece that outlives us all.

I often meet artists that seem to mention business and money in the same breath over and over in the conversation. At some point it becomes apparent that what they want is a job in IT. There are far easier ways in life to make money. Get over it. If you want to make music/art than dig in and enjoy the life of an artist. See what happens. You just might find an audience.

Peace B

Tools and Bones

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Clara) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 22:29:00 +0000

"I've been working on a hill of stone, I dig all day and I sleep alone. All I have found are tools and bones, tools and bones yeah......" Tim Langley

The theme of the new CD right now is Tools and Bones. Tim has been musing about the reality of life working for the man. No big epiphanies really but I know that it's something everyone can relate to. Think of how many times you find yourself talking with friends and family about the mundane reality of life and how we all seem to work so hard and for what.
In the big scheme of things we in North America have little to complain about but the doesn't lessen the feeling of hopelessness that so many people feel even when the struggle is not so much about survival and more about meaning.
Some might say the meaning is in the work. Kind of a Sisyphus Stone concept. Others say get over it and eat drink and be merry. A few find meaning in spiritual pursuits and often people make combinations of all philosophies to help cope.
Somebody once told me that it was a luxury to even be able to ponder these things. For at least a billion people there is only time to work on surviving another day. Like for some of the beautiful kids I got to hang with in New Delhi.
I think it's important to consider that if we have the luxury we should find ways to share with those less fortunate and marginalized. We all know how good it feels to give. Maybe we should be giving more.
Santa Clara is committed to making a difference in the world and not for a pat on the back. Yes we are compassionate and yes it makes us feel good to help, and yes it is the right and good thing to do but in the end it helps give what we do meaning. It makes some of the crap we deal with make sense in a way.

It is just around the corner. Less than a week and Santa Clara will be performing multiple dates around Ontario. We just uploaded some cool live off the floor takes of some new material. You can download it off our website at www.santaclaramusic.com
More exciting news to come. There is a great musical being worked on that we are a part of. When it is released we will let you know. Peace B

Check the tunes and pay what you want for a download. We want your feedback.

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Degrassi Music: Drugs are bad, but music is good

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Clara) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 22:41:00 +0000

Degrassi just raised the bar. It's On Much Music

Wasn't sure how it would affect things for us but was anticipating some great exposure. I watched the show last Friday and have to say I was impressed with the content that Degrassi is dealing with. Where else can you find shows that are wrestling with current teen issues.

I am sure there are some that would be disgusted with the idea of a gay football player in high school being discovered by his mom and having to find away to open up the conversation. I can only imagine how difficult it would be for his mom too considering the fact that it seemed like she was a fairly recent immigrant to North America and most likely from a culture that has even less acceptance for homosexuality than this one. Of course I am making assumptions about the characters and themes since I have only seen the one show.
I am curious to know what Degrassi fans thought of the show. I found it funny that the bad girl seduces good guy story line seemed so tame comparably speaking.
If you watch or have watched the show, drop us a line and tell us what you like most about it.

Thanks again to all the Degrassi fans that have watched our video "The Fool" since the show aired last week. Thanks to the producers of Degrassi for featuring the song. We will be on tour doing some shows acoustically starting next week in Ontario and would love to meet you if you make to one of the shows. Come talk to us. Click here for tour dates

The Boys Of SC

Bollywood or Hollywood?

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Clara) — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 03:16:00 +0000

It's like a cross between Broadway and LA. Theatre and music meet film but not in the Hollywood sense of musical. It's more like Broadway on a screen with a few extra bells and whistles. Bombay is the true home of Bollywood and just like Hollywood you will find the rich and famous there. The gap between the rich and poor is disparate and compares easily to the gap between the western world developing third world countries.

It's the last day of shooting in Delhi and we had asked our amazing guide/translator Sam to see if he could set up a visit with Bollywood dancers. Kids hopefully! You see Michael Messenger who is the VP of World Vision Canada mentioned at a dinner the night before that when they took him to the North Delhi ADP they welcomed him with this huge celebratory Bollywood style dance. I guess that's what you get for being the VIP. :) By the way we have discovered that our friend Sam is also a Journalist, Photographer, and drummer. Check out some of his work here. They managed to set it up and off we went. It was a late start to the morning but we were all fatigued and happy to relax a bit. We took our time with the understanding that this day would not be as busy as the others.

I started to notice that we seemed to be getting to the outskirts of the city for the first time. There was more room, less concrete, and then...... fields! Of course along with the extra space came cow pies. Cow pies everywhere! they even had them drying on the tops of walls and gates. They looked like frisbees or discs or something. I am still meaning to ask Sam what they were being dried for. I guess I will fill you in later.

We arrived at Holumbi Kalan resettlement area and as I step out of the car my eyes almost burn with the pungent aroma. A little overwhelmed. It didn't seem this funky at the other areas we had been. Then I notice that about 6 feet away is what appears to be a small garbage dump. There is a young boy picking through the trash to find plastic bottles I think. A scrappy looking dog is searching for something to eat in the mess. I am ashamed that I feel inclined to take a picture and wonder what the onlookers think of a bunch of foreigners coming in and snapping photos of they're garbage. It's so we can tell others that we need to help these folks but it still seems uncomfortable. I try to disguise my actions by pretending to take a picture of the field behind the boy in the garbage. It's ridiculous but it makes feel a bit better.

As we start to walk down the narrow alley I am struck by how vibrant the colours are. The buildings are full of blues, reds and yellows. The people are wearing similarly bright colours and the sun hits everything to make the whole seen pop with intensity. There are women pumping water from water pumps near the entrance to every door of every home. A sign that World Vision has been here a while. It makes me smile to think that these people are living better lives because of what World Vision does. Water waste is in the ducts or troughs along the sides of the walkway. It reminds me of Lamu, an old Muslim port off the cost of Kenya. Like stepping back in time. You could imagine ancient Rome or Jerusalem with the brick and dirt buildings, thin streets, people and animals in close proximity.

We are ushered into a small teaching center and greeted by the most beautiful group of young girls dressed in traditional celebratory clothing. The music starts, dancing begins, Tim and Jon find themselves in a dance off with the group as Sitaram, the one boy in the dance troop, rolls in hysterical laughter at the jangly white guys trying to dance Bollywood with them. Manisha, Asha, Chetna, and Babita are not phased as they focus and groove to the music. It's exhilirating to be a part of and everyone seems to be filled with hope at that moment.

It feels good to laugh with these beautiful children. It seems right to be sharing in the Joy that they have despite the hardship they endure. It is good to be able to love them as we would any child and know that they feel safe in our parental arms. It takes a global community to raise a child in a way that gives them hope, respect, dignity, and joy. I am humbled by they're love.
Later I am introduced to the next President of India, Aarati. As she demonstrates some yoga........

A.R. Rahaman is now my favorite composer in India. He has been noticed bt the likes of Andrew Loyd Weber and is now most famous for his efforts with Slum Dog Millionaire and Bombay Dreams. Sam was kind enough to share this song with me. This was his first ever song that he composed...was for a tamil movie...this song was listed on the 10 best soundtracks of all time by TIME Magazine in the year 2005.

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Reena's is the human story behind Child Sponsorship with World Vision

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Clara) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:52:00 +0000

It turns out that Reena is not unlike most young women around the world. She is smart, sensitive, giving. She has hopes and dreams.
In fact the part that is unique for us in this moment isn't all that unfamiliar to most of the women on the planet.
She was born into an impoverished family and may not have had much opportunity to do anything if it wasn't for World Vision.

You see when Reena was about 3 years old she was sponsored through World Vision's child sponsorship program. They came in to help the whole community she was living in. As the development program progressed, Reena was able to attend school and workshops to help her cope as a young woman in a Delhi slum. They helped her with her schooling by partnering with government programs to offer better training and coaching to teachers and students. They provided assistance so that families like Reena's could have they're basic needs met.

The atmosphere in the room seems so much more relaxed as everyone settles into the situation. Jon seems to blend in a way that makes all the cameras and movement vanish so nobody feels uncomfortable. Jon Bryant is all smiles as he begins to soak it all in. The questions we ask seem natural and Reena continues to answer with an earnest intensity that evokes a sense of trust and confidence from her audience. Neelam the World Vision staff from Delhi fills in where she can.

Then....

Reena was showing great promise. She was able to get extra counseling and training through World Vision programs and went on to become a counselor for those suffering from TB. Full of life and talent she has assisted the community as a young leader and stands as an example of what can be done when a group of people reach out to offer assistance to those in need.

This North Delhi ADP is in it's final stages and closing down. It is exciting to see that there are future leaders like Reena in the community that will sustain the work that has been done over the last 15 years. There is hope for these children.

Cathy and I decide to walk outside while Jon, Jon, and Tim continue to get the video footage they need with Reena and family. Outside the buzz is growing as the community is made aware that some strangers are in the house. Pooja comes bouncing up to us and shoving her hand in Cathy's says a healthy Namaste. She is 3 years younger than Reena and already showing signs of leadership not unlike Reena's. Cathy asks her if she is related to Reena and Pooja proudly replies yes. The gleam in her eye says she is as proud as anyone could be. Proud for her people. Proud for her community. Proud for herself and most of all proud for Reena. We then find our she was kidding with us. Pooja laughs and says all of us are related. She is so right.

As we leave, I am conflicted by the emotions welling up inside me. i am happy to see the exuberance and joy present in this community that has been helped but I am also weary with physical fatigue, emotional fatigue and the sense that even though they are in a community that has already been helped, they still need more help. These people have many challenges still in front of them.

We gather ourselves and our gear and head out for our next visit.

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Namaste, Namaste, Namaste.....

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Clara) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 03:14:00 +0000

Wow just met Reena and Pooja in khabavasti slum in #Delhi they were so full of joy. Pics and video to come @worldvisioncanless than a minute ago via TweetDeckSocialJusticeArtists
SocialJArtist

I had to stop. There were 8 people in the room already and one with video equipment for the shoot. There was barely even enough room to turn around and when you did 3 people had to move or shuffle to help. The 6 of us had backpacks on to carry our "stuff" and really the only person who needed stuff was Jon with his camera's. I felt really stupid for feeling like I needed to carry all my stuff with me. I could have left most of it in the hotel.

Nobody from the slum had a pack. What is it with our need to fill up bags with things we most likely don't need and carry them around with us. :) it made me smile maybe a little uncomfortably but mostly in recognition of my own silliness.

The room was lit by a small window. I could make out the bed behind Tim, Jon, and Reena and for a few minutes it was a tad frenetic as everyone negotiated for space and did that so familiar human dance that we all do in a crowded room.
Jon Courtney was trying to set up the cameras so most of us gave way to his position and tried our best to assist. We were there to shoot video. It was not really a social visit. Tim and Jon are not small guys and the 6ft plus made them seem like giants in this setting.

It's the first interview and as things get started you can tell that it is going to take some time to get warmed up. Later Tim mentioned that he felt a bit awkward walking into peoples homes, taking pictures, asking questions, and leaving. I think it's only natural that this would be the case. If it wasn't the level of jaded would be off the charts.

But there should be some grace here. We are here to do a job. it's a noble cause. it's for compassion. it's in the best interest of Reena and her community..... You can find valid reasons for what we are doing but if you are not human enough to feel the discomfort then you have lost the heart of it. It's as much a blessing for us to be able to help. It's a reminder of the human condition and how our relationship to each other.......

I am getting off track.

Reena is why we are here. This beautiful, vibrant 18 year woman who is leading her community into a new era. She begins to speak and my heart both sinks and jumps at the same time.
Everything needs to be translated yet I feel like I understand everything without translation. Her mannerisms, her smile, her confidence says more than any of her words.
One by one she shakes our hands. Namaste. Namaste. Namaste.

We get to work and Reena begins to tell her story.......

Visit World Vision to sponsor a child today

@socialjartist

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What could we do? If we only had her Joy.....

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Clara) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 01:01:00 +0000

The vehicle is not large. None of the vehicles are large. You look around and realize that even if you wanted to, it would be very difficult to drive an overstuffed SUV on these roads. The 3 lane road is being used as a 6 lane highway. It's a benefit that you are in gridlock most of the time and if you manage to get moving most drivers seem to stick to about 50.

A family of four move quickly past us on what appears to be a small motorcycle. Can't be more than 100cc. Hard to see with all the stuff on it. The mother riding side saddle. Only one helmet. Not even legal in Canada and most of us would faint from worry even imagining our small 2 children crammed on a bike with 2 adults. I've seen American mothers worry when fathers want to take the kids out for a pedal bike ride with helmets.

We are tired from the Jet lag but filled with anticipation of the days events. Our conversation is light and full of humor as we seem to be learning the dance of being together in close proximity. Jon Bryant, Tim Neufeld, Jon Courtney, Cathy Cutz, and our translator Sam are going to be spending a lot of time together. First a visit to the World Vision office and then off to meet Reena. Reena lives in the North Delhi ADP in a slum. We are told of how she has been involved in training and counseling with others in her community. Reena is a community leader, a young girl that has come from nothing and now has a bright future because of the work of World Vision.

As we drive up to the community where Reena lives I wonder how they can say bright future when referring to anyone in this area. the smell is noxious with human waste, the homes are covered in almost anything to provide some privacy, shelter, protection. The narrow street or walkway towards her home is difficult to navigate and filled with the sounds merchants selling, children playing, music, and domestic chores. There is no getting away from people. Personal space is not an option.

Why are they smiling at us? The children especially seem delighted to see us and everyone wants to shake our hands. It's like they know once we warm up to them there will be so much fun to be had. We enter through the small door to Reena's home. It's dark and musty smelling. the hall is crowded as 8 or 9 of us squeeze into this single family home. As I get to the end of the dark 5 foot hallway I eagerly step into the main living space and abruptly stop.....

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Flyin Sausage full of people lands in New Delhi

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Clara) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:14:00 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

I left Victoria at 7:30am Sunday and arrived at my hotel by 1:00am Tuesday morning. The journey was relatively uneventful and I am thankful for that but the length of time sitting on planes was grueling.
I was a little upset that there was no AC on the plane for my laptop because I was hoping to get some work done but in the end I can't complain about being forced to relax, sit back, read, watch movies and eat. Sleeping is never much of an option for me on planes. Too uncomfortable.

Favorite movie for the trip so far was One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
What a great cast. Jack Nicholson looks so young.

So exciting to be in different airports. Been flying all over Canada for too long. When we touched down in India I realized I was just on the other side of the Indian Ocean from Mombasa and had the desire to plan a way to get to Nairobi on the way back. Probably not going to work this trip but it was a fanciful thought.

Met Jon Bryant, Tim Neufeld, Jon Courtney and Cathy Cutz in Amsterdam for breakfast, espresso and shopping for last minute items. then we all boarded KLM in jam packed Airbus for New Delhi.

We are safe in the Banyam Hotel in Delhi and since it was dark when we landed I have not seen much but the smells are uniquely in India. The driving reminiscent of other large 3rd world cities like Nairobi. We were trying to figure out what the lines on the 6 lane roads were for. It seems that they are only rough guides not to be taken too seriously.

Gonna start early in the morning so I need to get some sleep but
As exhausted as I am I had to at least write something. Pictures and videos to come.

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Two Coasts For Comfort

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Clara) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 16:36:00 +0000

If you haven't had the chance to listen to "Two Coasts For Comfort" by Jon Bryant you really need to take time out of your day to do it. www.jonbryant.ca

The first time I heard Jon perform I was astounded by the simple yet beautiful approach to song that he offered. you could instantly tell that he spent time listening to so many of the great songwriters of the

Taste the Music

India Bound

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Clara) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 09:22:00 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

Brandon is on his way to India and will be blogging the whole time. Check in to see what he discovers in New Delhi. He will be traveling with Jon Bryant and Tim Neufeld.

This trip is to see the work of World Vision and report back on the amazing success as well as on going needs of World Vision Canada.

Look for his tweets @socialjartist and @santaclaraband and see the crazy antics of the crew on youtube via www.santaclaramusic.com

Peace
SC

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Do you watch Degrassi?

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Clara) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 20:25:00 +0000

So I have to admit that I do not get a chance to watch Degrassi but I have heard it is one of Canada's most famous exports. The exciting thing is that it is viewed by over a million people in North America.

Santa Clara just received word that the Single "The Fool" is to be featured on Degrassi in 2011. This means a couple things.
1) The song will get some new life in media and be heard by millions of people.
2) We get some momentum to help promote the band for our trip to Toronto for Canadain Music week in March 2011.
3) It's time for us to put out some new music. :)

This is just a quick note to let everyone know that we have not dissapeared but have been working hard behind the scenes and plan to do much more in the new year.

We love our fans and are so grateful for the support as we grow this band and career path. It's a crazy journey and we hope you are all on it with us.

Peace

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On the Move

noreply@blogger.com (funky monkey) — Tue, 18 May 2010 23:03:00 +0000

"What is 1%? 1% is not merely a number on a balance sheet. 1% is the girl in Africa who gets to go to school, thanks to you. 1% is the AIDS patient who gets her medicine, thanks to you. 1% is the African entrepreneur who can start a small family business thanks to you. 1% is not redecorating presidential palaces or money flowing down a rat hole. This 1% is digging waterholes to provide clean water"

Those words from U2 rocker Bono's famed speech Feb 2, 2006 never really left me the same person. I first found out all about his speech one day when I was wafting through some bargain books that were on sale at the Christian book shop here in Victoria. I came across this book that was called "On the Move" by Bono. In it were the words of his speech coupled by pictures from his very first trip to Ethiopia in 1986. After flipping through it a moment or two, I decided to purchase it. Little did I know that it would soon become more than just a bargain I got at my local Christian bookstore, it would become a treasure. A book with words and pictures that will be imprinted on my mind forever. The entire speech is well worth a read. If you wish to read it, simply click on this link here. It is definitely well worth your time.

I gotta admit that within the past few years, I've gone through the process of going all the way from a caterpillar to a butterfly in my attitude towards things like AIDS. There is something about living in a selfish society that can leave you cold. I admit that I used to roll my eyes and walk by booths and tables of charities trying to bring awareness of AIDS. Until I had an encounter with the people at Centro Cristiano Nueva Vida. I know that I've said it many times in the past about their efforts to make a difference in our world but honestly when you see people put such passion and fervor, it's worth giving an honorable mention time and again.

When you spend 5 months with these people and you're willing to go knee deep and get your hands dirty in all that goes on in that church, you cannot help but have something within you change. Seeing them flood the out into the streets of Buenos Aires with surveys to bring awareness of AIDS. Or the members of the congregation like my friend Diana that have made to give 200 pesos a year to making the event happen. Things like Rock & Vida Cafe where the youth come out every Sat night for a good time and all the money raised goes towards the event.

Just to clarify exactly what Rock & Vida is, it is a free annual rock concert that is sponsored by the church to raise awareness against the fight against AIDS and it's devastating effects. The concert is held in Dec and is meant to coincide with World Aids Day. The church works tirelessly all year round to prepare mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and financially for this one event on this one nite. The church finances every aspect of Rock & Vida, everything from the artists who are set to perform all the way to the food vendors and public venue that the event will be held.

And I gotta tell you that just watching these people pour their hearts, soul, time and finance into wanting to make a difference really has done something inside of me. Within those few months spending time with them in preparation for the event, something within me went all the way from indifferent to wanting to make a difference when it came to the subject of AIDS. Even as I write these words, I can feel my heart beat with excitement I think of what a privilege it is to be able to be a participate in this.

My life experience has taught me that there is already a tremendous amount of happiness and contentment when you choose to pour out what's in your life to want to make a difference. But when you get the added bonus of being able to do it in a country that you love, in a church you love, with people you love, the sum of that is joyful bliss that is unimaginable, uncontainable, and indescribable!

"Love was on the move. Mercy was on the move. God was on the move." - Bono

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A Sip of Soda Stereo

noreply@blogger.com (funky monkey) — Mon, 17 May 2010 21:30:00 +0000

What a week it's been here at "Creatively Complex"! All kinds of changes and fine tuning as well as the official announcement that the doors of "Creatively Complex" are open and ready to go. Probably the best part of this week when this blogsite go the stamp of approval by lead singer of Santa Clara, Tim Langley. I was thrilled to hear this, after all I created this site not only as a tribute to them but very possibly as a place where they could connect with the fans and create relationship with their audience.

But for now, I am thrilled at the response that I'm seeing simply from all the people who have paid the site a visit. The site has been up for about 2 weeks now and there has been more than 100 visitors. So I've tried to keep this place interesting for those who come by making sure that there are all kinds of things you can do. Like checking out Santa Clara's Youtube Channel, reading some posts and reviews I've done, watching the feature video etc.

My most recent addition to the site is the playlist down at the bottom. I've tried to make sure that there are a variety of artists but also keeping to the genre of rock. I've tried to make sure that the songs are ones that anyone can enjoy no matter what background you're from. And I've put on there artists that are extremely high ranking but not necessarily ones you may hear about right away.

There is one I want to comment on and that is the artists "Soda Stereo". Many in the english speaking world have never heard of this amazing band so I've decided to try and give them a little bit of exposure through the site. The latin American world needs no introduction at all to Soda Stereo. They are literally the "U2" of the spanish speaking world.

Soda Stereo is an Argentinean rock group that was popular in the 80's. It's lead singer was Gustavo Cerati. Based out of Buenos Aires, they are one of the biggest influencers in pop culture in Latin America. The three of them churned out hits like "La Ciudad de Furia" and many other great songs. I discovered them while learning spanish last year and I was hooked immediately.

But all good things come to an end and eventually, the band decided to go in different directions. So in 1997, they did one last tour of South America as a band before disbanding. The song you see on the playlist, "La Ciudad de Furia" was recorded on that last tour. But 10 years later they came together in 2007 for a reunion tour.

It is unfortunate that they never made it big to the english speaking world because their music is incredible. I encourage you to open your horizons and give Soda Stereo a try. "La Ciudad de Furia" is my favorite song and when I listen to it, I am blown away by it every single time I listen to it. The lyrics are all in spanish but I''ve included a link here to a page with the lyrics in spanish as well as the translation. So go ahead, take a sip of Soda Stereo.....

http://lyricstranslate.com/node/103468

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Sizzling "Sugar" with Spice

noreply@blogger.com (funky monkey) — Fri, 14 May 2010 19:15:00 +0000

You know, I've often wondered about this band that I've been promoting the past few months and what it would be like to get a taste for them live in concert. We all know that there are some bands out there that sound great on records and CD's but lose momentum when it comes to their live performances. And there are other groups that are the opposite, they do great live but their CD doesn't do them justice. Well tonite at their live performance at Sugar lounge, I finally got the answer to my questions.

The instant the band hit the very first notes there on stage, a sense of rapture fell over the place. A crowd gathered around the stage where these fresh faced youngsters were making magic with their electrical guitars. Though having only been in the public eye for a short time, it was easy to see that the lead singer Tim and all the band members had quickly learned stagecraft and the art of connecting with the audience.

Santa Clara played a 45 minute set and each song they belted out with the kind of freshness and raw, organic passion that almost makes you feel as if they had written it yesterday and were singing it for the first time ever tonite. After seeing them on stage tonite, I realize that one of the greatest strengths that this band has is it's ability to be believable. And in having that kind of believability, it brings a layer and dimension to their music that gives their sound a depth of reality.

The lead singer Tim sang every line with such an obvious conviction that there shouldn't be a doubt in anyone's mind that nite that who was there that he was truly in the moment up there on the stage. Each chord that he struck from his guitar and each note that his voice hit coupled with the intricate blend of vocals, instruments and accompaniments breathed life into every single one of the lyrics. Naughty or nice? I can't decide which of those adjectives best sums up seeing Santa Clara's performance. All I know is that Santa Clara's seamless set sizzled "Sugar" with spice.

(review of Santa Clara's live performance at Sugar Lounge on May 1st)

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Naughty or Nice?

noreply@blogger.com (funky monkey) — Thu, 13 May 2010 18:55:00 +0000

Ever watched one of those hollywood interviews where they do an exposé on a star's humble beginnings and show them in their early days and their first fans and all the people that supported them? And have you ever wished you had a moment where you were one of those fans that was loyal from the beginning before they made it to stardom? Well you have the chance to hop on board with one of the hottest up and coming bands on the today's scene. So you'd better watch out, you'd better not cry, you'd better not pout and I'm telling you why, Santa Clara's coming to town. And you can betcha that they're making a list and checking it twice, gonna find out which fan's have been naughty or nice!

Truth be told, there is not naughty list. But there is a nice list and there is a very easy way to get onto to it! All you have to do is jump on the bandwagon and request their music on the radio, download their songs for a price that is less than what you pay at the dollar store, go to their shows, and keep up with all the updates from their website.

Wouldn't you love to say that you were one of the ones that "always knew" right from the beginning that they would go on to great things? You don't get to have those bragging rights after they've got thousands of screaming fans. As for me, I'm making sure that my name is written on the "nice list" in big, bold, black, letters. So do yourself a favor and send a little love to the boyz of SC. Get your name on that "nice list". I promise you that you won't regret it! And one day in the not too far future, you'll find yourself in front of your t.v. watching them on an interview saying to yourself "I always knew....."

Remember that this is a limited time offer only! Santa Clara's coming to town. And you can be sure that they'll be making a list and checking it twice.....

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