Henry Rollins writes “Ellyn Maybe is an irresistible force. To read or listen to her poetry is to be gently and completely crushed while simultaneously inspired and charmed. The honesty with which she so exquisitely reveals her vulnerabilities, desires and pain is beautiful and rare.

Rodeo for the Sheepish has so many great moments. The first time I listened to it, I was reminded of when I first met her many years ago and how much I liked her and her poetry. One of the stand out tracks on the album, There Were Two Girls Who Looked A Lot The Same, is a perfect example of why one becomes a fan of Ellyns immediately. I cant understand how anyone could not find an aspect of themselves in that piece. This is what Ellyn does so well and so often in her work and on this album.

Reading Ellyns poems from the page is one thing but hearing her read them just the way she meant them to be heard is something else altogether. Ellyn has a great sense of humor and reads wonderfully. The musical accompaniment on the album is not mere background filler but a true collaborative effort between Ellyn and the musicians that really works.

Ellyn is a very gifted writer and a true gem.”

Song “There Were Two Girls Who Looked A Lot the Same” is from the CD “Rodeo For The Sheepish”.

Video by Veronika Bauer

Veronika was born in Krems, Austria and is a writer, actress, photographer, poet, and graphic designer. She came across Ellyn’s poetry on the internet, instantly loved it, and met Ellyn later in Los Angeles.

She has written and directed two short films, “The Window Across the Street”(2006) and “The Blue Door”(2008) and acts in short films and theater. She has also written two novels, several screenplays, several short stories and loves to take photos. Multi-talented and multi-lingual she literally lives Ellyn’s poem “Being An Artist.”

About.com Guide

(Hen House Studios, 2009) Ellyn Maybe got her moniker because she was too shy to commit when she signed up for the open mic list—“Ellyn,” she’d write, “maybe.” She’s an LA phenomenon, published by Henry Rollins, the lovechild of Gertrude Stein and Allen Ginsberg, a lyrical poet in hippie couture, a one-of-a-kind. Now, with Rodeo for the Sheepish, she shows she’s ready for Las Vegas. Brilliant settings by producer Harlan Steinberger, superlative vocal backtracks by Tommy Jordan—all of a sudden, she’s gone Motown and you can hear the sheer force of Poetry vs. Pop music in an arena the size of Radio City Poetry Hall. Humor, poignancy, universality, individuality—like all great artists, how she does it is a mystery, but Ellyn Maybe is for real.

Michael C Ford was born on the Illinois side of Lake Michigan and is a Grammy/Pulitzer Prizepoet . His debut spoken word vinyl {on SST} LANGUAGE COMMANDO earned a Grammy nomination in 1986. His book of Selected Poems EMERGENCY EXITS was honored by a 1998 Pulitzer Prize nomination.

His last CD FIRE ESCAPES was bankrolled in 1995 by New Alliance: produced at Sonora by Michael Campagna who also composed and orchestrated most of the charts.

He concluded a recording project: a verbal rhapsody which pays an important tribute to both the art and the history of percussion; collaborating with DOORS cofounder John Densmore at the drum kit.

MCF has participated in keeping THE DOORS open by occasionally being in the company of keyboardist Ray Manzarek. Since their milestone appearances at McCabe’s (1986-1989) they’ve been collaborating on several voice and piano recording dates {the most recent being a specially conceived track titled EXTREME UNCTION FOR JAMES DOUGLAS MORRISON for Hen House Studios anthology Vol. 4}.

Besides publishing music journalism, essays and assays on other aspects of American cultural history, he’s served as judge and panelist for literary arts organizations and publishers.

Michael C Ford was born on the Illinois side of Lake Michigan and is a Grammy/Pulitzer Prizepoet . His debut spoken word vinyl {on SST} LANGUAGE COMMANDO earned a Grammy nomination in 1986. His book of Selected Poems EMERGENCY EXITS was honored by a 1998 Pulitzer Prize nomination.

His last CD FIRE ESCAPES was bankrolled in 1995 by New Alliance: produced at Sonora by Michael Campagna who also composed and orchestrated most of the charts.

He concluded a recording project: a verbal rhapsody which pays an important tribute to both the art and the history of percussion; collaborating with DOORS cofounder John Densmore at the drum kit.

MCF has participated in keeping THE DOORS open by occasionally being in the company of keyboardist Ray Manzarek. Since their milestone appearances at McCabe’s (1986-1989) they’ve been collaborating on several voice and piano recording dates {the most recent being a specially conceived track titled EXTREME UNCTION FOR JAMES DOUGLAS MORRISON for Hen House Studios anthology Vol. 4}.

Besides publishing music journalism, essays and assays on other aspects of American cultural history, he’s served as judge and panelist for literary arts organizations and publishers.

Poet Ellyn Maybe talks about her new album of spoken word fused with music.

I had never heard of Ellyn Maybe before a chance meeting in Los Angeles. Shame on me, considering her poetry pedigree is practically second to none. With her latest project, a spoken word/music album, Rodeo for the Sheepish, it is easy to see why she was named one of ten poets to watch in the new millennium by Writer’s Digest.

What’s particularly delightful about this album is that in addition to hearing her perform her poems, the album is also full of the vocal stylings of Tommy C. Jordan, of whose band Geggy Tah David Byrne once said:

“Geggy Tah are so post modern that they’ve come out the other side.”

We had a chat with both Ellyn and Tommy about making the album, inspiring social change through words, plus got a little insight into what both artists are working on next.

PG: What gave you the idea to do an album of spoken word set to music?

Ellyn Maybe: Since I reference music so often in my work it seems natural to do a spoken word/music album. This amazing opportunity came about when I reconnected with my cousin Harlan Steinberger who is wonderfully talented and he suggested we go in the studio and record a few poems with a click track and the album evolved very quickly.

We recorded everything at that first recording and then I went back after the music was finished and rerecorded some poems once I knew what the musical accompaniment was as that affected the reading.

We’re working on turning Rodeo for the Sheepish into a movie musical and hopefully a live stage show too. If anyone wants to create images for a track or a vignette for in between the songs they should please write me at ellynmaybe@aol.com.

We’re open to live action, animation, photography, painting, sketching, dance…

PG: How did working with Tommy C Jordan come about?

EM: Tommy has known Harlan a very long time and I loved what he brought with his vocals, hooks and how that shaped things. Tommy did the art direction for the CD and that turned out fabulous!

PG: Is there an underlying theme behind the album?

EM: Interestingly 5 of the 10 tracks are poems written while I was in Prague studying film at FAMU for two school years. There are definite things that go through my body of work. Love of music and the other arts, feeling a bit different that sort of thing, what’s going on in the emotional landscape.

PG: I had heard some mention that you went to Prague to study…

EM: I’d been getting more and more interested in learning about film and also heard such amazing things about Prague. I ended up getting the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship from the U.S. Department of Education which made the experience possible. I only expected to be there one school year but ended up staying two!

PG: How do you see poetry as a force to help inspire people towards social or personal change?

I think because I reference different stuff in my work, as well as there being a social justice thread quite often in my poetry, people listening to it might get inspired to look into things. One can go to an open mic and hear very topical poems.

Consequently, the art that resonates most is timeless because though the names and faces change, unfortunately, the human condition is pretty consistent.

Since I began reading my work I’ve gotten a lot of wonderful feedback thanking me for my candor, people have resonated with the work big time. Art is a very natural part of my life, the fact that I was so shy and never expected to read in public but that I do has inspired others.

I have a poem called “A Day in the Life of a Working Poor Xylophone Maker,” which talks about a lot of stuff but like most of my poems that deal with social issues it is also surreal, imagistic, and has humor.

One thing I think that people enjoy is the mix of emotions and moods. I think the subtlety is appreciated and since my poetry is a natural gift, I just am very grateful.

PG: Picasso is one of my favorite pieces/poems in that it addresses a feeling that I think a lot of women probably struggle with. Basically the “standard of beauty” which stood for hundreds of years has basically eroded in one lifetime, making a lot of women uncomfortable in their own bodies. Can you talk a little about that?

EM: I think your intro to the question basically nailed it!

PG: Is there a favorite track on the album for you?

EM: Wow, tough question. There Were Two Girls Who Looked A Lot The Same is certainly one which I feel very strongly about but fortunately I feel the whole record came out really great. Deep gratitude to everyone who had a hand in making it. People were so incredibly dedicated at every level of the process. Now we’re beginning to rehearse for live concerts, very exciting!

PG: What drew you to this project?

Tommy C. Jordan: Harlan, the producer, is an old friend. He drew me into the picture.
After meeting Ellyn i realized it is a moving picture.

PG: You’ve written some of my favorite songs over the years and I wonder, what’s it like coming into something where the words/music are already there, and injecting your own self into that?

TCJ: It felt fun. Sometimes strange. Strange fun. Fast.
i love sopapillas.

PG: How did your own creative process work in this album?

TCJ: It was a Rorschach test to sound beds rather than inkblots.

What’s your favorite track on the album? Any of the poems really stand out and connect with you…affect you?

TCJ: Ellyn affects me in surprising ways. When words stop being words, its hard to say.
My favorite songs are the songs that stop being songs, and become vehicles of transportation.
City Streets makes me cry.

PG: What’s next for you? New Geggy Tah anytime soon?

TCJ: I am on a quest to ride in an actual “Poetry Rodeo.”

This Saturday I’m performing a wedding march I wrote for some friends. A good many friends have been sending Mendelhson’s “Here Comes the Bride..” to the showers; inviting fresh ceremonial tunes into play.

Geggy Tah?
Luaka Bop (David Byrne’s label) now and again inquires about releasing a “Best Of “. Sometimes I find my finger wet and in the air glistening. – By Alan Graham

Raised in New York City and Los Angeles, Metis Cole brings a true bi-coastal flavor to his music. He started making beats and writing lyrics as a young teenager. In fact, Metis has been teaming up with Second Son and Bravo for over ten years.

A decade later, Metis Cole’s rhythm and poetry have evolved into one of the most complete hip-hop sounds around. Let his slamming beats move your body but don’t forget to follow the lyrics. Because Metis’s verses, like those of Second Son, are the crême de la crême of rap music. Look out for Bravo as well. This is a man possessed!

Lonnie Marshall is the songwriter, lead vocalist and bass player for his band, Weapon of Choice. Lonnie was voted one of the top five bassists in the 1996 issue of Bass Player Magazine, Funk category.

Lonnie Marshall has performed on recordings of Tone Loc, Ice Cube, George Clinton, Funkadelic, Fishbone and many others. Performing live, he has played with The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Macy Gray, Chaka Khan and Queen Latifah to name a few. Check out his distinct brand of playful, swaggering funk as he strolls through a vivid landscape punctuated with falsetto swirls and that ever-present thumpin’ bass.

Maria Vidal is an internationally renowned artist, who’s hit single “Body Rock” reached no.8 on the US dance charts, and no.11 in the UK. Maria was originally a founding member of the band, Desmond Child & Rouge and Desmond wrote the hit single “Do Me Right” for Maria’s Debut album.

As a singer, songwriter and producer, Maria Vidal has contributed to many other artists music. Some of the highlights include vocals for artists such as: Seal, Alice Cooper, Celine Dion, Stevie Nicks, Kiss and Cher. Maria also appears on new albums from Meatloaf and Cat Stevens.

As a songwriter, Maria wrote the hit single “Summer Rain” for Belinda Carlisle as well as the title song to her album “A Woman and a Man”. As a producer, Maria’s credits include Carrie Underwood and the other finalists on American Idol season 4.

An original and founding member of the musical group “The Doors”. John Densmore co-produced and wrote eight gold albums and toured the United States, Europe and Japan. His autobiography, “Riders on the Storm”, was on the New York Times bestseller list in 1991. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. His recent journalistic piece on corporations co-opting music to sell products, was published by The Nation Magazine, and subsequently syndicated in the London Guardian and Rolling Stone.

An original and founding member of the musical group “The Doors”. John Densmore co-produced and wrote eight gold albums and toured the United States, Europe and Japan. His autobiography, “Riders on the Storm”, was on the New York Times bestseller list in 1991. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. His recent journalistic piece on corporations co-opting music to sell products, was published by The Nation Magazine, and subsequently syndicated in the London Guardian and Rolling Stone.

Why call this radio show “It Might Not Be Poetry”?

Because it suggest that what we will be doing here might just not be what we have learned to accept as the narrow standard the poetry establishment may have pre-defined for us. The program title is a fait d’complie giving us a blank check to present elements of all current art forms. Some previously advertised as language art, speech art, or perhaps even touchstones within the framework of international film culture and in very specific terms music culture.

Allen Ferguson co-founded a band with five of his compatriot musicians who were inadvertently connected with the Stanford University Music Department. Because of a distinctive engagement between the classic elements of chamber music and the melodic structures in American contemporary music, Ferguson named his experiment the Chamber Jazz Sextet.

Santa Ana, California is the home to the roots reggae sounds of Isouljahs. The group was formed in 1992 by band members Mikey Gamboa and Edgar Gonzalez. Mikey is on lead vocals and rhythm guitar and Edgar plays the drums. Isouljahs also features Chris Bibler on bass and Chuy Gallegos on guitar. This band is true to the conscious roots Rasta reggae that they play and love. Isouljahs has played clubs and festivals all over California.

They are the best “homegrown” reggae band around. They have shared the stage with such reggae greats as Burning Spear, Culture and Bunny Wailer. Isouljahs is roots reggae music at its best. Their conscious lyrics and heavy rhythms are ancient vibrations coming from the past and headed for the future

House Brew is a seven-piece band with a horn section. They are best described as a groovy funky dance blend with a vast repertoire of styles and sounds.They can be mellow or extremely up-beat, switching and using different instruments to fit the mood. The smooth, laid-back style of the lead vocalist is beautifully complemented with the rich, savory harmonies sung by the rest of the band. House Brew meets the recommended daily allowance of phat calories and good vibes.

Founded in 2001, Hen House Studios is an independent record label, and documentary film/video production company located in Venice, California.
During the first five years of the company’s existence, Hen House recorded bands for free in the exchange for the right to film them. (The Hen House Experience)
Director Harlan Steinberger describes this time as extremely fruitful as there was no exchange of money between Hen House and the musicians who recorded there. “What we were left with was a pressure free, extremely creative environment that led to not only great performances but to one heck of a good time.”
Today, Hen House Studios no longer records bands for free and but still concentrates on developing musicians, making music and videos and its ever-evolving music label.

Fatal Charm emerged from the echoing halls and banging locker doors of a Los Angeles high school in 1996. Orlando Ravelo and singer / guitarist George Nakhla joined with classmates Steven De Luna on bass and Michael La Penza on guitar to form a bulwark for the Zero Tolerance generation (and generally raise a little hell in the process). Influenced by bands such as Korn and the Deftones, they began creating emotionally-charged hard-core music drawing from both the commonality of their American experience and from their Mexican-Indian, Egyptian, Italian, and Cuban backgrounds. Four years of intensive practice and study later, Fatal Charm graduated from school and struck out for the Hen House with their new sounds.

Freelance Johnson has attitude. An attitude that is everything surf culture embraces. What really matters is the next big wave, bong hits and beautiful girls. Their lead singer “Crash” is an avid surfer who can be frequently found at the breakwater at Venice Beach, California riding the waves.

Their sound is not reminiscent of the traditional twangy guitar surf music of the 1960’s, but rather a reflection of the modern surf movement. The ideals of this new movement in their song “Kali4na” where Crash sings “I gotta worn ya, this is California”, a song that expresses surfers’ territorial rights to the best waves and at the same time their frustration with the increasing pollution of the ocean’s water.

The band got it’s name from the famous surfing scene from the movie “Apocalypse Now”. In the scene, Colonel Kilgore (Robert Duvall) commands a California surfing champion named Freelance Johnson into the waves even as the enemy continues to shell the beach. In one way, this band is a lot like Freelance Johnson from the movie, in that they will stop short of nothing in order to play their infectious music and ride the next big ocean swell.

Adam Rudolph, born and raised in Chicago, received music degrees from Oberlin College and California Institute of the Arts. He is now an accomplished master percussionist and has been studying music and rhythms from around the globe. Adam plays everything from congas and djembe to tabla and the didgeridoo.

Having lived in such places as India and West Africa, Adam’s music possesses an international flavor. Blending the different sounds from his colorful past, Rudolph teamed up with Hamid Drake to create some music that warms the body and soul.

Floyd Red Crow Westerman is a world renown Native American (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Dakota) actor, singer, songwriter and advocate. Born in 1936, Westerman is perhaps best remembered for his roles as elder / leader Ten Bear in Dances With Wolves, Albert Hosteen in The X-Files, and One Who Waits on Northern Exposure.

Before commencing his movie career, Westerman was well-known as a country-western performer, collaborating with Willie Nelson, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt, Don Henley, Joni Mitchell, and others.

His work and dedication have helped spread the American Indian Movement’s message throughout the world. He has performed with countless musicians in large benefit concerts for Indian self-determination, human rights and environmental protection. He toured the world with Sting to publicize the plight of the Rainforest and has been an ambassador of good will representing the International Indian Treaty Council.

In 2006, Westerman came to Hen House Studios to record his astonishing A Tribute to Johnny Cash, which won a *Native American Music Award* in 2007 for “Best Country Recording”.

Fanny Franklin knows all about Hen House Studios. She sang with Trulio Disgracias, Double G, House Brew and Lonnie Marshall. Now Fanny is doing her own thing, creating a handful of wonderful songs that The Hen House truly enjoyed, full of rich midranges, luscious overtones ready to plucked, and soaring melodies with surprising touches of complexity and purity. Her has flavors of live disco performances, but with an expansiveness rarely seen even there. Fanny’s talents are no secret around here. She sings with Dakah, a thirty piece hip hop orchestra, and Megan Jacobs. And most recently, she has been singing along side Macy Gray.

-A very hip local band, Capital Pusher, preaches love and funk to the world. Formed in 1997 by lead singer / bassist Nick Richetta, this band has been selling out shows for years. Nick teamed up with vocalist / keyboard player Rual Deleon in 1998 and the rest has been history. Capital Pusher is also comprised of Sean Sherrod on drums, Charlie Hitchcock in guitar, Chris Brown on sax, and Chris Hancock on sax. These guys love the music that they make. Their shows have a great vibe with up-beat energy. Capital Pusher is a must see band. Come join in on The Push.

-Based in Southern California, Boom Shaka is keeping roots reggae music alive and well. Founded just after the peak 80’s reggae Renaissance (lead by such notables as Black Uhuru and UB40, by singer/songwriter Trevy Felix, Boom Shaka has developed a serious following over the years with their brand of Peter Tosh-inspired sounds. Unlike some reggae, which leaps from genre to genre and primarily extols the virtues of a laid- back “party all the time” lifestyle, issues in Boom Shaka’s social and political landscape sculpt and shape their lyrics, giving them the raw intensity and emotion of a Dominican tenement. Boom Shaka has toured the world and have released a series of albums since their inception. Trevy Felix is the lead singer and plays guitar. He is accompanied by his brother Bass-I on bass, Lester Fari on lead guitar, Shaka Man on drums and Little George on keyboards. The result is a potent distillation of message and music, draped in harmonies and rhythm.

-Baba Alade grew up in Watts, California and approaches his folk/ blues from his urban roots, armed with Banjo in hand. Baba is a poetic wordsmith who sings of love, lost and found through sweet melodies that resonate in your mind. While the tunes ring with the sweetness of a child they reflect the wisdom of an elder. He has played with everyone from Taj Mahal, Babatunde Olatunji to the great jazz legend, Charles Lloyd. His mesmerizing performances are legendary.

-Baba Alade grew up in Watts, California and approaches his folk/ blues from his urban roots, armed with Banjo in hand. Baba is a poetic wordsmith who sings of love, lost and found through sweet melodies that resonate in your mind. While the tunes ring with the sweetness of a child they reflect the wisdom of an elder. He has played with everyone from Taj Mahal, Babatunde Olatunji to the great jazz legend, Charles Lloyd. His mesmerizing performances are legendary.

-Baba Alade grew up in Watts, California and approaches his folk/ blues from his urban roots, armed with Banjo in hand. Baba is a poetic wordsmith who sings of love, lost and found through sweet melodies that resonate in your mind. While the tunes ring with the sweetness of a child they reflect the wisdom of an elder. He has played with everyone from Taj Mahal, Babatunde Olatunji to the great jazz legend, Charles Lloyd. His mesmerizing performances are legendary.

-Baba Alade grew up in Watts, California and approaches his folk/ blues from his urban roots, armed with Banjo in hand. Baba is a poetic wordsmith who sings of love, lost and found through sweet melodies that resonate in your mind. While the tunes ring with the sweetness of a child they reflect the wisdom of an elder. He has played with everyone from Taj Mahal, Babatunde Olatunji to the great jazz legend, Charles Lloyd. His mesmerizing performances are legendary.

-Aya Peard’s latest project was a reunion of sorts for this group of very talented musicians. Singer/songwriter Aya Peard assembled Phremyl, even though the group hadn’t played together in over five years. Aya’s music is finding a wider and wider audience (including Nickelodeon’s South of Nowhere), yet it retains it’s intimate connection with the audience. Aya spreads her warm energy and mystical sounds to all those listening. Her songs are heart-felt, drawing from experiences of love and pain. The dreamy mood of their music will send you floating off to distant lands.

-Andy Tubman creates music is beautiful, inspiring and heart-felt. With an impressive range, his style slips fluidly from late-night at the bar rock ballads where you can feel the heat from the amps to soft horns and melodious guitars deftly woven into lyrical fabric by Andy’s sweet voice. The sound created is unique, familiar and new, with echoes of Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits as Tubman’s voice trails off into gravelly tones after soaring lyrics that take you into hidden places in your own heart. Spectacular.

Hen House designed web sites provide a easy backend user platform where if you know how to use email you can easily learn how to make simple text changes, add images, and updates to your site yourself, saving you thousands of dollars in web fees over time.

References available upon request.

• State of the art recording studio
• Video production kit (lights, cameras etc.)
• Post production services (video and audio)
• In house experienced producers, engineers and editors

All these services are available for hire. Rates are negotiable.

If you would more information about these services please contact us.

References available upon request.

• Maria Vidal is an internationally renowned singer/song writer who’s hit single “Body Rock” reached #8 on the US dance charts, and #11 in the UK.

• Vidal was originally a member of the band, Desmond Child & Rouge, but went solo with a self-titled debut album recorded in 1987. The album included the single “Do Me Right” written by ex-bandmate Desmond Child.

• Vidal contributed backup vocals to the The Smithereens’ 1984 single “A Girl Like You”.

• She also appeared in the 1985 Jim Carrey film, Once Bitten, as a member of a high school band and contributed two songs to the soundtrack.

• Maria sang backing vocals for Lindsay Buckingham and company, as well as various works with KISS. Buckingham co-wrote “Life on the Train”, which is on her 1987 LP. Vidal also wrote the 1989 Belinda Carlisle hit “Summer Rain”.

After working with Julian Lennon, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, and Rufus Wainright, she became enamored with songwriting. She studied with Pat Leonard (hit songwriter for Madonna) and moved to Los Angeles is 2001. Shannon is a sought-after session musician and spent 2005 touring with Universal Motown artist Brie Larson. This has given her the opportunity to open for Jesse McCartney, Gwen Stefani, and The Black-Eyed Peas.

Went over to John’s house recently to help him make this important video about the election.

The evening will support Tucker Stilley’s artwork and will feature exhibitions of some of his newest projects, as well as great food from Justin Cropper of Traxx, and dee-lish wine from the Benziger Family Winery.

* Get your tickets now by calling the REDCAT Box Office at 213-237-2800 *

Tiered General Admission ticket levels to support Tucker’s art work are:
Candy Striper – $25       Nurse – $50        Doctor – $125       Surgeon – $250

You can now purchase tickets online at the REDCAT website as well as via phone – Box Office # 213-237-2800 

Link to event page;  http://redcat.org/season/0809/fv/hospital.php

We have posted 3 more “Hen House Studios Live” TV shows. Check back often as we hope to have all 23 shows up on the site soon.

Easy…… Harlan

More shows coming soon!

Our latest downloads from Aya Peard and Mount St. Helen can be found on the FEATURED DOWNLOAD WEB PAGE.

Out………

Newsletter #2 – June 16, 2006

Newsletter #3 – November 3, 2008

Newsletter #4 – June 1, 2009

Maria’s latest track “GREEN” is an environmentally conscience song.

Here’s what Maria has to say about it –
I wrote it for an International Festival at the American School in London. The theme of this year’s festival was “Our Global Greenhouse”. I was part of the committee that made thousands of flowers made out of the recyclable plastics and cardboards that the school generated throughout the year. The committee was comprised of women (mothers) from all over the world.

As we got closer to the festival date (April 11, 2008) I felt like I wanted to contribute something more so I decided to write a theme song for the event. I started out by asking different women to speak certain words in their own language into my little cassette player, “green” being the main word, but also “our”, “together”, “flower”, and “one”. I later went into the recording studio and used these spoken words to create a little chain that I then wrote the song to.

The lyrics could mean anything you want them to, I guess…but for me they give a feeling, the FEELING of what it’s all about…being alive on the planet.

A hopeful planet, but I feel at the moment a bit heartbreaking.

- Maria Vidal

Purchase and listen to “GREEN”

To learn more about Maria Vidal visit her web site – MariaVidal.net

For all you artists out there – Some of you might notice that not all Hen House  artists are presently listed on the site.  Please do not worry as we are adding artists everyday and will complete the job shortly. There are presently over 100 bands that have recorded at the Hen House!

If you have any advice, comments, suggestions or notice any problems please contact us and let us know. The site is rather large and there are bound to be some kinks. Those of you new to the site, best to start here.

Special thanks to EDGE – for your input and advice on reconstructing the site.

Peace and love,

Out,

Harlan – Director of Hen House Studios

Purchase options for the CD:

Floyd Red Crow Westerman – A Tribute To Johnny Cash (Country)

Hen House

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