Teacher Feature: Clinton Davis

Favorite Food: Fried chicken
Dream Destination: A small fishing town in Baja California Sur
Favorite Song Right Now: Vals d'Bayou Blanc by Pee Wee Broussard and His Melody Boys
Spirit Animal: Raccoon

Meet another member of our awesome teaching team here at Kalabash! Clinton Davis is a multi-faceted musician born and raised in the great state of Kentucky. Thoroughly curious, Clinton has studied a wide range of music on an even wider range of instruments.

A pianist from childhood, Davis earned a bachelor’s degree in piano performance from the University of Kentucky where he studied the works of Bach, Chopin, and Debussy, among others. While there, he developed an interest in modern or avant-garde practices and founded the Sound/Vision ensemble to perform the music of living composers.

Since moving to California in 2009, Clinton's interests have shifted to American folk traditions, and he has dedicated himself to numerous projects exploring our country's rich and varied musical heritage.

As leader of the G Burns Jug Band, Clinton arranges iconic recordings from pre-World-War-2 blues, jazz, and country music greats for a five-piece ensemble that tours throughout the West Coast.  In 2015, they were awarded a San Diego Music Award, and the legendary roots music publication No Depression called them “a joyous and soulful restoration of one of the lost treasures of American musical tradition.” On stage he switches between guitar, banjo, mandolin, piano, and harmonica. In 2015, he was approached by the Deering Banjo Company to appear in advertisements for their Americana instrument.

At the University of California, San Diego, Clinton currently teaches an undergraduate course on American musical traditions and is researching the nation-wide revival of Sacred Harp singing, a tradition of acapella harmony singing rooted in the Deep South. Twice he has ventured to the Sand Mountain region of northeast Alabama to sing antebellum-era hymns with families that have preserved this beautiful tradition of song for over 150 years. Here's a video of Clinton leading a tune at a singing convention in Union, Maine, where this singing has become popular in recent decades.

An occasional composer, Clinton has written music and served as musical director for theatrical productions on both coasts including San Diego's lauded Old Globe Theatre and Brooklyn's Lone Wolf Tribe. Through his work for theater, Clinton's music has been heard in tours across the country, Europe, and South America. Check out this clip of Clinton performing and recording his score for 'The Desperate Characters of Mercer County'.

Clinton will be performing a special Valentine's weekend concert at Kalabash on Friday, February 12th, when he'll be joined by an all-star lineup of friends to play the American roots music he loves so much. You can find other performance dates through his personal website: http://clintonrossdavis.com

Introducing Singer-Songwriter Wesley Preiss

It seems that music and the arts play a big role in you and your family?  Can you tell us about what it's like to grow up in a household of artists and creatives?  

Growing up in a household of artists and creatives has without a doubt shaped me into who I am today. Since I was little, I grew up surrounded by art and music. Some of my first memories, even, involve singing either alone or with my family. Never once was I told that any dreams or aspirations to be a musician were "unrealistic" or anything short of being able to become a reality.

How long have you been playing music and what draws you most to this form of creative expression?

I have been playing music for quite a while now. In the 3rd grade, I tried to teach myself piano, and learned a few intros and pieces, but it wasn't until I took lessons in 6th grade that I really learned the fundamentals of piano in depth. I think what draws me most to this form of creative expression is that you can truly say whats on your mind in a manner that could either be completely metaphorical or totally blatant, and not even have to explain yourself. Additionally, music is so beautiful, and unlike relatively anything else, and I think that's why I find it so compelling.

You recently took the songwriting + recording workshop at Kalabash with Natasha + Chad?  What was the experience like for you?

The songwriting and recording workshop at Kalabash with Natasha+Chad was probably one of the most educational and fun things I have ever done! Before this workshop, I had never really written a full song, and I did not know much about the recording process. Upon having learned these great skills, I am now more comfortable writing and recording. Not to mention the environment was great, and everybody was super encouraging and supportive. :)
 

We think it's quite amazing for someone as young as yourself to write a love song that has so much depth and maturity.  Can you tell us a little about the inspiration behind this song?

First of all, that is a huge compliment, so thank you so much! I like to think that this song is fairly introspective. This song began as a free-write from the first day of the songwriting workshop. I played around with some different lyrics, I was just like "yes, flood, water, yes, that's good" a few attempts into writing it though, something sort of clicked, I realized that this song was so much more, and was actually reflecting how I felt about quite a few things in that moment, whether or not I knew it at the time. I'd say the inspiration for this song was, and pardon me if this sounds like a cliche, but a literal "flood' of emotion. I feel as though there is a conflict in the lyrics, some even slightly contradicting themselves, which could parallel an internal conflict of somebody with all this emotion. The actual noise water makes I think influenced the piano in the song.

A little bird told us that you love Stevie Wonder? What are some other artists that inspire you these days?

That little bird was absolutely right, because I simply adore Stevie Wonder. I'd say one of my biggest influences is Coldplay, they have such a unique and lovely style. I think that Birdy has definitely impacted me, as well. Imogen Heap, Troye Sivan, Sam Smith, Twenty One Pilots, and Panic! At The Disco are some other massive influences. I could honestly list about 20 more, but I think I might just not stop typing.

If you were gifted a plane ticket to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

If I were gifted a plane ticket to anywhere in the world, I would either visit Tokyo or Copenhagen. I would visit Tokyo because it is a center of fashion, technology, food, and just immense Japanese culture. The Ghibli museum is there, as well. I would perhaps visit Copenhagen because of the scenery, and all the local food, which I find very exciting.

Favorite food?

I honestly love food so much, like honestly. I'd say my favorite is probably phở. There are so many great noodle dishes out there. :').

Spirit animal?

I am not particularly educated when it comes to spirit animals, or the tribes or the religions that do have them, so I don't really know if I do have one, or what mine is, but I like to think that some animal or other entity is with me on this journey, and can potentially see what's happening and be like "girl I feel you".

Apparently there is some sort of club/cult forming for girls who like to write songs and eat pizza here at Kalabash?  Do you like pizza?  Would you go to such a thing?

I love pizza and it is beautiful. As you would have it, pizza and cults happen to be two of my favorite things, so I'd say yes, I'm totally in. I would do such a thing.

Introducing Singer Songwriter Jessy Barham

This week we would like to introduce you to another talented young singer-songwriter, Jessy Barham. Jessy has been a long time student of our Kalabash community and last fall she wrote and recorded this original song in our songwriting and recording workshop with artist-teacher Natasha Kozaily and music producer Chad Farran! In our interview with her, Jessy opens up about the personal struggles and inspirations behind her song War & Peace, her favorite bands and more!  Take a read and listen to her powerful original song below. We think she is one of the bravest young girls we know.   

Written and Recorded by Jessy Barham at Kalabash School of Music + the Arts www.kalabasharts.com

How long have you been playing music and writing songs?

I have been singing since fifth grade and playing piano for four years. However, I just started writing songs last year.

Tell us about the inspiration behind War & Peace

War and Peace is about a girl who gets bullied by her peers and is tired of it. She tries to be kind and loving, but it is hard since everyone around her is constantly making fun of her. So instead she confronts the bullies, letting them know she is done being treated so cruelly. This song was inspired by some personal experiences I had with bullies and how I wished I could have stood up to them instead of remaining silent.

This is the first time doing a recording workshop and producing one of your original songs. What was it like?

I thought it was a fascinating experience. I learned a lot about recording songs, such as recording the piano and voice separately and how to add harmonies and other instruments into songs.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

I am inspired by many musicians, so it's hard to choose, but right now my biggest influences would probably be Evanescence, Within Temptation, Plumb, and Fireflight.

What or who most inspires you?

I like to write stories as well as sing, and so a lot of my songs are inspired by my characters. Many of my songs are about events that occurred in my stories. Though other songs are about me and my struggles with shyness and not fitting in.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I'd like to become a lead singer of a symphonic rock band and an author, but that most likely won't happen right away. So I'd probably start off as a creative writing or english teacher.

What is your dream destination?

The Netherlands. One of my favorite singers, Sharon den Adel from Within Temptation lives in the Netherlands so I'd love to go to one of her concerts. 

Favorite food?

Spaghetti

Who's on repeat right now?

Currently, I've been listening to this symphonic metal band Epica that is similar to Within Temptation. I am obsessed with their songs "Feint" and "Quietus." I have also been listening to a Renaissance folk duo Blackmore's Night that has really creative, unique songs, such as "World of Stone" and "Fires at Midnight." 

Spirit animal?

Owl because they are quiet and wise.

Introducing Singer-Songwriter Shyah Preiss

We are thrilled to introduce you to this phenomenal young singer-songwriter straight out of Bird Rock! We first met Shyah Preiss when she joined us for our 12 week songwriting and recording workshop with artist-teacher Natasha Kozaily and music producer Chad Farran. Shyah is an extraordinary young talent and we are thrilled to feature her and her song "Any Given Moment" which she wrote and recorded during our workshop at Kalabash last fall. Read our Q&A with Shyah below and then go ahead and press play! We can't promise that you won't get swept away.

Written and Recorded by Shyah Preiss at Kalabash School of Music + the Arts

Tell us about your musical background?

I've been playing guitar for about ten years and singing for as long as I can I recall. However, I only began to write pieces that I liked enough to share with others a few years ago.

biggest ARTISTIC influences?

Two of my greatest musical influences are: Stevie Wonder and Ed Sheeran.

What/Who inspires you the most? 

My friends, schoolmates, family members, mainly the people in my life are my greatest source of musical inspiration. I think humans are beautiful, alluring and imperfectly perfect.

favorite food?

Sushi!

Who's on repeat right now?

I've been constantly listening to "All I Do" by Stevie Wonder and several different pieces from Troye Sivan's album "Blue Neighborhood."

What are your aspirations for the future?

When I am no longer a being of tender youth I hope to get a job that allows me to write every single day. I am not exactly sure of what kind of job that will be but I am continuing to search for it. Also, I'd like to travel the world and learn just how many cities one is capable of falling in love with.

Dream destination?

Without a doubt; Rome, Italy

Spirit animal? 

This has always been a difficult question for me to answer, for I identify with every animal I've ever seen. I am them, they are me, we all are one.

Teacher Feature: Meghann Welsh

Favorite Food: Fesenjān

Dream Destination: South Island, New Zealand

Favorite Song Right Now: In vain the am'rous flute from Henry Purcell's Ode for St. Cecilia's Day

Favorite Animal: Hermit Crab

We pride ourselves in having an awesome team of diverse and talented artists teaching at Kalabash and we are so happy to feature one of the newest additions to our family, Meghann Welsh! Meghann is a classically trained soprano with over ten years of experience teaching voice and musicianship. Her teaching is inspired by her love of music and her fascination with the uniqueness and versatility of each human voice. Because of her love of teaching and her broad musical background, Meghann welcomes all styles and skill levels into her studio. Her passion for singing and her solid knowledge of vocal pedagogy make her a confident, warm, encouraging, and high energy teacher. 

Ms. Welsh earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the University of California, Santa Cruz (2002), her Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from San Francisco State University (2009), and her Ph.D. in Music with an emphasis in Integrative Studies and Vocal Performance from the University of California, San Diego (expected 2015). She has taught voice lessons, music history, and musicianship classes at San Francisco State University and UC San Diego.

Ms. Welsh's creative work spans opera, country, blues, jazz, free improvisation, musical theater, and contemporary and baroque chamber music. She is currently a singer and multi-instrumentalist with the old time group, G Burns Jug Band. 

Meghann is also part of the experimental opera series Glottalopticon and you can join her on Jan 28th as they welcome Australian vocalist Jessica Aszodi and composer/performer Jenna Lyle! Kalabash students and families get tickets for $10! See details below.

Glottalopticon presents: Jessica Aszodi and Jenna Lyle

Australian vocalist Jessica Aszodi and composer/performer Jenna Lyle will make a rare appearance in San Diego on January 28th at Space 4 Art. The centerpiece of the program is Grafter, a new collaborative work for voice and electronics by Lyle and Aszodi that incorporates amplified voices, bodies, and live electronics. The performers interact using samples, both of their voices, choreographed movement and live processing. The piece places energetic focus on the body, altering sonic outcomes through choreographic affectation. Additionally, Lyle and Aszodi will both perform solo pieces. Lyle will perform a self-devised work for her own moving-sounding body and Aszodi will perform Ori Talmon’s Three Visits to Meun, which was premiered recently at Australia’s BIFEM. Both Grafter and Meun received premieres at the Resonant Bodies Festival in New York City to great acclaim.

Thursday, January 28 at 7:00 p.m.
Space 4 Art (325 15th Street, San Diego, CA 92101)

$15, $10 student/senior/military
Tickets available online from Brown Paper Tickets and at the door.
www.glottalopticon.com

POST-COOL STOCKING STUFFERS

Here at Kalabash we think being "cool" is defined by a lifestyle and aesthetic that's rooted in the natural, the homegrown, the desire to live as good human beings and create beautiful things.  That's why we want to encourage you to fill your stockings with gifts that support the local artist and the creative spirit in yourself and your loved ones.  We are so excited to have such a talented and eclectic mix of artisans at our Holiday Craft Fair this Saturday.  There will be all kinds of goodies, handmade jewelry, art prints, crafts and sweet things for all your holiday shopping splendor! Here is a sneak peek of what's in store.

LUCID ROOTS

cutting boards, surfer girl paintings on wood, indigo dyed goods, & photography prints

TALIA CERAVOLO

original art prints + sweet treats

aChocolypse

Every bar has a story. Unique creations using carefully selected single origin cacao beans combined with bold and sometimes unusual flavor combinations.

Kalabash Teachers

We have such a talented gang of artists and musicians that we’re proud to have as part of our family! From jewelry to comic book art prints, you can enjoy discovering some of the cool things they create when they’re not teaching at Kalabash.

GIFT CARDS

If you can’t make it to our craft fair or you're looking for more cool gifts to give this holiday season we have a variety of gift certificates you can purchase for those special people in your life that need a little creative encouragement.  Toys will break and the material will fade but the gift of music will last a lifetime. We offer art and music classes for all ages, so no matter if you’re 4 or 74 years old we have something for you. Purchase our Kalabash gift certificates online or in person! <3

THIS SATURDAY AT KALABASH!

This Saturday is full of fun things here at Kalabash so you might as well plan to just camp out in beautiful Bird Rock for the day!  At 12pm our Holiday Craft Market opens with all kids of goodies like, handmade jewelry, art, crafts and sweet things for all your holiday shopping splendor! We have an awesome collection of vendors including Lucid Roots,  aChocolypse, Madame Criativa and more! Once you've bargained your way through our craft market you can join Madame Criativa in our Art Studio and make your own DIY gift wrapping and creations for yourself or loved ones.  

Our Open Mic will run from 2 - 4pm and performers should arrive at 2pm to sign up for the Open Mic! It will be a first come/first serve basis and all ages are welcome to participate! 

When that's through we suggest you go and enjoy a nice dinner nearby and come back with a blanket and beverage to enjoy and evening of Classical Indian Music! See details below!  

Miles Shrewsberry (tabla) and Will Marsh (sitar) have both been dedicated students of North Indian Classical music for many years. On Saturday Dec 12th they will present an enchanting evening of Indian Raga (melody) and Tala (rhythm). 

Sitar and tabla are a traditional pairing of instruments to present this sacred classical music. Although the music is traditional, Will and Miles will be improvising extensively, drawing from their imaginations and years of study to create a truly unique and transcendent musical experience. 

If you have not yet experienced the magic of live Indian classical music, this is an evening not to be missed.
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For more info on Miles and Will please check their websites:
http://www.willmarshmusic.com/
https://milesshrewsbery.wordpress.com/

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For tickets visit: 
http://www.kalabasharts.com/events/2015/12/12/sitar-and-tabla-classical-indian-concert
$15/$12 for members

Doors Open at 7:00pm
Concert starts at 7:30pm

Kids Night Out Take 1

Last Saturday marked our first Kids Night Out and it was a great success!  The theme was Magic Forest and we got busy making creatures out of pine cones, leaves and all kids of cool stuff from mother earth.  Pizza, home-baked cookies and a movie followed and by the end of it, all the kids were fed and ready for bed.  We look forward to seeing you at our next Kids Night Out in December! Stay tuned for our Winter Wonderland! <3

Playlist #1: Teacher Jams

We are proud to have a diverse team of talented artists sharing their passion and expertise at our school.  Here's a handcrafted playlist of music composed and performed by our beloved teachers. Enjoy!

Learn Argentine Tango!

SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT PRESS

A pair of local musicians opened a new music school in La Jolla. Natasha Kozaily, who performs under the name Gunakadeit, and Chad Farran, a percussionist, singer/songwriter and TV/film producer, just celebrated the opening of the Kalabash School of Music and the Arts, in the beachside community of Bird Rock.

The school was formerly called Prodigy School of the Arts, where Kozaily first took a job when she moved to San Diego. Over time, the hours spent working there ended up turning into an opportunity that she couldn’t pass up.

“When I moved here five years ago, I was teaching at this place called Prodigy School of Arts,” Kozaily says in a phone interview. “The owners wanted to sell, and they wanted to sell it to me. So the first person I thought of to partner with me on this was Chad.”

The school features a curriculum comprising private instrumental instruction, including voice, guitar and piano. There are also visual arts classes, and every class can be taught to students ranging in age from elementary school children to adult learners. But Kozaily said she and Farran wanted the school to be more than just strictly educational.

“We were putting together this vision we had that is different,” she says. “It has more of a community vibe, more modern.”

In addition to hosting classes and private instruction for budding musicians, Kalabash will also host a variety of performance-based events, including open mics, student performances and, eventually, concerts by established musicians. For Kozaily, the school aims to give musicians-in-training the tools to become artists in their own right.

“We’re creating an opportunity to have students come together and jam,” she says. “That’s sort of the overall philosophy—we’re teaching them to create their own music.” 

DIY: HANGING GARDEN WALL

When we were designing the front room of our new school, our main challenge was to create a reception area that felt cozy and separate from the rest of the main room while still maintaining that spacious and open feeling.  So we browsed the halls of Pinterest until we stumbled upon this gem designed by Susie Frazier.  We love plants at Kalabash!  Not only are they pretty to look at, but they clean the air and remind us that we are part of the earth. We thought this would be the perfect piece, both architecturally purposeful and aesthetically beautiful. Camila Farran, our special events coordinator and architect on our recent remodel, tweaked Susie Frazier’s awesome design to suit our needs and voila! We now have a killer garden hanging in our reception that’s organic, hip and absolutely stunning!

Using leftover scraps of wood, threaded rods and bolts, 15 mason jars and a bunch of cool succulents and indoor plants we created our Hanging Vertical Garden.  But it’s not as easy as it looks! Camila figured out some awesome tips and secrets during the process that we’re excited to share with you below.  Happy building!

Materials Needed for one hanging planter:

• 5 x equal sized square pieces of wood at least 3/4” thick. We used leftover butcher block countertop from Ikea.

• 5 Mason jars Wide-Mouth style

• 2 x ⅜” thick by 72” length threaded rods

• 42” of 5/32” wire rope

• 4 x 5/32” ferrules

• 10 x ⅜” washers

• 10 x ⅜” bolts

• 2 heavy duty threaded hooks

Tools Needed

• Drill

• ⅜” drill bit

• ¼” drill bit

• Stud finder

• Pliers

• Grinder or Bolt Cutter

• Hammer

1). First cut five equal sized squares of wood. Drill large holes in the center in which your mason jars can rest. NOTE: We used the 16oz Wide -Mouth jars from Ball. The drill bit we used was 3 ¼” wide.

2). Next drill two other holes on either side through which your threaded rod can slide. Tip: drill the holes slightly bigger than the rods, this will help assembly process later.

3). Drill (2) ¼” holes in one wood square to receive the wire cable,that will be used as the top shelf piece. Holes should be drilled in between the ⅜” holes and edge of shelf. Cut wire cable in 2 equal pieces and install thru the ¼” hole looping back and securing with the ferrules on the bottom side of the wood shelf. Make a loop on the other end and secure with another ferrule.

4). Feed the rods (with washers and bolts) through each of the wood shelf, making sure to twist the bolts to the desired locations. We placed the rods and washers on the bottom side of the wood shelf only. That was enough to support and secure our wood shelves in place. Rods were cut with a grinder to 50 inches length so it would match our reception desk height. You can customize and make your planter any height you want.

NOTE: If you place the rod inside a cordless drill where the bit normally goes and hold the bolt with your fingers, you can then pull the trigger on your drill to fasten the bolt more quickly than doing it by hand. Make sure all bolts are loose and away from wood shelves while doing this. We also found out that if you have someone hold the wood pieces and rod off the ground while you use the drill that makes the process a lot easier.

5). Then attach metal cables from the top shelf to eye hooks in your ceiling, once hanging the planters you will need to level all shelves. Tip: start leveling from the top shelf. You can twist your eye hooks left and right to adjust wire cable lenght and help get the top shelf leveled.

6). Line each jar with small rocks to give the roots enough space to breathe in lieu of drainage holes.

7). Position the plants inside the jars, with the metal lid rim fastened on top, and rest them into place on each wood panel.

Voilà!