Greetings from Venezuela!!

We have arrived in Venezuela and our days are filled with exciting activities here on Isle de Margarita. We are at the International Choral Festival, where more than forty choirs are with us each day. We´ve already had four concerts, at four different venues. The Big Concert with the six best choirs is tonite, so we are busy preparing for that. Fred keeps us in rehearsal most of the day, but we do find time to snorkel, scuba, birdwatching and just lounging around the pool. The birdwatching was marvelous as we hiked through a National Park with our orinthologist in residence, Dan Froehlich, who also sings bass. Dan has studied birds in many countries so he´s a real treat to have as a guide.

Tomorrow we leave at 5AM for a ferry back to mainland, where we go to several communities to learn about their local music and offer our music to them. We will be hosted by Global Exchange, who will take us to Curiepe where in the evening we´ll enjoy the Drum Festival of St. John. Then on to Barlovento where we´ll visit some cooperatives and the local cultural center.

The music is all around us here. Everyone here seems to love the spirituals we offer, and we´ve already heard several renditions of Ride in the Chariot in response. The spirituals capture hearts everywhere. We heard from one local that we are like a fresh wind coming into Venezuela with our songs of peace.

We´ll try to post more frequently, but our schedule is very full and internet access is a bit of a challenge. Adios.