End of 2008 Party - a concert to remember

My phone and email have been hot with people buzzing about the Buddha House End of Year Party! The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive – excited and enthusiastic, and many requests for the next one.

It was a little risk that paid off 100-fold. When thinking about our end of year party, I cooked up the idea of a concert, with entertainment provided by us – that is, our community. Invitations went out, suggesting that people brought a song or a poem, an act, an instrument – or just themselves. With wonderful help the hall next to Buddha House was set up to feel like someone’s big lounge room – with a whiteboard so people could put their name up if they wished to perform. I was a little concerned that perhaps no-one would come, and perhaps no-one would play… but it was quite incredible. It began with a chant and a magic show and ended with a fantastic original song, and in between there were poems, songs, readings, and the fabulous Buddha Café Orchestra performing the Christmas carol ‘Single Bell’!

I was astonished and inspired by the level of talent, but more than this I was greatly humbled by the willingness to share, and the kindness in which the offerings were enjoyed. Debra and Dan’s song “Tong-Len” summed it up for me. It was a lovely event filled with giving and receiving.

What was the highlight? It could have been the awe-inspiring piano playing by the most unassuming musician you have ever seen, or the hauntingly beautiful Japanese flute playing. I watched people with their eyes shut, letting the sound seep in and soften the edges of their hearts before they floated off into the December night. For me, the highlight was the fact that we learned a little about each other and, as Lindsay said at the end, what other talents are hidden so well in our community?

Thanks to all who helped in every way, and special thanks to Tim from Wright Guitars who so kindly donated his sound system for the evening. If you missed out participating this time, with either ears and eyes or performing talent, do not fear! I have a plan for a winter event… warming soup and a cozy atmosphere… we’ll throw it out there and just see how it unfolds…