Portland!
Portland was rainy today, but the city was full of
life and activity. The group enjoyed Powell's
bookstore, which had just about every book you
could ever imagine (including books from GC profs
Steve Nolt and John D. Roth...holla!) on its many
floors. I, as I so frequently do, got immersed in a
book and, when I looked up, discovered that all my
compatriots had returned to the bus to leave.
Fortunately, music center executive director Brian
Wiebe was also late to leave the bookstore, though
it turned out he didn't quite remember where the
bus was either. With the help of cell phones, we
were able to continue the tour only marginally
behind schedule.
We had an absolutely perfect venue in which to
perform. Portland Mennonite Church has a beautiful
sanctuary with stained-glass windows and dazzling
acoustics. I felt chills go up my spine as the
harmonies we sang bounced off the walls. The
congregation was welcoming and enthusiastic and
spirits were high as we finished our concert with a
South African piece (Akanamandla) that involved
much stomping.





Posted at 02:39 by Jesse Landis-Eigsti #