§ || ¶Han Reiziger 1934-2006
I learned today that an old friend I haven't seen in many years passed away early in May. Han Reiziger was, for many years, one of the major personalities on Dutch TV and radio, presenting programs on music and musicians for station VPRO. Back in the 1970's, VPRO and KPFA in Berkeley were very close, and we often traded programs. And, for a few months, even traded music producers. When KPFA's music director Charles Amirkhanian went to VPRO in Hilversum for a few months, Han came with his family to Berkeley and produced programs at KPFA. And that's how I met Han. And so I was greatly saddened to hear that Han passed away in Hilversum on May 6 at age 72. Han was one of the liveliest and most wonderful people I've ever met. And while it seems incredible that the last time I spent with them in Hilversum was 31 years ago (1975), those memories are still very important to me.
Han was an accomplished jazz musician, and his musical interests ranged from serious classical music to Pink Floyd and the avant garde. His Sunday TV programs Reiziger In Muziek were very popular in Holland, altho I never got to see them.
One of those people I'll never forget.
§ || ¶Walking Thru Paris With Leonard
My friend Leonard Pitt's book on Paris has finally come out in English. When it came out in France a few years ago it caused quite a stir. How could an American, especially an American living in Berkeley California, write about Paris!
Turns out the Parisians loved the book, and Leonard was featured on many TV talk shows and in the papers. Well, that's because Leondard Pitt is a chef du raconteur and bon vivant! (And, because he speaks French .. having lived in Paris during most of the sixties.)
The wonderful thing about this book is that it is no ordinary guidebook to a famous city. Leonard's book on Paris matches old photos from the 19th century with pictures he took at the same spots just recently. And the walks he chooses to take you on show the great periods of reconstruction that city has gone thru ... most of them quite horrible.
The photos in the book are wonderful to study, and his text includes many stories and vingnettes that were left out of the French version.
And if you want to buy a copy online, try Powell's books.
Leonard will be appearing at various bookstores to talk and sign books:
The wonderful thing about this book is that it is no ordinary guidebook to a famous city. Leonard's book on Paris matches old photos from the 19th century with pictures he took at the same spots just recently. And the walks he chooses to take you on show the great periods of reconstruction that city has gone thru ... most of them quite horrible.
The photos in the book are wonderful to study, and his text includes many stories and vingnettes that were left out of the French version.
And if you want to buy a copy online, try Powell's books.
Leonard will be appearing at various bookstores to talk and sign books:
Here are the signings he has lined up and you're all invited.
June 5. Monday. Black Oak Books in Berkeley. 1491 Shattuck Ave. 7:30 pm.June 6. Tuesday. Get Lost Books in San Francisco. 1825 Market St. between Gough and Guerrero. 7 pm.June 24. Saturday. Alliance Francaise in San Francisco. 1345 Bush St. 5 pm.July 12. Wednesday. City Lights Bookstore. Everyone knows where that is. 7 pm.JJuly 13. Thursday. Mechanics Institute. 57 Post St. SF. Members free. Public $7. This will be an evening shared with mystery writer Cara Black. Our theme will be A Night in the Marais.July 14. Friday. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in San Francisco. 425 Market St. 2 to 4 pm.To register call: 415-405-7700. Cost: $25.July 24. Monday. Book Passage in Corte Madera. 51 Tamal Vista Blvd. 7 pm.
§ || ¶Composers with Del Sol
The Del Sol Quartet will be playing in and around the Bay Area next weekend. This is not to be missed. Del Sol is a wonderful group of young players that like to tackle some very challenging music by living composers. This current series, May 24-26, and May 28, features music by two Canadians, an American, and a Spanish composer: José Evangelista, Linda Catlin Smith, Ronald Bruce Smith, and R. Murray Schafer.Program
Linda Catlin Smith: "As you pass a reflective surface" (1991)
Ronald Bruce Smith: String Quartet #2 "Nostalgia" (2006) - World Premiere
R. Murray Schafer: String Quartet #3 (1981)
José Evangelista: Spanish Garland (1993)
This is a great opportunity to hear this wonderful quartet. The Murray Schafer quartet #3 is very rarely performed. Schafer, born in 1933, is quite an intriguing composer, and probably Canada's most well known. His music always has some surprises, yet is rarely performed. Ronald Bruce Smith is from Toronto by studied at UC Berkeley, Stanford, and IRCAM in Paris. His Second Quartet was written for the Del Sol.
§ || ¶Kinky Makes The Ballot in Texas
Looks like Kinky has made it to the Texas ballot with more than enough signatures!
This could be a new day for Texas, and a new day for the rest of the country.
Ever since Texas took over the country, we've all be headed down hill at an alarming rate. Now, maybe something will change.
More power to my namesake, the Kinkster
§ || ¶That Horse
Last weekend Victoria gave Suede a long overdue bath. It was finally warm enough to do it. Its been a long winter up at the stables. He really needed it.Suede's been with us now over a year and a half. And he's starting to come around. We inherited Suede - he belonged to Victoria's brother John. Suede came up north to live at Grizzly Peak stables in the Berkeley Hills after John passed away.
Suede and Victoria have been in training. Arabian's are usually a bit difficult. Suede even more so when he first arrived. He was a bit out of shape. And probably in mourning. Lots of bad attitude for a 14-year old.
Victoria's having a blast. She hadn't been on a horse since grade school. It's been quite an adventure for both of them. Seems both horse and rider are having a great time. More pix.