"My Life Is My Sun Dance"-Leonard Peltier *-Some of the still photos from this video were taken by Marcin Mroz *The New Contact for this play is Keith@mylifeismysundance.com Warrior Artists are no longer involved Video2-"Portraits From a Coffehouse-Silent Bear,"Silent Bear’s set from the closing of Penny Lane Coffee House filmed and produced by Thomas Loftsrom
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SILENT BEAR 2006
"This is not your average blues/folk singer.No,Silent Bear and his percussionist know how to express what the're felling very well through both music and lyrics."This was said by J.D of the Musician's Exchange in her 5 star review of Silent Bear's debut cd,"River Drum Child."Silent Bear(aka Mark Holtzman) is a veteren singer/songwriter and performer.He's been performing professionally since the late 1980's.
The concept of,Silent Bear,was conceived when Holtzman,tired of large band situations,yearned for a small combo that featured clarity of sound and a greater sense of purpose.Soon there after,New York native,Silent Bear,followed a calling from the sacred mountains of Boulder Colorado.While there in the intimacy of the St.Vrain river and local clubs he would cultivate a sound that would become the mythic entity that is,Silent Bear.To quote Roy Abrams of the," Music Paper,"..."the sound was highly unusual and compelling and I realized that Silent Bear can't easily be compared with anyone,"And,"...thanks to Silent Bear,I experienced what was among the most intense musical episodes of my life that night at Laura D's.'
Upon moving back to New York,Silent Bear,removed from his mountain habitat,stumbled upon the Jazz club,"Smalls,"in downtown NYC,where he was fortunate to hear and meet percussionist,Kahlil Kwame Bell.Mr.Bell is a world class percussionist who has worked with the likes of,Roberta Flack,Erika Badu,Babatunde Olatunji,Kimati Dinzulu,Sista Souljah,and Earthquake Lightening and Thunder.The highlight of the Silent Bear duo's tenure came when they hooked up with jazz pianist extraordinaire,Larry Willis,also the former keyboardist/arranger for the popular jazz/rock band,Blood Sweat and Tears.Larry went on to produce the duo's critically aclaimed debut cd,"River Drum Child,"for Mapleshade records.It was released in June 1997.Kahlil and Silent Bear are still in touch and he remains on call for special east coast dates.
In 2004,Silent Bear completed a circle and returned to Boulder,Colorado.In Boulder he has continued his performing/recording career as well as providing mentoring for upcoming players/performers as a host of a weekly open mic and as a guitar teacher.In 2005,he was chosen to be a part of the Rock and Soul Cafe's,"Live at the Rock and Soul,"series.He is also working on a self produced live compilation recorded at the late,Penny Lane Coffee House.He is one of the few artists that performed at the Grand opening and Grand finale of this popular Boulder venue.
Silent Bear is also active in the local blues scene.He could be seen at many local jam sessions and has been known to guest with great local blues staples such as Lionel Young and Mark Diamond.Also,in 2007, he was proud to be involved in the world premiere of Leonard Peltier's,"My Life Is My Sun Dance."A play based on Mr. Peltier's book," Prison Writings-My Life is My Sun Dance."He feels very strongly about this project and hopes to continue to be involved until Leonard is a free man and the rights of all indigenous people throughout the world are both recognized and respected.The production plans to tour in the coming year.
Silent Bear is currently searching for collaborators to form a band while continuing to perform as a solo acoustic artist.To quote the president of Mapleshade records,Pierre Sprey,"Silent Bear,a born rock songwriter,moves from sadness to laughter and from passion to spirituality with simple,natural grace.He is a brilliantly spontaneous,blues-steeped guitarist who won't ever do a song the same way twice.You'll hear tantilizing echoes of Buffalo Springfield,Jimi Hendrix,maybe even Neil Young and Dylan.But above all,you'll be mesmerized by the improvising power of Silent Bear's spirit."
HEY SEXXYY.... CAN I INVITE YOU OVER TO MY HOUSE..... SIT YOU DOWN ON MY COUCH.... HAVE A LITTLE CONVO..... POUR SOME GREY GOOSE.... AND TAKE YOU TO MY BEDROOM...... LAY YOU DOWN ON MY BED..... AND TURN THE LIGHTS OFF ...... LIGHT A FEW CANDLES..... TAKE OFF MY CLOTHES....... WALK TO THE DRESSER AND TURN ON SOME MUSIC..... THEN WALK SLOWLY BACK OVER TO THE BED......GET UNDER THE COVER..... AND ASK YOU TO DO WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO GET COMFORTABLE.... I SLOWLY CLIMB ON TOP OF YOU AND BEGIN TO KISS YOUR STOMACH.... AND WORK MY WAY DOWN..... AND FINALLY I GET ON MY KNEES AND START..... ....................... PRAYING THAT YOU WILL BE BLESSED EVERYDAY!!..... GOTCHA .... I WONDER WHAT U WERE THINKIN ABOUT WHEN U WAS READIN THIS.... SEND THIS 2 ALL THE SEXY PEOPLE U KNOW INCLUDING ME!!!! IF YOU THINK IM SEXY? IF YOU GET 5 BACK YOUR cutie! IF YOU GET 7 BACK YOUR sexy!! IF YOU GET 10 BACK YOU FUCKIN hot..."
It's now official: Ryan and myself will be playing at the Laughing Goat Tuesday night (next Tuesday, not tomorrow) for about 30 minutes. I'm not sure exactly when! I think we're the filler for Colin Robison's concert, which should be a fantastic piece of listening, so I hope to see you there. Plus, we still have some music playin' to do.
ec.03:26:08:09:29'ee.est -- hey bro! -- thanx 4 the pham-pham connection . great to c your pg. & that you're still doing your music! -- sounds great! -- stay-n-touch! -- ~br.b.aka.dat.blu-kat! -- ec.03:26:08:09:30'ee. est
Ah, many thanks, monsieur. I should have my first-ever session in front of a mic on Monday, so we'll see what comes of it. :) Looking forward to your concert next Friday!
It is true that many of the old ways have been lost. But just as the rains restore the earth after a drought, so the power of the Great Mystery will restore the way and give it new life.
We ask that this happen not just for the Red People, but for all people, that they all might live. In ignorance and carelessness they have walked on Ina Maka, Our Mother. They did not understand that they are part of all beings, the Four-legged, the Winged, Grandfather Rock, the Tree People, and our Star Brothers.
Now our Mother and all our Relations are crying out. They cry for the help of all people.
