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| Xyara playing one of her flutes |
Street musicians are a rare commodity in the small town of Berea, Kentucky. Xyara, a flutist, is one of those rarities that fills Berea's main street with lilting rhythms for a short period of time each year. A former native of Appalachia she now lives in southern Oregon. Her family still resides in Appalachia where she visits once a year while also bringing her music to her native streets.
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| Xyara's headdress |
Her clothes and headdress exude a mother earth quality. When I asked her how she feels about Appalachia now that she lives in Oregon she said that the natural beauty of the land such as the sassafras and tupelo trees speak to her when she visits. She feels that she will always have part of her being in the natural richness of the stories and traditions of Kentucky.
Her lovely lilting notes attract the smiles of passing folks. She is animated as she plays in her bare feet -- moving in rhythm to her music.
Xyara travels with a collection of flutes that she plays at different times. There is a softness to listening to flute music that soothes one's soul.
Not only does she seem like a free spirit, but a real cutie!!! Thanks for sharing this fun one!
ReplyDeleteturquoisemoon -- She was lovely to watch, hear, and to chat with. Yes, she was truly a free spirit. Art brings out the best in folks. -- thanks barbara
DeleteOooh I forgot to mention how your pics captured this spirit!!! Great shots!
ReplyDeleteturquoisemoon -- thanks for the nice remark about capturing her spirit. I was absolutely fascinated with her headdress. -- barbara
DeleteGreat to see a young musician decorating herself and her environment...as well as sharing her music. Hope there's enough foot-traffic to enjoy her.
ReplyDeleteBarbara -- There was quite a bit of foot traffic strolling down the street where she was playing. I sensed her spirit as truly with nature when I talked with her. thanks -- barbara
DeleteA truly fascinating Xyara. One yearns to hear the music that was part of her street performance. Great blog, Barbara, showing a free spirit whose heart is tied to Appalachia. Very interesting outfit. Love her headdress and bare feet. Oh, how I wish I could have been there to see her entertain. Thank you for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteNature Weaver -- I do wish I had the means to record some of the folks I talk with. Someday? You, like I, loved her headdress! It signified so much as I looked at it -- nature, freedom, earth and her tenacity of independence. thanks -- barbara
DeleteShe is as lovely as you say her music is. The headdress is inventive and her clothing, of course, reminds me of the '60s. I'm glad the style still appeals to some young people. I can imagine spending quite a bit of time watching and listening to the occasional visitor. The collection of flutes surely inspires some interesting exchanges with other music lovers.
ReplyDeleteJune -- she did mirror the 60s in dress and talk. A lovely young lady who was a joy for me to talk with. Her flute collection looked interesting, I had taken up some of her time and thought it best I not get into a lengthy conversation about the collection. I'm sure that would have been an interesting conversation though. -- thanks -- barbara
DeleteShe looks like a fairy to me, slender and quick and lovely. I enjoyed your post about her, and the great pics that capture her spirit.
ReplyDeleteYour words are similar to my thoughts. I found this Wiki after I read your comment. You thought of fairy and my thoughts were of a nymph. I thought I would include Wiki's definition on nymph. "A nymph (Greek: νύμφη, nymphē) in Greek mythology is a minor female nature deity typically associated with a particular location or landform. Different from goddesses, nymphs are generally regarded as divine spirits who animate nature, and are usually depicted as beautiful, young nubile maidens who love to dance" Fairy or nymph -- she fits into either description. thanks for the comment.
DeleteWhat a treat to find her performing. She does look like quite the free spirit and no doubt a creative minded person.
ReplyDeleteMichelle -- She did perform quite gracefully and melodically. I think all the passing folks were taken with her. thanks for the comment -- barbara.
DeleteAfter reading your words, I'm lookin' for Peter Pan. He should be so lucky!
ReplyDeleteBirdman -- You always have a great sense of humor. Always enjoy your comments -- thanks barbara
ReplyDeleteI love street performers. Probably the best part of New Orleans for me.
ReplyDeleteAhhh -- I have never been to New Orleans -- didn't know they had street performers there. I would imagine towns that have a lot of tourists would be ideal for street performers. thanks for stopping by -- barbara
DeleteShe looks like a REAL performer - with a soul for the music she plays. Not like a number of other musicians ...
ReplyDeleteRuneE -- i believe this woman was a real performer. I got to chat with her a bit and found her an alternative type of person, not one of the sheep of our society. Thanks for stopping by -- barbara
DeleteShe looks like she stepped out of a children's fairy tale book.
ReplyDeleteHattie -- If you met her you might say that she was truly, at heart, a left over hippie from the 60s. -- barbara
DeleteI too wish you had a video of her so we could see and hear her in action! She does look like a woodland nymph, or a member of the Faerie Folk! I love her ensemble. I've never seen a busker quite like her - she's delightful!
ReplyDeleteI really love Native American flute music and agree that it can be very soothing. I'm betting her music is more spritely! :-)
Laloofah -- I do need to get video production nailed down. Technology can throw me for a loop so I often find myself procrastinating to learn a new electronic process if it looks too difficult. I found her music to be what I imagined your woodland nymph would play.Busker? Don't know what a busker is? Must have something to do with playing a flute? thanks for stopping by -- barbara
DeleteWow!!!! She is absolutely awesome!!!!!
ReplyDeleteKay -- I believe she enjoyed playing as much as the folks enjoyed hearing her play. thanks -- barbara
DeleteHow neat! She seems like a very delightful girl.
ReplyDeleteJanet -- She certainly had a handle on playing the flutes. Her collection of flutes was astounding. -- thanks barbara
DeleteA woods sprite -- lovely!
ReplyDeleteVicki --- your comment seems to be the consensus of a few of the commentators. I agree with you that she was a woods sprite. thanks -- barbara
DeleteSoooo beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThe Mother version of Pan......!
How wonderful to lead such a life!
:)