All Saint's Day or Halloween

Halloween (or Hallowe'en) is an annual holiday observed on October 31, primarily in Canada, Ireland, the United States and the United Kingdom. It has roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain and the Roman Catholic Church holiday All Saints' Day, but is today largely a secular celebration.

All Saints' Day (in the Roman Catholic Church officially the Solemnity of All Saints and also called All Hallows or Hallowmas), {"Hallows" meaning "saints," and "mas" meaning "Mass"; the preceding evening (Halloween) is the "Vigil or Eve of All Hallows".}often shortened to All Saints, is a solemnity celebrated on 1 November in Western Christianity, and on the first Sunday after Pentecost in Eastern Christianity, in honour of all the saints, known and unknown.

In terms of Western Christian theology, the day commemorates all those who have attained the beatific vision in Heaven. It is a national holiday in many historically Catholic countries. In the Roman Catholic Church, the next day, All Souls' Day, specifically commemorates the departed faithful who have not yet been purified and reached heaven.

Roman Catholic denominations celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints' Day and the Feast of All Souls' Day because of the fundamental belief that there is a prayerful spiritual communion between those in the state of grace who have died and are either being purified in purgatory or are in heaven (the 'church penitent' and the 'church triumphant', respectively), and the 'church militant' who are the living. Different Christian traditions define, remember and respond to the saints in very different ways.

An old Irish folk tale tells of Stingy Jack, a lazy yet shrewd farmer who uses a cross to trap the Devil. One story says that Jack tricked the Devil into climbing an apple tree, and once he was up there Jack quickly placed crosses around the trunk or carved a cross into the bark, so that the Devil couldn't get down. Another myth says that Jack put a key in the Devil's pocket while he was suspended upside-down.

Another version of the myth says that Jack was getting chased by some villagers from whom he had stolen, when he met the Devil, who claimed it was time for him to die. However, the thief stalled his death by tempting the Devil with a chance to bedevil the church-going villagers chasing him. Jack told the Devil to turn into a coin with which he would pay for the stolen goods (the Devil could take on any shape he wanted); later, when the coin/Devil disappeared, the Christian villagers would fight over who had stolen it. The Devil agreed to this plan. He turned himself into a silver coin and jumped into Jack's wallet, only to find himself next to a cross Jack had also picked up in the village. Jack had closed the wallet tight, and the cross stripped the Devil of his powers; and so he was trapped. In both myths, Jack only lets the Devil go when he agrees never to take his soul. After a while the thief died, as all living things do. Of course, his life had been too sinful for Jack to go to heaven; however, the Devil had promised not to take his soul, and so he was barred from hell as well. Jack now had nowhere to go. He asked how he would see where to go, as he had no light, and the Devil mockingly tossed him an ember that would never burn out from the flames of hell. Jack carved out one of his turnips (which was his favorite food), put the ember inside it, and began endlessly wandering the Earth for a resting place. He became known as "Jack of the Lantern", or Jack-o'-Lantern.

There are variations on the legend:

• Some versions include a "wise and good man", or even God helping Jack to prevail over the Devil.
• There are different versions of Jack's bargain with the Devil. Some variations say the deal was only temporary but the Devil, embarrassed and vengeful, refuses Jack entry to hell after Jack dies.
• Jack is considered a greedy man and is not allowed into either heaven or hell, without any mention of the Devil.
• In some variations, God gives Jack the turnip
• Jack tricks the Grim-Reaper into giving him eternal life, and in exchange, the reaper takes his head to hell with him. Jack then wanders the earth using a carved pumpkin for a head.
• An African-American variant holds that Jack, here called Big Sixteen, actually killed the Devil and was later refused entry to hell by the Devil's widow.

Despite the colorful legends, the term jack-o'-lantern originally meant a night watchman, or man with a lantern, with the earliest known use in the mid-17th century; and later, meaning an ignis fatuus or will-o'-the-wisp. In Newfoundland and Labrador, both names "Jacky Lantern" and "Jack the Lantern" refer to the will-o'-the-wisp concept rather than the pumpkin carving aspect.

The information for All Saint's Day, Halloween and Jack-o-lantern was supplied by Wikipedia.

Happy birthday Jesus by Jerry Corelli

Cowboy Christmas by Jerry Corelli

Orting Pumpkin Fest on the Worthy Music Ministries' Family Stage

 October 9th and 10th

It's funny, the things I think about on the way to a concert.  If John Lennon had lived, Saturday, would have been his 70th birthday.  His death was one of those days in my life when I remember exactly where I was when I heard about his assassination. Now I'll remember exactly were I was on his 70th birthday had he lived.

(photo by Charles Bachelor (c) 2010)

As my wife and I entered Orting there was a fog surrounding the hills which was hiding Mt. Rainer.  The sky was totally over cast and it looked like we weren't going to spend the day dry.  Orting is a beautiful town that my wife and I plan on going back to soon so we can sample the many fine shops that make visitors welcome.

The Gazebo was easy to find and in fact from 72nd and Portland we made only 4 turns, all of them right, by the time we parked the car.  After unloading I found this Honey Bucket and when I saw our posters on it I knew I'd made it.  I was finally singing at the Bowl.  Even though I felt a little flushed I was honored to be there.  Okay, I'm a singer not a comedian.

Actually posters were up everywhere, and after all, having them on the outhouse made it a sure thing people would see them.

There are three blocks of parks, which were perfectly groomed and adorned with pumpkins.  It was really nice to see how the Orting Pumpkin Fest went out of their way to decorate the Gazebo for the Worthy Music Ministries' Family Stage.

After everything was set up we still had time to take an hour or so to look around.

(photo by Charles Bachelor (c) 2010)

(photo by Jerry Corelli  (c) 2010)

Shanta Louise Band started off  by bringing to the stage a voice with all the sultriness of indie and blues while managing to maintain all the vibe and fun of modern grunge and pop. The songs on her debut album release “I Mean To Tell You” are catchy and diverse. Every song had its own unique tone, style, and message, which left the audience craving for more. If you liked music with a message but still want to rock out they were the band to listen to.

(photo by Jerry Corelli (c) 2010)

On the left of this page you'll see a list of Artists and Albums titled "My Favorite Artists & Songs".  Look for "I Mean to Tell You" Shanta Louse and you can sample her song and even buy her CD too.

(photo by Jerry Corelli  (c) 2010)

(photo by Charles Bachelor (c) 2010)

(photo by Shirley DeFord (c) 2010)

Now to tell you about a real trooper.  Dulcinea Hatch was very much under the weather and having her feet getting soaked during set up didn't help.  But she got on stage with her brother Dylan and sang like you'd never know she was sick.  Their opening song "Amazing Grace" is always a crowd favorite, not to mention mine, and they both did it flawlessly.

We really appreciate everyone who came out to weather the rain and enjoy the music.  We were blessed to see this amount of people at any given time during the day.

(photo by Shirley DeFord (c) 2010)

Overall what impresses my about Dylan and Dulcinea Hatch is their love for singing and dedication to always be there when their needed or called upon.

(photo by Charles Bachelor (c) 2010)

(photo by Charles Bachelor (c) 2010)

I guess I have this uncontrollable desire to do the hand out thing when I do Neil Diamond's "America" but the song does seem to call for it to be done.  The wonderful thing about singing live is you never know what to expect and Saturday was no exception for me.  Someone knocked the table that the CD player was on and it skipped from the song I was singing, "Fried Bologna" to a song I had already sung which was the end of  "I'm Not Dead Yet".  It took a few seconds for me to realize where I was in the song but once I did I just started singing with it.  Only a few people noticed the skip because they knew my song "Fried Bologna" by heart and knew for certain the music and words I was singing after the skip were not part of the song.  I got a great response after the little bump and we moved on without any more incidents.

(photo by Charles Bachelor (c) 2010)

(photo by Charles Bachelor (c) 2010)

Chuck Worthy and I were reminiscing of our days in Junior High and High School when we were the young choir members who took the stage like the Orting High School Choir did at the Pumpkin Fest.  Chuck and I didn't sing in the same Junior High and High School Choirs but it's the same everywhere.  Listening to their warm up "Bumble Bee" song takes you back in time. And when you hear those clear young crisp voices you recall those days just as if you where there again.

I'm not sure if it was a conscious effort to sing "When I'm 64" by Lennon & McCartney from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band on John Lennon's birthday but it was a wonderful treat for me.  They did a wonderful job singing that song as with all the songs they performed.

It was wonderful to see proud parents of the Orting High School Choir enjoying their kids gleeful performance.

 

(photo by Charles Bachelor (c) 2010)

(photo by Charles Bachelor (c) 2010)

Jet Cities Chorus sings with a rhythm and movement unique to them.  They don't just sing their songs they will them.  And they do it with a strength of character that takes every song to it's own distinctive place.  I've heard "Come Fly with Me" many times before but never with the excitement and one voice discipline that Jet Cities Chorus awards the tune.

My wife and I are huge Bette Midler fans and I'm an even larger fan of a movie she did with James Caan called "For The Boys".  The movie is packed with wonderful tunes that were sung throughout the day by various artists but I hadn't heard "Stuff like that There" done by a choir until I heard Jet Cities perform it their way.  I'm sure the writers Livingston and Evans would have been elated to hear their song sung with the refreshing technique Jet Cities Chorus gave it.

To become a member of any choir means the voice of the "self" must stand back and become part of the voice of the "whole".  That "whole" voice, if the choir is successful, sounds like "one" voice and Jet Cities is that choir which all choirs should aspire to be.  It's no wonder Linda Worthy has joined Jet Cities Chorus because her dedication, love for music and singing talent is, I'm sure, what every member possesses.

The woman on the right, in front of the monitor was signing and singing.

(photo by Charles Bachelor (c) 2010)

The Lake Washington Singers really gave it their all when they entered the stage.  With a light rain falling during their set their voices rang with the enthusiasm to match their beautifully corresponding outfits.  "That Dixieland Sound" remains my favorite number because they not only sang it beautifully, but also gave the song a zestful bounce in presentation.

(photo by Charles Bachelor (c) 2010)

Chelsi (above) and DeLana front the band Chasing Jane, a sister act full of charisma.  They have a wonderful stage presence and personality, which draws the listener into each song.  Whether it's an intimate coffee house setting or jamming at the Puyallup Fair Chasing Jane draws you in with their musical muse, wit and talent.  For some reason you don't often hear of a female harmonica player but DeLana will probably change that in the future.  Their style has been coined Sheryl Crow ala Alison Krauss but really their Chasing Jane.

In my Favorite Artists and Songs you'll notice "Unravelled" Chasing Jane.  You can sample their song "Everything is gonna be alright" and buy it too.

You know your audience is listing when they get up and start dancing like this couple did when young Tiger Paulsen began to croon.

Tiger's rendition of "A kick out of You" was far beyond his years.  There's no wonder the couple above took to the grass floor and melted together as Tiger's clear clean style memorized all of us listening.  Once again a tune Bette Midler sang in the movie "For the Boys", "Come Rain or Come Shine" was given a Tiger Paulsen style not soon to be forgotten by me.

I certainly can't take anything away from Tiger and Sydney Paulsen either when they sang "They Can't Take That Away From Me."  In a time when young people are singing songs laced with awful language and meaningless rhyme it's comforting to hear fresh voices updating tunes that otherwise might go by the wayside.

The Foxley set on Saturday was one of their best I've heard.  Everything went right from sound to every note played and melody line sung.  In saying that I should explain that the rest of us assumed someone else was taking pictures or making sure the video camera was rolling.  But, guess what?  Of everyone who played there's not one inch of video and the above picture is the only one.  Elijah Rock, Jordan, You Loved Me Well and Wade in the Water are just a few of their tunes that you want to hear over and over.  Whether it's the Tacoma Dome, a Coffee House, Seattle Center or the Orting Pumpkin Fest, Foxley always delivers.

The quartet "Swing Low" did their set as the rain came down harder than before.  The 1740 Hymn by Charles Wesley, "Jesus, Lover of my Soul" was the song which stood out the most for me.  In part, because I wrote a song entitled "Lover of my Soul", but more so because they did a splendid presentation of a Hymn that is rarely enjoyed.

Saturday ended with a band that I can say has the perfect name for a Christian band fronted by Jammer (Mike Pond) himself.  Saint Asylum took the stage and didn't give it back.  You can call them Grunge, Rock or Heavy Metal but you can't call them over the hill.  Their music was loud with a heavy bass line from Pam, Jammer's wife, hard hitting drums and a wild lead guitarist but the lyrics were a pure Christian "Meat and Potatoes" message that had no bones about it.

When you talk to any of the Saint Asylum members you get the sweet presence of Christ living boldly in their hearts.  Their message isn't for the faint of heart, so when you get a chance to hear them bring your seat belt and hold on tight.

(photo by Charles Bachelor (c) 2010)

Like Willow trees softly set by a stream Chuck Worthy sings with the warmth and charm of a seasoned songster.  You can't help but be drawn into every note he delivers with his signature style.  Jazzy soft Blues with a Christian message for the times will be his vocal legacy. And presenting Top local talent to the Puget Sound area will be the heritage of Worthy Music Ministries.

(photo by Charles Bachelor (c) 2010)

Sunday was a blessing in itself to hear more young talent on its way to where ever Nate Pitocco chooses to go.  This 6' plus 14 year old whose voice is reminiscent of Josh Turner, "Long Black Train", simply melted hearts as he delivered "In the Arms of an Angel".

I have no doubt we'll be hearing more from Nate as time goes by.  He seems focused and secure while possessing a humble character willing to learn from those with more road under their feet.

(photo by Charles Bachelor (c) 2010)

The smooth vocals of Toyin Adelkale blessed Orting with her song "I Do, Do You?".  This African Songstress with a Reggae Soul began her career at the same age Dulcinea Hatch, Nate Pitocco and Tiger Paulsen are today.  In her past she's sung for royalty and had #1 hits but now she sings for Christ and testifies of the wonders of His Grace.

I have included her song "I Do, Do You?" single in my Favorite Artists and Songs list for sampling and download so take a listen.  Toyin's heart is filled with song, not to mention love for the Lord.  If you get the chance to see her in concert you won't be disappointed in this humble international artist.  I'm honored to always share a stage with Toyin.

I first met Craig Swanby about 5 years ago and since then I have had the pleasure of sharing the stage with him more than once.  He plays the guitar like he was born with it in his hands.  This was the first time I'd heard Emily Swanby, his daughter, and together they have that harmonization only family can provide.

Along with a beautiful voice Emily is a songwriter so check out  her song "Why" on her Facebook page when you get the chance.

Both Craig and Emily Swanby bring together 2 generations with their music.  So, there's something for everyone to hear when they minister in song.