Good evening everyone and welcome to another Mendocino Stories and Music Series event. We have some great entertainment lined up for your tonight including some original tunes from me and Jamie, some rich harmonies with the Chomptones and the final act with the Rhythm Kings.
I want to begin the show by telling you how Mendocino Stories has evolved for me. It all started almost four years ago, while visiting with Bonnie Sanger. Those who knew her will agree with me that she was grandly unique, vivacious, hilarious and profound. I am here tonight because I granted one wish for Bonnie – my dear friend, mentor and true mother. She told me that she wanted to publish her journal before she died. She had written a journal of her meditations and acquaintance with the spirit of a redwood tree, whom she called Grandmother Redwood. I was honored that she asked me. She handed it over to me on many typewritten pages and scraps of paper. We spent months editing and then she made her final entry dated July 7, 2005.
Meanwhile, I talked with my webmaster of many years, James Maxwell, and we discussed the idea of publishing Conversations with Grandmother Redwood on the internet. He immediately agreed and the Mendocino Stories website was born.
Max embraced the project and added his great talents and enthusiasm to the mix. Bonnie’s was the first page. It was uploaded on October 20, 2006.
This humble beginning has blossomed and grown into an online community of creative Mendocino energy. The home page reflects Bonnie’s major influence. It states, “Mendocino is a magical area of rare beauty. A gathering place, she attracts kindred spirits where nature lovers, poets, artists, musicians, writers, photographers and lefties abound.”
Our website, MendocinoStories.com, is devoted to the creative energies of our area. It is a community, where all areas of artistry and patrons of the arts are invited to subscribe to a page and display their stories and talents to the world. Our goal here is to offer more exposure to local artists and to make it easy for anyone who wants a presence on the internet without having to create an entire website.
Our mission statement, as agreed upon by the three of us, says “We accept stories from the heart of the writer, poet, painter, photographer, musician – amateur or professional – eloquent – empowering – sincere, deeply felt and personal – not hurtful or negative – condoning no violence, ill will, power trips or politics.”
Last October, our online store, opened featuring many local books, CDs and art prints. Bonnie’s book was our first product for sale!
Just look at this gorgeous little book, published by Cypress House in Fort Bragg on recycled paper. There are copies for sale here tonight for only $10, at the front table.
You know, I loved visiting Bonnie. She was such a rascal and instigator. Our friendship and the conversations we had on her Comptche Valley deck practically wrote this song called, “Only Human”.
I was able to sing this song for Bonnie three times before she passed away. The first time I did, she sarcastically said she’d like to hear it again after I practiced it a few more times. The last time I sang for her, she was unable to speak, but she was tapping her fingers in time.
I’d like to invite my friend Jamie Gilliam to play along with me now. The next chapter of my story is about the events. Mendocino Stories events actually started in January 2007, with a writers group, The Gang of Quatro, which includes Max, Riantee Rand, Skip Wollenberg and Linda Perry. The evening was titled “Mendocino Stories”. Riantee’s previous poetry series here had opened up the possibility for us at the Mendocino Hotel.
The second reading was two months later and I asked if I could add music to the lineup. I started scheduling every other month concerts, which became monthly and now sometimes twice a month events. I just can’t help it. There are so many performers to invite!
First I want to thank all the performers, who have made this Series possible. I want to thank the owner of The Mendocino Hotel and the Hill House, Tom Kravis, for offering us two venues for our events at no charge. Also, Jamie Buckner who easily manages our schedule and arrangements and, of course, the wonderful staff here for a great job serving us.
I am thankful for many who work on the events besides Max and Riantee - Jamie Gilliam of Uknowatt Studios; Janie Tate; Gordon Black, and, of course, my wonderful partner and true love, Nelson Lindley.
I hope there will be more, because the work load grows with all the new ideas.
Now Jamie and I are going to sing a few more stories for you.
Pattie DeMatteo
June 14, 2008
