Posts by Valerie Serrels
Celtic Pilgrimage with Ted? Bucket List Alert!
In May of 2016 Sue and I are traveling to Iona Community in Scotland as part of a pilgrimage I am co-leading with friend Sheryl Shenk and her husband John. Iona is one of the places on my, “whatever you want to call it” list—bucket/pail/small pitcher with a cute handle. In any event, there are…
Read MoreVoice Behind the Cello
By Chris Yoder June 2, 2015 (Chris Yoder is one of two cellists who alternately plays “the son” in Listening for Grace. The following is a repost of an editorial by Chris for The Weather Vane at Eastern Mennonite University.) Ted Swartz is bringing his show, “Listening for Grace,” to EMU this Sunday evening. It…
Read MoreMeet…the chicken
By Ted Swartz May 20, 2015 A couple of years ago Jeff Raught and I spent a week in a story-book land to the North. Cooperstown, New York. The home of the baseball hall of fame…moment of silence… Seriously, I’m taking a moment…ok, done. Along with dramaturge and serial bellower of contagious laughter, Bob Small,…
Read MoreIt’s All About the Goo
By Ted Swartz April 7, 2015 Green rooms in churches offer a wide variety of comfort and proximity to the stage: Sometimes there are plenty of comfy couches, quiet with tasteful décor—other times you just know you’re in a church. Occasionally these co-opted spaces provide inspiration and significant philosophical thought. Warming up for a Listening…
Read MoreSacred Spaces
The past year of touring took the Company to many wonderful places (see our Year in Review video here for some specifics.) A couple of places stand out…Marble Collegiate in New York City. Justin and Phillip practicing …One of the treats I get: hearing the musicians play. Justin, Chris and Phillip in some exquisite sacred…
Read MoreTo There and Back Again
By Ted Swartz Feb 13, 2015 in Freeman South Dakota, I performed “Laughter is Sacred Space.” (Click here for a decent review of the show.) Laughter reflects my relationship with Lee Eshleman, our discovering one another, our work together, and resulting 20 year friendship. And then, following his death, the period of grief and recovery…
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