  Book, Music and Lyrics by Jon & Sabine Sherman |
In their delightful and heart-opening environmental education program, eco-musicians Jon & Sabine weave an enchanting story about a dryad, the spirit of an oak tree, awakening a man to a deeper love and understanding of nature. In the creation of "Dryad ~ An Eco Folk Musical in One Magical Act!", this husband and wife partnership tapped into their combined backgrounds in science, nature education, music and theater to express a mutual passion for the protection, preservation and regeneration of Southern California's unique, biodiverse, yet very threatened natural communities. With its cultural and ecological insights, this Earth-friendly program offers inspiration and hope to all who love and care about our natural world. Story "Dryad ~ An Eco Folk Musical in One Magical Act!" tells the story of a man visiting the oak tree he used to climb on as a boy, one last time, before it's cut down for a development. In his grief, the man slowly reconnects with and starts to hear again the spirit, or dryad of the oak. A spirit he once saw and talked to as a child and who now teaches him what he can do to save the tree. Before the play begins, the audience is greeted by the serene atmosphere of nature, with the beautiful backdrop of a majestic oak and a soundscape of authentic California Oak Woodland bird vocalizations. Nine original eco-folk songs are sung throughout the course of the play, in two part vocal harmony between the dryad and the man, with guitar and branch flute accompaniment. The two characters in "Dryad", the enchanting tree spirit and the confused human (who thinks he must be going crazy talking to a tree), interact with a lighthearted yet passionate sincerity dusted with enough acorn wisdom mixed with the magic of music to open, if only for a spell, the hearts and minds of even their most calloused audience members. And that is the intent of "Dryad", or of any dryad or tree spirit ~ to enchant its listeners into a deeper love for our natural world. Vision It has been said that we will conserve only that which we love. And it may be true. Sadly, too much of Southern California's unique and biodiverse natural landscape has been lost to forces less than love, that have only taken from nature without giving back, showing little respect for the sacred tree of life on whose branch we are all sitting. So, let's fall in love with this place! After all, it's a human need to love where we live. And music can help in this regard. We know that the power of song can help heal a broken heart, provide atmosphere for a romantic evening, or seal the bond of a sacred ceremony. But love songs need not be limited to human relationships. Folk songs of many cultures include expressions of love for a particular place in nature, depicting through lyrics and melody the beauty of a mountain meadow, river valley, or waterfall. Our musical play is built on this important, though neglected aspect of folk music. "Dryad ~ An Eco-folk Musical in One Magical Act!" is a love song for the bioregion of Southern California, a place that was, for thousands of years, paradise to the indigenous people here. And it could be paradise again. For despite how abused the Earth has been in this region, She is still worthy of being loved. There are many places of natural beauty still to be found here, to fall in love with, to write a song about. And in relationships of respect, gratitude and reciprocity, nature is very capable of loving us back. Then, there is paradise found! |
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Testimonials
"Everyone I talked to loved your presentation and a couple of people said
it should be an annual event! Thanks again for your terrific performance!"
~ Fred Seeley, Placerita Canyon Nature Center Associates
"Jon and Sabine, this afternoon's program was outstanding. Thank you!"
~ Jay Wilson, Executive Director Mission Trails Regional Park
"Thank you both for your amazing presence. The event was elevated by your performance.
We hope you will join us for future events!"
~ David Solomon, Terra Madre Gardens
"You hit it out of the park. Your new fan base in the desert wants you back!"
~ Leslie Gebhart, UU Church of the Desert
"A beautiful presentation and a great message as well."
~ Jean Vought, Friends of the Vista Library
"What an incredible experience!"
~ Selene Miles, Biology Professor Grossmont College
"I know you will love the show. I saw Jon and Sabine at the Vista Library,
everyone loved it, the music was superb and the story was perfect.
The entire performance was great, a must see event, and the message
is very important. Just go, it will make you laugh and probably
also make you cry, it did me."
~ Michael Thielk
"Their show had something for everyone, with the children captivated
by the performance and the adults listening to each nuance
of the environmental teaching."
~ Christopher Nyerges, Mountain Views News
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