Attune to Listening and Join to Create Mandala

On June 30, Islanders are invited to a concert of improvised music by international performing artist, pianist Lee Pui Ming at Hanna Barn. And following up the next day, you get your own chance to explore creative play when Pui Ming partners with Mary Ganzon, movement artist, to offer an afternoon workshop, also at the Barn.

The concert, Attuning: An Evening of Listening and Music, begins at 7 PM with a reception to follow. "Improvisation," says Pui Ming, "is about listening and responding, being keenly present in and to the moment, responding/relating to what is rising within and all around and weaving the web of inter-relationship." Be prepared for a different concert experience, an invitation to join Lee Pui Ming in the moment of creativity.

The workshop, Mandala, 2-4 PM on Sunday, will use the form of Contemplative Dance Practice to explore personal journeys through wisdom cards, movement and sound. Prior experience with dance, movement, music or improvisation is not required. All are welcome.

Contemplative Dance Practice is a participatory form created by Barbara Dilley, chancellor of Naropa Institute. Listening inside, listening to what’s around you and a willingness to allow what arises are invited. The interactive form involves open space, free movement, witnessing without judgment and expressing the experience through art, sound, writing and sharing.

A masterful practitioner of improvisation, Lee Pui Ming plays from listening with her body. Sourcing her skill, experience and training as a classically trained pianist and biodynamic craniosacral therapist, she listens inside and all around her to "meet the moment."

Through extensive practice and exploration of improvisation, Pui Ming has evolved a language that is uniquely communicative and evocative. As a composer, she has written for small ensembles and symphony orchestras. Her sixth and most recent CD, she comes to shore (2011), features solo improvisations and a concerto for improvised piano and symphony orchestra. http://leepuiming.ca

Lee Pui Ming has been honored with several arts awards in Canada. She is the recipient of the Freddie Stone Award (2000) recognizing her work in improvisation, and the K. M. Hunter Artist Award (2006) recognizing her achievement in music in Ontario.

Mary Ganzon, dancer, performer, craniosacral therapist, teacher, and a recent transplant to Canada, has a global relationship with her geographical homes as well as her body and art. Born in the Philippines and spending most of her adult life in the United States, Mary began her movement explorations while living in Texas.

Steeped in academics, she found ground and inspiration in the anatomy of the body and sensations. The study of improvisation became the forefront of her focus, supported by technique and inquiry of the body. And then she launched into her own solo work. Deeper journeys into the body included more study in the practice of listening and presence.

Presently, Mary informs her work through the balance of harmony sourced in stillness and movement. She actively includes teaching and her work with people and their bodies as inspirations for her dance investigations. In the last few years, Mary Ganzon has performed in duo improvisation with Lee Pui Ming at The Breitenbush Contact Dance Jam, The Breath of Life Conference in Santa Cruz and Hanna Barn.

Joan Hanna, who has created a unique community resource in the Barn at her family home on Maury Island, is delighted to offer this concert and workshop. Through 20 years at the Breitenbush Contact Improvisation Jam, she and Mary have become close, not just through personal connection, but through body/movement research and exploration.

"When Mary met Pui Ming in biodynamic craniosacral therapy training, she brought Pui Ming up here, and of course, there was music, sound, movement and dancing!" Joan smiles.

"I’ve always wanted Pui Ming to play on Vashon. Having her and Mary at the Barn makes it even more personal: music on the land. I am a land steward here – my land and garden are part of my practice. I’d love to have people experience the sound from under the tree or sitting on a bench outside the Barn."

Experience what goes on at the Barn. Join Pui Ming and Mary Ganzon June 30 and July 1. At Hanna Barn, join is the operative word. Give yourself permission to engage in different ways with what’s offered. Attune and listen into the moment with Lee Pui Ming, in concert Saturday evening. Listen inside and allow free expression in whatever form arises by joining in Mandala Sunday afternoon.

Where: 7712 SW Pt. Robinson Rd., Vashon

Tickets: $20 for Attuning; $20 for Mandala

For contact information and reservations: e-mail pui ming lpm@leepuiming.com

phone joan hanna
206-463-3530