CODA Symposium '07

This past Thursday October, 25th 2007 The Center Outreach in the Development of the Arts at Rhodes College put on their second annual “Arts Leadership New Direction Conference.” Put simply, the CODA symposium was one of the most meaningful and special events that the Rhodes arts scene has ever had. Speakers from all over the country as well as the Memphis community shared their brilliant knowledge and insight on their beliefs on the direction the arts are heading in the country. It was truly an amazing event, and anyone who did not attend at least one of the parts of the day truly missed out. Those who were unable to attend should be made aware of the importance the arts hold in our society. Included in the day was an arts information fair and a concluding banquet. At the arts information fair, different prominent arts organizations from throughout Memphis were presented, such as the Brooks Museum, The Memphis Symphony, Opera Memphis, Live from Memphis, and many more fantastic organizations. Everyone attending seemed to enjoy their experience. The organizations truly did a great job sharing the upcoming events they had to offer. The evening ended with a delicious banquet in McCallum Ballroom. In started off with a fun cocktail hour in which professionals in the arts world and arts students mingled with one another to learn about upcoming events. At this banquet “Live from Memphis” was awarded with CODA’s award for outstanding arts service to the Memphis community. They were thrilled to win such a prestigious award. The evening commenced with an address from the keynote speaker Stephen Tepper who works at the Curb Institute at Vanderbilt University. He delivered a brilliant lecture about the current arts situation. He talked about our cultures reaction to different forms of art and how art in general is on the rise. The Art’s Leadership New Directions Conference was a success. For those who missed it this year, do not worry there will be another next year which is guaranteed to be bigger and better!

Gypsies are Dhoad

On Friday, October 5th 2007 the world renowned musical group known as “The Dhoad Gypsies” graced their magical presence at Rhodes College. Not only did they give a concert but the best part about it was that it was free. In my two and a half years here never have I witnessed such a powerful and impacting artistic performance before my eyes. Their music was centered on percussion instruments which each had very distinct noises and styles. Seeing these musicians was also like a breath of fresh air. Nowadays when I go to concerts there is such a serious/ angry vibe received from the performers. When you go to a concert of classical music the musicians seem so focused on their music that they give almost a stern look. At concerts of more modern music these days such as pop or rock most of the artists seem angry and are singing about the world falling apart, relationship heartbreak etc. The Dhoad Gypsies were the happiest most cheery people I have ever seen in my life. You could tell how much they love what they do. Smiles dominated the stage. One of the musicians was playing a synthesizer which made one of the most exotic and interesting noises I have ever heard. Later in the performance and accordion sounding percussion instrument was added in the mix along with some incredible singing. The way that those singers were whaling was like nothing I have ever heard. It felt very cosmic and spiritual. Finally a wild performer came out who was doing all kinds of cool things like putting fire all over his body and in his mouth and then breathing fire. This guy was also juggling a water jug on his head, stepping on a bed of nails, and stepping on swords. Even though I do not believe this man to have been a sannyassi the immaterial things that he did were remnant of what one would do. The costumes that they wore were also incredibly vibrant and colorful. Their beauty added extra enjoyment to the entire performance. I hope that sometime in the near future I will get the opportunity to witness the beauty of this art again.