In 2017, oboist Brenda Schuman-Post and piano accompanist Suzanne Garramone presented a concert to the seniors at Allen Temple Gardens in Oakland. Almost a year later, Schuman-Post returns to the Gardens to perform for the seniors again. Only this time she will perform with a larger ensemble; Sonic Forest.
On Monday, July 16th, the residents will be treated to music inspired by nature as Sonic Forest engages the listeners with music that uplifts the spirit as opposed to the sounds of screeching brakes and the hustle and bustle of International Boulevard. Sonic Forest was established in 2009. The San Francisco based ensemble performs in a variety of configurations with instrumentation and size varying depending upon what best suits the venue and situation. With core instrumentation of oboe, violin, Celtic harp, upright bass, piano, accordion, and percussion, Sonic Forest always provides appropriate, engaging, and uplifting entertainment for any event or occasion.
Schuman-Post is the first musician ever to witness the search for and harvesting of African Blackwood, a threatened East African tree from which woodwind instruments are made. She established Sonic Forest Productions – so named because musical instruments are made from trees – in 2011 with a determination to bring diverse, live music to under-served communities and in particular to senior citizens.
“Our musical instruments are made from trees, each a different species. Our musical training and experience is diverse,” said Schuman-Post. “Our beautiful, spontaneous, evocative music also expresses a mystery – an awesome connection to nature, to music, and to one another. Music can’t happen without nature.”
The ensemble plays a diverse range of music that includes classical, jazz, folk, American Songbook, wild world fusion and spontaneous, soothing improvisations. Schuman-Post said that when it comes to a performance, Sonic Forest shares “ideas, stories, thoughts about the music, and themselves” to connect with their audience. “Our programs inspire thought, discussion, movement, memory, laughter, excitement, relaxation, and happiness.”
Sonic Forest received a donation from a private donor who specifically requested that they perform at Allen Temple Gardens. Schuman-Post said that the ensemble loves playing for seniors in part because they are “receptive, and interested, and appreciative.” The audience and the ensemble bond together as a unit for a blissful experience.”
Please join Allen Temple Gardens on July 16, 2018 at 11:00 AM for this event.
For more information on Sonic Forest go to http://www.brendaschumanpost.com/
Don’t miss out!
On Sunday, July 30, 2017, Jazz Performer Josiah Woodson will have a CD release party for his new album, Suite Elemental, at Oaktown Jazz aka Nadine’s (located across the street from Yoshi’s). Woodson and his band will play music from the CD as well as feature original compositions for their next album as well. The quartet will feature
