Beyond The Borders 2008

Saturday's second-annual "Beyond The Borders" Music and Arts Festival was so deliciously elemental, my dear Watson! The morning began with some clouds and showers but the afternoon was the perfect mix of sunshine, scattered clouds and refreshing breezes, just right for an outdoor concert at the Longbranch Improvement Club.

I was a little late to the party, arriving just as the first act, Mooncoyne, was wrapping it up. There were many friends to greet, including my dear Gigi, fellow Blog-Squadder Kim, with her kids and her lovely mum, Marilyn. Together we went into the shade of the Hall to peruse the beautiful artwork on display by Two Waters artists.

The drumming circle began to play on the indoor stage and would continue to entertain between each outdoor act of the afternoon. I tell you, the energy in the room really pumped up when Kim's son Justin hit the floor with his t-shirt-waving warrior dance! The rhythm started to pull me by the second and third Chakras, into a spell, into the dance. This was the Fire of the day, hypnotic and hip-pulling. Gigi and I danced every time the drums played, heating ourselves up again and again.

The next performer to begin on the outdoor stage was Lora Chiorah, accompanied by Leif Totusek on guitar. Lora is a beautiful Mother of the Earth, from Zimbabwe. In her voice was the drifting dust and rooted people. The collar of her dress was layers of bright orange cloth petals and she was an African Lotus, blessing the Earth we all stood upon, within her songs and movements.

Lora sometimes played an "Imbera" (guessing at the spelling) which is a thumb-piano mounted inside a hand-drum. She used it when singing a song about the coming of Westeners. Between the vocals, instruments and foot-stomping, you could close your eyes and see the wagons, see change coming. Leif Totusek's guitar rang out like life through a rippling heat-mirage. Music this deeply-rooted in the earth pulls a sweetness, even into struggle and pain.

The next group to take the stage was "World Sounds," a six-piece eclectic mix of instruments and moods, led by flutes, other wind instruments and vocals. Here then, the third element of Air added itself to the afternoon. As a Native American wooden flute was played, the breeze cooled our dancing fire and carried dragonflies above the stage.

Abrace (which means embrace in Spanish and Portugese) was the last performance of the afternoon. Four incredible women who sing intricate harmonies make up the group, with a gentle man who provided most of the percussion to back them. Here my favourite element, Water, began to pour through the sound. Their voices rushed like a river and happily tumbled together over wild falls.



Samia Panni was "Yemaya" herself, the Universal Mother of the Ocean. This wonderful group is a deep dive into the current that life flows in. I'm so glad they returned for the second year. Their beautiful song "The Storm Is Passing Over" stays with me in its hope for Humanity.

With the generous help of Two Waters Arts Alliance, the Angel Guild and lots of great volunteers, Mark Runions has now firmly established a summertime tradition. A sweet and humble magician, this year he stirred the Four Elements to bring the world to Longbranch. Well done Mark, thank you for a wonderful "Beyond The Borders" Festival!


My friends Gigi and Soi Bec - havin' a great time!

Picture info:

1 & 2 are ©Mark Runions 2008
3 is ©Lorraine Hart 2008


Sorry to say I've had some computer problems today and have been unable to include pics!

eta: got my computer wiz to sneak past the trolls.. hopefully there's pics!