Tala Samoa, Samoan News, Brisbane, Australia
Glenn Brookes: Liberal MP’s mystery grants spark Samoa community infighting
EXCLUSIVE Andrew Clennell State Political Editor The Daily Telegraph
A SERIES of taxpayer-funded grants worth $58,000 to a Polynesian group which helped East Hills Liberal MP Glenn Brookes in his election campaign has sparked deep infighting in Sydney’s Samoan community.
One of the grants, for $5000, was given by Mr Brookes to the group, L’au Samoa, for a church in Panania to purchase “church equipment”, which the congregation’s leaders do not even know about.
Under the government’s Community Building Partnerships grants scheme the group has received four grants worth a total of $46,600 in four different electorates last year to purchase four mobile barbecues and cool rooms.
In the past two years the group — whose members, including its treasurer, Aliitaeao Uati, helped Mr Brookes’ successful 2015 campaign — has been awarded $102,800.
Mr Brookes was yesterday unable to say what 2013’s $5000 grant for “church equipment” was for but he suggested it may be being used at a Samoan church in Blacktown, which is not in his electorate.
The grant was awarded to the L’au Samoa society for the “Pananian Christian Church” but there is no equipment at that church related to the grant.
Pananian Church elder Craig Earl confirmed the society used to gather at the church with their permission but added: “I don’t know anything about a grant.” It is the latest in a series of questionable grants involving Mr Brookes.
That includes $28,000 to a group run by convicted money launderer Carl Trad, including a grant to install a school shadecloth, which has since been frozen. The L’au Samoa group has also applied for $20,000 for a shadecloth at Panania’s St Christopher’s School.
Father Maurice Thompson of the Samoan Catholic Church at Panania, which is attached to St Christopher’s School, has written to parishioners saying he wants a response from the MP. “It is beyond me how a group ... could apply for a grant on behalf of our parish and school community, our Catholic Samoan community, without any of us having any knowledge of it,” his letter states.
When contacted L’au Samoa’s president, Alaalatoa Emani, said the money was for the “Samoan church”. “I think it’s somewhere in Bankstown.”
L’au Samoa treasurer Aliitaeao Uati in poll mode.He said of the shadecloth application: “I didn’t know anything about it until Brookes contacted me and asked if we could assist the school because the principal had approached him.”
He said the group needed $10,000 in Cabramatta, $22,000 in Campbelltown, $15,000 in East Hills and $4,600 in Lakemba for barbecues and cool rooms.
Government sources said the $5000 was spent on a projector and sound system and receipts had been provided.
Mr Brookes said the grants were above board and that L’au Samoa became involved in applying for the shadecloth grant after Mr Brookes himself introduced the group to the school. Because the school was not incorporated, it could not apply. Premier Mike Baird’s office referred the issue of Mr Brookes’ grants to his department.
A SERIES of taxpayer-funded grants worth $58,000 to a Polynesian group which helped East Hills Liberal MP Glenn Brookes in his election campaign has sparked deep infighting in Sydney’s Samoan community.
One of the grants, for $5000, was given by Mr Brookes to the group, L’au Samoa, for a church in Panania to purchase “church equipment”, which the congregation’s leaders do not even know about.
Under the government’s Community Building Partnerships grants scheme the group has received four grants worth a total of $46,600 in four different electorates last year to purchase four mobile barbecues and cool rooms.
In the past two years the group — whose members, including its treasurer, Aliitaeao Uati, helped Mr Brookes’ successful 2015 campaign — has been awarded $102,800.
Mr Brookes was yesterday unable to say what 2013’s $5000 grant for “church equipment” was for but he suggested it may be being used at a Samoan church in Blacktown, which is not in his electorate.
The grant was awarded to the L’au Samoa society for the “Pananian Christian Church” but there is no equipment at that church related to the grant.
Pananian Church elder Craig Earl confirmed the society used to gather at the church with their permission but added: “I don’t know anything about a grant.” It is the latest in a series of questionable grants involving Mr Brookes.
That includes $28,000 to a group run by convicted money launderer Carl Trad, including a grant to install a school shadecloth, which has since been frozen. The L’au Samoa group has also applied for $20,000 for a shadecloth at Panania’s St Christopher’s School.
Father Maurice Thompson of the Samoan Catholic Church at Panania, which is attached to St Christopher’s School, has written to parishioners saying he wants a response from the MP. “It is beyond me how a group ... could apply for a grant on behalf of our parish and school community, our Catholic Samoan community, without any of us having any knowledge of it,” his letter states.
When contacted L’au Samoa’s president, Alaalatoa Emani, said the money was for the “Samoan church”. “I think it’s somewhere in Bankstown.”
L’au Samoa treasurer Aliitaeao Uati in poll mode.He said of the shadecloth application: “I didn’t know anything about it until Brookes contacted me and asked if we could assist the school because the principal had approached him.”
He said the group needed $10,000 in Cabramatta, $22,000 in Campbelltown, $15,000 in East Hills and $4,600 in Lakemba for barbecues and cool rooms.
Government sources said the $5000 was spent on a projector and sound system and receipts had been provided.
Mr Brookes said the grants were above board and that L’au Samoa became involved in applying for the shadecloth grant after Mr Brookes himself introduced the group to the school. Because the school was not incorporated, it could not apply. Premier Mike Baird’s office referred the issue of Mr Brookes’ grants to his department.
Taking Multi-tasking to a whole new level, Frazer Goodman blends Jazz with IT, Marketing and Community DevelopmentBy Helen Lauaki
Is there a job Frazer Goodman cannot do? Australia's one-of-a-kind Samoan Jazz/Blues Entertainer is also an Entrepeneur, Father, Reputation Marketing Consultant, Training Facilitator and a Non-Government Organisation Advisor. Today Frazer engaged with 15 unemployed individuals aged between 18yrs to 55 years teaching them how to promote an Event through social media. He has worked in Social Media marketing for the past two years and has set up this website for social media marketing.:http://info.frazergoodman.tv/portfolio/ Mr. Goodman whose also an Arts Member of Artists Envision Health Inc., contributes his time and expertise to non government organisations and community groups for free. He believes that giving back to the Community is an essential part of serving God. The organisation he is helping today is Into People Inc. IP Inc. founded by Reverands, Percy and Marie Eduljee has been running for 14 years. Their passion is to provide disadvantaged individuals and community groups with Training Programs. "We offer an Event Management course as well as an Audio Visual Program to help unemployed people prepare for job placements and build their self esteem," Marie said.
Marie and Percy know what it's like to struggle. Throughout the 14 years they have experienced financial hardship, losing government funding due to political changes and also having their training programs plagiarised by other NGOs. They started working out of their home and throughout the years they have had to move from one building location to another. Despite all this, they have continued pursuing their dream to provide worthwhile training programs. The majority of the work they do is with the unemployed - helping them upskill. One of their major clients is Max Employment - a job service provider funded by the Government whose core aims are to assist the unemployed back in to the work force.
Frazer Goodman has known Reverand Percy for many years and attests to their stalwart conviction to assist the community groups in Woodridge, Logan and the Gold Coast. "Reverand Percy and his wife are wonderful, humble people. They have put a lot of their own money to build this organisation," he said. He also stated that both Reverands are committed to their religious customs. Kingston is a suburb of Logan and there is a large population of Samoans in Logan. This program is a Mutli-Cultural program and helps Samoans as well. "There were some young Samoan students participating today." Frazer commented. Not just content in facilitating the workshop today, he will also be performing in the Fundraiser they have organised on Saturday, May 2nd. For more details of the Event, click on their website link:http://www.intopeopleinc.org Benny Wenda, Founder of the Free West Papua Campaign in Australia to promote his cause and spread the fight for freedom for his people and their landBy Helen Lauaki.
Political Refugee and Founder of the Free West Papua Campaign, Benny Wenda has been in Australia promoting his campaign and rallying supporters - gaining more sympathy to the Cause. The exiled Singer/Poet and appointed Political advocate for imprisoned West Papuans was in Brisbane last week in conjunction with Refugee Week to march with Queensland Supporters in the CBD. The turn out was promising and he was overwhelmed and grateful for those who came out to protest peacefully with him. He began the "FWP" Campaign in 2005. It was officially launched in Oxford by the Lord Mayor. Benny and his wife, Maria arrived in England in 2003 as Assylum Seekers since living in his home land became dangerous for him. Traditionally an Artist, he took on the role of Political Activist because of the large amount of his countrymen urging him to lead them in their fight against the Indonesian occupation of West Papua. The Singer has worked tirelessly since moving to the United Kingdom to make the world aware of his plight and that of his fellow West Papuans whom are at the mercy of Indonesian injustice and tyranny. He wrote a song with his wife, Maria about West Papua and their plight for freedom. "Music is in me and it's my life," he said. He stated that the Indonesian Leaders banned anyone from singing freedom or protest songs. Anyone whom sang we're beaten and arrested. Benny assures me though that singing is in their culture. "I tell my people to sing and feel the joy of singing. Singing helps deal with the pain of the injustice, torturing and raping of our women." In speaking with him he spoke spiritually about his desires for his kindred brothers and sisters to be free in their own country. He said, "My dream is to to see my people free in West Papua. When I see people in the street who are happy with their families and free to live their lives I feel sad because I think about my home and my people and they are not." \What is ridiculously absurd is that West Papuans must provide more validation to International Communities of the atrocities and genocide caused under Indonesian Leadership in West Papua before they will act, when the evidence is obviously there and has been witnessed for decades. The Indonesians, Benny stated had asked the Netherlands - originally colonised Indonesia and Papua - to have control of West Papua. "The Dutch told them they couldn't because we are culturally, linguistically and genetically different from them." replied Benny. In speaking with him he spoke spiritually about his desires for his kindred brothers and sisters to be free in their own country. He said, "My dream is to to see my people free in West Papua. When I see people in the street who are happy with their families and free to live their lives I feel sad because I think about my home and my people and they are not." He stated that he finds it difficult to sleep because he constantly thinks about his many kin subjected to the brutality of Indonesian soldiers who torture and kill them if they try to speak out or retaliate against the occupiers' abuse. Benny Wenda is a peace maker and he has no animosity towards the Indonesian people. His only plea is for them to give back the rights of sovereignty to the West Papuan people. Through the many efforts of his countrymen and political allies, Benny has also set up two other Campaign arms of the West Papuan Cause. The main objectives for his organisation is to rally Political support to gain political freedom for West Papua and to also educate individuals around the world of what's happening in West Papua. He said, "I set up the Parliamentarian Self Determination Campaign to get more help from Political Leaders." Mr. Wenda commented that he is hoping and working to get more political help from countries in the Pacific, such as Samoa, Fiji and also Australia and New Zealand. "We would like Pacific Leaders to stand with us to plead our case at the United Nations against Indonesia." Benny also founded a Legal Campaign which has been running for 8 years. "We have hired a Lawyer who is fighting for our case on the grounds that Indonesia is not legally entitled to govern us." When I asked him about the progress of this he was optimistic but stated that there is red tape and other procedures they must work through. "This is why it is so important for us to get help from other Pacific countries coz with their input it will put pressure on the International Political Body and give more validation to our cause." He continues: "They gave the Indonesians back their independence in 1945. In 1973 Papua New Guinea became independent but in 1984 the Indonesians illegally gained control of our land." Even before that time he stated that the Indonesian military have been a devastating presence in West Papua. The continual rape and beatings of Papua women coupled with torturing, enslaving and killing West Papuan men has left them in fear and subjugation. Benny recalls a personal experience of such atrocities: "When i was 4 or 5 I witnessed an Indonesian soldier rape my Aunty. She was 14 and he started taking her clothes off. My mother tried to stop him but other soldiers grabbed her and beat her. He just raped her in front of us. Later my mum helped my Aunt and her family escape in to the jungle, but the trauma was so terrible, she later died. I never got to see my Aunt or my relatives again after that." I asked him how soon would he like to see freedom come to his country and he replied that he'd like it to come as quickly as he has been campaigning. "Some people say why do it, but I say it's my life and it's my dream. I will keep campaigning and keep rallying for help and support. I want to see one day my people smile and enjoy with their family in their homes without fear. I want to see us go to Church with out fear. It is my country and i want to see it a free land." Benny remembers when Ministers from American Samoa come to Papua New Guinea to share the Christian religion. They never made it to West Papua but he remembers their influence and stories about them coming to their neighbouring kin. One can find out more information about the West Papua Campaigns on Facebook or by going to Benny's website. There are Campaign offices around the world - in London, Perth, Cape Town. Children of Hope Fundraiser well attended by Brisbane's Samoan community.By Uo Alaalatoa Brown
Brisbane Community turned up in numbers to support the Queensland Samoa Victim Support Group Fundraiser for 'Children of Hope' - victims of domestic violence and abuse, physically, sexually and mentally, held at the Blue Fin Inala on Saturday night. A successful night much to the delight of Director of Samoa Victim Support Group in Queensland, Mrs Eseta Frost and QLD team. Team QLD headed off to Samoa following Sunday, for a Combined 10 Years Celebration in Samoa with other groups from , Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland - Australia, Auckland, Christchurch, Palmerston North -NZ, and Tutuila American Samoa.. Pictures from the event by Uo Alaalatoa Brown |
Upcoming eventsFor more news for Brisbane go to VW EntertainmentThere is a sister website that is linked to this website providing news and information for the Polynesian Community in Brisbane, Australia. It is VW Entertainment and you can go to their website for the latest news from Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The link is available by clicking on the button above. Or just go to www.vwentertainment.rocks.
Stirring Memoir Recounts Samoan Author’s Struggle in ‘Evil Paradise’Jane Schwalger-Wyatt was born the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy plantation owner's nephew and a traditional village housemaid on the exotic Polynesian island of Samoa. Born between two cultures and classes in the turbulent post colonial years and unwanted by either parent, her future looked bleak.
After Jane's birth, a pact was made between her grandmother and her rich great aunt. Jane spent her first ten years as a village girl raised by her grandmother, with her true identity kept secret. Although adored by her grandmother, she endured hardship, brutality, and sexual abuse. Upon her grandmother's death, Jane escaped to what she thought would be paradise on earth: her aunt's estate, but she discovered that it held terrible secrets. In time, Jane learned about the savage history that blighted the plantation and the bizarre supernatural occurrences that cursed the grounds of the estate and any who dared dwell there. Sleeping pills became her saviour. After a failed reunion with her father, she went to live with her mother in New Zealand, where she was rejected and abused yet again. She became homeless in a cold and unfamiliar land. Whilst battling overwhelming obstacles to stay alive for the sake of her daughter, Jane's second child was diagnosed with profound disabilities. 'Would she be well enough to care for him?' How she managed to endure proved an unparalleled feat of human endurance and faith. She clung to the few that truly loved her, striving to make a life for herself with fierce and inspirational determination. “This amazing true life story will stun readers with its honesty and motivation. We are thrilled to announce its release,” said Robert Fletcher, CEO of Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Agency. EVIL PARADISE (Kindle ISBN: 978-1-68181-032-4, ePub ISBN: 978-1-68181-033-1) is available for $9.99 at http://epubco.com/shop/products/
evil-paradise-by-jane-schwalger-wyatt/ or Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/ Evil-Paradise-Jane-Schwalger-Wyatt- ebook/dp/B00W7NIMWQ/ Barnes & Noble Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ w/evil-paradise-jane-schwalger- wyatt/1121535311 and in multi-formats for other e-Readers through numerous vendors online. The softcover version (ISBN: 978-1-63135-766-4) is now available for $23.50 and can be ordered through the publisher’s website: http://sbprabooks.com/JaneSchwalgerWyatt or at www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com. WHOLESALERS: This book is distributed by Ingram Books and other wholesale distributors. Contact your representative with the ISBN for purchase. Wholesale purchase for retailers, universities, libraries, and other organizations is also available through the publisher; please email [email protected] About the Author: Jane Schwalger-Wyatt lives in Brisbane Australia, and is writing the sequel. "The end is not the end but a new beginning. Evil Paradise is a tale with the timeless theme of good versus evil, the triumph of faith and hope over fear and violence, making it a compelling and uplifting story for all." Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Co, LLC www.SBPRA.net www.AuthorMarketingIdeas.com www.PublishOnDemandGlobal.com ABOUT: Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Co, LLC provides book publishing, book marketing, and e-Book services to over 10,000 writers around the world. Our books are available through Ingram, the largest book distributor in the world, as well as in bookstores, through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and all online channels. Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Co, LLC attends and exhibits at the major book expositions in London, New York, China, and Germany each year. Contact: Ellen Green, Press Manager, Strategic Book Group - [email protected] PRESS RELEASE WITH VIDEO TRAILER EMBEDDED Now Available for Kindle, Nook, iPad and other e-Readers Stirring Memoir Recounts Author’s Struggle in ‘Evil Paradise’ https://www.facebook.com/sbpra.us http://pinterest.com/sbpra/ https://twitter.com/SBPRA https://www.linkedin.com/company/sbpra Meet Steve Viliamu, the Liberal National Party Candidate for Woodridgeby Helen Lauaki
Liberal National Party Member, Steve Viliamu -whom is of Samoan and Tokelauan decent- thrives on the pioneering spirit and promoting hard work and innovation. He is accustomed to breaking new ground and 'making things happen' when things aren't happening. His acceptance of the LNP candidacy for Woodridge illustrates this tenacity to take on challenges, especially pioneering challenges. He was one of the only Polynesian sportsman to leave New Zealand in the 1980s and come to play rugby league professionally in Australia. When that prospect didn't work out, he decided to study business at an Australian College in Queensland. Studying was something that didn't come easy for him, but he worked hard at it and eventually graduated and started his own business. Today he is the Director of his own small business which specializes in electronic security systems. He is a successful small businessman and with his wife, Caroline have raised five respectful children whom are as hard working and driven as he is. "My mother was a very hard working woman. Growing up in NZ, I remember her always working for us. She worked hard so that we could get a good education and become something." Something he carries with him still that he inherited from his mum is the 'alofa' spirit. Living in Queensland and assimilating the Australian way of life personally and in business has allowed him to give back to the Communities he has lived in. “I have a proud record of helping others through community and sporting organisations,” Mr Viliamu said. One passion he does have which he has contributed greatly to is the Arts - especially Music. Once living in an affluent area, Steve moved back to Woodridge to pursue a goal he plans to achieve. Woodridge, has one of the largest Polynesian and Samoan communities in Logan - Queensland for that matter. It is his goal to help create more jobs for people in Woodridge as he believes this will help build the morale and reduce the crime rate - a challenge that comes with youth who have no direction. “Job opportunities for our young people are one of my priorities and this government is leading the way in job creation," he commented. The Queensland LNP Chapter chose him because of his hard work ethics and his connection with the Community. "LNP State President, Bruce McIver, said Steve Viliamu is a great example of someone who has achieved success through hard work and commitment. Steve will bring these qualities to the role of Member for Woodridge if elected and will work passionately for the people of the community,” Mr McIver said. The LNP are currently the government elected in the Queensland State and also the country. No stranger to challenges, Steve's biggest one is winning over traditional Labour supporters. Polynesians and other ethnic groups living in Woodridge predominantly vote Labour. Being Polynesian and running for a Party not recognised by the status quo as 'for the people' is something he is currently working hard at dispelling. "My mother was a Labour voter in NZ. I used to think the way she did, but after seeing what it takes to run a business and the responsibility involved with employing people and other challenges, I realised that there is a better way of helping people. What I like about the LNP is there more about 'teaching a [person] how to fish so they can feed themselves and their families and not rely on the government." Mr McIver also stated that should he win, he will be a great addition to the Newman LNP Government Team which has a strong plan for a brighter future for all Queenslanders. The Labour Candidate for Woodridge is Dick Cameron whom takes over from the most revered Woodridge MP, to have been in office, Desley Scott who has retired. Those will be big shoes to fill whomever wins this electorate. Queensland Premier and LNP Member, Campbell Newman called a snap election in the beginning of January. Both Steve and Dick have been busy campaigning these past few weeks around Woodridge. Saturday, January 31st the citizens of Woodridge will vote. Hopefully, they will consider the merits of the individual candidates than just the Party each belongs to. Samoan Jazz Musician Frazer Goodman is a special talent in a diverse genre.By Helen Lauaki
The American Songbook Circle created by professional Jazz Musician, Frazer Goodman has been playing to big crowds at the Loft, Chevron Island in the Gold Coast since December 19, 2014. Goodman who also produced this show wanted to showcase the talents of American Artists like Angela Fabian and locals, Maggie Britton and Nicole Parker-Brown to a new generation of music lovers as well as to Jazz fans from yesteryear. I went along to the Loft when international Jazz and Blues performer, Maggie Britton was performing with Frazer and his band. A mix of young, middle aged and older patrons were treated to the melodic, husky, bluesy powerful singing of Britton and the entertaining showman/singer/piano genius Frazer Goodman. One of Maggie Brittons' fans whom followed her through her 1980s tours of London and Australia said, “When I heard she was playing tonight. I had to come. She’s still got it. She may be older but when she sings a tune it hits you right here.” Pointing to her heart, the fan started clicking her fingers and swaying to the music as Goodman began playing and Maggie sang another well known 50s tune. The American Songbook Circle pays tribute to the pioneers of Jazz by covering their songs. Pioneers and Legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett are just some of many artists that came out of that American music era. The production will continue through to January 19th. Amongst the audience there were younger patrons who were listening for the first time. “I enjoyed it. I didn’t know what to expect but I loved it." replied Carol Tomuli-Fong. Frazer also took some requests from the younger audience. He played George Bensons’ “Breezin” for me. This was a song that crossed over the Jazz boundaries in to contemporary music which by todays’ standards is a classic. Frazer is no stranger to the Queensland Blues and Music scene. Even though he has been contracted to play in Singapore and Greece, he has forged a name for himself in Queensland as one of the iconic Jazz Officianadios. He says, “When I arrived in Brisbane 1990, there wasn’t a big demand for RnB and Soul music. There was a music scene but it was more country, Blues and Jimmy Barnes. But I still loved jazz music. So from 1990 until now I completed a number of Jazz music festivals including the Gold Coast Blues Festival. Not many keyboard vocalists who play this genre. It was good to stay focused on the genre I love.” A combination of his musical talents and skills which he gained from growing up in a professionally talented musical family, his ability to sing as well as play the piano and his love for Jazz helped build his Australian music career. Being one of the only professional Samoan Jazz Musicians in Australia sets a precedence he hopes will inspire younger Samoan artists to step in to. “Jazz is losing followers around the world because a lot of young musicians are not picking up the trumpet. Instead they are getting in to electronic music. Coz that’s what young people are listening to. But I Iove it. And I hope our young people will catch on to how great it is.” Goodman continues, "What is great is that there is a lot of musical students that have come out of Berkeley University creating an eclectic sound and have come back home and have created their own niche of jazz music in the past ten years. And it’s wonderful. I think that is what Pepe Suilaepa has done in Samoa." Suilaepa started a revival in Samoa and American Samoa by producing the first Jazz Festival in Samoa, September 2014. The influences of American music started in New Zealand. While growing up in Auckland before the stage name Frazer Goodman was created, he listened to Soul Great, Stevie Wonder and Jazz Contemporary Legend, George Benson. “Around that time Stevie Wonder and George Benson were experimenting with a new easy listening style of Jazz. And the more experimental they got with jazz and fusion the more I started to like it. And that began my journey of Jazz Musician.” He also talks about how he was able to learn the music style quickly and the songs on the piano. "In those days, you could get sheet music from the record shops. So you'd buy the record and the sheets. So I learned to play these songs. And also guitar music was more popular and so when Stevie and Elton John hit the scene, piano had emerged as a main instrument.
Every Kiwi was listening to Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, George Benson and I loved that music.” Even though they weren't listening to Jazz music in Queensland when he began living in Queensland he said that he was grateful to Australian Jazz Musicians at that time who who didn't give up knocking and eventually kicked them down for their love of the genre. He comments, "There have been some great artists, James Morrison and Grace Knight busted open the doors for Jazz and I was happy to walk through the door back then. Locals like Ingrid James, fantastic singer and fantastic piano player from Napier named Will Seargen. Mavis Rivers a famous Samoan Jazz singer who played with Frank Sinatra." As much as Frazer would love to perform full time he says it's good to keep a balance. "I love Jazz and if I had the opportunity to perform it all the time, i would. But, I have a day job and i keep a balance with my work life, music and family life. I don’t do a lot of creating music but I do like the freedom of being able to have that balance." “For me it’s personal gratification. I enjoy my life and my music because the music like jazz, blues, whatever is the medium or the end product of your life. It’s the vehicle and if you compare it to the commercialism of the end product which is "everything" Id rather live my life playing what I love and enjoy my life and the performing and getting that feedback of how I do. Im also happy to help my fellow musicians and help those through my playing. We know music is of a spiritual nature and it can help him people dealing with problems. Music has an eclectic medium that brings people together. And I want to also help people through that medium." |