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EESTI ELU reedel, 5. märtsil 2021 — Friday, March 5, 2021
We're Listening with EMW: Party Vibes as Created by Dance-O-Phones
ry market, but on the stage at Sõru Jazz in Hiiumaa.
Vincent Teetsov When was the last time any of us went to a party? A few hours where we could really let loose, sing along to what's played by a DJ or a band, hug a friend, be in each oth er’s company, and “dance like no one's watching” as the say ing goes. So many weeks and months have rolled on with out these revelries, but that hasn't meant that the per formers who create these vibes can afford to stop pre paring for their eventual return. In Estonia, one of the in-de mand bands for parties has been a group of musicians called Dance-O-Phones. As you might have guessed, the songs they play are ideal for getting people to move on the dance floor. This includes, as one fan has
pointed out, tantsuvõõramad (“strangers to dance”). For some, dancing is frightfully em barrassing, and the people in society who can alleviate that are heroes. Since their members started playing together in 2006, the lineup of Dance-O-Phones has varied from show to show, with a rotating roster of talented young Estonian musicians that has included guitarist Mihkel Pilt, saxophonist Tobias Tammearu, bassist Raimond Mägi, and drummer Karl Helmeste. The principal ele ments of this outfit are the uni fied rhythm created by the deep bass (sometimes acoustic dou ble bass, sometimes electric),
Seedrioru Fundraiser Once upon a time, there were four selt sid who dreamt of having a place where their children could be together, play, sing, learn and converse in Estonian. It was not easy finding the perfect spot, one that was suit able for a children’s camp, girl guides and scouts, for family camping and for song festivals. After considering 50 acres of forest outside of Flamboro, also looking at another property which is now know as African Lion Safari, the perfect spot was found. On Sunday, May 22, 1955, Arnold Voltre, aka “Seedri vana”, and Jüri Juurand drove over to Lot #3, Concession “C” township of Pilkington to have a look at a 62 1/2 acre property.
Mr. Voltre left Mr. Juurand, along with the realtor in the car. Almost two hours later, cold and wet, Arnold Voltre came back and said, “Jüri, see on see koht!” “Jüri, this is the place!” And as they say, the rest is history! These wonderful pioneers, who were many, bought, planned, built and sustained this magical, one of a kind place called Seedrioru. Bought in 1955, the first children’s camp and song festival was held in 1956! Incredible! 474 volunteers, 352 men, 118 women working to gether, along with the spirit of Seedrioru and the strength of the Grand! We thank you. We honour these immigrants, volunteers, parents, grandparents, who, while building their own per
Discriminating against faith
apparently. But one that is absurd in the context of other places, questionable services being declared essential.
Some of the draconian deci sions made by our self-serving politicians imposing the lock down on a (mostly) subser vient population make no sense whatsoever. Recent presidential decrees and harsh legislation – as in Ontario – without public consultation are a sign of growing authori tarianism, undermining com mon values. A reasonable in dividual may, and should, question the limitations placed on important religious cere monies. Such as limiting attendance at funerals to 10 people, including the pastor or minister. That’s a govern ment decision, enforced vi gorously and rigorously,
Recently the slender one lost a dear friend and was fortunate enough to be one of the select number allowed indoors into the chapel to say farewell, until we meet again. The collection of personal information was understandable, considering the fears of many, the need for contact tracing. Yet all were masked, and the chapel, where the staff had placed chairs more than two metres apart, could easily have accommodated many more than the 10. At a guess 40 would have been able to honour the departed. And curiously, the chapel asked the widow for the names of those who would be attending, this days before the funeral. Estonians are not in
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Still from Dance-O-Phones’ “Popurrii 2021” video.
crispy hi hat rolls, and chunky rhythm guitar. Soaring on the edges are saxophone and key board textures. Typically lead ing the group with her soprano voice is Mirjam Dede, who au diences in Toronto have had the chance to see before, when a cappella group Estonian Voices came to perform at Lula Lounge for Estonian Music Week in 2018.
rock songs.
Discussions of music tend to form around the original songs of artists. But while new songs are needed more than ever, more appreciation could be giv en to artists who reinterpret es tablished pieces of music. Making new arrangements of familiar songs reorients the way a piece of music is appreciated, and is rejuvenating for both performers and listeners. Classical and jazz musicians do it all the time. Music YouTuber duo Pomplamoose also come to mind, for the many cover songs they've spent time shaping in original ways.
They’re musicians who have a myriad of other solo projects and bands. Though in this configuration, setlists are mainly built on disco, funk, and
While parties have receded, Dance-O-Phones recently re leased their “Popurrii” video song sample that comes out every year or so, with a loot bag full of hits. At their shows, there’s a mixture of Estonian songs like Tõnis Mägi’s “Peegel”, and also English lan guage music like The Pointer Sisters’ “I'm So Excited” and Dua Lipa’s 2020 chart-ascender “Levitating”. The music has brought them to the stage not only at private functions and weddings, which is their prima
sonal lives, came together and built this loved and special Seedrioru! All for the lapsed, the children. For theirs, for ours, and for generations to come. To learn Estonian lan guage and heritage. To sing Estonian songs by a camp fire, to dance in traditional colours and most importantly, to raise our Estonian flag. A place that keeps us together, where their efforts are not forgotten. Seedrioru keeps growing through each generation as they bring in new ideas and ways of life. But one thing that stays constant is growth… trees! Covid19 caused the cancellation of Suvihari, children’s summer camp and Seedrioru’s 65th birthday last year. However, we CAN celebrate Seedrioru’s Summer Children’s Camp turning 65 this year! We can’t hold hands but we can grow roots. We are cele brating in a different way while
ensuring that Seedrioru thrives for years to come! 65 YEARS! 65 WHITE BIRCH TREES! $65.00 EACH TREE! Purchase a beautiful 4 to 5 ft white birch tree for yourself, children, grandchildren or in memoriam. Come plant your birch tree in a predetermined spot in Seedrioru. However, if you can not make it, we will plant it for you. You will receive a birthday certificate with each tree. Commemorate the past and plant a tree for the future! Watch your roots grow, and with your financial support know that you will have con tributed to the preservation of Estonian language, culture and youth of Seedrioru! 65 YEARS! 65 WHITE BIRCH TREES! $65.00 EACH TREE! Hoo-rei, me Seedrioru noored Vaba mets me kaitseja!
ORDER and BUY your trees NOW!
vited to funerals – they come to show their respect.
cians harshly, it is the final judgment that individuals need to be concerned about, hold im portant.
commodate another 500. Surely, with a separation of more than two metres, enforced by the wardens and beadles (if Baptists have them) at least 300 people, at a rough guess, could partake in one of the two Sunday services. Which, alas, are not being offered.
Ironically, the local LCBO has a prominent sign in its window – maximum number of customers – 40. Masks are also worn, as is the case everywhere. So why are purchasers of alcohol given this advantage? But not those attending a funeral. To add insult to injury, places of worship are closed for ser vices, except for virtual ones. Which is ridiculous. Faith is a very important part of the human make-up, at least for some, if certainly not for all. Religion is personal, and one needs regular reminders whether through a sermon during a service, the readings from the Bible, and in the Lutheran tra dition of singing religious songs, together. While we may judge the covidiots and politi
Yet we cannot follow our spiritual needs, and no reason is given why a church service, a funeral, is more dangerous than picking up a bottle of wine. Or for that matter, jostling in gro cery store aisles with oblivious churls who have lowered their mask below their nostrils, or even to their chin for otherwise they cannot breathe. Or their glasses fog up. So they claim. Yorkminster Baptist Church, on Yonge Street north of St. Clair Avenue is huge. It has hosted large Estonian united choral concerts and during those the church was never completely occupied. The pews seat 1,200 worshippers; the transept and galleries can ac
As we speak, bands like Dance-O-Phones are preparing for those first few times when partying will feel weird. Many professionals have been nega tively impacted by the pandem ic, but I have a good feeling that the musicians who admin ister party atmosphere will be in great demand to turn our moods around.
To order your trees, first email Helle and Rutti at seedri orubirches@gmail.com SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!!! Thanks to this wonderful community, we are SOLD OUT of trees! Suit aitäh! A huge thank you to all of you for making this happen and supporting Seed rioru! To add your name to our list should we plant more trees in the future, please email seed riorubirches@gmail.com Thank you to Northern Birch Credit Union for supporting this initiative. With their support, all funds raised go directly to supporting Seedrioru. works cited Seedrioru 1955-1980
Yorkminster was also a won derful retreat at this time of year, pre-pandemic. Wednesday noontime, from fall to spring the church hosted free organ concerts by Southern Ontario’s best organists. The organ itself, it must be said, is wonderful as well, filling the airwaves with lush and beautiful sounds. It was the perfect place to gather spiritual and musical energy, much needed at any time, per haps even more so at present. But the program has been (Continued on page 10)
