So, to all you readers out there, I AM still living. LOL. I just took some time to gather thoughts to post as a new blog. I am enjoying the quiet nature of the "cease fire" that currently exisists here in Baghdad. Although if you asked other military or higher up folks, they would say otherwise. Since I got here, there has been no significant cause for alarm. Nice to know.
I have hooked up with a few fellow musicians and we play weekly, up to 3 times per week. We are called..."The Baghdad String Benders". We play a mixture of Bluegrass, Country, Gospel (the sittin on yer porch evenin singin that your granparents told you about) some classic rock, top 40 pop once in a while, only, we do it in one of Saddams old palaces. Ironic, don't you think?
So, quite a diverse bunch. We have 2-3 guitarists at any given time, Nathaniel Sears, Abby Bradley, Toby Stell, Vincent Foulk guitar and mandolin/mandola, Bernie Poindexter Banjo, til he left to go back to the USA. Anyways, it keeps the boredom at bay, for the most part.
So, I'm going to try and post a picture of the band taken on the last night we were all together, before Bernie left.
Till next time, BLOG ON!!
Peace, FROM the Middle East.
About Me
- Toby
- I am 35, divorced, 1 son 7 years old. I live with my family. I lead a spiritual life within a Native American Medicine and Shamanism realm. I am an active solo musician as well as a part of "The Baghdad String Benders". I currently live and work in Baghdad, Iraq as a civilian contractor. I am versed in Middle Eastern, West African and Native American rhythms etc. I am also a "Trance Dancer" Perhaps also referred to as Totem Dancing, (not affiliated with Traditional Pow Wow dancing.) I also love the outdoors, camping, hiking, chasing storms (not for profit, more for personal pleasure). I am a diverse character to be sure.
