Independently run arts absolutely rock! When a friend invites a you and gaggle of other interested folks for a little art show they have put together in a little cafe or theatre or private home, you can be guaranteed something different and interesting. A little expressional piece of their experience of a sparkle in the world. Sometimes it is edgy, sometimes a little mundane, sometimes a totally irrelevant to your life. And sometimes completely relevant. Either way, I am soooo happy to see independent arts continue to draw new paths through the maps of our consciousness.
Such was the feel this weekend, or at least sunday for me, getting to be a part of the "Brunch" show danced through by Melissa Hudson and her wonderfully creative and often hilarious crew of performers. The event, like some of Melissa other pieces, is all food inspired dance. Yup, food and dance. Sounds like it can be a little messy for sure and much to the delight of the crowd and I think the performers as well it does get messy! Every performer did a little diddy based on a connection with food. The first was a sultry dance with a 5 ft tall stuffed banana. Yup, a banana and it was hilarious! Second was a introspective piece with ritz crackers, next was a little parody on a Tv personality that eats way too much butter called "kale is better than butter". Then we were shown the perfect recipe, and some hilarity from a jewish woman traveling with some sweet potatoes and a few loose screws! I stepped up and got folks out of their chairs for a interactive demonstration on winter foods, and finally Melissa and her 2 co-performers with their piece on Eggs.
I had the fortune of doing a little piece as one of the performers. You may begin to imagine one of those Teppanyaki chefs cookin up some Japanese food throwin tongs and spatulas and knives wildly for their guests circled around with wide eyes and hungry empty bellies. But that wasnt me... :) There were some hungry bellies heard and some enthused eyes intently listening though. My focus was to introduce an movement interlude. One where everyone would get up and make and taste some wonderful food themselves. Since it is the deadset of winter and I am wearing my wool cap everyday now, I focused on foods that nourish the kidneys and the heart. As times get cold, the body and in particular the kidneys need protection and warmth. When the kidneys are stressed, the heart gets the brunt of the hit. When the heart is taxed and tired, the spirit cannot rest. And we all know winter is all about hibernation and introspection.
So, I made a squash soup as a base and a whole bunch of goodies everyone could add into it. There were pickled turnips, collards with garlic, raw walnuts, hearty rye bread, shaved and browned brussel sprouts with apple cider vin, goatcheese mustard sauce, quinoa pilaf, orange braised fennel bulb and radicchio, and a little parsley. Each one of these items has a specific role and function when they do their dance within the body. If you would like more info about these items, just let me know!
I explained everything and the food dance began! Everyone got a little taste and a new inspiration with winter foods. As the nibbling continued, The last performance for the afternoon jumped onstage and more hilarity and amazing choreography was to be showcased.
What a beautiful afternoon! Foods, dance, laughs, smiles...yeah. If you are in the bay area and have any interest in food and the arts, keep an eye out for Melissa Hudson Bell and her crew. Relevant, gutsy, hilarity, creative, extraordinary!
For a demonstration or cooking class/dinner where you can learn more about what you are eating and how to nourish body and spirit with your fork, send me an email!
Buon Apettito!!!
