Saturday, December 6, 2014
7:00-9:00pm
Experience the ecstatic poetry of Rumi in a stirring reading by Coleman Barks, his celebrated translator, accompanied by two talented Twin Cities musicians: sitarist David Whetstone and tabla player Marcus Wise.
Barks’ recent work explores the friendship of Rumi, the Sufi “ecstatic who felt a connection with all beings,” and his spiritual teacher Shams, “a fierce truth-teller who looked for hypocrisy everywhere.”
Barks will read poems rich in beauty and spiritual insight that capture the delight and the impermanence of bonds that pierce deep into the human mind, heart and soul. Besides illuminating the mindful, meaningful practice of the soul friendship, Barks will also reflect on learning in his own life.
Come revel in the words inspired by this great friendship, and savor this multidimensional feast of music, poetry and story that explores the nature of love, friendship and deep matters of the soul. The evening is co-sponsored by St. Catherine University Theology Department.
Presenters:
Coleman Barks, renowned poet and bestselling author, last visited Wisdom Ways in 2005. The author of numerous Rumi translations and a student of Sufism since 1977, he taught English and poetry at the University of Georgia for thirty years, and now focuses on writing, readings, and performances. Visit Coleman Barks’ website.
David Whetstone, sitarist-disciple of the renowned Ustad Vilayat Khan, has collaborated and toured for over 20 years with Robert Bly and Coleman Barks. Co-founder and former Artistic Director of Minneapolis’ Ragamala Music and Dance Theater, he also teaches raga and sitar at Carleton College.
Marcus Wise is a top-tier tabla player, poetic and genre-bending. An Ambassador of Eastern classical music, he makes Indian sounds accessible to American music fans, collaborating with folk, jazz, gospel and pop artists. From his home in Minneapolis, he continues to perform, record and teach tablas privately. Visit Marcus Wise’s website.
