It’s May 27 2019, so called Memorial Day under patriarchy. This is a day which, as a child I was taught, marked the beginning of summer and thus we ladies could finally wear white. Ugh. Also it’s a day that war heroes are celebrated. Interesting conjunction. Since now I wear white any damn time I want and know about patriarchy’s true war on women I thought it fitting to honor one of my favorite war heroes, radical feminist Andrea Dworkin. In the background to my reading of her 1978 essay which she wrote and published in Letters from the War Zone, you'll hear Kitka and their entire 1999 album called Nectar. Kitka is an American women’s vocal arts ensemble inspired by traditional songs and vocal techniques from Eastern Europe and Eurasia. Founded in 1979 as an offshoot of the Westwind International Folk Ensemble, Kitka began as a grassroots group of amateur singers from diverse ethnic and musical backgrounds who shared a passion for the stunning dissonances, asymmetric rhythms, intricate ornamentation, and resonant strength of traditional Eastern European women’s vocal music. Since its informal beginnings, the group has evolved into an award-winning professional touring ensemble known for its artistry, versatility, and mastery of the demanding techniques of regional vocal styling, as well as for its innovative explorations in new music for female voices.
I hope you enjoy this last music hour until Fall! Catch you again then. Blessed be!
