Holiday Market '08: The First Half

In the interest of getting up to speed, here are just a few of the memorable Market Moments from the first seven Holiday Market days:

The Annual Harvest Potluck is our Market Family gathering. It takes place on the evening of the first set up day, and just gets better every year. Friends and family taking a break from the pre-Market frenzy and sharing a meal, it's a great way to set off on the Holiday Market adventure.


The Eugene Bhangra Youth Group performed on Saturday, Nov. 29. Dancing children always radiate joy through the whole place, especially all of these beautiful, brightly dressed, jumping and swirling girls of all ages and sizes. Coming just days after the bombings in Mumbai, it felt especially significant to spend time celebrating the culture of India in such an exuberant way.


Scrambled Ape!! I have never felt a band lift up and bliss out an entire giant room of people like Scrambled Ape did when they performed. They are a brass band, with drummer, and with an eclectic repertoire ranging from balkan/klezmery tunes to cartoon music to New Orleans style brass jazz. Something about their energy and the tone of the brass in the room and the music they played sent everybody right over the moon. I went out and walked around a bit, and people who never comment on anything were begging me to let them play all day, every day. Wow! That was fun, thanks Scrambled Ape-teers! Go see them someplace if you ever get the chance...


I also especially love when Soromundi Lesbian Chorus performs. A wonderful community choir, 80+ women strong, also with a wide repertoire. They sing music from all countries and genres, and do so beautifully. Their rendition of "Let It Be" had the whole place all goosebumply.


So there are a few glimpses for you. This weekend we have our annual Frida Kahlo Day tomorrow (you can find out what that means here), and possibly a little snow on Sunday afternoon, just to get everybody in the Holiday Spirit... I'm just hoping it does hold off until Market's done for the weekend!