Remember

In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae, May 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Last night Yvan and I went to see Ladysmith Black Mambazo in concert. They are from South Africa and were founded by Joseph Shabalala 47 years ago. As 3 members retired and his brother shot and killed by a security guard he has brought on his 4 sons to sing with the acappella group.

You may remember Ladysmith from Paul Simon's album "Graceland" in which they accompany him on various songs but the big hit was "Homeless".

The concert was set in an old church downtown and played to a capacity audience. Young and old grooved to the beautiful harmonies these exuberant men sang! You could tell they love what they do and the joy they bring to others.

There seems to be quite a community of South Africans in our little city and it was amazing to see quite a few people get up and dance at the front of the church.

Check to see if they are coming to your town - it is a concert you don't want to miss!!!