Recording artist Michael Monroe
Performing and recording artist Michael Monroe will be part of the special Sunday Service hosted by Lake Harriet Spiritual Community from 9-10:45 a.m. on November 6 at Minneapolis Convention Center. He also will perform prior to the 11:15 a.m. Keynote address by Dolores Cannon on "The Convuluted Universe," immediately following the Sunday Service.
Monroe has recently released his eighth album, Simple Life, which is an acoustic collection of tunes inspired by his rustic lifestyle, and was recorded in his solar-powered, log cabin MisTree Studio on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Inspiration also came from his new guitars made on the Gunflint Trail by luthier David Seaton. The new tenor, "Baby Snow Leopard," and baritone, "Snow Leopard," so named as they are made of "birds’ eye poplar" wood, resemble spots of a leopard. These instruments are unique as they have the sound holes on the top side of the guitar.
Monroe is now in his fourth decade of making music for a living. He has traveled many miles since his first paid performance. He recorded his first demo 30 years ago in a "chicken coop" studio owned by Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary. His effective and versatile repertoire continues to captivate audiences of all ages with his unique blend of guitar, bamboo/glass flutes and rich vocals. Together they create a powerful style of acoustic folk, reggae and jazz – and his integration of "live looping" technology during his live performances allows him to recycle his music "live" as he performs.
His instrumental music is heard across the nation on PBS and in Canada, in the Aurora Picture’s award-winning documentary, "Chased By The Light" and featured at the 2004 Toronto Environmental and New York International Film Festivals about internationally known photographer and best selling author Jim Brandenburg, with whom Monroe collaborated in the Guthrie Theater during the "In Concert With Nature" production. In 2004, Monroe received a regional Emmy for his music, "Soaring On Mended Wings," a KSTP television special about the University of Minnesota Raptor Center.
Michael uses his portable solar-powered set up to perform in venues such as the California Capitol Steps for "Clean Power Day." He has shared the stage with such artists as Michael McDonald, Paul Williams, Bernie Leadon (Eagles), Michael Johnson, Peter, Paul and Mary, Dr. John, Michael Franks, Jesse Colin Young, Rippingtons, David Benoit and Shawn Phillips. Michael Monroe continues to perform up to 200 dates a year in concerts, festivals, clubs, colleges, educational and corporate settings. For performance, recording and other information check out his web site: michaelmonroe.info or contact his Music Line: (763) 391-2171. Visit www.michaelmonroe.info
"Filmmaking and the Art of Living"
One of the many free workshops presented to those who attend Edge Life Expo 2005 will be "Filmmaking and the Art of Living," a talk recently added to the Expo schedule featuring Maurizio Benazzo, who co-directed, produced and self-distributed the film Short Cut to Nirvana, an award-winning documentary about the Kumbh Mela spiritual festival that takes place near Allahabad, India, every 12 years. The film has appeared in 100 theaters across the country during the past year.
"Filmmaking and the Art of Living" will be presented by Benazzo from 4-4:50 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, in Room 102C at Minneapolis Convention Center. Admission to Edge Life Expo admits you to all free workshops. Admission is $9 daily or $20 for all three days.
This is an inspirational and highly entertaining talk about recognizing your dreams, following them and making them become reality. Confront your deepest fear and work through them, take a step toward your happiness and realize that there is always an invisible safety net under you ready to catch you.
Short Cut to Nirvana ranks in the top 100 documentaries of all time against all odds and projections, because of its uplifting spiritual message in an industry driven by violence and hate.
"Once you are following your dream there is no stop to your bliss!" Benazzo says. "Life is a precious gift and we should live it as such."
Benazzo also will be available throughout Edge Life Expo at booth 316 in Exhibition Hall.
For more information on Shortcut to Nirvana or to view the movie’s trailer, visit www.ShortCutToNirvana.com
See the complete list of additions and changes to the program at Edge Life Expo 2006, November 4-6, Minneapolis Convention Center, www.edgelifeexpo.com
