Music

For about 30 years Tom Rawson has been a presence on Seattle's activist and music scene. Teaching or not, you'll find his banjo, dulcimer or other instruments nearby, ready to help inspire hope and get a group singing.

John Haigis and his wife, Jan, make exceptionally diverse music, music that is silly, serious, spiritual and much more. Out of dulcimer and voice they weave simple and way-faring music, from Groundhog Day carols to an upbeat version of the Lord's Prayer.

Todd Werner is a singer/songwriter from Wausau, Wisconsin with a deep spiritual bent and practical skills in nurturing peace through his work with Peaceful Solutions Counseling. Raised Catholic, gravitating to the kind of Spirit present in Unity Churches, Todd remains a seeker and singer.

Few of my Song of the Soul guest share all instrumental pieces, but Greg Gibertson has a special gift of speaking poetry through his guitar, without words. A finger style guitarist and vivid composer, power and Light shine through his music and, in this interview, through his words.

Singer/songwriter Bryan Sirchio is an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ, and his passions include his frequent trips to and service in Haiti - and, of course, his music. He’s been my guest for Spirit In Action, highlighting some of the many songs he’s written on Peace and Justice themes, but today he’s just back from Haiti to share his spiritual journey through his Song of the Soul.

My guest is Wanaku and he's founder of a band, SUNplugd - Sweet Afrikan Kontry Muziki. Wanaku grew up in British Cameroon, West Africa and currently shares his music with the folks of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The warmth, joy and passion of Wanaku's roots shine through his music.

Kevin McMullin is a multi-talented musician and storyteller, performing individually and with Duck for the Oyster, Randy Sabien and with other groups, Kevin is a found of fine music to feed your soul and to move your soles.

Drew Grunseth is a multi-talented musician, and also one of the DJ's for "Smokin' Grass", a bluegrass show on Eau Claire's WHYS LP FM station - also streamed on-line, Saturdays noon-3 pm. Drew finds passion and community through music, and lives it out many ways, including his work at Just Local Food.

Yata is a musician with tremendous talents and deep spirit, delighting in collaboration with other artists, including Bruce Black, Timothy Young, Dave Ja Vue, and his wife, water-colorist Jean Accola. Yata is Lutheran, past and present, with a special fondness for the writings of Lao Tzu in the Dao De Jing.

Laura Dungan and her husband, Aaron Fowler, sing and lead music that speaks of the kind of work they do - community organizing and empowerment of the disempowered. Laura grew up Methodist, connecting with Quakers when she attended Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, where Laura and Aaron live.