May 26, 2024 –
The AFABW LA chapter Meeting was a hit
at Theta Sound Studio
It was a gathering of new and old friends that started out with artists “breaking bread” and sharing light snacks on the patio and getting to know one another and what they do in the arts.
Art work was on display by Jen Cahow Brown, Lynda Hubbard, Duane Stroh – and books by Susan Stroh, Lynda Hubbard and Barbara Cordova. Halsey Wickser shared some of his poetry to the attendees.
Then we went into the studio where AFABW Founder Barbara Cordova AFABW went over International news such as World Art Day – and the 4 events that were produced by the group, and captured on a special video.
Media Dir Randall Michael Tobin shared our Facebook groups and how artists make posts, and also our Instagram group – where Manuela Oliveira does our posts.
Barbara talked about how The Gambia chapter, Run by Fabakary Sanneh, was on fire with arts and social betterment – and she was inspired to write a song entitled “Africa, Spirit so Free,” that was produced by Randall Michael Tobin and set to video – along with traditional instrumentation by Robin Hogarth, and it was released for the first time at the meeting.
Then LA chapter Dir Lallah Rowe talked about how AFABW needs to become “The New Hollywood” and gave a presentation about the history of Hollywood and how the Purpose is still there, just buried. All were in agreement. She also read an impactful poem. And went over future events for the LA chapter to participate in such as the Montrose Fair, Monthly showcases at The Sunland Mission, and other events.
And then the Show began – And the group was treated to performances by our members in attendance.
They were: Harriet Schock, Manuela Oliveira, Greg Bartheld, Masami Asahina, Barbara Cordova with Rob Oliver, Alarma, Javier Medra, and Carmelita Pittman who got inspired from all the other talent to improvise a song on the spot. And Lallah Rowe who also got inspired to sing a song. And it ended with Randall Michael Tobin sharing a recording of a special song for which he composed the music with lyrics by Nancy Krasn Gumbiner.
Connections came naturally such as Carmelita Pittman getting new artists to go on her radio show, Ideas for co creation amongst the members – and more wanting to help AFABW expand.
Feedback:
“I am very fortunate to have families such as AFABW in my life that adds to its meaning. I was inspired to sing today because of the level of talent who performed at the meeting. It was not easy to imagine that talent at such a level was so willing to lend of themselves as they did. I used to do that. I performed for anyone , anywhere at the drop of a hat. But after being admonished for so long by my manager to stop performing for free I rarely perform anymore.” — Carmelita Pittman
“ I was inspired to come back, to create more, to see how my creations can uplift more and I’m interested in collaborations!” — Jen Cahow Brown
“The meeting was very nice with friendly people to meet and network with. I enjoyed the performances of all the artists.
The humanitarian nature of the organization inspires me. The videos were well made, professional and very inspirational.” — Javier Medra
