Tuesday, May 3, 2011

[Paul DeCirce and his band, Peace Jones, in a "Bonfires for Peace" concert at Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, 2005]

The TRAVELING BONFIRES is an Asheville (North Carolina)-based organization that advocates community connectedness, dovetailed on cultural diversity and a global worldview on peace. The Bonfires’ centerpiece program is the “Bonfires for Peace” series of free concert events—which finds home in downtown Asheville’s Pritchard Park from 2003 to date, gathering a multitude of musical acts and performers from all over the US on a relentless spring to fall calendar. Through the organization’s “Vagrant Wind” and “Wander Women” subprograms, The Bonfires also continually produces small-venue shows and gigs—eg poetry readings, dance recitals, filmshowings, art exhibitions, lectures and talks, and other artist presentations.
Formed in the Cordillera mountains of northern Philippines in mid-1980s by journalist-poet Pasckie Pascua, The Bonfires made the rounds of Manila’s prominent performance venues, campus gatherings and people’s convergences for almost two decades, until the organization moved (with Pascua) to New York City in 1998, where it remained active mostly in downtown Manhattan for three years.
Brought forth by the tragedy of 9/11, The Bonfires (again) relocated to another city—Asheville, North Carolina—in late 2001 (where it remains to date). A two-year sojourn took place in Southern California when Pascua (with longtime administrative associate Marta Osborne) found employment in Los Angeles at the height of the country’s economic downturn. From fall of 2007 to end of 2009’s summer, The Bonfires continually organized shows in Long Beach, Echo Park in LA, and Orange County—including a “Bonfires for Peace” event each in Huntington Beach (fall, 2008) and San Francisco (summer, 2009). [Details on “History and other Stories”]
The Bonfires’ peaceful communal vibe has spread, as well, in other cities and states (aside from North/South Carolina, New York, and California), where “Bonfires for Peace” and “Vagrant Wind” events and shows were held in collaboration with local organizations and artists/musicians: Baltimore (Fells Point and Hampden), Jersey City, and Washington DC (Adams Morgan).
The Traveling Bonfires is also very active in the Philipppines’ major cities of Manila and Baguio—under the leadership of Donna Phoebe Pascua (regional director) and Lorna Campilan (associate director/line producer). TBonfires-Philippines works closely with various international and national humanitarian organizations, notably the Association Compassion Asian Youth/Missionaries of Mary, DESAPARECIDOS (families of victims of involuntary disappearances), YsraPhil Philippines Network Development Organization (supports surviving Holocaust victims in Israel), breast cancer patients, and tyhoon/calamity refugees. [Details on “SALENG: Traveling Bonfires in the Philippines”]

Monday, August 2, 2010

Asheville Subsides, Manila Burns Stronger


COME TOGETHER (Asheville, North Carolina): August 21, Saturday, is a significant day to the Traveling Bonfires’ “Bonfires for Peace.” Two events—one in Manila, another in Asheville—happen, for the benefit of breast cancer victims and other nonprofits. Touch Samadhi’s Annunaki, Kri, Medisin, and Zenssie spin records at Pritchard Park’s event (starts 4pm, ends at 9). [Photo: The Asheville-based band BUYAKA at the "Bonfires for Peace at Pritchard Park" last April 17.]

TRAVELING BONFIRES-PHILIPPINES:
Upcoming Events and Productions

[1]
“ALAB NG DIBDIB: A Traveling Bonfires Benefit for Breast Cancer Prevention”
Set program dates: [1] August 14 (Saturday): Nude Sketching Sessions at ArtVentures@Conspi. 1PM - 4PM (models: Elai Isaac, also as host; and Pearl Imperial); [2] August 21 (Saturday): Folk rock gig. 8PM - 11:30PM, featuring TBonfires-Philippines Core Bands: Anak ni Aling Juana, BERSUS, Kalayag, NukLus, and Awee Sanchez. Venue: Conspiracy Bar and Garden Café, Quezon City.

[2] Series of Events to Promote the Ilocos Region as Cultural Center and Destination
A joint project with
ArtVentures@Conspi. The following are prospective/planned/brainstormed lineup of programs and :
[i] Launching of Artworks Exhibit and Photography Competition @ Vigan, Ilocos Sur
Proposed date, a weekday between Sept. 13th - Sept. 17th. Venue: Upon City Mayor’s recommendation. Program shall include a poetry reading, musical performance by a local artist and ribbon cutting by City Mayor.
[ii] Launching of Artworks Exhibit @ Batac, Ilocos Norte
Proposed date, a weekday between Oct. 11th - Oct. 15th. Venue: MMSU. Program shall include a poetry reading, musical performance by a local artist and ribbon cutting by Irene Marcos.
[iii] Culmination concert @ Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte
Proposed date, 2 consecutive days between Nov. 22nd and Nov. 26th. Venues: Ilocos Sur; Divine Word of Vigan; Ilocos Norte; MMSU. Program shall feature TBonfires core artists and 1 major artist; winners of Photography Competition will also be announced (we initially planned of using the images as backdrop on the stage).
[iv] Other proposed activities: Ilocano Cuisine and Crafts Fair, to be proposed to the local governments.
[v] Artwork Exhibits: Shall feature at least 50 artworks from Manila-based and Ilocos-based artists, shall tap the participation of the Fine Arts Dept of the Univ. of Northern Philippines. Proceeds form sale of artworks: 60 percent to CAUSE and 40 percent to Artist
[vi] Photography Competition: 2 Divisions: AMATEUR and PROFESSIONAL. Open to everyone (national and international) except the organizers. Shortlisted entries shall be posted online in the EVENT WEBSITE.

[3]
Reunion Concert: ASIN*
ASIN is a
Pinoy rock and folk rock band from the Philippines. They were formed during the 1970s and originally known as Salt of the Earth from the song of Joan Baez. They later changed their name to "Asin," which means salt in the Filipino language.
Targeted concert date is September 25. Venues: (main show) University of the Philippines-Baguio Convention Center; and (small gig) Ayuyang Bar (for small gig). Co-presented (joint project) with the Ubbog Cordillera Young Writers Association, Baguio City, the event advocates environmental care issues. Prospective sponsors: (1) The City Government of Baguio, (2) UP Baguio Mountaineers, and (3)
Cordillera Studies Center.

[4]
"Kesher: Bonfires for Peace" (a concert for holocaust victims)
A collaborative project with the YsraPhil Philippines Network Development Organization (a non-profit initiative that supports surviving Holocaust victims in Israel). Concert date: Oct 9th; Venue: Conspiracy Bar and Garden Cafe, Quezon City.
Lineup of performers (songs, poetry etc): Main act—Joey Ayala, plus TBonfires-Philippines Core Bands: Anak ni Aling Juana, BERSUS, Kalayag, and NukLus; with guests Jeanie Canizares, Brock Wolf. Also in the program: Documentary film on the “Feast of the Tabernacle.”

[ ] YsraPhil wishes to raise funds for short to long term projects for the organization:
(a)Short Term Project: To secure 4 hectares of land donated to the group. This piece of property shall be the source of income for the organization to sustain its operations. It will mainly provide support to the volunteer caregivers who are sent to Jerusalem to take care of ailing holocaust survivors. The land would need to be wire fenced and marked with the name of land owners to avoid opportunities for squatting.
(b)Mid-term Project: 1) Install a water system for the organic garden. The produce from the garden shall be sold for income. A small house for a caretaker would also be necessary. The caretaker could also be the person to farm the land. 2) to come up with a news magazine for circulation locally and online.
(c)Long Term Project: 1) To build a 2-storey building on the land which shall serve as headquarters for the staff, lodge for the volunteers and multi-purpose place for other events. A small museum is also planned to be installed on the building. 2) To produce a documentary film to appeal for support for holocaust survivors in Israel and everywhere else. 3) To launch an album compilation of Philippine - Israeli folk music.

[5] Continuing Fundraise Projects and Program Assistance/Training for At-Risk Youths
The following are proposed and/or planned activities for/with the Association Compassion Asian Youth (ACAY), a non-profit, humanitarian service organization catering to youth at risk, based in Balanga town in Bataan province in the Philippines. ACAY, under the aegis of the Missionaries of Mary, an international Catholic movement (main office in France), is a perennial beneficiary of the Traveling Bonfires’ fundraise events. (TIMETABLE: September to October 2010)
[1] Jazz dance workshop with Mimi Villareal of Powerdance.
[2] Breast Care and Breast Cancer detection seminar with the Philippine Foundation of Breast Care, Inc. A possible one-day medical mission in Balanga for the girls and staff.
[3] Writing Workshop with Palanca awardee Abet Umil; possibly, a two consecutive weekends program. Open to the teens beneficiaries and staff.
[4] Sketching / painting workshop, in coordination with artist-members of ArtVentures at Conspiracy Garden and Café, Quezon City. Set on a weekend.


For infos--Donna Phoebe Pascua: donna.pascua@consiglieresolutions.com

Monday, April 26, 2010

Vagrant Wind Poetry Reading at Malaprop's in downtown Asheville, May 17


TRAVELING BONFIRES presents local poets Pam Israel, Jessica Newton, and Dave Rowe. Monday, May 17, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe, 55 Haywood St., Asheville. Pasckie Pascua hosts. Info: 254-6734 (Malaprop’s), 280 1555 (TBonfires).

PASCKIE PASCUA reads poems in Weaverville, July 4


PASCKIE PASCUA will read poems in Weaverville’s (NC) July 4th celebration. Venue: MAYSA’s Multi Purpose Athletic and Community Complex (MPAC), a non-profit initiative to bring “a state of the art, music and special performance” to WNC. Other performers: Yo Mamma’s Big Fat Booty Band, Kat Williams, Skinny Legs & All, and five other bands/performers/poets.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

COMING UP: "Bonfires for Peace"

“BONFIRES FOR PEACE AT PRITCHARD PARK, Year 7”
DATES: April 17, May 29, June 26, July 17, August 21, and September 18.
Bonfires for Peace is the Traveling Bonfires’ centerpiece community project (musical concerts, mostly). Pritchard Park is located right in the heart of downtown Asheville, North Carolina. A parallel “Bonfires for Peace” series of events also happens in Baguio City, Philippines in April.

The Bonfires’ founding chair Pasckie Pascua and associate producer Marta Osborne finalized paperwork with Jon Fillman, events specialist/Asheville Parks & Recreation, last 22 February.
For infos and inquiries in regards booking, volunteers, and sponsorships, email pasckie@yahoo.com or call Marta Osborne at 828 280 1555

March Event

March 8, Monday, 7pm-8pm.
A night of poetry with Traveling Bonfires' Vagrant Wind, featuring local poets Barbie Angell, Donna Ensor, Matthew Mulder, Pasckie Pascua, and Samara Scheckler.
For more info: http://www.mountainx.com/ae/2005/0112bonfires.php or call Marta Osborne at 828 280 1555
The Bonfires advocates “global peace and harmony in diversity.” (Donations are welcome and will benefit impoverished communities in the Philippines.)

Friday, January 29, 2010

A Post-Valentine Poetry Reading, Feb 15

FEBRUARY:
February 15, Monday, 7pm-8pm.
Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe, 55 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC. (828) 254-6734 [www.malaprops.com]
Pasckie Pascua, founding chair of the Traveling Bonfires, emcees a one-hour love poetry reading—with special guest Susan Elizabeth Hale.

The public is invited in a open mic setup program.
(FREE but donations are welcome and will benefit typhoon victims in the Philippines. Bring old clothes, usable stuff and things, as well.)