KAXE's River Fest. 7/16/09

KAXE, Northern Minnesota Community Radio. Wow. Whata concept. It's kinda like Public Radio except it's more. It's community radio. When I moved up to Northome from the Twin Cities back in '76, I had recorded hours and hours of music from the old KQRS in anticipation of never hearing renaissance music again. Well, shortly after the move, KAXE out of Grand Rapids came on the air, and what a gift it was. It wasn't KQ, but it was good. Volunteer DJ's played a diversity of music; blue grass, jazz, rock, blues, just about everything, something for everyone.

It's fun too. They've got something they call Green Cheese, a call in trivia show. And it teaches. They have a regular phenology report to teach us backwoods types about the environment we live in; climate, plant and animal life that changes with the seasons. Of course they have some Public Radio stuff like All Things Considered, and A Prairie Home Companion. Somehow or another they have managed to continue to grow with a bunch of recycled hippies and neo-hippies at the helm. They've kept their roots, and haven't sold out.

So each year, KAXE staff hold a music festival down by their new studios on the Mississippi. We've gone three out of the past four years. Always fun, visiting with folks with a socially progressive bent and music lovers. Several bands play while folks visit, enjoy the sun and try new foods. A splendid time is guaranteed for all.

Barbara shows some of the elixir that one might imbibe in at such a doing, and the magic begins. A step back in time whilst remaining in the present. Shhh, you will see enchanting powers displayed by and for those so endowed. Older become younger, and younger become older, sharing, until all are ageless. The Great Muddy, the Father of Waters makes it possible.
Tonya became Prim. She feels the mojo working. She turns round to seek reassurance from her great friend and mentor, Barbara Ann. "Things will be fine my friend my daughter", says Barbara. "But what does it all mean?", queries Tonya. "It's not that complicated", says Barbara, "it's about love, music, and dancing". Tonya knows, she only needs to be reminded. An uncle has helped her to forget.
Meanwhile, Dustin is Prin as well. Daughters develop their powers early, they know intuitively about love and music and dancing. Here, Maya teaches Daddy to dance. He already loves deeply. Beware of Maya? Oh no, but beware of maya. She was named after the area in which she was conceived, but maya in Hinduism? Maya is the power by which the universe becomes manifest, however maya has the additional power to produce illusion, thus "beware of maya". She will teach her Daddy well. And in return, he will teach his children well.
Here Maya shows her Dad a new step, while she twirls and twirls and twirls as children do. Maya is interested in music and dancing. Yes, she has her Daddy under her spell as is common with daughters. And Dad is only vaguely aware of Maya's power. She is subtle in it's application. She will perfect it, but never misuse it as she also knows love.

Maya comes and reports to Mommy on how Daddy is doing at dancing. Now she will leave to explore as she is very curious and must stay busy.

Tonya chooses a symbol to demonstrate her rightful place in such a place. Tonya is peace sprinkled with mischief . She looks toward her friend, soon she will engage in mysteries without any clues.

And so it goes. Tonya sits at Baba O's (aka Juanita Olson) feet, under a serenity spell now comfortable and trusting in her friend's love. She has no fear. Meanwhile the music plays, the rhythm, the beat goes on. Enticing, inviting. The people dance. Dustin looks to the stars where Maya has gone, but she is fine...she is but exploring. She must find out what is hidden back stage...behind the curtain.

Peace my friend says Juanita. Tonya is fascinated by the mischievous wisdom about to be bestowed. She doesn't understand it, but she doesn't need to, she knows that somehow...it is real. One of the things she poses to Juanita, is "am I worthy of the third eye"? Juanita laughs as happens so often when Tonya speaks. "You are woman of peace and love, of course you are worthy". Tonya couldn't help thinking of busy Maya, and how she might use a hidden eye. It would add to her wisdom as well. 'If I could only see behind me," said Tonya, "I would know where I've been". "We shall see", says Juanita not really trying to be punny,
The mentor bestows. After a magnetic and impish mind meld, Juanita dubs Tonya Prim and Proper. A quick pat on the head and love is bestowed. Dustin must wait, he will learn later from the woman as is custom. But the question remains, has Juanita bestowed a third eye on this worthy woman? Stay tuned and in tune.
Tonya, now completely relaxed, ponders her serenity. A whimsical and wonderful feeling comes over her, at first she thinks she might be with child. But then she notices a scene behind her through a dark brown veil.
She lifts her locks, the veil is gone. She realizes that Juanita has granted her request, but Juanita explains that "you have always had a third eye, you needed only to discover it". Oh yes an enchantment has happened, but Juanita was only a catalyst she explains to Tonya. Tonya has and will return the favor. Oh Tonya will remain the charming, sarcastic humorist of old, but a third eye? That can only add to her allure, charm and beauty and to Dustin's bliss. She not only will amuse but be a muse. An opus complete, Barbara Olson Meuers contemplates the kindred spirit she shares with her alter ego, her playfellow, her sister, her daughter, her friend for life. The delightful Tonya Hanson Prim...while Michael looks on, still not really understanding, but fascinated again with the dancing and music of women.
Looking just a little bit ghostly posed against the other half of the sky, Tonya balances a spirit catcher, Barbara is pleased. The man, still confused as to what has happened in this world of women can think of nothing, (as is common among men among women) but to mug for an unseen camera. Perhaps it is a self-portrait. He doesn't remember and he doesn't care.
But whereto hath Maya gone whilst women frolicked and men distracted. She has been behind the curtain, beyond the sky and returns in a deliberate way with a beau who appears to be confused and already in role. And life goes on. And next year, yes what joys and magic await? One can only assume...indeed hope...that it will be love, and music, and dancing.