Click for high resolution image of Smith and Dragoman

Smith & Dragoman Concert
Centrepointe Theatre, Ottawa
Saturday July 3, 2004
 

SUMMARY:

       Ottawa was very fortunate to be able to draw Smith and Dragoman to perform. In total, 97 people were there to hear the distinct melodies of this talented new group. I decided to skip a camping trip with friends just to hear their live act, and was terribly glad I did. To hear them live put context to many of the voices from their recent double CD Open the Gates.  From hip-hop and oldies to their reverent, 'chanty' music was a jump for me, but after a while I was taken in by the tranquility and overpowered by the message. Some free advice: if you get the chance to hear this group perform, don't miss it!

 

INTERVIEWED CAST MEMBERS:

  • Emily Dragoman (ED)
  • Christine Duncan (CD)
  • Aaron Ferrera (AF)
  • Michael Dragoman (MD)
  • Brett Smith (BS)
  • Douglas John Cameron (DC)
  • Shannon Kingsbury (SK)

 

INTERVIEW:

 1. What are some of the goals of Smith and Dragoman?

  • We aim to: describe awesome stories from the Dawnbreakers, reach out to everybody in proclamation and teaching - ED

  • Dilate hearts and connect them to the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh - BS

  • Inspire! Music is a language of the heart and we are sharing stories from the heart, communicated by music -MD

  • Bring the message to a broader audience. Show musical respect and reverence for events with modern renditions -AF

  • I'm just happy that I can contribute to Smith and Dragoman. I love the songs, especially the harmonies, and often get tingles in my spine when we perform. - DC
     

 2. What is your unique contribution to Bahá'í arts?

  • We stand out by: telling stories and inspiring without preaching or catering only to Bahá'ís - ED

  • Releasing a double CD and engaging in storytelling in one particular period of the Baha'i Faith -BS

  • Creating music that is very accessible and listenable. It draws in the listener almost mysteriously. Beautiful songs that have a positive effect -DC

  • Good reflection of diversity of the Bahai Faith including a Russian, Spaniard, Canadian, Persian and more - AF

  • I was drawn to the Faith by Seals and Crofts and wanted to give that spirit back, kindle it in others - MD
     

  3. What confirmations have you received already for your music?

  • Those that were not so active in the community got involved after hearing music - ED

  • People have said that they needed it and that it came at the right time. It has given life and hope to people of all ages who are using it for healing and the course Ruhi Book 4: The Twin Manifestations - BS

  • Those who were not Bahá'ís have been brought to tears and started checking it out. Their walls are down as it speaks to human dignity. We've heard stories of elderly, steadfast Christians and young children drifting off to it at night - DC

  • Watching people respond to the music as we perform is very confirming - MD
     

  4. Have you ever been to MartinsQuest.com?

  • No
  • No
  • No
  • No
  • No :)
     

 

MEDIA:


 

PICTURES:
 



















































 

 

 

Smth and Dragoman

 

 

 

See: more pictures


Back to: MartinsQuest.com