Hi, it’s me. I don’t know if you remember be but I have occasionally posted about popular culture here at the Juggler. It has been a while and because of a drastic lifestyle change, I have found myself unable to post much here. However, this weekend I had an experience that made me want to share some things with you folks. I went to Pagan Spirit Gathering in central Illinois. I camped with a number of folks from the PNC and we had a fantastic time. We enjoyed 2pm cocktails every day – including a War of 1812 party that was attended by Selena Fox and Dennis Carpenter of Circle Sanctuary. We all dressed in costumes and drank lavender lemonade and elderflower martinis.  Super fun. Our camp also held a symposium which was attended by Margot Adler and Crystal Blanton and 10 other people. Those were some of the highlights of my trip.

But this isn’t a round up of all the neato things I did. What I want to share with you is some of the music that played at the festival. I have been so impressed by the quality of the live music in our community and I want for everyone to support this art made for Pagans by Pagans by going to see their shows and buying their CDs so they can play more shows. Here are some of the highlights.

I discovered Celia for myself at Atlanta Pagan Pride last year and fell in love. Her live show with the looping machine is a powerful force. She did not disappoint at PSG. I loved everything she performed but my favorite was “Metta Prayer” which is on her new CD.

Always a favorite of mine is Arthur Hinds, and not only because I have known him personally for the last 5 years or so. Unfortunately, Arthur lost his voice mid week, right before his noon concert on Thursday. Even still, his show was great fun and he totally rocked out many songs including festival favorite “Pagan Girl,” to which I danced wildly.

The biggest surprise to me this weekend was Tuatha Dea. In spite of the fact that they extremely popular among Pagans and that I am sure I have crossed their path a dozen times at Pagan events  in the south, I have never heard Tuatha Dea myself. I know, I should have my Pagan Card revoked, but I certainly made up for it at Pagan Spirit Gathering. Not only did they rock the Pagan and Celtic music, but I was super surprised by the classic rock that they also performed. My favorite was a cover of “Turn The Page” by Detroit rocker Bob Seger.

Enjoying the Pagan music at PSG was one of my favorite things and I highly encourage our community to support these artists. Reach out to their websites and connect to them. Work with your local organizations, such as Pagan Pride, to bring these musicians to your events.