By Daily Press staff
Something is afoot in Venice. It’s a new gathering to celebrate the arts and indulge in the eclectic mix of music, mirth and “massaging of the mind.”
A “Circle of Friends” presents the first “Chautauqua Circle Coffee House” on Sunday, Aug. 10, at the Venice Center for Peace with Justice and Arts.
The gathering is a mix of music, food and the exchange of political consciousness. Future plans for the Venice Center will be reaching out to the community and surrounding areas to bring diverse social and cultural programs to the neighborhood.
The Chautauqua Coffee House is an idea created by musician and songwriter Stephen Longfellow Fiske.
“I have a passion for performing and for communicating meaningfully and spiritually,” he said. “Beyond being an entertainer, I feel a commitment to contributing to peace, justice and environmental causes through music and the arts.”
Joining Fiske at the launch of the new Sunday series will be “eclectic violinist” Scarlett Rivera who gained fame performing with Bob Dylan on his famous “Rolling Thunder Revue” in the ’70s and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Singer, Stefani Valadez and composer Dwight Stone will be sharing the bill. The evening will open with a “Shamanic Blessing Ceremony” and close with a “Chautauqua Circle.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 8, 2003. Read the original PDF.