Joyce Rouse — the self-styled "Earth Mama" — is heading from the hills of Independence, Va., to Abingdon's Heartwood, to play a show celebrating the release of her latest CD, "Blessings of the Universe."
ABINGDON, Va. - Stepping over the highest mountains of Virginia, Joyce Rouse - the self-styled "Earth Mama" - is heading from the hills of Independence, Va., to Abingdon's Heartwood, to play a show celebrating the release of her latest CD, "Blessings of the Universe" ($15).
Rouse has been busy over the past couple of years putting together this set, a project that she calls "inspirational songs for the foreground and background of your days." The vocal and piano-centered CD takes listeners on a soulful and lyrical journey of gratitude, reassurance, hope and wonder with heartfelt praises of God and all God's creation.
The singer's Norwegian roots are evident with "Your Beautiful Heart," a song that she says celebrates the "old traditions of singing blessings of welcome and goodbye."
Rouse remembers being welcomed to a Hawaiian classroom with the traditional Oli chant. Her tune also was inspired by the Southern colloquial phrase, "Well, bless your heart."
In Abingdon, she is performing at Heartwood: Artisan Gateway on Nov. 16, leading music demonstrations and signing copies of her CD from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., just off I-81 Exit 14 at the edge of the Virginia Highlands Community College campus in Abingdon.
Rouse is also appearing on Saturday, Nov. 17, 4-6 p.m., at the Grayson County 1908 Courthouse, 107 E. Main St. , and plans to sign CDs in a benefit for Grayson Backpack Ministry. That event also features a children's art show, "Blessing of the Backpacks," with a bake sale and a raffle for three handcrafted quilts. Admission is free. Proceeds from the sale of CDs, quilts, baked goods, and other donated products will help Grayson Backpack Ministry provide nutritious meals and snacks to children.
Later, on Nov. 17, she performs at the courthouse in Independence at 7 p.m.
>> For more information about Earth Mama's "Blessings of the Universe" CD, call (276) 773-8529, email joyce@earthmama.org, or visit www.earthmama.org.
