TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS FEATURES MOZART'S REQUIEM NOV. 2, 2013

Full. Powerful. Moving. A Magnum. That's Mozart's Requiem, commissioned in 1791 by Count Von Walsegg in honor of his wife's death, which of course took place in Vienna, my favorite city in the world. One I lived in and also visited dozens of times after I graduated.

I have repeatedly heard over 30 pressings of the Requiem by different composers not to mention live performances. I cannot say that I favor one over another as each is very different. Herbert von Karijian's though is probably the best so far. He totally controls the flow, the brass is full and not tinny like in other versions and the majesty of the piece is complete. Bernstein, who usually wow's me, doesn't in his recording but the overuse of instruments is delightful. Then there is Sir Neville Marriner who has a totally fascinating interpretation that bursts with energy.  Mozart was so gifted. I personally believe that Angels whispered in his ear.

The call for the Traditional Latin Mass is amazing they are so very well attended once the word gets out - thanks for advertising in the Michigan Catholic newspaper. The Latin Mass is very spiritual. Respectful. Poignant. The age of the priest saying the mass can range from the newly ordained to the retired. On Saturday, Rev. Msgr. Ronald Brown, will officiate the mass, a treat as his Latin is superb and his inflection is quite meaningful. People want this. ((( BTW, did you know that the Pope tweets in Latin and has thousands of followers ... the young ones are following him, Praise Be To God. )))

Here are the deets about Saturday so pass them along to friends: 

MOZART'S REQUIEM MASS in D Minor will be sung by the Choir of the St. Benedict Tridentine Community at Assumption Church, Windsor, Canada, under the direction of Wassim Sarweh, to accompany Solemn High Mass in Extraordinary Form (Latin) for All Souls Day.

TIME: 4:00PM Saturday, November 2, 2013

LOCATION: The Stone Chapel, 2215 Opdyke Road, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Admission is free. Here is the group organizing the event:  Oakland County Latin Mass Association 

The Stone Church, actually of St.Hugo of the Hills, was erected by ad man Mr. MacManus, who founded D'arcy, MacManus and Maisus. Besides, he had some great ink in his veins as he started his career as a reporter, which I did too and working in advertising changed my life. So there is deep affection for the Chapel on several levels. 

Besides, the acoustics here are superb. When you attend, please turn off your cell phones. No flash photos during mass. You will experience a deep and significant presence. This can be a deeply moving experience for you. Prepare for it. Be on time. Please come and talk to me. I'm sitting in the third row, right side at the aisle end. And, as the Austrians say: Auf Wiedersehn. 

GREMLINS IN COLON, MI MAGIC CEMETERY

http://www.greatlakesgazette.com/2013/10/21/magicians-are-dying-to-get-in/

Click on the above link to learn more details about our tour on Oct. 26, 2013. 

Yes, it's true. Magicians have been dying to get into the Magic "Lakeside" Cemetery.  The headstones are so unique. The writer, Kath Usitalo explains the background on a few of them.  If you know anything about magic and illusion, it is all about the flourish. And, these magicians certainly knew their stuff.

Now, there will also be a seance. Personally, I don't like to participate in attracting ghosts.  So, you will see me waiting on the bus or at another location. Others though are very interested in trying to connect to the other side.

Still, there is a lot to see in this particular side of the State.  After all, it is where James Fennimore Cooper wrote the book: Indians.  This was the Wild West of the era for the longest time. 

Come take the tour.  I look forward to seeing you.

EXAMINER ARTICLE: MAGIC & SEANCE OCT. 26, 2013

Check out this link.  The writer did an amazing job with the press release that I sent for him to use.  See the picture of the tombstone marker, which is ghostly in itself because of how it shows who he was and also present surroundings.


http://www.examiner.com/article/october-is-the-perfect-time-for-a-trip-to-the-magic-capital

SEANCE HELD AT MAGICIANS CEMETERY, COLON, MI - OCT. 26, 2013

Gravestone of Colon's fav magician

A bus tour featuring the “hot spots” of ghosts and magic will be held on October 26, 2013 in Colon, the Magic Capital of the World.  For the past 75 years, magic has been synonymous with Colon.

Very few people in Michigan know it, but the town of Colon,  near the Indiana border, has become world famous  as the "Home of Hocus Pocus", where equipment and articles for magicians are manufactured for sale all over the universe, to amateur and professional magicians. For the past 75 years magic has been synonymous with Colon. 

There is no other cemetery in America that has 28 magicians and 13 vaudevillians buried in one place.

Cost for the October 26 tour for those meeting in Three Rivers is: $50 per person and includes: Motorcoach, magic show, séance, meal. Advance registration is required. To register call Rose Szwed 248-459-0125 or email at river_country@aol.com

For those leaving from metro Detroit, the cost is $70 per person and the bus will depart from The Big Kmart, 12 Mile & John R, Madison Heights directly under the sign at the tip of the parking lot exactly at Noon 12:00 PM.

October 26, 2013 Tour Schedule:

3:30 PM –  Bus departs from Meijer, 800 S US Highway 131, Three Rivers . Cars can be left in the lot and they will be safe there.

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM – Magic Show at FAB Magic, Colon, MI – which includes an explanation of Magic and why Colon was the Magnet For Magicians. There will be a “Magic” Show featuring illusions and mind-reading, also called Mentalism.

5:40 PM – 6:30 PM – Dinner at Dawn & Phil's Restaurant, Colon- Talk about paranormal activity.

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Bus tour of Colon and the magician's homes led “re-enactor Harry Blackstone” leads the tour and takes us throughout the City and of the Magic Cemetery that features a look at the graves of famous magician's and vaudevillians.

8:00 PM – 10:30 PM – Séance held in the cemetery. People are welcomed to strategically place tape recorders at various locations in the cemetery to pick up EVP's – Electronic Voice Phenomena.

10:40 PM – 11:40 PM – Drive by actual haunted homes in the county – for serious ghost hunters.

11:40 PM – Bus returns to parking lot at Meijer, 800 S US Highway 131, Three Rivers.

For those staying overnight at the America's Best Value Inn & Suites, 1211 W Broadway, Three Rivers,  269.273.8100 the cost is $65 per room and includes a hearty breakfast. Pets are welcomed but cannot be left in the room alone. To register directly with the hotel say: Ghosts Oct.26, 2013

October 27, 2013 Tour Schedule

Tour of three historic cemeteries is $35 per person and begins at 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Board bus at 9:45 am.

Colon's role in the world of magic began in 1925 when Harry Blackstone, the great magician and illu­sionist, bought property which is still known as Blackstone Island. Blackstone and his troupe would spend the summer months in Colon, design­ing their shows and perfecting their craft. Before Blackstone hit the road, he would open with a show in Hill's Opera House, a 600 seat auditorium. Though it was a dress rehearsal for Blackstone, it was a chance to see a legend in one's own home­town for the townspeople.

“We can take groups as there will be more than one bus. For very serious ghost hunters, don’t laugh because I get this all the time, they will want to bring a film camera to capture the orbs. I can forthrightly say that there are spirits of “dancers from what we think are the 1700s on the banks of the Mendon River.”  Also, if they are planning to use a tape record to capture EVPs, electric voice phenomenon, they will need to use a brand new tape.  Finally, be sure to wear flat shoes.” 

A meal is included at the local restaurant, Dawn & Phil’s, Colon. Plenty of selections are available for all diets.

This is the first time that this particular tour is being offered. Note that tours are always offered for Underground Railroad and Arts, Amish & Adventures. Contact Rose Szwed: 248-459-0125 for more information.