Our world is full of music. Some cultures and tribes have music intended to accompany every task of the day, but the oldest kept records of traditional music have always been the spiritual. Two very learned musicians and historians—Anton Mizerak and Laura Berryhill—will share music that spans time, space, and spirit in their concert on Aug. 5 at the Unity Chapel of Light in Orcutt.
Mizerak is no stranger to the chapel, having previously performed at the venue and at several Unity events.
“He is a very sought after musician,” said Cliff Sharp, Unity Chapel of Light administrator. “He plays keyboard like a champ, has many songs of his own, and he can really set you into orbit.”
Mizerak has a master’s degree in the history of religions and is literate in Sanskrit, all of which has influenced his music. Besides the piano, he also plays the harmonica, synthesizers, and the Indian tabla drums. His albums are some of the top selling mediation, yoga, and massage therapy accompaniment music.
“Although we’re playing in a spiritual center, we’re not out to convert anybody,” Mizerak said. “We like playing spiritual centers because a lot of the music we play comes from spiritual traditions, so when you play this music in a spiritual center or a church, the people are already in the mindset.”
Mizerak’s colleague and performing partner is Laura Berryhill, who holds a master’s degree in music history from the University of Oregon. Though her academic focus was 17th century Italian sacred music, Berryhill has a healthy appetite for many periods, styles, and regions of music, namely Scottish Gaelic.
“I’ve always had a love of different languages and cultures,” Berryhill said. “I was developing this interest in folk music, and Scottish Gaelic music has really enchanted me.”
The first half of their set will feature several Scottish Gaelic selections. Berryhill will be singing in the Gaelic language—a skill she learned from workshops and collaborations with Gaelic musicians and linguists—with accompaniment from Mizerak.
The second half of the show will feature chants from around the world. There will be songs from India and the Himalayas, as well as chants from Hindi and Buddhist traditions. Mizerak welcomes audience participation in the chants and will actually teach them while providing a cultural and mythological background for the music. He’ll also give an educational demonstration of the tabla drum.
“We just want to grab the best of every culture,” Mizerak said. “We travel the world and try and bring some of the best aspects of the world that we travel back to the audience.”
Rock on the road
An Indio-based R&B group, Black Strap Molasses, will have its Santa Maria debut on Aug. 5 at 9 p.m. at O’Sullivan’s Pub, 633 East Main St., Santa Maria.
The group, described as heavily influenced by mid-’60s R&B and soul music, features singer, guitarist, and songwriter Dani Meza; drummer Sal Meza; pianist and percussionist Lisa Baeza; and bassist Ian Townley. Opening the show will be local groups The Marquees, The Dogons, and Bad Jeanz.
“[O’Sullivan’s] is a great little hole-in-the-wall that has a really cool vibe,” said William Mendez, lead guitar and singer for The Marquees. “We’ve played there before; this will be our fifth time playing there. It’s awesome.”
The Nipomo-based band The Marquees—influenced by early ’50s rock’n’roll—will continue on tour with Blackstrap Molasses up through Berkeley, Oakland, and Merced. As it’s the group’s first tour, Mendez and fellow band mates Jason Downing, Garland Miller, and Rachel Owens are eager to hit the road with their music.
“It’s definitely going to be a good experience. Everyone in the band is really excited!” Mendez said. “We just want to get heard by as many people as possible.”
All the groups can be found on facebook.com. Blackstrap Molasses has music available for sample and purchase at molasses.bandcamp.com. O’Sullivan’s Pub can be reached at 925-0658 or osullivanspub.net.
Business at the park
The City of Santa Maria Parks and Recreation Department presents “Concerts in the Park,” featuring free performances by local bands, including ’60s rock group Unfinished Business on Aug. 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Rotary Centennial Park, 2625 S. College Dr., Santa Maria. More info: 925-0951, Ext. 260.
Music at the Maverick
The Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez hosts DJ Totem Aug. 4 at 9 p.m. Country band Sean Wiggins and Loan Goat performs on Aug. 5 at 8:30 p.m., followed by DJPJ at 11:30 p.m. “Concert on the Deck” with Just Dave is Aug. 6 at 3 p.m. JD Bernal Band performs Aug. 6 at 8:30 p.m., followed by DJPJ at 11:30 p.m. Tickets are available at talesfromthetavern.com or 688-0383.
Contact Calendar Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Aug 4-11, 2011.