Manhattans & Bacon-Wrapped Dates

As promised... here's not one, but *two* secrets revealed: The Perfect Manhattan

2 oz. Maker's Mark bourbon 1/2 oz. Sweet Vermouth dash Bitters 1 Maraschino Cherry

Combine bourbon, vermouth, and bitters over ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously, but briefly. Strain into a lowball glass. Add maraschino cherry and serve immediately. Drink less hurriedly.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

2 C. pitted dates 1/2 C. water 1/2 C. orange juice 3 Tbs. wine vinegar 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp. ground cloves 1/2 C. brown sugar pinch salt 16 oz. bacon, sliced in thirds (go for the thicker, less fatty variety) toothpicks

Combine water, o.j., wine vinegar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, brown sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then turn down and let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring. Place dates in a pyrex dish or bowl, pour marinade over dates, allow to sit for (optimal) 24 hours in the refrigerator before proceeding. After the dates have cooled and marinated, wrap each date with 1/3 slice of bacon and skewer through with a toothpick. Lay skewered bacon-wrapped dates in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place under broiler appx. 6 inches from heat source. Broil for 6-8 minutes, turning once.

Enjoy! J.Fish

1st post!!!!!!!

This is suhhhweetneesss...but where is the emoticons? they say so much!! looking forward to the concerts. :-)

Trust

A Far Cry had an exhausting, exhaustive rehearsal today, from 1:00-6:30 (with breaks!). Pieces are really starting to come together into interpretations, which is by far the most gratifying part of the rehearsal process. There are still moments, particularly in the slower, newer pieces - Gandolfi and Bartok 2nd mvt. - that we do not completely agree on. To fix music like this, we often talk about trust - trusting each other to come in, and to support each other sonically. When the trust isn't there, the music sounds tentative, unsure, and broken up - the natural flow of the piece is disrupted by our own insecurities. When we trust each other, we can relax and allow the music to unfold. Of course it is easier said than done, but I think we are all learning about each other slowly but surely. The more we play together, the more we trust one another, and the better we sound. Hmm, I wonder if we can schedule any more 5 hour rehearsals... -Jesse

Fundraising

It's a bit unfortunate, in a way, that the second post in the history of the blog must have the title it does. Symbolically, the music comes first, as it always does in real life. Following close behind, however, comes concerns about money. A Far Cry exists for a number of reasons. It exists to show the world a new kind of music-making. It exists to demonstrate the power of collaboration and the power of real, profound communication. The musicians of A Far Cry are, for the time being, donating literally thousands of hours and thousands of dollars to help get this thing off the ground. But boy, we could use a little help. There are serious expenses associated with even our modest three-concert inaugural series: music rental, hall rental, and transportation, and we are also facing significant start-up costs in terms of incorporation fees, legal fees, demo recording fees, and dozens of other little things. To get to the point, we aim to perform for all people, no matter their socio-economic situation, but if you have heard us, and if you support the idea behind this endeavor, and you can spare a couple bucks, please give some consideration to becoming a supporter of A Far Cry, and a supporter of the next generation of superb uplifting cultural experience. It's easy - you can donate securely by web by clicking below, or to the right.

A Far Cry Inaugural Concerts!

Please join us at our debut concerts, featuring works by Bartok, Gandolfi, Elgar, and Corelli. wed may 9 university lutheran church 66 winthrop street cambridge, ma

fri may 11 saint paul's church 15 st. paul street brookline, ma

sat may 12 college chapel hall 36 college street montpelier, vt

*concerts start at 8pm*

*tickets available at the door (by donation)*

The posts are going to be coming fast and furious - watch this spot for news!