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Musician writes of life's small miracles
September 27th, 2010
by Megan Quinn
Each day, singer Carrie Newcomer tries to see the sacred in the ordinary.
Newcomer, a longtime folk musician who has released 12 albums, writes her songs about the little things in life that make each day different and new.
"We have such busy lives sometimes," she said over the phone from her home in Indiana. "It's easy to not be present in our daily lives. When I pay attention, though, I see miracles, and I can hardly help it."
Newcomer will share her writing tips and techniques during a writer's workshop 2 p.m. today at Atonement Lutheran Church, 685 Inca Parkway, in Boulder. She will also perform during a separate concert starting 7:30 p.m. at the church.
The event is part of the church's Worship and the Arts series.
The writer's workshop is a way for people to explore new ways to express their ideas in song, poetry or just in journal entries, she said.
Newcomer suggests looking for specific, personal meaning when writing, she said.
"We tend to want to write about world peace, but you just can't get your arms around that big of a topic," she said. "But you can write a small story that represents that big topic."
Newcomer, who is Quaker, sees a special connection between faith and music.
"There is a place for the arts in spiritual communities, and not as a window dressing," she said. "It can allow you access to growth and explore real human stories."
Chad Kohlmeyer, a pastor at Atonement, said Newcomer's dedication to blending music, writing and faith is inspiring.
Kohlmeyer first met her when he was in seminary school at Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minn. A few years later, he met her again at a conference for theologians and decided to invite her to the church.
"She really speaks the truth about what is important and what isn't important," he said. "She speaks through stories, and she speaks of human nature in a way that is really relatable."
Newcomer said she saw profound examples of humanity's similarities during a month-long trip to India. There, she served as a U.S. cultural ambassador and played shows for small groups of people.
During her trip, she found that despite cultural differences, songs about love, struggles or hope always struck a chord.
"We were looking for music that built bridges, and I found that incredibly uplifting," she said.
While in India, she had the chance to meet Amjad Ali Khan, a master sarod player. A sarod is similar to a sitar.
Playing with the respected musician and his family was a life-changing experience, she said.
"The Khan family has such a love for the way they approach music, and their dedication to intercultural and interfaith themes," she said. "They honor differences and respects that well we all drink from."
Newcomer and the Khan family are working on a collaboration, which will be released sometime next summer.
On a recent day, Newcomer was busy mixing some of the new tracks in the studio.
"It's been busy," she said, adding that she was still touring for her most recent album, "Before and After." The album came out in March.
Newcomer plans to play songs from the new album during her visit to Colorado.
"I haven't been to Boulder in many years, and I'm excited to come back," she said.
Megan Quinn writes a weekly faith column for the Camera and can be reached at bubblegumandbibles@gmail.com.
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