The Burien Arts Association and Humanities Washington invite the community to an engaging conversation with George Halekas, a member of the 2012-14 Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau. This free event takes place Sunday, Aug. 23, at 7 p.m., at the Burien Arts Gallery, 826 SW 152nd Street. Here’s more info:

In a compelling presentation that weaves together music and ecology, biologist George Halekas surveys the unique beauty of nature’s soundscape, and explores why Earth is considered a ‘sonic jewel’ and ‘singing planet.’ The vibrant musical heritage of humanity is a wonderful component of this rich soundscape diversity, and the conversation will begin by looking at the emergence of music in ancient hunter-gatherer societies from an ecological perspective. The focus will then shift to exploring Earth’s soundscapes from the large planetary scale, to investigating representative habitats like the rainforest and ocean, as well as listening to the fascinating details of individual bird and whale song. Time permitting, we’ll come full circle and listen to contemporary music composers who take a more inclusive or interactive approach to making music with nature’s orchestra. About George Halekas George Halekas, a former Wildlife Biologist with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, is captivated by the power and expressiveness of music and its ability to capture human emotions. A lifelong conservationist, he is drawn to understanding the relationship between living organisms with their surrounding environment, especially through sound. Since retiring as a biologist, he has served on a multi-year task force that advised the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in developing a balanced Wolf Conservation and Management Plan. Playing a role in helping wolves return to Washington’s natural heritage and soundscape has special resonance for George. He records nature’s sounds and enjoys collaborating with visual artists, music composers, and biologists through his recordings. About Burien Arts Association The mission of Burien Arts Association is to engage, enrich and entertain all the communities, generations and visitors to the Burien and Greater Highline area through creative and innovative arts programming. The non-profit was founded in the 1960s and for years operated a gallery in the little blue house at Dottie Harper Park in fall 2013, Burien Arts Association opened the only non-profit fine-arts gallery between Tacoma and West Seattle in Olde Burien at 826 S.W. 152nd St. Burien Arts Association programming also includes the delicious Strawberry Shortcake booth at Burien’s annual Wild Strawberry Festival in June, summer Shakespeare in the Park, Vision 20/20 Fundraising Art Event, Highline Classic Jazz Festival, face painting at local festivals and student workshops. About Humanities Washington Humanities Washington sparks conversation and critical thinking using story as a catalyst, nurturing thoughtful and engaged communities across our state. For more about Humanities Washington, visit www.humanities.org. About the Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau Speakers Bureau is one Humanities Washington’s oldest and most popular programs. A roster of 28 cultural experts and scholars provides low-cost, high-quality public presentations across the state, encouraging audiences to think, learn and engage in conversation. These diverse and engaging speakers cover a variety of topics, including popular culture, photography, architecture, literature, food, film and history. Best of all – these presentations are free and open to the public. For more about Speakers Bureau, visit www.humanities.org/programs/speakers
Event details:
WHAT: The Roots of Music: Exploring Earth’s Soundscapes with George Halekas WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 23 WHERE: Burien Arts Gallery, 826 SW 152nd Street, Burien COST: Free WEBSITE: www.burienarts.org or www.humanities.org/calendar-events QUESTIONS?: Eric Mathison, 206-832-8992, [email protected]
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